A home near the coast or better yet, one with an ocean view will always be sought after. The views, the breeze, the lifestyle and feeling like you’re on a constant holiday is unmatched. For many in Western Australia, building a custom home along the coast is a lifelong dream. Yet, coastal living comes with some challenges and unique construction considerations.
Coastal environments are not the same as your regular Perth suburb. The air for one is different, carrying more moisture and salt. The wind conditions are often stronger, and sun exposure harsher. This means homes built near the coast need to be designed differently to match the environment and ensure the home lasts for years to come.
A coastal home must be engineered to stand up to decades of exposure and be energy efficiency while offering the comfort the homeowners. This is where clever architecture and years of experience come into play with elements such as layout, orientation, material usage, and protective finishes.
Coastal living is fantastic, but the environment can be tough on buildings. Knowing the challenges upfront helps avoid surprises down the road and ensures your custom home is built for the long term. Here are some important factors to consider:
What are the main challenges?
Salt & corrosion
Salt in the air accelerates corrosion in metals, fixings, and even some paints and coatings. Over time, this can impact structural integrity if the wrong materials are used. Builders must select corrosion-resistant products and finishes while designing the home in ways that reduce exposure on vulnerable surfaces.
Strong winds & weather exposure
Coastal areas often experience stronger, more frequent winds. Homes need proper structural engineering to resist uplift forces and extreme gusts. Roofs, windows, and doors must all be specified for higher wind ratings.
Poorly rated components can lead to drafts, rattling, or warping.
UV & sunlight
The sun near the coast is intense. It can cause paint to fade, timber to warp, and outdoor materials to break down faster. UV-resistant finishes and lighter exterior colors help reflect sunlight while reducing wear.
Sand abrasion
Sand hitting your home constantly acts like fine sandpaper. It can erode exposed timber, scratch coated surfaces, and shorten the lifespan of decking and cladding. Choosing materials that can withstand abrasion is crucial.
Soil conditions
Many coastal blocks sit on sandy soil which play a role in how the home’s foundations are designed. Soil testing early in the planning phase is essential. It helps determine the right type of slab and footings needed to support the home.
All these engineering requirements can influence the overall build cost, so it’s important to plan for them when budgeting.
Maintenance expectations
Even with perfect use of design elements and materials, coastal homes need more regular maintenance. This may include, but not limited to, washing down salt on surfaces, checking sealants, repainting, or replacing fixtures.
Homeowners should be prepared for an ongoing maintenance routine which is simply part of the coastal lifestyle.
How to choose the right materials
Materials are one of the biggest factors that determine how well a coastal home ages. The right choices can dramatically reduce maintenance, prevent damage, and improve the longevity of the home. When working with an experienced custom home builder like IQ Construction, you can rest assured that we will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your home stands the test of time.
Cladding & exterior Surfaces
Not all cladding materials are equal as they need to withstand UV rays, salt and sand abrasion. Here are some suitable options:
- Cement and engineered cladding that resists moisture and doesn’t warp.
- Composite or timber alternatives that look like natural wood but withstand weather exposure better.
- Textured finishes that help disguise wear over time.
Decking
Traditional timber decking might struggle near the coast unless very well maintained. More resilient options include fibre-cement decking, composite decking, or specially treated hardwoods. These options resist moisture, warping, mould, and UV damage far better than standard timber.
Metal
Metal is the most vulnerable to sea-salt related corrosion. This can include roof fixings, screws, bolts, window frames, door frames. Here, using stainless steel or galvanised steel is essential. Even the smallest fixing matters.
Paints and coating
Exterior paint needs to be UV-resistant and suitable for the salty coastal environment. It is commonly known that lighter colors reflect sunlight and heat, helping keep the home cooler and reducing the breakdown of coatings.
Protective sealants and coatings on exposed surfaces add another layer of defense against moisture and abrasion.
Windows & doors
Aluminium frames with durable powder coating are commonly used in coastal homes. You want to ensure that windows and doors are sealed correctly as strong winds can push moisture through low-grade seals, causing internal damage and discomfort. Glazing can further help with insulation, reduce noise and protect against UV rays.
Conclusion
Building a custom home on the coast is an incredible opportunity to enjoy the best of Western Australia has to offer. Yet, the coastal environment demands thoughtful planning and smarter building choices. By understanding the unique challenges of salt, sand, wind and UV exposure, homeowners can make informed decisions that protect their investment.
At IQ Construction, the goal isn’t just to build a home near the coast, it’s to build a coastal home that lasts.
Contact us to get started on building your dream custom home today!