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If you’re one of the 36% of vacation buyers who have purchased a beach property, it’s time to ready your investment for the winter season. There are a few things you’ll need to do to help protect your home from damage from freezing temperatures, ice, and snow. Taking the proper preventative measures can help you avoid expensive major repairs to your beachfront property when spring rolls around. There are a few things you can do to help protect your beach home during the colder weather. Here are the top beach house renovation ideas to consider tackling this winter to help keep your property in the best shape possible.
Fix Up the Exterior
Winter storms can cause extensive damage to the exterior of your home. One of the best beach house renovation ideas you may want to consider is upgrading your house siding. There are certain siding materials that are better suited for winter weather and beachfront conditions. Vinyl siding is a popular low-cost option for many beachfront property owners because it’s resistant to warping and cracking from extreme temperatures. Metal siding can be resistant to heavy winds and durable under ice but may rust from moisture if not properly treated.
Residential garage doors can allow cold drafts to enter your beach home. Colder temperatures and moisture can cause components to malfunction. Check the weatherstripping around your garage door for wear and tear and replace it if necessary. You may also want to install insulation to your garage door to help hold in heat. Regularly wipe off grime and moisture on all components and panels and apply lubricant to all moving parts to keep them operating smoothly.
Update Your Patio
Before winter arrives, you may want to upgrade your patio. If you need to hire a contractor to repair cracks or moisture damage, the winter season is the perfect time to save money on materials and labor. One of the biggest upgrades for your patio is a new walkway. The benefits of pavers for your patio can include easy maintenance, long term cost efficiency, and gorgeous aesthetics for your beach home. The most popular materials you may want to consider for your patio walkway include concrete, asphalt, stone, and brick.
Another one of the best beach house renovation ideas for your patio is the installation of a screen enclosure. This can help protect your beach home from insects, critters, and the winter elements. Hurricane shutters for your patio is essential if you live in an area frequented by these types of storms. Plant trees around your patio to block winter winds and moisture. Invest in weatherproof furniture and store summer pots and gardening equipment inside.
Ensure Your Pool is Properly Closed
If you don’t plan on staying at your beach home during the winter, you’ll want to ensure your pool is properly closed before you leave. Pool closings are essential to prevent damage over the winter season. Start by cleaning your pool of any debris and check that your pool chemicals are within the recommended range. Drain the water level approximately one to six inches below the skimmer to prevent tiles from cracking in freezing temperatures. Use an air compressor or wet-dry vacuum to remove water from the plumbing line and add antifreeze.
Expel water from the main drain by opening the valve and blow the air backwards. When you see bubbles, turn off the control valve and shut off your air compressor or blower. Shock your pool and add an algaecide. Clean the pool filter and turn off the circuit breaker to your pool. Cover the pool with a tarp or plastic and make sure the covering is securely anchored in place.
Renovate Indoors
Renovating the interior of your beach home can help boost its value and make it cozier during the winter. The two main areas you may want to focus on the most are the kitchen and the bathroom. Make your kitchen countertops more luxurious and easier to clean by installing granite slabs. Refresh cabinets and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Buff and wax hardwood floors and deep clean carpeting and rugs.
One of the best beach house renovation ideas for the bathroom is the installation of a frameless glass shower. You may also want to update the bathroom flooring with new tile. Replace the wallpaper or refresh the walls with paint. Upgrade your bathroom cabinets and install new hardware. Install a new bathroom sink and lighting fixtures.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Severe winter storms can leave you stranded in your beach home for several hours or even days. Consider installing backup generators or panels from a solar energy company. Seal windows with an energy-efficient insulation film and repair cracks with latex caulk. Apply weatherstripping around all doors leading out of your beach home. Add insulation under your flooring if your beach home is on stilts.
You may also want to consider beach house renovation ideas to conserve water usage during the winter. Make sure to insulate pipes to prevent water damage from them freezing and bursting. There are water filtration devices you can put on your faucets to control how much water is used at any given time. Install a smart thermostat that allows you to control the temperature of your home remotely using your cell phone. Consider hiring a glass door repair professional to install energy-efficient sliding glass doors and windows.
Chimney Cleaning and Repair
The chimney is one area that many homeowners overlook when getting their beach house ready for winter. Having your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned is one of the best beach house renovation ideas to get ready for the winter season. The chimney should be inspected at least once a year to help prevent home heating fires. Debris can become lodged in your chimney and obstruct airflow. This buildup of flammable material can become dangerous and create a fire hazard.
