While the accessibility of fishing, swimming, and boating along with the stunning views outweigh the risks associated with lakeside homes, you still need to be aware of their faults, especially as the home ages.
Not all dangers associated with waterfront property are surface-level; some happen below the ground. Before you build your home or purchase a fixer-upper, know these common lake house challenges and how to fix them.
Flooding
The lake itself is a force of nature outside human control. Tragedy can strike at any time, whether you’re next to a dam, in a drought, or experiencing record rains. When a natural disaster strikes, it can damage the house in costly ways.
Your home is at risk of falling to a flood or its side effects, such as fallen trees or debris, at any given time. If you fail to listen to flood watches and warnings, it can put you and your family’s lives in danger.
Once you own a lake house, paying attention to the weekly weather should come second nature to you. Always be prepared to put down sandbags or help your neighbors.
To better control flooding, maintain your property’s seawall at the lake access. Whenever possible, build your lakeside home on high ground.
Unstable Foundation
Because of the flood risk and dangers of the water, the soil beneath your home’s foundation may become unstable or even erode. Erosion is one of the most common lake house challenges.
Stable soil is often deep underground, not connected to your home. This unstable earth causes instability issues for your home, deck, or dock.
An easy, modern fix for lake home foundation issues is the installation of a helical pier. Helical piers are non-invasive, long steel screws that attach your home’s foundation to the stable soil beneath the shifty surface soil.
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Lakeside Moisture
Mold risks are prevalent in many areas of the country, but especially in warm areas with lakeside humidity. If you’ve decided on an old home near a lake, make sure to inspect the entire home for mold.
Mold is a respiratory health hazard and should never be taken lightly—especially if you have children at home. Homes that have been untreated after a flood, even just a basement flood, are often vulnerable.
other valuable tips:
For mold control and prevention, regularly check your home is free of any leaks. Keep the air inside your home dry and cool with proper ventilation. After a flood, clean and dry out your home as soon as it’s safe.
Before you begin big renovations, check for mold. If mold is present, you will need a professional to clean it out or you’ll risk health concerns.
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Image credit: common lake house challenges by Pixabay
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