A house by the sea
WHAT-TO-DO - NASSAU, CABLE BEACH & PARADISE ISLAND - JAN 2005
A house by the sea
Know what to look for
To live by the seashore in The Bahamas, is to have a window on the universe: a sky full of twinkling stars at night and the constantly changing prospect of a sparkling ocean by day.
It is a special treat to sit on your own patio watching a spectacular Bahamian sunset or sunrise. But if you are buying a home with the sea at your doorstep, there are several things to to be aware of, says Cara Christie of H G Christie Ltd realtors in Nassau. ?Most people understand that you have to take special measures to maintain a waterfront home.
?Fortunately, the technology has been developed to protect waterfront homes ? protective paints, roofing materials and a lot of other products to help you deal with the situation.?
Special concerns
When building or buying a home on the sea, ?Elevation is the primary concern,? says Jacques (Jack) Christofilis, owner of Dunright Home & Building Inspections in Nassau. ?You want as much elevation as possible.
?Every time there is a storm, the coastal landscape changes, you know. You might have 50 ft of beach before the storm and after the storm you might have 10 ft or 200 ft.?
Most seafront homes need a sea wall and its strength depends on whether the property faces a rocky shoreline or a beach. If it?s a beach, the sea wall is very important, says Christofilis. ?It must have a strong sea wall, with a deep footing and concrete reinforced with steel.? If it?s a rocky foreshore you can ?get by? with a sea wall made of cement blocks with the cavities reinforced with rebar (steel rods) every two feet.
Buyer beware
The buyer should have an expert check all the major systems on oceanfront homes, as well as the foundation and the condition of the windows and doors, because salt air will inevitably cause oxidation or rust on untreated metal. With sliding glass doors, which most oceanfront homes have, construction firms now install PVC (heavy duty plastic) frames, which are longest lasting, for the gutters and runners. The preferred hardware for handles, rollers and locks is stainless steel.
Another thing buyers should have checked is the roof. If asphalt shingles are used ? and they are on about three-quarters of all homes in The Bahamas ? the buyer should ensure that they were installed properly, with the adhesive strip uncovered before the shingles were laid down.
How can you ensure that your beautiful oceanfront home is sound and worth the investment? Firstly, use an agent accredited by the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA), and secondly, insist on a professional inspection.
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