It’s important that you get your chimney inspected and repaired before chilly weather arrives. This will give the materials time to cure properly before freezing temperatures hit. Once your chimney is cleaned, add a chimney cap to keep out debris. Seal air leaks by using fire-resistant materials such as sheetrock or sheet metal. Clean the exterior of your fireplace and chimney from soot by spraying it with water before use and make sure your fire screen is secure.
Roof Repairs
Another one of the best beach house renovations you don’t want to overlook is making any necessary repairs to your roof. Clean your gutters from debris that can cause water to back up and damage your roofing tiles. Clogged gutters can also create ice dams that can cause massive flooding in your beach home. This can create expensive repairs to replace your ceiling, insulation, walls, and flooring. Make sure your downspouts are facing away from your home to prevent water buildup that can seep into your walls.
It’s best to have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof for damaged or missing tiles and make the repairs rather than doing it yourself. Roofs are slippery, which can cause you personal injury if you fall. Repairing the roof yourself can also void the warranty on the materials you use. Get multiple estimates from contractors in your area and research them carefully before agreeing to have any work done. You should have your roof repaired before freezing temperatures arrive to achieve optimal results.
Spruce Up Your Landscaping
If you want to improve the curb appeal of your beach home, sprucing up your landscaping before winter is one of the best beach house renovation ideas. Mow your lawn and clear your outdoor space from any debris. Aerate and water your lawn and mulch flower beds. If you have a garden, clear it of weeds and debris. Power wash the outside of your home and bring inside any summer items for winter storage.
Now is a good time to plant fall flowers that can withstand winter weather. Flowers and greenery you may want to consider include daylilies, hydrangeas, rosemary, and lavender. Trim tree branches that could potentially scrape across your house and roof during winter storms. Repair rips in door and window screens. Powerwash your deck and apply a fresh coat of stain.
Check Your HVAC System
One of the critical beach house renovation ideas to do before this winter is to check your HVAC system. Coastal weather can wreak havoc on heating and air conditioning units. Salt corrosion can rust and damage metal parts, leading to expensive repairs. Make sure your HVAC system is specifically designed for sun and sand conditions. Rinse your air conditioner with a garden hose to help prevent salt buildup.
Before you turn on your HVAC system for the winter, have it inspected by a licensed HVAC professional. The HVAC technician can examine the unit and look for signs of wear and tear that can affect its performance. They can clean the internal components and make any necessary repairs. Make sure to change the filters to prevent the system from working too hard and breaking down faster. Have your unit inspected and maintained at least twice a year to keep it running smoothly.
Organize and Clean Your Garage
Before winter arrives, you may want to spruce up your garage and get it organized. Some beach house renovation ideas for your garage include cleaning or updating your flooring and adding insulation and weatherstripping. You may want to rotate seasonal items and equipment for easier access. Make sure your winter equipment is ready for use and stock up on any needed supplies. Consider adding a heater to provide warmth in your garage during the winter months if you use the area as a workspace.
Clear your garage of any items that you no longer need and donate or sell them. Examine the foundation and walls for any signs of cracks, water damage, or mold growth. One of the best beach house renovation ideas to stay organized is to install an overhead storage system to free up space in your garage. Group items into different categories to make items easier to find when you need them. Invest in shelving and storage systems to keep tools and other household supplies neat and organized.
Take Proper Care of Outdoor Furniture
Your outdoor furniture takes a constant beating from sun, sand, salt, and wind. The winter weather doesn’t do it any factors either. There are a few beach house renovation ideas you can use to take proper care of your outdoor furniture. The best way you can protect your furniture is to cover it whenever you aren’t using it. You can remove salt buildup by rinsing your outdoor furniture once a week and drying it off with a soft cloth.
Use a mild soap instead of harsh cleaners to remove stubborn grime and stains. Apply car wax or polish every couple of months to provide protection against the elements. Rubbing alcohol can be used to help remove rust on metal components. Sand light and apply a fresh coat of paint. Store fabric cushions and pillows indoors when you aren’t using them to help keep them in good condition.
If you’re looking for beach house renovation ideas to upgrade your outdoor furniture, there are a few types of materials you may want to avoid. Wicker furniture can easily break down when exposed to beachfront elements, especially in the wintertime. Wrought iron furniture rusts easily. Teak wood should be stained often to prevent it from fading. The best material for outdoor furniture that is easy to clean and maintain for beachfront properties is cast aluminum.
You can save time and money on repairs to your beach home if you do many of them during the winter season. Use these beach home renovation ideas to improve the comfort and value of your property this winter. Make a list of repairs that your home desperately needs and decide if you will do them yourself or hire a professional. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your property is in good shape to handle whatever the winter weather may bring. Now that you’re inspired, get started on your beach house renovations today!