Having a home that feels like a vacation is everyone's dream. Wake up and gaze out at the beautiful ocean and sunshine accessible to you at all times. When you buy property for your beach house, you have the freedom to design what you want your paradise to look like.

There are several important aspects to consider when choosing a location. Being strategic about where your property is will save you money and stress down the road. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Choosing a Location

Florida is a big area, so choosing the location isn’t as simple as it sounds. The location is arguably your most important choice and significantly impacts the safety and comfort of the house. One thing to consider is erosion issues because your home’s foundation can shift or sink from water and lose earth if you build in the wrong spot.

The area you choose can also determine your neighbors and what you have easy access to, like restaurants and other attractions. Decide what aspects of the location are important to you, like a view, water access and privacy, to ensure the highest satisfaction with your chosen property.

Consider the Weather

Choosing such a fantastic location to live comes with a paradise tax. Weather can impact your beach house property and cause more stress in the long run. While Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, it’s often hit by hurricanes and tropical storms.

Browse the storm history of the location you’re considering to understand what could happen. Building some places, like on a bay, are more protected than a beach. With storms come flooding — beach houses are especially vulnerable since they lay low.

If you’re looking at a property, it is essential to understand what each flood zone means. For example, zones B, C and X have less than a 1% chance of flooding each year compared to other regions. Coastal areas are at high risk, so flood insurance is mandatory. Zones V, VE and V1-V30 have a 1% or greater chance of flooding and the hazard of storm waves on top of it.

It Takes Time and Money

Don’t expect to start the project right after you buy the property. You must go through several regulations, such as determining zoning laws for the property's size and height. There are other mandates about flood regulations, so ensure the lot you’re looking into will pass the necessary requirements. It will typically take about a year to get the home built.

The location of your lot can also affect the price. Typical prices range from $240,000-$350,000 but can be higher if you build in Orlando, Miami or Tampa. Buying a house is often more expensive, but building costs will add up quickly. Sometimes building setbacks can cause extra expenses in temporary housing or unexpected splurges on materials and appliances.

Carefully Consider Materials

The best part about building a home is you get a say in the design to make the house exactly how you want it. It also means you must choose the best materials to protect your home from corrosion. Corrosion occurs when atoms on the same metal surface oxidize, which damages the entire surface. The salt from the ocean affects the exterior material selection you make.

Choosing materials that can tolerate salty air and resist decay is best. Certain woods and composite materials can take on the elements with barely any maintenance. For example, cedar and concrete are resilient to water without giving up your home aesthetic. Be sure you look into what materials will work best for the conditions the home will be enduring.

Design For Weather Protection

In addition to choosing materials for corrosion protection, you must also remember to prepare for a safe home when storms hit. Windows and doors are weak points when high winds hit. Impact-resistant coatings will help protect windows when wind pressure and debris come into play. It’s better to go the extra mile and be safe now than to regret it after your home is built.

When thinking about how you might design the property, get help from a professional to analyze wind calculations to withstand it. Finding any way to take extra precautions against hurricanes and wind will result in less frustration in the future.

Overall Pros and Cons

Like any decision, there will be good and not-so-good aspects of your choices. There are overall pros and cons of buying a property to build a beach house.

Pros of Beachside Living

Create your dream home
Choose your ideal location
Live a healthy lifestyle
It could turn into an investment
Never run out of things to do

Cons of Beachside Living

Weather can be tricky
Clearance of regulations
Maintenance can be expensive
Building takes time

Take Time to Decide

You don’t have to make your decision in one day. Figure out your personalized pros and cons of buying a beach house property and see if it is a good choice for you.