Yeah, that 25% buffer is pretty spot-on—might even push it to 30% if you're dealing with older wiring or plumbing. We ran into some hidden moisture damage around windows that we totally didn't expect... beach humidity is sneaky like that.
Yeah, beach humidity can really throw curveballs... Did you end up having to replace the windows entirely, or was it manageable with repairs? Hidden moisture damage always feels like opening a mystery box—never know what you'll find. Glad you caught it early though.
"Hidden moisture damage always feels like opening a mystery box—never know what you'll find."
Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm currently knee-deep in my first beach house renovation, and honestly, the humidity factor caught me completely off guard. I thought I'd planned for everything, but moisture issues have a sneaky way of popping up where you least expect them.
For windows, I lucked out—repairs were enough. But I did have a nasty surprise with some drywall behind the kitchen cabinets. It looked perfect from the outside, but once we pulled the cabinets off... well, let's just say it wasn't pretty. Had to replace a good chunk of drywall and insulation, which wasn't in my original budget at all.
If you're still figuring out your budget, I'd definitely recommend setting aside an extra 15-20% just for those "mystery box" moments. It's not fun to think about, but having that cushion really helps keep stress levels manageable when surprises pop up. And they will pop up.
Don't let it discourage you though—there's something incredibly rewarding about breathing new life into a place, especially near the beach. Every time I hit a snag, I remind myself of the end goal: sipping coffee on the porch, listening to waves crashing nearby. Totally worth it.
Keep at it, sounds like you're already ahead of the game by catching things early. You've got this!
Yeah, moisture issues are sneaky for sure. We thought our beach cottage was solid until we found mold behind the bathroom tiles—total nightmare. Did you end up using any special moisture-resistant materials after replacing the drywall? Curious if it's worth the extra cost...
Definitely worth the extra upfront cost for moisture-resistant drywall or cement board, especially in bathrooms. Regular drywall just doesn't hold up long-term in humid coastal climates. Did you also upgrade your ventilation system when you tackled the mold issue?
