Whether you live right on the water, or your property is close by, there is a unique lifestyle afforded to those who choose to live in waterfront communities. Activities like kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, jet skiing, and bird watching are all available right there in your very own backyard. But just as there are so many amazing benefits to living on the water, there are also some additional responsibilities too. Here are some tips for making the most of your waterfront lifestyle.
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Coastal living means living with big storms. Whether it’s the daily summer thunderstorms or the threat of an impending hurricane, not being prepared for these types of events is a rookie move. Make sure you educate yourself (and your family) on how to prepare your waterfront property for a big storm. And don’t be afraid to practice your storm preparedness procedures! Storms can sometimes ‘come out of nowhere’ leaving property owners just a few hours (or sometimes less) to lock everything down and prepare for the onslaught of severe weather!
Stay Safe! Be Aware of the Unique Safety Hazards of Living on the Water
While it might seem like an obvious statement, there are a lot of safety hazards that homeowners can overlook, especially in regard to living on the water. To learn about some of the most common issues we often encounter when inspecting boat lifts, docks and decks, and seawalls for our clients, take a look at this post about waterfront safety. And if you have any concerns or think your structures might need some maintenance, or to be replaced, reach out to our team of experts at Gibson Marine.
Transform Your Backyard into the Water’s Edge Retreat of Your Dreams
Once you’ve done the (very important) work of preparing your family and property with a plan for severe weather and have ensured that your outdoor structures are all safe to use, it’s time to start enjoying the benefits of living on the waterfront! One of the best ways to do this is to customize your outdoor space.
Add Lighting to Your Outdoor Space
One way to add a personal touch is by incorporating some accessories into your outdoor space. Some of our most common requests are to add an assortment of lighting features. Simply adding pathway or post lights can make a dock more usable after dark. While the lighting requests we get most often from avid fishermen are for underwater lighting. Adding underwater lighting on your dock or deck can transform your space into a beautiful oasis and attract many different kinds of fish!
Enhance the Usability of Your Waterfront Space
Whether you want your backyard to feel like an extension of your living room, or you’re looking for prime sunbathing real estate, there are endless possibilities when it comes accessorizing your waterfront space. Simple add-ons such as built in benches can do double duty offering seating options and potential storage space. While higher-end options such as boat lifts or dock plumbing for outdoor showers or fish cleaning stations can offer both function and convenience.
How Will You Make the Most Out of Your Waterfront Property?
If you are looking for a little inspiration, one of our favorite resources is Pinterest, believe it or not. But, if you need some inspiration that goes beyond the computer screen, give one of our professionals a call to come out and give you personalized suggestions for how to transform your outdoor space.