Summer houses are traditionally made for relaxing during the warmer months but can be used all year round. Summer houses can be used as a space to escape, get lost in a good book, enjoy a meal, or do some work on your laptop. They can also be great for renting out and earning a profit.
There are about 600,000 vacation rental houses in Sweden alone. The European vacation property market is the most lucrative one, with multiple top-notch tourism agencies like TUI Group. However, other regions, like the US and Asia, are also catching up with Europe in terms of summer house offerings. If you look at villas for sale in Dubai, you will find various choices.
In this article, you will learn about the chief things you need to pay attention to when buying and maintaining a summer house.
Buying a Summer House
Combining a beautiful exterior with practical living space, the right summer house will last for decades. Here are the essential steps you need to take when choosing the best summer house.
Choose the Right Size
If you are thinking about investing in a summer house, there is a wide range of choices, from compact to more expansive options. Your final decision should be based on how much you can afford to spend and what you intend to utilize the seasonal home for. Decide on what furniture you will need like a bistro set, a full dining set, and a sofa.
Understand Treatment
There are two main methods for treating wood to prevent deterioration: dipping and pressure impregnation. With the dipping approach, timber is submerged in a protective solution that coats the outer surface. It helps guard against rot and fungus for a limited time, typically around 10 years if reapplied annually.
The pressure method, on the other hand, uses compressed air to force preservatives deep into the wood fibers. It results in more comprehensive and long-lasting protection. For example, a pressure-treated summer house could come with a 25-year guarantee against decay.
Choose the Cladding
Consider the way the house was built. The most basic and budget-friendly method for building a summer house is overlap cladding. The boards are fixed to the frame of the summer house in an overlapping pattern, which lets the wood naturally shrink and swell with the seasons.
Another option is to use interlocking boards with flat fronts to achieve a more contemporary appearance. These boards fit together tightly, just like shiplap boards, but have a smooth surface rather than an overlapping one. While more stylish, this approach is typically more expensive than using basic overlapping boards.
Roof and Floor Information
Floors and roofs made from solid wood planks, like tongue and groove boards, provide superior thermal insulation and structural strength. As with the exterior wall siding, thicker lumber is better. The roof design is up to personal taste.
Two common roof types are a-frame and shed roofs. A traditional A-frame roof has a high central ridge that spans from one gable end to the other. It allows for more head clearance in the middle. A shed roof slopes from front to back without a central peak.
Choose Layout and Style
Summer houses come in a wide variety of styles, including traditional and contemporary, as well as more specific designs. Corner summer houses, those with statement overhanging roofs, summer houses with verandas, and ones with integral side sheds are just some of the styles available.
Maintaining Your Summer House
After summer, it’s the ideal moment to consider the necessary upkeep for all structures made of wood, and summer houses are no exception.
Regular Treatment
When it rains, the wood of the summer house often soaks up the water, which can lead to issues like mildew and mold forming inside. To prevent this problem, take preventative measures early on.
Consider applying some kind of wood treatment, like oil, to help protect the wood. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the product and ensure it’s evenly distributed. It’s also a good idea to choose pressure-treated wood when looking at a house, as this helps repel water for longer.
Roof Maintenance
You should inspect the roof of your summer house at least once a year to ensure no damage needs to be repaired. Here are some important signs to look out for:
- tears and splits
- damaged wood
- fallen debris
If you notice any of these, repair them as soon as possible.
To Sum Up
A summer house is a great getaway option. You can use it to enjoy the outdoors, for storage, or for entertainment. If you’re considering buying a summer house, ensure you take into account all of these factors before making your final decision.
