Spend on what gets salty air, not on every last hinge or drawer pull.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen folks blow their budget on “marine grade” everything, and half of it still corrodes or just doesn’t matter. Focus on the stuff that’s exposed—windows, doors, exterior hardware. Inside, regular stuff holds up just fine in most cases. Learned that the hard way after replacing a bunch of overpriced cabinet pulls that looked the same after a year.
My 1920s place has original brass doorknobs that have survived hurricanes, salt spray, and my kids’ sticky fingers—meanwhile, the “marine grade” mailbox I splurged on lasted maybe two seasons before it looked like a relic from the Titanic. I swear, the stuff that’s supposed to be indestructible just laughs at me. I’d rather spend the cash on good windows and doors, then cross my fingers for the rest. Inside? If it doesn’t get a direct hit from a nor’easter, it’s probably fine.
Funny how the old stuff just keeps going. But honestly, I wouldn’t gamble too much on the interior just because it’s “protected.” Humidity and salt air sneak in everywhere, especially with older homes. I’ve had to replace baseboards and even some drywall way sooner than I expected. Might be worth budgeting a little extra for those hidden surprises... they always seem to pop up when you least want them.
Man, you nailed it—those “hidden surprises” are like the worst party guests. I thought I was being clever by sealing up every crack, but the salt air still found a way in. Ended up with warped closet doors and a weird smell behind the fridge. If you’re budgeting, maybe tack on an extra 15-20% just for those curveballs? It’s never just paint and new floors at the beach...
Yeah, that salt air is relentless—doesn’t matter how much you prep, it finds a way in. I’ve been there with the warped doors and random smells... sometimes it feels like the house is fighting back. I’d even say 20% extra might be on the low side if you’re dealing with older construction or haven’t opened up the walls yet. It’s wild what you find once you start digging in. But hey, once you get through those surprises, nothing beats a place by the water. Just gotta roll with the punches and keep a little extra in the budget for sanity’s sake.
