There are plenty of reasons to love living on waterfront property. It provides instant access to swimming, boating and many more activities. Of course, the views aren’t too bad either. Yet, if you want to take life on the water to the next level, one surefire way to do this is with a stunning boathouse. While they can range from stylish living quarters to unfinished spaces, here are a few features that make for the ideal boathouse.
Boat Storage
Of course, the whole point is to provide a place to keep your boat, so there should be a slip, or two, where it can be tied up. If you want to keep your vessel in pristine shape, you can install a hydraulic lift to raise it out of the water and prevent it from banging against the dock. This helps to avoid other common problems, like corrosion and algae growth. Lastly, garage-style doors are also quite popular to offer security and shelter from the elements when not in use.
Outdoor Seating
A boathouse can be much more than just a utilitarian space. Seeing as it’s located directly on the water, this is a prime spot to create a unique seating area. If you want to keep things low key, it could be as simple as a few chairs on the dock. However, some homeowners choose to add more elaborate features, like a wet bar or even barbecue area.
Durability
A boathouse is particularly vulnerable to harsh conditions, so it’s crucial to make sure that it’s built to last. That doesn’t just mean it can weather a storm, but simply endure the everyday impact that water will have on it, which is why it’s important to use high-quality materials. Making any significant changes will likely require working with an engineer to ensure the piles can continue to safely support the structure.
Finished Space
Chances are you’ll want to do more than just store your boat here. For homeowners who have a boathouse, it’s quite common to turn it into a finished space. If you’re in need of extra accommodations, you can transform it into a quaint guest house on the water that’s sure to impress any visitors.
