8 Essential Tips for Coastal Construction in Connecticut
Building a beach house on the Connecticut shoreline or in Westerly, RI? Coastal properties offer beautiful views and outdoor living—but building on the coast comes with challenges that require careful planning and the right expertise.
At K.E. Braza Construction, we’re specialists in shoreline development, from seawall construction to foundation installation. These eight tips will help you navigate the unique building codes, site conditions, and design requirements that come with coastal construction.
1. Understand Coastal Building Codes in Connecticut
Building along the shoreline is governed by strict regulations, including the International Building Code (IBC) and ASCE 24-05 standards for flood-resistant construction. These codes ensure homes can withstand:
High winds and wave action
Flooding and storm surges
Soil erosion and shifting terrain
Key guidelines include:
ASCE 24-05: Requires flood-resistant foundation materials
IBC 1612.4: Regulates elevation in V zones (high-velocity wave areas)
IBC 1603.1.6: Requires detailed flood elevation data in design documents
Working with an experienced coastal builder like K.E. Braza ensures your home meets all local and federal code requirements.
Learn more about our foundation solutions for coastal homes.
2. Inland vs. Coastal Construction: What’s the Difference?
Inland homes rarely require elevation, deep piling, or hurricane ties. But on the shoreline, these are essentials.
Coastal homes must:
Be built on deep pile or helical foundations
Avoid traditional slabs, basements, or crawlspaces
Meet or exceed Base Flood Elevation (BFE) requirements
Be designed to resist lateral wave and wind forces
3. Elevation Is Key for Coastal Safety
Homes in flood zones must be elevated to reduce the risk of storm surge and wave damage. This is especially true in FEMA-designated floodplains, where elevation to or above the BFE is required.
Benefits of elevated homes:
Reduced flood insurance costs
Protection from erosion and rising tides
Increased structural resilience during extreme weather events
4. Know Your Height Restrictions
Shoreline towns like Madison, Old Saybrook, and Stonington may have height caps ranging from 28 to 50 feet. These restrictions protect the community's character and sunlight access.
Before finalizing your design, consult your local zoning office—and your builder—to ensure compliance.
5. Why Hiring an Experienced Coastal Contractor Matters
Coastal construction isn’t something just any contractor can handle. K.E. Braza Construction has decades of experience working in shoreline environments and flood zones.
We help you:
Pull accurate flood maps
Test and analyze soil stability
Choose the right foundation system
Navigate permitting and zoning hurdles
6. Identify Your Property’s Flood Zone
Understanding your flood risk is critical to proper design and planning. FEMA classifies flood risk zones into:
Low/Moderate Risk: Zones B, C, X
High Risk (Inland): Zones A, AE, AH
High Risk (Coastal): Zones V, VE
Undetermined Risk: Zone D
Once we identify your flood zone, we can design a foundation that meets elevation and performance requirements.
7. Choosing the Right Foundation for a Beach House
We offer several foundation types for shoreline homes, including:
Driven piles (ideal for most coastal properties)
Micropiles (for deep, narrow spaces or poor soil)
Screw piles (quick to install, excellent in sand)
Bored piles (when vibration must be minimized)
The right choice depends on soil conditions, flood zone, and structure type. We’ll guide you through the best option for your home or project.
Browse our foundation installation services for more details.
8. Don’t Forget About Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor areas are a vital part of life by the water. Whether it’s a dock, pier, raised patio, or a well-anchored gazebo, we can design and install the right concrete or pile-supported foundation for these elements.
We also offer:
Seawall repair for flood protection
Build Smarter on the Shoreline with K.E. Braza Construction
From Old Lyme to Westerly, RI, we’re the shoreline construction specialists trusted by homeowners and developers for over 25 years. Whether you're starting a new build or repairing an existing home, we’re here to help with every step—from foundation installation to seawall protection.
Let’s talk about your coastal project. Contact us today for a consultation and site evaluation.