
We’ve all had that dream of waking to the sound of the ocean. For those lucky enough to turn living in a coastal home into a reality, there are some things to consider when building your own slice of beach-side paradise.

What is a coastal home?
The clue is in the title. A coastal home simply means a house located very on the coast or very near the beach or ocean. Beyond that, a coastal home often picks up its location in its design elements, with natural materials, like wood and stone, light airy open-plan living, and often a Hamptons-esque feel.
Coastal style
Coastal style can incorporate a colour palette of blues, greys and whites, with clean lines and large windows to maximise the natural light. It often includes ocean-inspired design features, like starfish, seashells and a nautical feel. When building in coastal areas, it makes sense to consider larger, structural elements like building materials, before moving onto ocean-inspired decor when the house is constructed.
Indoor/outdoor living
When you’re lucky enough to have an amazing ocean-front location, it makes sense to maximise your outside space. The best way to do this is to seamlessly blend the inside and outside of your home. Incorporating bi-fold or sliding doors to open up your inside living and connect it with the outside will give you the chance to embrace the natural beauty of your surroundings from inside your home as well as outside.

The impact of the sea
If you’re planning to build a home in one of our coastal regions, take into account the impact of the sea. Have you considered which building materials are more durable and can weather stormier conditions, salt spray and exposure to sand and water?
Salt spray
Salt spray can have a big impact on coastal properties, particularly the windows. The spray may coat the glass and make it difficult to see through, if left untreated it may even crack it. Regular window cleaning will protect your windows, so make sure to get your bucket and sponge out.
Salt spray can also corrode metal and paint, rot wood and fade vinyl. Having a regular professional clean, especially your windows, is the best way to protect your beautiful coastal home.

Environmental factors
There are also environmental factors to consider when drawing up coastal house plans. You want to make the most of your surroundings and adapt to any challenges the block might face.
How even is the terrain
If the ground is uneven, it may be more challenging to lay a stable foundation. If the block is sloping, it can increase the complexity of the construction. We have many years of experience with building on sloping blocks and can help design a home that incorporates the slope into a functional, stable and stylish home.
Elevation levels
Elevating your property to reduce your risk of flooding is one option to mitigate risk, but many coastal communities are reducing height allowance so that there isn’t a corridor of darkness blocking out the coast for the rest of the community. Make sure you know the restrictions and do the maths before you start drawing up coastal house plans.
Sustainable, durable materials
Choosing the right building materials for coastal homes is crucial. Using treated or composite timber to reduce your chance of rot and decay is one option, while fibre cement is also resistant to moisture and salt, which makes it perfect for a coastal home.

Aesthetic factors
Building a home has to be about the combination of the practical and necessary, like taking environmental factors into account, with the aesthetic that you really want. While the style you choose does not have to be prescriptive, there are certain styles that lend themselves to building in a coastal environment.
Style to suit the scenery
Whether you are looking to build a stunning Hamptons-style beach cottage or a contemporary Miami villa, it’s important to consider what will match your lifestyle and speak to who you are. Find inspiration from different architectural designs, or visit the area where your block is to take inspiration from your future neighbours.
We have a range of different plans and designs, but can also tailor existing designs to create something bespoke to suit your style.
Outdoor kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and in a coastal home that can take on a new significance. Making the most of stunning ocean views by creating an outdoor kitchen is the pinnacle of luxury.
French or bi-fold doors can integrate your outdoor kitchen with indoor space, and if your budget allows, you could consider a retractable roof to provide shelter on rare days of rain.
Privacy
A potential downside to building a coastal home is the popularity of the beach that you overlook. If your home overlooks a public beach, you may want to consider a privacy screen or tinted glass to ensure that people can’t see into your building.
Another factor to consider with a coastal home design is the parking. Having a garage or carport as part of your home will ensure you can always park your car, no matter how great the sun and surf is.

Experience over expense
Building any house, not just a coastal home, can be costly, however, when it is done correctly it’s an amazing investment in the future so it’s important not to cut corners to reduce costs.
Invest in the right materials
Investing in the right materials, which will stand the test of time, rather than have to be regularly replaced, will save you money in the long term, even though it might drive up your build costs initially. An experienced builder will know the right building materials to use for a coastal home, so it’s worth doing your research.
Choose a builder who has done it before and knows what they are doing
Choosing a builder who has experience with constructing coastal homes will save you not just money, but anxiety and stress too. At Novus, we have been building custom coastal homes across Perth for over 25 years and can offer you valuable advice to help you achieve your dream home.
To find out more, contact us here or call (08) 9240 8001.