Before delving into the process of acquiring a modern house, your special corner of paradise nestled among trees and mountain wilderness, there are a few things you should know about such places. Living in the mountains can be peaceful and magical, but unexpected problems and difficulties have not been canceled for their inhabitants.
We hope, dear readers of this blog, that our article will give you something to think about, will tell you about both the positive and negative prospects of mountain living, and will allow you to make the right decision before you get too fascinated by the natural beauty that will surround you.
Mountain life might be quite peaceful
One can argue that there can be nothing as peaceful as life in the mountains, alone, only in the company of nature: amazing landscapes, unique high-mountain healing plants, and shy animals wherever you turn your gaze. Living in the mountains can be quite comfortable, but if you do not equip yourself with the necessary elements of life, difficulties cannot be avoided.
The mountains beckon with their challenging hiking trails, ski trails, and other types of hiking routes. Summer in the highlands is no less attractive. Those who have a hut in the mountains can agree this lifestyle is much healthier. But, like living by the sea or ocean, mountains are not for everyone.
Life in such a place often means limited access to highways and major communications. It may take you 20-30 minutes to reach the main road. During a morning or evening walk, it is better to calculate a couple of times how much time it will take to get to the desired destination.
Traveling to get groceries, medicine, and other household items of daily life that we take for granted will definitely take you longer. And if you forget any of the stuff you wanted to buy, like milk, for example, then it can become more than just a nuisance.
You must be very responsible in your everyday affairs, in relatively rare trips to the center, shopping malls, and pharmacies. Despite a picturesque place for a home, during storms and bad weather, the situation can change dramatically, roads can become impassable and natural accidents can happen all around your home. It cannot be ruled out that because of this, you will be forced to sit at home for several days, so you need to be prepared for such a turn of events.
Moreover, only people of certain professions are suitable for living in the mountains. Writers, for example, can carry out their work remotely. Lawyers, doctors, and other professionals, whose work implies being at their workplace every day, unfortunately, can only afford a vacation in the mountains.
Lack of power supply
The electricity supply in the mountains is often interrupted, that’s why you should always have an additional lighting system for your homes, such as generators, batteries, or candles. Be sure to have an adequate supply of water and an extra propane tank for cooking. The extra generator should be kept in reserve since power outages can last up to 5 days.
Increased preparedness and organization are essential. An additional source of energy can restore communication with the outside world, and power the refrigerator, cable, Internet, and telephone lines, while propane cylinders can be used for stoves, to prepare food, and to get the water hot.
Communication breaks
The quality of communication in the mountains is poor, so you’d need to figure out in advance where and how to get help in case of an emergency. Oftentimes, generators can assist the power supply cable if the lines have not been damaged.
Land issues
Falling trees and mudslides are quite common in such areas, which jeopardize the safety of your mountain-view home. Living there can also mean darkness for extended periods of the year, unless you live, of course, in an area that has been cleared of trees or is simply located in an open space.
Due to the lack of direct sunlight and insufficient air circulation, mold can develop, causing problems, therefore proper drainage must be installed. Mudflows often occur, so consider how close your home is to the slope. But this is not a severe problem. French drains can be installed to direct water away from the property.
Another piece of advice is to walk through the area on weekends or early in the evening to get an idea of the neighborhood. Get to know the locals, and your neighbors, as they can be an invaluable source of information and an answer to all your questions.
You should also visit a local real estate agent who specializes in decorating vacation homes and is familiar with mining regulations, building license requirements, and benefits, contaminated systems, wells, roads, and infrastructures.
What modifications, purchases, and additions will you need to make?
First of all, you will need to furnish your home according to your tastes. This will imply buying a lot of furniture items, which means spending a lot of money. Or not. If you approach this matter smartly, you might find ways to get your place beautifully and cheaply furnished. How? NY Furniture Outlets is the place where you’ll find stylish, good-quality items at the best prices!
Moreover, it is important to determine how close you are to a natural water source. If it turns out that you are quite far away, it will be difficult and expensive to drill a new well due to the mining that would be required. If your home is in an area that doesn’t get enough sunlight, it’s worth considering additional lighting.
In addition, you may be responsible for clearing your exit after a snowstorm. Some roads will be handled by municipal officials, but not all of them for sure. A snowmobile is the best investment solution and will definitely come in handy in mountainous areas. Try to get smart home items in advance.
Review all land ordinances. Many houses are located in areas that do not allow the use of certain mineral resources and restrict building permits on this land.
Be prepared for contingencies
If your home is near a river, you could be hit by flooding, while arid areas may require you to store extra water in cisterns, especially during a drought. Deadwood can also lead to forest fires.
While living in the mountains, you should always be prepared for a mandatory evacuation. In some areas, fighting fire is more difficult than in others. You need to clear the area and create a fire space. Be sure to locate and contact your local fire department.
We would never advise you to start cutting down plantings, especially ornamental trees, and shrubs, but for the safety of yourself and your family, you can clear the area around your house of plantings. Along with the fire department, it will be easier to get the wood out of here.
Mountain living can be expensive
In conditions of mountain living, the size of insurance payments is usually higher than in coastal areas. You will need to take out additional fire or flood insurance. It is best to speak with professionals ahead of time to make sure you are protecting your home and your investment as well as possible.
If you live in a resort area, then, most likely, you will pay more for it. But you will have more amenities than if you lived in a more secluded area with only access to small, local shops and medical care.
Mountain living has many benefits and perks, but it also has its complexities that can arise out of the blue. We hope this article will help you foresee everything, create a smart home (the project of which should be entrusted to professionals), and be ready for everything emotionally, physically, and financially.
You made a good point when you said I should check the quality of communication in the mountain home I plan to buy. In my opinion, it’s a safety and security hazard to buy a maintain-view property that has no cell signal. If I ever purchase one in the future, I’ll definitely make sure it has a cellphone and internet signal. Thanks.