Coastal Living Done Right: Custom Home Considerations Near the Water

April 24, 2025

Coastal Living Done Right: Custom Home Considerations Near the Water

There’s something magical about coastal living—fresh salt air, breathtaking sunsets, and the peaceful rhythm of the tides. For homeowners building near the water in places like Cape Charles; Virginia Beach; and Moyock, North Carolina, the dream is clear. But when it comes to custom coastal construction, there are a few extra considerations that can make or break that dream.


At K.M. Cash Construction, we specialize in crafting high-quality, custom homes that are built to thrive in coastal environments. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about building your dream home near the water.

1. Build for Beauty and for the Elements

A coastal home isn’t just about views – it has to be resilient! Salt air, wind, moisture, and even hurricanes can put a strain on materials and construction quality. We help homeowners choose:



  • Durable, low-maintenance siding like fiber cement or engineered wood
  • Impact-rated windows and doors
  • Elevated foundations to protect against flooding
  • Metal or composite roofing that stands up to high winds


These features don’t just protect your investment, they enhance your home’s longevity and energy performance.

Light grey beach house Virginia Beach, Virginia

2. Understand Local Regulations & Lot Considerations

Waterfront lots come with unique zoning, permitting, and environmental rules. From setbacks to FEMA flood zones, we guide clients through  every requirement, ensuring your dream home meets:

  • Local building codes
  • Shoreline conservation regulations
  • Floodplain elevation guidelines
We’ve worked extensively throughout Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks region, so you can trust us to handle the red tape while you focus on the fun part, design.

3. Embrace the View with Thoughtful Design

One of the best parts of building a coastal custom home? Designing around the view. We use 3D modeling to show you exactly how sunlight, scenery, and layout come together before construction begins.


Some popular design features for coastal homes include:


  • Open-concept living areas with wall-to-wall windows
  • Wraparound porches and elevated decks
  • Outdoor kitchens and showers
  • Panoramic master suites


Our design process puts the lifestyle you envision front and center.

Serene primary suite with wall to wall windows Chesapeake Bay Virginia

4. Blend Style with Coastal Function

Beach homes today aren’t all driftwood and seashells, they’re a smart mix of casual comfort and architectural sophistication. Some of the current coastal custom trends include:


  • Light wood floors and natural textures
  • Indoor-outdoor living areas
  • Coastal color palettes with white, sand, navy, and seafoam accents
  • Moisture-resistant finishes and easy-clean surfaces


Whether you’re going for modern beachy, nautical-chic, or classic coastal cottage, we’ll help you make it happen, down to the last shiplap detail.

Wood sliding doors opening to deck in Virginia Beach VA

5. Your Partner in Coastal Construction

At K.M. Cash Construction, we bring over 25 years of experience to every home we build. Our team is known for clear communication, high-quality craftsmanship, and transparency from concept to completion. We’ve proudly served homeowners across Virginia Beach; Cape Charles; Chesapeake; Moyock, North Carolina; and surrounding coastal communities.


Let us help you build a home that reflects your lifestyle and stands strong against the coastal elements for years to come.

Let’s Build Your Waterfront Dream Home

Whether you already own land or are just starting to explore coastal living, we’d love to hear your vision. Our team is ready to walk you through every step of the custom home process.


Phone: (757) 278-4036

Email: info@kmcashconstruction.com

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