Building by the river: what to prepare

A riverside home offers an atmosphere you can't find anywhere else, but it needs more thought than a typical house.

Floor level

Ask locals or the local authority about the highest recorded water level, and raise the ground floor above it.

Foundations and the riverbank

Soil by the water is usually softer. Have a soil test done before designing the foundations, and consider protecting the bank from erosion.

Materials

Choose moisture-resistant materials, such as composite decking by the water, and good waterproofing for ground-floor walls and floors.

See examples in our Waterfront Series.