Considerations in Making Beach Houses

Location, Location, Location

• Real estate experts will tell you the most important factor in building or buying a home is location. This is especially true when it comes to building a beach house because there are special factors to consider, such as proximity to water. Houses built too close to the shore are subject to erosion and flooding. Check local variances and beach erosion trends to select a safe place for a beach house.

Exterior Materials

• Drive through coastal towns and you'll notice materials the materials used in beach houses. In New England, homes are shingled with cedar, a material known to withstand wind and rain. Cedar is caramel-colored when it's new, and fades to light gray as it ages. In some parts of the South and Southeast, homes have functional shutters and battens that can be closed to protect beach homes from rain, high winds and hurricanes.

  Paint colors vary from one region to another, as well. While paint color doesn't affect the functionality of a home, there are traditional color schemes that have become associated with specific regions.

Interior Materials

• Consider the way a beach house is used when selecting materials for the interior. Floors are subject to sand and water, making hardwood or bamboo preferable over ceramic tile, which is easy to clean, but can get dangerously slippery when wet. The inside of a beach house is where colors might affect function; as sand makes its way in and out of the house, it will be less noticeable on light, tan-colored floors. To cushion selected floor areas of the house, use rugs made of natural materials -- choose jute or hemp over silk and wool -- that retain their appearance while drying quickly. Materials matter when furnishing your home, too. Family and friends will be in and out with wet feet and oily sunscreen residue on their skin. Furniture with washable slipcovers is easier to maintain than upholstered pieces.

Making a House a Home

• Personal touches are what make a house a home. Let interior and exterior decor reflect your personality and add to the beach-themed design. Collect items from nature -- seashells, stones and driftwood -- for your interior decor. It's an inexpensive way to bring the outside in. Grow native plants in pots or a garden; it's better for the environment and adds warmth to your beach house. Consider the functionality of your beach house furnishings, too. Wicker looks beachy, but it rots easily with constant exposure to moist conditions and salty air. Powder coated aluminum and synthetic materials will last longer.