For many people, living in a home right by the water is the ultimate dream. However, some extra work is required if you want to keep enjoying the breathtaking views, relaxing sounds, fun water activities, and all of the great benefits of living in a waterfront home.
Maintaining your home
Any waterfront homeowner will tell you that living by the water requires more maintenance compared to living in a conventional home.
A waterfront home is more exposed to humidity, mist, and other elements (such as salt if it’s situated by the ocean) which can affect the grounds and the exteriors, and even furnishings, appliances, and other items inside. While this isn’t really something you should worry about, it just means you will need to allocate more of your budget towards maintaining your home and making sure everything’s in tip-top condition.
Here are several maintenance tips to keep in mind so you can take full advantage of your new property and enjoy it for years to come.
Doors and windows
Excess moisture and exposure to winds can make your doors and windows susceptible to dust and mineral buildup.
- Rinse all hinges and surfaces with fresh water regularly to prevent any particle buildup
- Use aluminum window frames if you’re installing new windows or replacing your old ones. Aluminum can withstand corrosion and rust due to the environment’s high moisture levels.
- Open and close all of your home’s windows from time to time to loosen up its sliders, knobs, and hinges.
Outdoor areas
Outdoor spaces such as patios, balconies, and sundecks are designed to take full advantage of the scenery and the picturesque environment. However, these parts are also more exposed to the outside elements, so you need to make sure they’re properly protected and maintained.
- Clean your decks and patios at least two or four times each year. Apply a clear stain on your wooden surfaces if needed.
- Use tiles with anti-skid and acid-proof properties such as mosaic or terracotta for your patios and balconies. These will help prevent accidents, and are easy to clean as well.
- Consider installing a bird feeder in your home’s outdoor areas. In addition to helping out the bird population in your area, attracting more birds can also eliminate spiders and large insects living in your outdoor spaces.
- Avoid cleaning outdoor furniture and surfaces with harsh cleaners, as it may lead to faster degradation. Look for cleaning solutions made of natural ingredients, or use a gentler type of cleaner, such as dishwashing soap.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms in waterfront homes can develop some issues because of the high amount of moisture in the area.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen and all bathrooms. Add dehumidifiers in case your kitchen or bathroom has insufficient ventilation, in case installing additional vents is not an option.
- Use protective wax coating on kitchen appliances such as your refrigerator, stove, and other expensive items to shield it from potential water or rust damage.
Want to find the best Smith Mountain Lake waterfront homes for sale? Call me today at 540.493.1690 or 800.858.4653! You can also send an email to Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com