We bought a small beach cottage last year, thinking we'd just freshen it up with paint and new siding. But once we started pulling things apart, we found rotted framing around the windows and even some structural beams that needed replacing—salt air really does a number on wood. Our initial $25k budget ballooned to nearly $50k pretty quickly. Definitely agree on padding the budget...you never know what's lurking behind those walls.
Totally agree on padding the budget—been there myself with our historic place. A few things I've learned:
- Salt air is sneaky, but moisture in general can cause hidden issues.
- Always check foundations and chimneys closely...they're budget killers.
- Expect surprises, but remember, it's worth it in the end.
Great points about moisture and chimneys—definitely learned those the hard way myself. Curious though, did you run into any issues with windows or doors warping from the humidity? I've heard mixed things about going with pricier materials upfront vs. just budgeting for replacements down the line. Also, how much extra padding would you suggest percentage-wise...like 20% or more? Trying to keep my expectations realistic without totally freaking out my wallet, haha.
Honestly, I'd lean closer to 25-30% padding if you're renovating near the beach. Humidity and salt air are brutal—I've seen cheaper doors warp badly within a year. Personally, I'd bite the bullet upfront on quality materials rather than deal with constant replacements later. But I'm curious, has anyone tried composite or fiberglass doors/windows in coastal areas? Wondering if they're really worth the extra cost or just marketing hype...
Fiberglass doors and windows are definitely worth it near the coast. I've renovated a couple beachside properties, and composites or fiberglass consistently hold up better than wood or even some vinyl options. They don't warp, resist corrosion from salt air, and the maintenance is minimal—just occasional cleaning. Sure, upfront cost stings a bit, but you'll appreciate it when you're not replacing warped doors every other year. I'd say go for it... peace of mind alone makes it worthwhile.
