Building a coastal beach house has got to be on almost everyone’s wish list, right? Waking up to the sound of waves crashing, taking in that fresh sea air, and not to mention the consistently fantastic view.
There is a lot of upfront planning to ensure that the dream really does become reality. Factors such as location, materials, aesthetics and, of course, cost, all play a part in creating your own seaside sanctuary. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know before you take the plunge to ensure your new home is both functional and visually breathtaking.
What is a Coastal or Beach House?
As the name suggests, a coastal or beach house is a home that is built on, or next to, the coast, bays or other large bodies of water. Often built to blend in with their surroundings, beach or coastal houses are crafted with natural materials, such as timber or stone. As well as being close to water, other key features of a coastal home include open-plan, airy floor plans with indoor-outdoor living to make the most of the outstanding views.
A well-planned coastal home benefits from expert input, and working with an architecture firm ensures a design that complements the environment while maximising functionality.
Why Build a Dream Coastal Home?
Whilst this is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts thanks to the stunning sea views, water sports and wildlife spotting opportunities, there are many reasons why people want to live by the water. Firstly, for those looking to live off the grid, a beach house enables its participants to live a calm, laid-back lifestyle. A slower, less stressful life is also linked to many health benefits, as well as improved mood and sleeping patterns.
However, building your own coastal home takes the benefits to a whole new level, as you can completely personalise your place to suit your individual requirements. For example, a beach house can be crafted using eco-friendly materials, be designed to suit your living preferences, and be decorated exactly to your taste.
Finding The Perfect Location
Of course, location is everything when it comes to building your perfect coastal beach house. Here are our top tips on how to find the best spot:
- Distance to the shore
Choosing a location that is near the beach is an obvious bonus but be sure to think about the potential risks of living too close to the ocean. Tidal flooding or coastal erosion could cause substantial damage to your property, which can be extremely troublesome and costly to repair.
- Weather conditions
It would be wise to research the weather in your potential locations to assess the frequency of high winds and storms.
- Community
Are you a social butterfly, or looking for peace and solitude? Many coastal homes offer the chance to connect with like-minded people, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Check the area or ask the locals to find what suits you best.
- Personal preference
You are building this home for you, so think exactly what you want to get out of it. Are you seeking stunning views, or prefer to be set back with a little more privacy? Think about how close you are to other amenities, walking trails or how accessible your home is to the shoreline if you enjoy fishing or water sports.
Design Factors to Consider
A coastal home is more than just any old property, as with the right design features, it captures the essence of the seaside perfectly, whilst also being a functional, working space. Here’s how you get the balance right:
- Style
A beach house should fit with its location’s aesthetic. Embrace the surrounding natural beauty with minimalist or Mediterranean styles paired with large windows and open-plan living. If you’re looking for expert beach house architecture tailored to your vision, check out our beach house architecture services.
- Materials
Many beach house owners choose to utilise sustainable materials, which is both an eco-friendly and long-term money-saving option, as well as fitting the aesthetic. Choose materials resistant to salt, strong winds and prolonged UV damage.
- The view
Make the most of that spectacular view by installing wall-to-ceiling glass windows. Position furniture carefully to not obstruct your favourite lookout spots.
- Outdoor areas
Consider installing rooftop terraces, balconies, patios or decking to really maximise your outside space.
- Functional design
Enjoy a fuss-free life with a relaxing home that can also do it all. Ensure you install proper storage, especially for outdoor equipment, as well as a dedicated space for rinsing off after a day on the beach. Think about the rooms you spend the most time in, and make sure the layout flows accordingly.
Costs Involved in Building a Beach House
Land
Acquiring the land you want to build on, including any site preparations and inspections, will be your first upfront cost.
Construction
Paying for materials, labour and any installation fees for your electrics, plumbing, etc. is vital. Of course, it’s up to you to decide on the quality of your goods, but we wouldn’t recommend scrimping here as this could affect the final look. For tailored advice and architectural expertise, contact us to discuss your project.
Landscaping
You may have to think about adding vegetation around the property to increase stability, or maybe just because it looks good. Also, save a sum for decking out your outside spaces with patios or balconies.
Maintenance and ongoing costs
It’s important to know that regular upkeep is required to maintain the structure of your coastal home, especially as it is more exposed to harsh conditions like wind and salty air. You may be subject to larger utility bills to heat and cool the property if you have chosen not to install sustainable facilities such as solar panels or eco-friendly insulation.
The Ultimate Coastal Home Checklist
So, that’s just about everything we think you need to consider before building your own coastal and beach house. But before we let you go, check out our handy checklist, which you can refer back to during your build. With these details covered, you can guarantee that your dream home will be comfortable, purposeful and aesthetically pleasing:
- Choose a location that suits your requirements
- Use water-resistant, durable materials
- Make sure the space fulfils your needs (floor plan, utilities, outdoor space, accessibility)
- Consider sustainable options where possible
- Make sure your home complements the environment with its materials and decor
- Obtain the right insurances
- Arrange regular maintenance check-ups
- And most importantly, enjoy!
I highly recommmend the team at BY Architecture.
Barbara, Howard and the team designed a wonderful extension to my late 1960s Melbourne home, ran the tender process to find me a builder, and superintended the build contract.
