There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of waves and that fresh salty breeze, isn’t there? For many WA families, coastal living isn’t just a dream – it’s the lifestyle they’re ready to embrace. But here’s the thing about building near our gorgeous coastline: those stunning views come with some unique challenges.

At Shelford Quality Homes, we’ve helped countless families create their perfect beach-side havens. And we’ve learned a thing or two about making sure these homes aren’t just beautiful today, but still standing strong decades from now.

Finding Your Perfect Spot

Before you even think about floor plans, let’s talk location. Where your home sits on your block can make all the difference to how you’ll live in it.

Imagine a scorching summer afternoon, but your living room stays naturally cool because you’ve positioned it to catch those refreshing sea breezes. Or picture entertaining friends on a patio that’s perfectly sheltered from those strong coastal winds.

We’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful orientation can transform a coastal home’s livability. Rotating a design just slightly can capture both morning sun and afternoon shade, making such a difference to how comfortable the house feels year-round.

Materials That Love the Beach as Much as You Do

Let’s be honest – the beach can be tough on a home. Salt spray, intense sun, and those occasional wild storms all take their toll. But choosing the right materials from the start means you’ll spend more time enjoying your home and less time maintaining it.

Our experience building along WA’s coastline has shown us what truly works in these challenging conditions:

What thrives by the coast:

The right COLORBOND® for your location:

• For homes within 100-200m of breaking surf or 0-100m of calm marine areas (like many parts of coastal WA), COLORBOND® Ultra steel is specifically engineered to withstand these severe marine environments. If you’re building even closer to breaking surf (within 100m), we might recommend upgrading to SUPERDURA® Stainless steel for maximum protection. Standard COLORBOND® steel works well for homes further inland but may not provide adequate protection in the most exposed coastal locations.
• Face brick or acrylic render for low-maintenance exteriors
• Powder-coated aluminum windows that don’t corrode
• Marine-grade stainless steel fixtures that keep their shine

What might give you headaches:

• Regular timber that needs constant TLC
• Standard steel fixtures that rust quickly
• Some paints that fade or peel in harsh UV

The exact material recommendations we make depend heavily on your specific location. At Shelford Quality Homes, we assess factors like your proximity to breaking surf, prevailing wind patterns, and even which parts of your home might be “unwashed” (not regularly rinsed by rainfall). This detailed approach ensures your coastal home stands strong against the elements for decades to come.

Exterior Finishes That Go the Distance

The outside of your coastal home takes the biggest beating from the elements. Getting these finishes right means your home will look fantastic for years with minimal upkeep.

Smart exterior choices we recommend:

• UV-resistant exterior paints:

Standard paints can fade or peel within a couple of years in coastal areas. Quality UV-resistant paints might cost a bit more initially but will look better longer and save you from premature repainting.

• Low-maintenance cladding:

Products like Hardie board or Scyon Linea give you that classic coastal look without the maintenance headaches of timber. They resist warping, cracking, and rotting even when faced with salt spray and intense sun.

• Robust guttering and downpipes:

Coastal areas often experience sudden heavy downpours and strong winds. Sturdy, properly secured gutters and downpipes prevent water damage during these weather events. We typically recommend slightly oversized systems to handle the occasional deluge.

A little-known fact: the direction your home faces can affect how quickly exterior finishes deteriorate. South-facing surfaces typically last longer than north and west-facing ones that receive more harsh afternoon sun. We take this into account when recommending finishes for different parts of your home.

Creating That Coastal Vibe

The best beach homes feel like you’re on holiday every day. It’s about bringing that relaxed coastal feeling inside.

Think light, bright spaces with pops of ocean-inspired colors. Natural textures that remind you of the beach – stone benchtops that echo coastal rock formations, timber-look floors that recall weathered boardwalks, and soft linens that billow like sails in the breeze.

Our design team loves creating spaces that feel calming and connected to the beach just beyond your doorstep. A neutral palette with blues and sandy tones can transform your everyday living into a permanent vacation feeling.

Outdoor Living That Works Year-Round

What’s the point of coastal living if you can’t enjoy the outdoors? But WA’s coastal weather can be unpredictable – scorching sun one day, wild winds the next.

Smart coastal homes include:

• Sheltered alfresco areas you can use regardless of weather
• Clever wind breaks that don’t block your views
• Outdoor showers for rinsing off after beach days
• Durable outdoor furniture that won’t corrode or fade
• Ceiling fans and thoughtful lightingto make your outdoor spaces usable day and night

That last point is something many people overlook. Quality outdoor ceiling fans can make even warm summer evenings comfortable by creating a gentle breeze, while strategic lighting extends your entertaining hours well into the evening. We love installing a mix of practical task lighting (perfect for the BBQ area) and ambient options that create that perfect coastal mood as the sun goes down.

One of our most popular features in coastal designs is covered decks with retractable screens – they can open completely on perfect days or create cozy sheltered spaces when the sea breeze picks up.

The Little Details That Make a Big Difference

It’s often the things you don’t immediately notice that make coastal living easier:

• Extra seals around doors and windows to keep salt air out
• Easy-clean flooring that doesn’t show every grain of sand
• Dedicated storage for beach gear and water toys
• Outdoor taps for rinsing salty feet before coming inside

We’ve found that thoughtful additions like mud rooms with built-in storage for beach equipment can be game-changers for keeping sand out of the main house – a small feature that makes everyday coastal living so much more enjoyable.

Building For Your Future

A coastal home isn’t just about today – it’s about creating memories for years to come. That’s why we focus on building homes that stand the test of time, both in style and substance.

Many families tell us they want a forever home where their kids can grow up with the beach as their playground. Our goal is to create exactly that – beautiful, practical homes tough enough to handle everything coastal living throws at them.

Ready to Make Your Coastal Dream a Reality?

There’s something special about building a home by the sea – it’s not just a house, it’s a lifestyle choice that brings joy every single day.

At Shelford Quality Homes, we understand what makes a coastal home truly work. Our designs combine practical durability with the relaxed, warm feeling that beach living is all about.

Why not come see for yourself? Visit our display homes and chat with our friendly team about creating your perfect coastal haven. Because life’s better at the beach – especially when your home is built to embrace it.

Drop by one of our display homes today and take the first step toward your coastal dream home – built for life, built for family, built by Shelford.