One of the significant perks of living in Florida is our water culture – boating, swimming, and fishing are a way of life. While some are content to live close to these activities, many people dream of living in a waterfront home, complete with a dock and access. It is important to understand the nuances of building this type of custom property, which has some unique requirements. Whether on the Gulf, along the river, or on the banks of a lake, partnering with the right professionals is the key to your success.

Here are some of the details you need to be aware of:

Understand the Local Laws About Your Specific Lot: Building a custom home on a waterfront property typically involves more rules and regulations than a standard lot. Your architects and builders will have to possess a strong knowledge of the local ordinances as to what type of home you are allowed to build, any rules regarding outbuildings, docks, or guest residences, and laws regarding elevation to protect against flooding. Sarasota has codes that require new homes to be built to proactively avoid flooding, whether by raising the elevation of the lot, raising the home, or designing water pass-through features. Homeowners could find themselves facing fines or worse if they build something not allowed by local zoning law.
Research Property Characteristics: Before beginning a build, inspections of the soil, stability, flood plains, and geotechnical aspects must be conducted in order to obtain a permit. A preliminary inspection will provide a report that ensures the land can sustain and support the home you wish to build. During this stage, a building department official will also provide you with a high-water mark, which identifies the closest point that you can build to the water.
Alterations to the Property: Imagine you bought your dream waterfront lot, assuming you could take down a few trees for a better view. However, some trees are protected by law, and cannot be removed, which could necessitate a change to the home design. Be sure to check if everything you want to build on the lot – from a dock to a swimming pool to a six-foot privacy fence – is allowed both by the town and the HOA, if applicable.
Personalize the View: Most people buy a waterfront home or lot because of the views of the water, meaning that you may want to hold off on solidifying your dream house plans until you’ve seen the lot. A professional architect is invaluable at these times. They can help you design the home to optimize and maximize the lot and the views while also taking into consideration sun exposure, trees, and more. For instance, you may have both a walkout patio and a third-floor balcony; you may need a shady area of the lanai for afternoon sun or room for your infinity pool. Think about which rooms you want to have expansive water views. Those rooms should be up higher in order to enjoy a sweeping vista. For some, this may mean the living room enjoys sunset views – for others, the bedroom balcony may take the prime location.

Designing Your Dream Waterfront Home

If you’re ready to build your dream waterfront home in the Sarasota area, call the professional team at JTL Architects. We will make sure that your most important design details are incorporated into the plans while accommodating zoning laws and flood concerns.

There is nothing like living waterfront in Sarasota – call today to learn more about building your custom luxury home.