Ready for a sea change? Here are 5 things to consider

Living on the coast is a dream for many, but it’s also a big decision – especially if you’re planning on building your own home.

If you’ve been dreaming about a sea change, we’re here to make it a little easier. Here are five things to consider before you make the move.

 

1. Location, location

Where you move will influence everything from the lifestyle you’ll enjoy to the cost of insuring your home.

When considering potential destinations it’s a good idea to ask yourself a few important questions, such as:

  • What’s the climate and weather?
  • How much does it cost to buy land?
  • Will I need any special permits for my build?
  • Does it get busy in summer?
  • Does it suit the lifestyle I want?
  • How far will I have to go to buy groceries, access medical care or get a haircut?
  • Are there decent schools in the area?
  • Will I commute to work?
2. Insurance

While the coast is beautiful to look at, the splendour sometimes comes at a cost. Many coastal homeowners end up having to pay high insurance premiums to cover risks like storms and erosion if on a cliff, yet if more inland potentially bushfire. But don’t worry! Just make sure you shop around to find the best offer.

 

3. What’s your style?

Coastal style comes in many different forms, and there’s a lot to get excited about. Whether you’re going for a beachy bungalow, a modern monolith or an eco-friendly retreat, settling on your style at the beginning gives you a clear idea of what you want in terms of aesthetics, materials and design.

4. Keeping up with maintenance

Living by the sea means enjoying nature up close, but remember, it’s not all sunshine. High winds, rain & corrosion from salt are just a few adverse weather effects you’ll need to take into account.

Regular maintenance is an essential part of protecting your home through the years.

 

5. Non-negotiables for a coastal build

There will always be a few non-negotiables for a coastal build, although to protect your home against corrosion and weather damage your build may need to be protected with certain materials.

An example of a material that is specifically designed for marine environments is COLORBOND® Ultra – this is dependent on how close you are to the water so it is best to do your research. If you’re building with Fairhaven we will do all the work for you and flag anything necessary.

 

Enjoy a coastal lifestyle

Once you’ve gone through your checklist, it’s time to sit back and dream. Serenity, nature, clean air, fun activities, walks on the beach and a tight knit community are just some of the amazing things to look forward to.

We build homes across various coastal locations throughout Victoria, so whether you’re dreaming about an active lifestyle or a calm seaside retreat, start the journey with Fairhaven.

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