The design process that Barbara took me through was comprehensive, well-considered and highly collaborative, and the resulting extension and renovation was incredibly well-tailored to my specific needs and desires.
The tender process was similarly well-run, and we ended up choosing a builder that Barbara had worked with many times before and recommended. The recommendation was a great one and the entire build ran very smoothly, with the many quirks arising in a typical renovation being dealt with intelligently and with no fuss.
During the entire time I worked with them, Barbara and her team went over-and-above to keep me happy. As a result of their attention to detail and their focus on customer service, they ensured that what can often be a stressful time was actually a pleasure. I cannot thank them enough and would work with them again in a heartbeat.
Barbara, Howard and the team designed a wonderful extension to my late 1960s Melbourne home, ran the tender process to find me a builder, and superintended the build contract.
The design process that Barbara took me through was comprehensive, well-considered and highly collaborative, and the resulting extension and renovation was incredibly well-tailored to my specific needs and desires.
The tender process was similarly well-run, and we ended up choosing a builder that Barbara had worked with many times before and recommended. The recommendation was a great one and the entire build ran very smoothly, with the many quirks arising in a typical renovation being dealt with intelligently and with no fuss.
During the entire time I worked with them, Barbara and her team went over-and-above to keep me happy. As a result of their attention to detail and their focus on customer service, they ensured that what can often be a stressful time was actually a pleasure. I cannot thank them enough and would work with them again in a heartbeat.
Barbara is very friendly and easy to work with. Thank you for the great advices.
Response from the owner 23:14 17 Jun 24
thank you Arik. Happy to be helpful 
Barbara and the BY Projects team were fantastic to work with for our knockdown-rebuild. We had no idea what we were doing or getting ourselves in for, and through every stage of the process Barbara explained everything and was supportive and transparent.
She drew plans for a beautiful house for us which fulfilled everything we wanted while adding such flair and style that we never could have imagined ourselves.
I was so glad to have her and her team on my side throughout the build process, as we would have struggled to advocate for ourselves (or even notice) mistakes or defects by the builder.
Overall, we just couldn’t be happier with the final result.
She drew plans for a beautiful house for us which fulfilled everything we wanted while adding such flair and style that we never could have imagined ourselves.
I was so glad to have her and her team on my side throughout the build process, as we would have struggled to advocate for ourselves (or even notice) mistakes or defects by the builder.
Overall, we just couldn’t be happier with the final result.
Response from the owner 06:53 31 May 24
Thank you for your enthusiasm Emily. And thank you for trusting us with your dream Home. It's been a pleasure working with you and your family, and we trust you will enjoy your home for the years to come. 
We recently had the pleasure of carrying out a renovation for Barbara and BY Projects Architecture.
The project ran very smoothly from receiving the plans, to handover day.
Barbara pays very close attention to detail and takes great pride in her work.
We look forward to working with BY again on future projects.
The project ran very smoothly from receiving the plans, to handover day.
Barbara pays very close attention to detail and takes great pride in her work.
We look forward to working with BY again on future projects.
Response from the owner 22:11 30 Mar 21
Thank you Koray. It was a pleasure working with AMCON Homes, we look forward to working with you again in the future. 
Barbara provided excellent professional advice regarding Town planning and approval process by the Council. She went out of her way to find the right information and help me. Will surely use their services again when necessary.
I would highly recommend them.
I would highly recommend them.
Response from the owner 01:37 16 Feb 21
Thank you Jarardhan. We do hope you find a more suitable site soon to build your dream homeBarbara 
We were in a very difficult position after a VCAT rejection. Barbara came into our project and reimagined what was possible with our property. Going from a house with three shops with significantly reduced value to a development with two town houses, a cafe and all able to be subdivided into three separate properties. Barbara was positive, enthusiastic, charming at planning meeting and all in all kept us positive and hopeful. Barbara went through the whole process with us and I would say went above and beyond what would generally be expected. She worked well with our development team, working out strategies for planning challenges. We are very thankful for her time and energy.
We engaged Barbara and her team many times over many years for our Building Development Projects, including Multi Residential, Child Care and Mixed Use. Most recently for a couple of houses in Port Melbourne with complex Heritage Overlay requirements.
Barbara worked with us closely to ensure all design requirements were achieved to exceed market expectations. All permit requirements were managed in a professional and timely manner, and all processes were met on time and on budget.
The finished buildings were outstanding and the realized sales well above market expectations.
We highly recommend BY Projects Architecture for their Design sense and construction experience.
Barbara worked with us closely to ensure all design requirements were achieved to exceed market expectations. All permit requirements were managed in a professional and timely manner, and all processes were met on time and on budget.
The finished buildings were outstanding and the realized sales well above market expectations.
We highly recommend BY Projects Architecture for their Design sense and construction experience.
I have worked with Barbara and the team at BY Projects on a number of projects now. Its hard to think how you could get better value for money. They are great architects - that goes without saying. But its the extra mile they go to on your behalf in order to secure the very best for you that makes all the difference. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for your next project.
Response from the owner 06:02 24 May 19
Thank you Virginia for your kind words. It is always a pleasure working with you. 
