Even though you may already know about important home maintenance tasks that you regularly do around your home, a vacation home near the water requires a different approach. So whether you use your beachfront property as a family retreat to enjoy the fresh air and relaxing vibes or rent it out to holiday-makers through AirBnB, here are 10 beach home tips to help keep your vacation home in tiptop shape.
Invest in a quality property.
It sounds obvious, but sometimes there’s a tempting deal on a fixer-upper that’s ‘close enough’ to the water. While not everyone has the budget to purchase a traditional waterfront build, those who are handy and have time to fix up a property that needs upgrades can still make a beach home work. Still, investing in a quality property is one effective way to ensure you can easily maintain the home from afar. (The time it takes to drive out to the property needs to be considered.)
Before getting creative with stretching your vacation home budget, search for what you really want like a modern Caribbean homes for sale that comes with all the must-have amenities and are ideal for minimizing how much work you have to do. You’ll likely still need to focus on some essential fixes and home maintenance projects, but they shouldn’t be as demanding as an older home or a more traditional home.
Check for mold and mildew.
Since beach properties are close to water, they are also more likely to encounter moisture problems. These problems often occur on the exterior and anywhere that’s regularly exposed to water, so it’s essential that the home is constructed of materials that are designed to withstand the salt and extra moisture in the air. Mold and mildew that’s out of control can make a property look awful and it can be hazardous for your health.
In addition to securing outdoor furnishings inside and allowing for sufficient ventilation, using a dehumidifier can help keep the internal indoor air quality comfortable when you open the property for the season.
Pressure wash the exterior.
Beachfront properties can encounter damage from the elements, including wind, salt, and rain. Depending on the exterior building materials, this weather can affect the exterior over time if it’s not regularly cleaned. If you’re opening the property for the season or renting it over the summer, consider washing the exterior cladding, pressure washing the decking and fencing, and cleaning all of the windows and trim to make the area safer and more attractive.
Update the paint.
Beach weather can also affect the exterior, especially the paintwork. Wind, rain, sand, and sun can all affect how the home looks, so you need to update the paintwork regularly. While many beach home tips should be done annually, this one can slide a few years unless your exterior cladding is real wood.
Clear-coating the wood after painting can extend the life of the paint, too. Consider painting a fresh coat on the entry door or other high-use areas of the exterior at the start of every spring or summer to keep the property looking good. This project can make the home look fresh and new, making it more likely to rent when you’re ready to put it on the market.
Keep pests out.
Many beach or waterfront properties are prone to pests. Usually, this happens because you aren’t there to track and deal with them as soon as possible. It’s worth knowing what sort of pests you’ll encounter, which includes sand flies for the beach or mosquitoes if you own a cottage by the lake. A good host deals with these pests before renting the property out. A professional exterminator could also be useful to ensure all of the pests are gone before any guests arrive.
Don’t forget curb appeal.
One benefit of beachfront properties is that most people book the a property based mostly on location. However, this shouldn’t mean you don’t make the effort to ensure the property is attractive. If you plan to rent the property, take the time to inspect it so that everything looks good and functions well. Replace any dead flowers and plants inside and outside the property with ones that are flourishing. Add little welcoming touches to the entry area so your guests feel at home when they arrive.
Keep the HVAC running smoothly.
If you own a beachfront property, the chances are it’s in a warm location and it’s being rented during the hottest part of the year. The last thing your guests want is to spend the entire stay sweating and exhausted. Keeping your HVAC system in top condition will avoid this, especially if it’s been a while since you used it. When you arrive before opening the property, check the filter and clean or replace it. It’s also worth running the AC for an hour with the windows open to air out the system and to see if there are any leaks or similar issues that affect performance.
Store your outdoor accessories.
No waterfront property is complete without some outdoor accessories and games to help make the most of everyone’s stray. However, don’t leave these items out in the open. They could get blown away, damaged, or stolen! Maximize your property’s appeal by finding a place to store surfboards and paddleboards whether in the house, garage, or a locked container outside the property. You can store larger items like a kayak, deck chairs, or paddles underneath the deck to protect them better and keep it out of sight.
Hire a property manager.
Since you can’t spend all your time at the property, you could benefit from hiring a property manager. This way, you can enjoy rental manager benefits by having them check on the property regularly and deal with clients if you’re unable to make it to the property. They can let you know about any repairs or other issues, enabling you to take action to arrange for fixes. Furthermore, the property manager may find it easier to work with local authorities if there are any significant issues if your beachfront property is in another country.
Ask your guests for feedback.
As much as you want to make your property perfect for guests, there could be issues that occur during their stay that are out of everyone’s control. Whether it’s an issue at the home or within the town, you can ensure that the next guests don’t experience the same problems by having your guest report back to you and provide feedback. This gives you the chance to stay on top of your property’s maintenance and shows that you care about their experience.
Beach home tips protect those vacation dreams.
Beachfront properties can be a great way to earn extra income through rentals, provide a pleasant summer vacation for your family, or give you the perfect place to retire. However, you still need to maintain it to keep it perfect from top to bottom. Keep these beach home tips in mind before you to ensure that vacation home stays well-maintained and there are few surprises each season.
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