Beach House Must-Haves: 5 Upgrades Your Waterfront Home Needs

Must-Have Waterfront Home Amenities

Buying waterfront homes is exciting, but getting the most out of it requires careful planning. High-ROI home improvements should be a priority for all homeowners. However, waterfront property owners can use upgrades to boost their home values and transform their space into a paradise by the water. Constructing a dock for a boat, building a beach firepit, decorating with outdoor furniture, and installing an outdoor shower can help complete the everyday experience. Keep reading to learn about essential upgrades that every waterfront property owner needs.

Build a Dock and Sail into the Sunset

Many waterfront homes would feel incomplete without a dock. Ask before buying your waterfront property to make sure the planned or existing pier falls within local regulations, and it's well worth the effort to do so. A dock can provide easy access to the water, and numerous kinds of boats can call them home, allowing for all sorts of backyard watersports.

Check which governing bodies regulate construction on the body of water in question. In many cases, smaller docks may not need a permit. If it is 1,000 square feet or less, will not be used for commercial purposes, and is not in specially protected waters, the dock may be exempt. However, the pier will likely need a permit if it needs to pass through wetlands to reach the deep water.

While smaller docks are fine for small vessels, a larger boat may require a larger permitted dock. Deciding early on what kind of boat will use it can help determine what sort of dock is appropriate. When purchasing a boat, there are numerous factors to consider, such as how to use it, where to use it, and how many passengers will enjoy the ride. From jet skis to fishing boats, plenty of watercraft can help complete a waterfront home.

Install a Waterfront Firepit & Pick Up Some Marshmallows

Building campfires and grilling on the beach can be a fun way to experience a beachfront property, but it's always best to verify the local regulations before sparking a flame. Some beaches don't allow open fires at any time. However, other beaches offer seasonal permits, and still others allow gas grills for cooking.

Campfire seasons for beaches where sea turtles are known to nest generally don't last long, because most cities don't allow open fires during nesting season to help preserve the sea turtles' population. Luckily, the permitted periods on these beaches usually coincide with mild, cool winters.

Even if a specific beach prohibits open fires of any kind, it's worth looking into the specifics. Sometimes, even when fire pits are prohibited, charcoal or gas grills of certain sizes can be used for cooking. On your private property, designing a waterfront fire pit can make any night special.

You'll Definitely Want Outdoor Furniture

Waterfront Home Outdoor FurnitureWhat waterfront home would be complete without a comfortable way to enjoy the view? Outdoor furniture provides ripe opportunities for soaking up the sun, enjoying the sea breeze, and savoring gorgeous waterfront views.

It's a good idea to get outdoor furniture that can withstand the humidity, salt air, and sun so that it lasts longer. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) lumber offers impressive weather resistance, thus making it a solid choice for outdoor furniture. Although metal is a popular material choice for outdoor furniture, HDPE lumber tends to fare better in coastal environments, where salt and moisture can cause metals to corrode more quickly. Additionally, HDPE resists warping due to water damage, unlike porous materials like wood. HDPE also contains UV-inhibitors that can prevent outdoor furniture from fading in the sun, thus ensuring it looks fresh for years to come.

Outdoor furniture can help complete all sorts of outdoor spaces, turning them into relaxing living rooms, dining rooms, or lounges. Sofas and rocking chairs work well with coffee tables and end tables in creating a cozy outdoor living room overlooking the water. Meanwhile, an outdoor dining room might consist of a small dining set or can include an outdoor bar or counters. A sunny deck can benefit from a chaise set to soak up the rays. Finally, a fire pit table and chairs can provide a space to warm up when the temperature cools down at night.

Consider Installing an Outdoor Shower

An outdoor shower can be a great addition to any home, but having one is especially useful for a waterfront home. After a long day enjoying the beaches or the river, an outdoor shower can conveniently rinse off all the sand and mud before it gets tracked into the house. Outdoor showers come with tons of options, thus making it easy to customize them.

It's a good idea to start by considering where and how to install an outdoor shower. Outdoor showers can be freestanding or mounted on a wall, fence, or other solid structure, meaning they can go just about anywhere. However, they also need plumbing and a drainage system. A cold shower requires just one inlet, while a warm one will need two to allow for hot and cold water connections.

Although it may require less work to choose a space that already has sufficient privacy, it's possible to create a secluded shower enclosure just about anywhere. This solution might be as simple as installing a shower curtain rod or constructing a more elaborate structure.

Outdoor showers come in all sorts of styles and offer numerous features. While a simple showerhead or foot spray can get the job done, shower panels with body jets and hand sprays can provide a more luxurious experience.

Build an Outdoor Kitchen for the Ultimate Entertaining Space

Adding an outdoor kitchen to a home is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being able to prepare and serve food. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer homeowners the ability to entertain guests and cook outdoors and enjoy spending more time outdoors. There are many benefits to adding an outdoor kitchen to a home, including:

  • Increased Home Value: An outdoor kitchen can add significant value to a home. If you're thinking of selling your home in the future, an outdoor kitchen will make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • More Entertaining Space: An outdoor kitchen provides additional space for entertaining guests. You can host parties and gatherings without having to worry about crowding inside your home.
  • Opportunities to Enjoy the Outdoors: An outdoor kitchen allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while still being able to prepare and cook food. You can relax and entertain guests in your backyard without having to worry about the weather.
  • Increased Storage Space: An outdoor kitchen can provide additional storage space for your outdoor cooking and entertaining supplies. This is especially helpful if you have a small kitchen inside your home.
  • Improved Functionality: An outdoor kitchen can improve the functionality of your home by providing an additional area for cooking and entertaining. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, an outdoor kitchen can make your life much easier.

There's nothing like cooking under the stars and gazing out onto the waterfront. Whether you're whipping up a quick meal or hosting a large gathering, an outdoor kitchen is the ultimate entertaining space. With so many benefits, it's no wonder that outdoor kitchens are becoming so popular.

Making the Most of a Waterfront Home

Whether by beaches, lakes, or rivers, there are plenty of impressive waterfront homes offering great views and easy water access. Building a dock, having a beachside campfire, acquiring outdoor furniture, and installing an outdoor shower are great ways to take advantage of everything a waterfront home can offer. A tip for first-time waterfront property buyers: begin with the end in mind. As soon as you buy your home on the water, start planning and executing the home upgrades to make it your own.

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