PROPERTY NEWS - Owning a second home on the coast is not just highly desired, but actually something that many people are investing in. Often, these are initially for holidays and getaways and then later become the retirement home.
The Seeff Property Group says that these homes are generally situated quite a distance from where you are based and since you are not there all the time to take care of it, they require additional focus. Aside from security and keeping an eye on the property, coastal homes tend to require additional maintenance.
Samuel Seeff, chairman of the group, says that your property is your most valuable asset and maintaining it in a good state of repair is vital. Coastal property does not come cheap either, and aside from keeping the property maintained for your own use, it is vital that it is in tip-top condition if you want to sell it. Buyers will quickly spot water damage, damp and rust problems and look to discount your asking price.
Property on the coast is exposed to sea air which creates additional maintenance needs. The Cape winter season brings long bouts of rain (during a good rain season that is), while the summer brings fairly strong winds, all of which have an eroding effect.
Seeff highlights a few areas to bear in mind:
Metal and rust
The sea air promotes rust and it is best to use metals that are stainless steel or coated for protection. Regardless of the material, metals should be washed regularly to remove the residue that could cause rust. Non-resistant metals should be painted for protection and you should do a regular check to see if it needs a touch-up or repaint. Any rust found, should be cleaned off and a new coat of protection applied to the metal.
Windows
Living on the coast means that you will want to use as much glass as possible for big windows and doors to ensure you can maximise and enjoy the views. Given the constant sea air, glass and windows on the coast tend to become dirty, muggy or foggy quite quickly and therefore need to be cleaned regularly to keep them clean and clear.
Wood
While wood is often preferred for coastal homes, it is more sensitive to natural elements such as water and salt erosion. Wooden doors, windows and other finishes should be checked and treated regularly to prevent deterioration and rotting wood.
Waterproofing
Given that most coastal areas tend to be rainy in addition to the generally higher levels of moisture, homes need to be looked after in terms of water damage, damp and waterproofing. It is always advisable to catch the problem early and attend to the repairs because water damage can become very costly if neglected.
Mildew
Coastal property is more prone to mildew and rooms can become very damp if left closed for long periods. This means that mildew can develop on furniture and soft furnishings, but also on other surfaces including walls and cupboards. Aside from airing out your coastal home, ensure it is regularly cleaned and all surfaces wiped down with a special cleaning product to keep it free from mildew development.
Paint
The exterior of your home will also need diligent maintenance because moisture in the air and from rain can seep into cracks in the paint and plaster and cause major damage. Use quality paint suitable for coastal property and ensure you do at least an annual check for any cracks, damage or areas that need attention.
Sun damage
A coastal home is also likely to suffer the effects of sun damage. Be sure to do a regular check and ensure that outdoor furniture is stored away from direct sunlight. Fabrics generally tend to fade in direct sunlight, but the heat is also very damaging to furniture and exteriors.
While a seaside home might require a little more maintenance, the proper preventative measures and regular maintenance will ensure that you can enjoy your home while it retains and grows in value, says Seeff.
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