Owning oceanfront real estate in Los Cabos is a dream for some that, although luxurious and romantic, requires a certain level of upkeep. In general, real estate in beachfront environments is exposed to high levels of humidity that can quickly wreak havoc on your home. Properties located in front of the ocean are exposed to a significantly higher amount of salt than other homes in coastal areas.
In order to maintain the value of your beachfront property, it’s important to be well-informed on the necessary maintenance steps. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to do each year when caring for a home or condo located in front of the ocean.
1. Regularly Check All Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Units
The high concentration of sea salt in the air attracts moisture to the metal components of an Air conditioning system. As Accumulation of moisture can cause premature corrosion and deterioration of the air conditioning systems components. Furthermore, the closer you live to the ocean, the greater the risk of salt damaging your AC unit.
It is important that you have filters in your AC system, they can do a great job of filtering out much of the salt and dust in the air before it reaches the at risk metal components. For this reason, we recommend that you have your AC filters cleaned or changed once a month and have a professional check and tune up your system once a year.
2. Check All Seals on Windows and Doors
Water Penetrating from heavy rains can result in deterioration of window sashes, framing, blinds, and, if severe, even exterior flooring. In order to prevent costly repairs in the future, it’s important to check all window and door seals as well as weatherstripping on a regular basis. We recommend that you do this twice a year, once every six months. If you find any issues in your window and door treatments, repair or replace them immediately to avoid leaks and more serious complications.
3. Keep a look Out for Mold
Mold loves humid conditions and coastal weather conditions. This constant exposure provides the perfect habitat for mold and it can grow just about anywhere: in your outdoor furniture and cushions, on a wet towel left on the floor, on the walls, and in the shower.
If caught early, mold can be prevented or properly treated. If left untreated, it can spread very quickly and through your entire home rapidly. The best way to protect your property from mold is to prevent mold growth altogether. There are Certain types of mold, like black mold, which are a serious health concern if not properly addressed. If you see mold or think you might have mold in your home, please contact a specialist immediately and take steps for proper removal.
4. Inspect for Termites Regularly
Termites can be a common nuisance that can also quickly affect your oceanfront property. Termites only need a small opening to gather themselves into your home and start causing damage. Both subterranean (underground) termites and the flying termites are prominent in Cabo San Lucas. We always recommend that you perform regular inspections and fumigate your home in order to avoid termite damage.
5. Pressure Wash Your Home
Many oceanfront properties are not protected by tall trees and get no shade. These properties can receive full sun and are affected by the ocean elements all day, sometimes leaving them looking weathered fairly quickly. Simple Pressure washing is an easy way to remove salt and dirt from your home while also removing any possible mildew growth. We recommend pressure washing the exterior of your home up to every 3 months to remove any salt and dirt buildup.
6. Keep Your Decks Sealed
Another important item that can get overlooked is a task that should be on your list of annual home maintenance checklist is sealing your deck. Sea salt air, tropical rain, high winds and prolonged exposure to the coastal sun can cause significant wear and tear on any deck. Even a small leak that goes unnoticed can cause issues. The best way to protect your decks is to reseal them each year.
7. Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can often be overlooked but tends to be the most affected in coastal homes since it’s always exposed to the elements. Always take care for your outdoor furniture, rinse any metal framing weekly with water and dry it with a dry cloth. Another good practice for maintaining your outdoor furniture protection is to always cover your outdoor furniture when it is not in use. This will help prevent any buildup of salt and dirt that may cause rusting or a buildup of some mildew. If you want to add a layer of protection to the metal framing, might we we suggest applying a coat of car polish or wax to help prevent rust.
8. Regular Inspections of the Exterior of Your Home
A great practice is to periodically inspect the exterior of your coastal home to look for any damaged siding, missing shingles, and anything else that might need the attention of a licensed contractor. Catching these type of issues early can save you a significant amount of time and money down the road due to mold, leaks, and rot.
9. Hire a Property Manager That Specializes in Coastal Property Maintenance
If you’re looking at real estate in Los Cabos to receive a return on investment, or as a vacation home and you’re not going to be living in your ocean front property year-round, you might want to consider hiring a responsible property manager. A preferred property manager regularly inspects your home to ensure that everything is functioning properly. He/she also handles any necessary repairs and/or upkeep in order to avoid any damage to your property.
10. Consult a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Cabo San Lucas
If you have questions about purchasing oceanfront real estate in Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas and how to maintain it, contact Own In Cabo Realtors. Our fully licensed real estate specialists are experts in oceanfront properties and will help you understand the joys of owning real estate in Cabo San Lucas and the steps necessary to retain the value of your oceanfront property.
To speak to a licensed real estate agent in Cabo San Lucas, contact us online or via our U.S. or Local numbers 1 (925) 963 9639 when calling from the US or Canada. But If you’re currently in Mexico, you can call us using our local Cabo phone number, 624 160 1502.
