Two Things You Need to Know About Building a Beach House

Betsy Cribb
Updated

When you're building your first-ever Showhouse in the Hamptons, you have to call in the big guns, so we turned to Anthony Balducci and Dave Bennett of Hamptons-based Touch of Grey, Inc.

With 25 years of building homes in the Hamptons, Long Island, and New York City, between them, the pair specializes in renovations and new construction, and we can't wait to see how they bring the Showhouse plans to life!

The builders behind our Hamptons Showhouse: Anthony Balducci (left) and Dave Bennett
The builders behind our Hamptons Showhouse: Anthony Balducci (left) and Dave Bennett

We picked Anthony's brain about construction progress, the Showhouse's killer location, and the two things you need to know when you're building at the beach. How's the Showhouse coming along? Construction is going great…we have been so lucky to have such a mild winter during this project. Right now, we are finishing up the exterior shingles and are roughing in all of the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems inside.

What are the strengths of the lot that the Showhouse is on? The house is located centrally between Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor, two great villages here on the East End. The topography of the property has the house elevated well above the street, which gives such a great impression as you approach, and it is incredibly private in the back yard, as it backs up to a 35-acre preserve.

What does a home need to have to withstand life on the coast? 1. Exterior finish selections are critical. Using siding and trim products that have proven to withstand the harsh elements, such as Azek trim, helps to keep the maintenance issues down that we often run into when we're living by the water.

2. Don't skimp on quality insulation and windows. These are especially important during storms and high winds.

Thanks, Anthony!

P.S. Remember that big news we mentioned two weeks ago? Starting on February 8 (that's next week!), you'll have a chance to vote on what products you want designer and decorating columnist Meg Braff to use in this year's Showhouse! Head to our website on February 8 to start voting.

We’re excited to share this Showhouse with you. Come back to the blog in the coming weeks for more construction updates and insider Showhouse scoop.