Waterfront homes pay for their premium price in many ways. They treat their homeowners to spectacular views, a deep sense of peace and relaxation, and an active lifestyle on and by the water. The tradeoff is higher and more frequent maintenance compared to regular single-family homes.
Even though being close to the water comes with a potential for larger issues, regular maintenance does plenty to minimize them. Nip lurking issues in the bud with these home maintenance tips so you can continually enjoy, not worry about, the condition of your home.
Watch out for moisture
Living in a home by the water contributes to wellness brought on by agreeable weather, spectacular views, and plenty of nature and recreation. But this same proximity to water introduces high humidity, which accelerates corrosion, mold growth, and rot.
Monitor the moisture levels in your home and your waterfront property won’t fall victim to these common issues. Check for and get rid of standing water around your property. Invest in a dehumidifier to cut down on dampness indoors. Also, regularly inspect dark and moist areas of your home like the laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, and garage.
Make sure fresh air can circulate through every room in your home (especially the attic). Lastly, remove mold, mildew, and rust as soon as you spot them and always investigate their cause.
Weatherproof your home
Waterfront properties know the harsher side of the sun, wind, and water well. To ensure that your home doesn’t succumb to their onslaught over time, take steps to build up its defenses.
Treat metal roofing, pipes, and fixtures with weatherproof sealants to stop corrosion on its tracks. Paint or seal wooden furniture and materials to ward off rot. And lubricate exposed hinges, bolts, and locks frequently to make their operation smooth.
Habits are just as important as periodic maintenance. Don’t allow saltwater and sand to linger on surfaces; wash them off with fresh water and wipe the surface dry.
Get properly insured
While home insurance offers good coverage, it’s not enough protection for waterfront homes in Gulfport, MS. Add flood insurance to round off your current coverage. Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is exposed to heavy rains and hurricanes. If flooding occurs and your home gets damaged, a flood insurance policy can cover:
- Flood damage to your property and belongings,
- Foundational damage, and
- Structural damage (including electrical and plumbing).
Shop around carefully and compare policies. (Most policies, for instance, don’t cover damages to septic tanks, outdoor living areas, and swimming pools.) But an average cost of $700 a year in Gulfport is a small price to pay for damages that have the potential to tally up to several thousand dollars.
Be strategic with your materials
Building a deck to better enjoy your views? Consider using materials that can better withstand the elements from the get-go. Materials like dense wood, stainless steel, and porcelain are highly durable, water- and corrosion-resistant, and have multiple versatile applications. Concrete is another material with great longevity and little need for maintenance.
Upgrading your windows or front entry? Go for impact-rated fiberglass doors and windows. These serve as an additional line of defense against storms and the ensuing debris. Moreover, they increase your home’s value.
Time to replace your roof? Terracotta and metal have long been popular and durable options for coastal homes because of their strength and longevity.
Make your home inhabitable for pests
Pests like termites and mosquitoes thrive in neglected areas of waterfront properties and wreak substantial havoc. Stop them from encroaching on your property by eliminating possible breeding grounds.
Termites seek damp areas, especially where soil comes in contact with wooden structures. Patch holes in wood and seal any gaps where termites can burrow and nest.
Mosquitoes love stagnant water. Watch out for areas around your property where water collects or stays for a long time. Divert water away from these areas or find a way to dry them up.
You can get rid of other pests that are trying to invade your home by tidying up your yard. Keep debris, such as leaves, branches, and logs away from your home’s immediate vicinity and get rid of them quickly.
Put these tips to work so you can continue to enjoy your waterfront property on the Gulf Coast. You can rest easy, knowing that you’re maintaining your home value, as well.
If you’re planning to put your Gulfport, MS waterfront home up for sale, work with us, the Owen and Co., LLC Real Estate team, to get experienced Mississippi Gulf Coast realtors working with you. Call us at (228) 822-9870 or send an email at info@owenandco.com today!
