Everyone harbors dreams of escaping to their own relaxing private retreat, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The undeniable allure of golden sunshine, soft sand, and salty waves is enough to convince anyone to move down by the water. If you are in the process of searching for an oceanside retreat, it is important to take a look at all of your available options so that you can find the perfect property for you.

If you haven’t found just the right beach home to take your breath away, you may want to consider a custom beach home. Though they typically require more upfront investment of your time than other properties do, custom builds offer the flexibility to perfect every detail of your new home. Our Seabrook real estate agents are here to help walk you through what you need to consider so that, if you do decide to build a beach home, the process is a breeze!

What You Need to Know Before Building a Custom Beach Home

1 – Making a Valuable Investment

Purchasing a home can be a larger upfront investment, but as opposed to renting a home, you can save more money in the long run. The same goes for a custom build. While it can be a costly initial investment, the time and money spent on designing, constructing, and settling into your home can be well worth it, especially if you plan to occupy it for years to come.

Building a home from the ground up means that you can build to your tastes and priorities. By customizing more features in your home now, you can potentially save money on renovations down the road. Similarly, you have the freedom to mix and match styles within your home. Maybe you want a traditional bedroom but a craftsman style kitchen. With a custom home build, this can easily be accomplished, leaving you more satisfied with your home. Keep in mind, this initial investment will also be reflected in the overall market value of your home.

If you are drawn to the idea of building your own home but want a less time-intensive option, you may be interested in a ‘New Home Collection’ build. These homes are still built from the ground up with plenty of options for customization, however, homeowners will start the process with a pre-approved floor plan. These are Architect designed plans that are built by a highly skilled professional team so you can complete your custom home build in less time without sacrificing all that you want in a new beach home.

As with any construction project, unforeseen circumstances may also arise and inflate building costs. However, a well-prepared budget, the right contractors, and a real estate team that knows the land well can help you reduce the possibility of complications or delays.

2 – Selecting the Perfect Building Site

One of the most thrilling aspects of building from the ground up is being able to select and showcase the spectacular coastal views of the Lowcountry. Location is one of the most important factors to consider whenever real estate is involved. Luckily, you can’t go wrong with any property on Seabrook Island. Most of our lots enjoy a scenic view, whether it be of the lush marshes, world-renowned golf courses, vast tidal creeks, or pristine South Carolina coastline. As you are choosing your homestead, it’s important to consider the type of view you want to enjoy.

When choosing your location, think about the primary reason for joining our oceanfront community. Is it for spending your days at the beach? Then you may want to consider opting for an oceanfront site. If you enjoy frequently hitting balls on the golf course, you may prefer a property bordering our Crooked Oaks course. Before making a final decision, be sure to visit each type of landscape to determine what you like best. You might be surprised what catches your eye! From there, you will want to confer with your Seabrook real estate agent and builder to determine which relevant property options are available and how natural elements, such as shifting sands or marshy ground, may impact your building plans or timeline.

3 – Understanding Local Building Regulations & Requirements

Before building a custom home, it is important to be aware of any regulations, restrictions, or appropriate permits needed to start construction. While weighing your options, keep in mind the following questions, as the answers may significantly affect your building costs.

• Are there utilities already installed on the property site?
• What is the terrain of the property like?
• Is there a Homeowners’ Association with additional rules and regulations?
• What local and flood zones are relevant to the property?

Each coastal community typically has varying zoning requirements, and the location of your property will determine what kind of permit you may need to build. Beach properties located in Areas of Environmental Concerns may need a CAMA Permit. This approval is granted by the Coastal Area Management Act, a government program that regulates development along with protected coastal areas. Most beachside properties have CAMA setback requirements in addition to stringent local requirements.

All of these regulatory requirements will determine your building plan, and if your property is waterfront, how close you can build to the water. But not to worry, our Seabrook real estate agents, in collaboration with the proper channels, will help guide and inform you of anything you need to know as you are looking at lots. In addition to local zoning requirements, it is important to be aware of your flood zone and requirements, as beach communities are more susceptible. Your zone designation will determine if your home will need to be elevated, and how high above sea level. All things considered, you will want to hire an experienced professional who can help develop a floor plan that will be up to par on all pertinent building regulations.

4 – Choosing the Right Community

Selecting the right neighborhood and community for your custom beach home is just as important as the actual location of your property. To maximize the return of your investment, you should opt to build your home in a strong community that has plenty to offer. Doing so can maintain, and even increase, the value of your home, should you decide to sell your dream home one day. Not to mention, it can turn your custom home into a viable rental property that is attractive to visitors looking to experience the area. Seabrook Island is among the fastest-growing sea islands in South Carolina, as there are endless amenities and activities to enjoy. We afford residents and their guests the unique opportunity to enjoy the first-class amenities of a resort while set in a tranquil private-gated community.

Imagine waking each day and being summoned by a horseback beach ride along miles of pristine sand, or a round of championship golf on two lush, green courses. Maybe you prefer to fill your time with racquet sports like pickleball and tennis, or savory Lowcountry cuisine at one of our fine-dining venues. Whatever your choice, a day on Seabrook is one well spent. Our serene community is located just a short drive away from Downtown Charleston, SC, which is famous for its historic cobblestone streets and charming Southern hospitality. According to Travel and Leisure magazine, it is also the number one city in the world. Even so, you can fulfill many of your day to day needs without ever having to leave the laidback island ambiance if you so choose!

Taking all of these factors into consideration, one of the biggest reasons families opt to build a custom home is the ability to create a forever dream home where their families can make memories together as children grow. Some may want a profitable rental that doubles as the ultimate summer destination. Others simply want a stunning place to settle down and enjoy post-retirement life. Regardless of your reason, we can help you make your dream home an unparalleled reality on Seabrook Island.

Whether you want to find the perfect lot for your custom build or a breathtaking move-in ready home, our Seabrook real estate agents are here to help. Give our team a call today to learn more!4 Things to Consider Before Building a Custom Beach Home