So you’re ready to build your own custom waterfront home along the Florida coast. Or maybe you’re ready to build it lakefront so that you can have a dock. Or maybe you are going to build on the intercoastal or bay so that you’re near the ocean but can still have a dock!
Whichever option you are thinking about, you’re dreaming of building a home in Florida.
You are already imagining the dock with your boat parked right next to it. You can see yourself grilling some barbeque chicken while watching the sunset go down over the water while your kids are playing in the pool.
So what do you need to do to prepare yourself for your custom waterfront home? What things are crucial to know before you start?
Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks before you start the build for your new dream home!
Know the Laws About Where You Can Build Your Property and What You Can Do on It
Building on a waterfront property tends to have more rules than building anywhere else. Before starting the build, you’ll need to check the laws and regulations for building on the property itself as well as what changes (if any) you can make to the property.
If you fail to check before the build, you may find yourself facing fines or dealing with issues you never thought of.
Building on the Property
Before you start the build, you will need an inspection of the soil, stability, flood plains, and geotechnical reports. This inspection will help you get the permit you need to build on your property. The inspection basically gives you a report that says starting to build on the property you have is safe.
You will also need to contact a building department official so that they can tell you the high water mark. This will be the closest point that you can build to the water.
Changing the Property
You may have bought a beautiful waterfront property but noticed that there are a few trees in the way of your view.
Checking the trimming and clearing restrictions in the area will ensure you do not find yourself facing fines after the fact.
You will also want to check with the inspector and builder to see what type of alterations are possible on your property. If you have an HOA, you’ll want to check on that first. Then, you need to see if it is even possible to make the changes you are thinking about, like adding a dock that goes into the water.
Determine Your Septic System Needs
When building a waterfront home, determining your placement for the septic tank is crucial to make sure you have the right drainage system. To create the best drainage system, a drainage engineer should be contacted before starting the project.
Conducting a soil test is another step to determine what type of wastewater treatment system will be best for your property.
Once both of these things are figured out, the drainage plan will need to be coordinated with the septic design and placement to ensure it all works together.
Talk to Your Future Neighbors
One of the best ways to get to know what you can do on your property or any future issues you may have on your property is to talk to your neighbors.
They can inform you if they’ve had to deal with any water issues, problems with rules or regulations in the area, or faulty views.
You can also get some ideas from them about how to make your view the best possible! You may even be able to tour around their homes to spark some ideas for your new waterfront custom home.
Customize the View
You’re probably buying a waterfront home because you want to see the water. If that’s the case, you want to design your home with the view in mind!
Consider adding a balcony to the second or third floors of the home to maximize the views you have. You will probably also want a patio on the first floor that you can walk onto to enjoy the views of the water. You’ll potentially want to add a pool to your property as well, so be sure to ask if this is possible before dreaming this into the new construction of your home!
Think about what rooms you want to face toward the water and which rooms don’t need the view. Consider adding in floor-to-ceiling glass windows to get all sorts of sunlight and views in your home!
At this point in the build, you will want to cut down the trees that are in the way (if it is allowed or if you have received a permit). You can try to avoid doing this by creating the home in the right place to maximize the view as well.
Build Your Dream Waterfront Home
If you’re ready to build your dream waterfront home in Florida, these tips will help you make your dream come true!
Once you look into some of the above tips, you’ll have a good idea of what you want and what is allowed.
Then, you can contact Coral Isle Builders to help you build your dream home! They’ll be sure to give you the best price for the lot you have, will give you a high-quality home and will exceed the expectations you had for your waterfront home.