5 KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN RENOVATING A WATERFRONT
Are you looking to renovate your waterfront home but finding the entire thing overwhelming?
Having worked on many building and renovation projects in the seaside suburbs of Sutherland Shire, Eastern Suburbs and the South Coast of NSW, we know that there are many crucial things to consider when renovating a waterfront. To save time, money and ongoing repairs and maintenance, you must first take into consideration the material compatibility and how it will be affected by corrosion & salt erosion, wind forces, engineering and working on steep slopes. Here is a few things you will need to consider for your build or renovation:
1. Material compatibility
Salt water causing salt spray has an unfavourable effect on all types of building materials of the building envelop, structure and even internal finishes. This is extremely evident in coastal areas and high industrial environments where there may be a smell of salt or salt spray in the air. Materials such as concrete, brick and brick sundries, metal and even timber have to be chosen wisely to ensure longevity and minimise repainting, replacing, ongoing maintenance or voiding manufactures warranties. However, with the right design, selection of materials, components and finishes you can attain an amazing lasting result.
2. Corrosion & Salt Erosion
Salt erosion and corrosion can be extensive in homes within 1km of the ocean so when planning a waterfront renovation, you must understand that even the smallest components such as cladding fixings can rust.
So, to minimise corrosion make sure the right grade of materials are selected, Salt retardants are added and material selections are made in conjunction with the manufactures guidelines and understand your maintenance responsibilities. Respectfully Mastery Constructions takes particular care in guiding you through the journey of selections and building envelope design and componentry integration.
Keep in mind that these products are more expensive than your standard range, so make sure you budget accordingly.
3. Wind Forces
A key thing to consider when renovating your waterfront is wind forces. Despite the amazing views your renovation will boast, the wind can be a downside if not respected early on and designed and specified accordingly. Understand that your building envelope may require additional sealing practices to ensure your structure is safe and sound from salt erosion and avoid those nasty glazing air leaks by using the right wind rated glazing units/ sections. Consult with your window and door manufacture for advice and warranty guidelines.
Depending on the orientation of your property and location, wind can also enhance the comfort of your home by maintaining ambient temperatures throughout the home. So be sure to conduct a thorough site analysis’s and be sure to investigate cross flow ventilation practices. Take note of the prevailing winds you experience most in the different seasons and be sure to relay to you designer.
4. Engineering
Engineering plays a major part when planning a waterfront renovation, especially if the property is sloped. Depending your geographical location, you could encounter several different foundation types to support your new extension or new home. Sand and Rock are common types but they both require significantly different engineering detail, practices and equipment.
It’s important to obtain a geo-technical report/ conduct drill testing for major extensions and new builds, prior to structural designs are carried out and prior to contract signing. This will enable accurate usable details for your builder and ensure the right allowances are when the project is priced.
Here at Mastery Constructions, we integrate all structural components into the design model and work with the engineer to enable building efficiency, troubleshooting of the design and structure integration and accurate costing allowances.
5. Working on steep slopes
When planning your waterfront renovation, it’s easy to see how sloping blocks require a bit more management and consideration. You may have to deal with different levels of excavation for the split-level design or perhaps your project is more sloping cliff face where anchoring into the rock face is required. Mastery Constructions understands this process can be expensive, so we take great care in preparing our feasibility assessment and carry out the proper investigative paths and liaise with consultants to get you the best possible outcome.
If you are looking to build or renovate a waterfront property, talk to Mastery Constructions about our unique design, bid, build process. Or simply enter your details into our online quote form and we will get back to you. We can work closely with you and your architect to plan your build, ensuring key areas above are considered at every stage, and you stay within your budget and project timeline.