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Healthy Living at the Beach: 5 Tips for Renovating Your

Beach Home

Living near the ocean brings unique considerations for homeowners. Not only must coastal homes stand up to harsh elements, but the choices you make when renovating a beach house also have implications for your family’s health and well-being. Let these 5 tips from South Bay Realtor Carol Gilles guide your beach house renovation.

Maximizing light & airflow in your beach home

Beach homes are known for their big windows and beautiful views. Choose window treatments that let light in while standing up to the elements. Light-colored sheers complement a beachy aesthetic, while shades offer a high level of privacy without sacrificing natural light.

Shutters are popular on the beach because they allow adjustable airflow and add an extra layer of security while away from home. Synthetic materials like Endurian or fiberglass are the best choice for beach house shutters because, unlike wood, they’re not susceptible to moisture damage.

Solutions to improve air quality

Despite its sunny skies, Southern California experiences poor air quality, particularly during wildfire season. Pay attention to air quality to know when to rely on HVAC for ventilation instead of opening the windows. Owners of older homes should also take care to seal air leaks around windows and doors. A HEPA air purifier is a worthy investment especially if you have a health condition or children with asthma. You can place portable air purifiers around the house or invest in a whole-home air purifying system.

The benefits of building a sunroom

For cool, rainy days and summer evenings, you’ll want a sunroom where you can relax while staying warm, dry, and bug-free. The cost to build a sunroom depends on whether you want a four-season room with heating and cooling or a more affordable three-season porch.

Decorate your sunroom with accessories that bridge the indoors and outdoors. Nature-inspired materials, low-slung furniture, and houseplants create a neutral, summery base while statement pieces establish a theme and add wow factor. Freestanding geodes are one of my favorite unexpected elements for a sunroom. Not only do crystal-lined geodes dazzle in the sun, their healing properties will level up your relaxation space too.

Non-toxic flooring for beach homes

Sand, water, and salt are no friends to carpeted floors. You’ll be happier installing ceramic and stone tile in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and indoor-indoor living spaces. Tile is durable, moisture-resistant, and avoids the environmental and health concerns of vinyl or laminate flooring. Tile can be slippery when wet, so look for slip-resistance when choosing tile for your beach home.

Light-colored hardwood pairs wonderfully with beachy décor, however, hardwood floors are prone to moisture damage. Regular cleaning and sealing are key to maintaining wood floors in a beach house. If you want the look of hardwood with improved scratch and moisture resistance, consider bamboo instead.

Low-VOC paints for indoors and out

Flooring isn’t the only thing that needs extra maintenance in coastal homes. Sun and heat degrade exterior paint. Without regular upkeep, a beach home’s exterior is at risk of warping and rotting. If your home’s exterior is due for repainting, choose low-VOC water-based paints over oil-based paints that contribute to air pollution. Homeowners have plenty of options for low-VOC exterior paints including Behr Premium Plus Exterior Paint and paints from Safecoat and EarthSafe Finishes.

Whether you’re the new owner of a coastal home or you’ve owned your house for some time and are ready for an update, it’s important to think beyond aesthetics when renovating your beach home. Choose durable materials that stand up to sun, salt, and moisture while also promoting good health at home. With smart remodeling and decorating choices, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy home for years to come.

Thank you Alexis Hall of Singleparent.info 

When choosing your next Beach home, Realtor Carol Gilles, of The RealEstate Group, can help guide you to the best home choices for you and your lifestyle. With over 40 years experience helping buyers and sellers, let Carol & her expertise work with you.  Call Carol at 310-864-9738 or email her at Carol@CarolGilles.com.