Thinking of living in a waterfront home? Here are a few important things to know.
Maryland waterfront properties are abundant along the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, but they do come with challenges and regulations you won’t find with a regular, mainland home. Before you go ahead with building or buying Maryland waterfront property, one should be aware of a few things.
What Is a Waterfront Property?
A waterfront property goes along with the terms “water access” and “water view.” However, they should not be confused. A waterfront house sits directly on the shore, while a water view home only has a view to it. Some homes, whether they be waterfront or water view, can have water access.
Does It Have Riparian Rights?
Maryland waterfront property may have riparian or non-riparian rights. That is, the homeowner may have property extending to the water, or it might not. If the land comes with riparian rights, the owner can build a dock in the water and keep a boat there. Otherwise, the beach belongs to an association or the county and is communal.
What Is The Mean Low Water Level?
The mean low water level, or MLW, is the average water depth at low tide. This information is crucial if you plan on docking a boat there, since your vessel will need to have a minimum MLW in which to float. Small to medium-sized boats will need a depth of about 3-4 feet.
Is It a Critical Area?
Maryland waterfronts also have critical area regulations for all areas 1000 feet inward that receive the Chesapeake Bay’s tidal effects. These regulations are an effort to preserve the health and wildlife of the Bay and prevent erosion. If your property falls within the Critical Area Buffer, you will need to inquire about the regulation details for developing the land.
Do You Need Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance is mandatory for those living in a flooding zone, but are not required for waterfront homes outside that zone. Whether you need to pay for this or not can determine how affordable the home is for you.
What Does Home Maintenance Entail?
Lastly, taking care of a waterfront home may look different than for an inland house. You’ll have to consider the costs and actions for storm-proofing, humidity control, rust prevention, and leak repair.
BUILD YOUR WATERFRONT DREAM HOME WITH SHORE-LINE CONSTRUCTION!
At Shore-Line Construction, we know that your home is a reflection of you. That’s why we strive to make each home we build as beautiful as the family who will live there. We work with each of our clients to design a home that fits their needs. The end result is a durable, energy-efficient custom home that the family will enjoy for generations to come. Shore-Line Construction has been serving our customers for over 25 years, and we look forward to the opportunity to help you!
If you’re interested in learning more about what Shore-Line Construction can do for you, check out our website or give us a call at 410-574-6623. Keep up with all of the latest news by following our blog and social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Houzz!
