I get where you’re coming from, but I’d argue you don’t have to put *everything* else on hold.
After we did our roof and drainage, I still squeezed in some cosmetic stuff—paint and new lighting—without breaking the bank. Sometimes a little “fun” makes living through renos less of a slog, even if the big bucks go to the boring essentials.If you’re budgeting, put the bulk toward keeping the weather out. The rest can wait.
I totally get wanting to keep things a bit fun during renos—living in a construction zone is rough enough without staring at bare drywall for months. I do think there’s a balance, though. Like you said,
For me, I always try to sneak in some eco-friendly upgrades when I’m doing the “boring” stuff anyway. Swapping out old lighting for LEDs or using low-VOC paint doesn’t usually cost much more, and it feels good knowing you’re making the place healthier and more efficient.“Sometimes a little ‘fun’ makes living through renos less of a slog, even if the big bucks go to the boring essentials.”
Curious—did you find any small upgrades that made a big difference in how your place felt? Sometimes just changing out old windows or adding insulation can make it way more comfortable, especially near the coast where weather can be wild. I’ve found that even little things like better weatherstripping or a smart thermostat can help with both comfort and energy bills. Wondering if anyone else has had luck with those kinds of tweaks during their beach house renos...
I’m with you on the eco-friendly upgrades—sometimes those “boring” swaps actually end up being the most satisfying. I put in a smart thermostat and better insulation during my last beach house reno, and honestly, it made a bigger difference than I expected. The place just felt less drafty, and the energy bills dropped a bit, which is always nice. Have you noticed if the weatherproofing holds up over time near the coast? I’ve had mixed results with some products, especially with all the salt in the air...
Yeah, the salt air is brutal on just about everything. I tried a couple different weatherproofing products—some held up, others peeled or got sticky after a year or two. The spray foam insulation behind the walls has been solid, but door seals and window caulking need touch-ups more often than I’d like. Have you found any brands that actually last longer out there? I’m always hunting for something that doesn’t just flake off after one stormy season...
I hear you—salt air just eats away at everything, no matter how much you prep. I’ve had mixed luck with the “marine grade” stuff; it’s pricier and honestly, sometimes it doesn’t hold up any better than the regular brands. Maybe nothing’s really built for this climate long-term? Still, I’d rather keep patching than let the old wood rot out... it’s a constant battle but worth it if you love the place.
