If you are planning on moving to the Sarasota area, there are many choices as to where you can live. From the golf course at the country club to the historic neighborhoods downtown – you are sure to find a community which fits your design sensibilities and desired lifestyle.
If your dream home includes Gulf views and breezes, however, you need to get out to the beach. When designing a custom home along our gorgeous coastline, there are a few beach home features you may not have thought of, but should. Some of these ideas are practical, some are legal, and others are just fun.
Here are some tips for building close to the sandy shores of Siesta or Longboat Key.
Elevate: it goes without saying that living n the Gulf of Mexico exposes homeowners to strong storms and their effects. It does not take a direct hit of a hurricane to cause some areas to flood, however. Any major wind or rainfall event could cause our area Keys to experience rising water. Because of this fact, building codes have changed in recent years to ensure that homes are protected should serious flooding occur. Remember, our beaches are basically at sea level, and water does not have to rise to exceptional levels to begin to cover streets and property. Because of this, one of the most important beach home features is to design a method for water to flow under your home easily. This is often accomplished by building the living area of the home on a second story, with the first story being under-the-home parking space. Many first floors are also designed with flow-through capability. Holes or pipes are capped until a storm, but can be uncapped to allow water to flow freely through and under the home, without backing up and causing damage.
Protect: In recent years, building codes have been established to ensure that windows are doors are capable of withstanding hurricane force winds. Those living at the beach often decide to construct the home with electric roll-down hurricane shutters, which will essentially cocoon the home, barricading all openings with the flip of a switch. Not only are these shutters convenient when a major storm is headed our way, but you can also close up the home when you are not there.
Observe: One of our favorite beach home features is a rooftop deck or patio. This area can be as simple as a few lounge chairs and umbrellas, or can be a tropical oasis with potted plants, outdoor kitchens and mist sprayers. No matter the décor you choose, the main draw to being on the roof is the views- beautiful beaches and nightly sunsets, without the crowds or sand.
Relax: Make your home a tropical paradise. Add a waterfall, construct a few cabanas, or add a swim-up bar to your infinity pool – building a beach home gives you the perfect opportunity to create a resort right in your backyard. Come off the beach and hop in your jacuzzi, or sit under large paddle fans under the glow of tiki torches. Whatever your idea of the ultimate getaway, you can design and build it – with one of Sarasota’s famous beaches as a backdrop. Here is a simple idea we love. Build a “moat” around your backyard – a small tiled trench with clean water to step in and rinse off your feet before entering the property after a day on the white sand.
Beach home features are limited only to your imagination, so start dreaming! At Lindahl Construction, we understand that you have worked hard to achieve the goal of living at the beach – and we would love the chance to help you design and build the beach home you’ve always wanted. Call us today, and let’s get started!