Most people when they move to Naples, Florida, are looking to buy a property on the water. As luxurious as that sounds, there are a few things to look out for when buying a waterfront home. Or you might find yourself dealing with some county regulations, extra fees, and unwanted repairs. Here are our top waterfront buying mistakes to avoid:
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Choosing a poorly constructed home
Waterfront homes are exposed to the elements, which is why they should be constructed of specific materials that can withstand wind and water. If a waterfront home has metal on its exteriors, the metal should be stainless steel. This goes for the grills, gate hardware, locks, and so on. The home should also have protective features such as storm shutters and a taller-than-average foundation.
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Forgetting to have bulkheads inspected
Retaining walls or bulkheads keep water away from the property. If the retaining wall appears run down, you will likely need to have it repaired. Inspect for sinkholes and rust-filled cracks that can weaken it and make it more likely to fail during a calamity. Replacing the bulkhead is your best option if you intend to use the property for many years. A large bulkhead can cost thousands of dollars.Composite materials and modern vinyl are commonly used for walls along Florida’s waterways because these materials are durable. Moreover, they don’t corrode or leak toxic chemicals that can harm organisms in and around the water. Wood and concrete, by contrast, don’t hold up as well.
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Not asking if you can make improvements to the property
When buying a waterfront home, you and your contractor should contact the district office to determine whether or not you can make improvements to the property. There are environmental protection regulations that control constructions near or on the water throughout Florida. The state’s Coastal Construction Control Lines (CCCL) serves as a guideline for preserving coastal barrier dunes and adjoining beaches. For instance, you may not be allowed to have an existing non-conforming structure expanded beyond its current footprint and elevation if the proposed improvement amounts to or goes beyond 50{8d3ef995603181e8b83c10bc7b4602c8ff6a397889a52d0450c25fa52e39621a} of its fair market value.Moreover, homeowners associations (HOAs) often require residents to follow guidelines when making changes to their home exteriors. For example, you may only be allowed to paint the home a certain color. In addition, landscaping restrictions and fence installations are other common regulations defined by HOAs.
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Not minding your obligations as a waterfront homeowner
Buying in a community with an HOA has its perks but read the rules and regulations carefully. This will help you become aware of your responsibilities as a waterfront homeowner and what will be expected of you. This is especially crucial if you’re purchasing a waterfront condo – there will be restrictions on the common areas. Some communities, for instance, disallow residents from leaving bicycles and strollers in shared areas, while other HOAs expect homeowners to keep their garage doors closed when not parking or taking the car out.
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Neglecting to secure permits for docks and outbuildings
When buying a waterfront property that has a dock, clarify if it has been permitted. Just because it comes with the home doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be able to use it. Part of due diligence when purchasing a home that fronts the water is ensuring that the private dock and anything attached to the land has been legally permitted.
Self-contained communities like Verona Walk contain some of the most sought-after waterfront properties in Naples. Call the Victor Cuccia Team at 239.417.3300 or send an email to info(at)vwrnaples(dotted)com to explore your options.