Housing in Southern California appears to be an economic leader amid the pandemic. Builders have seen sales rebound as house hunters, armed with cheap mortgages, seek bigger living spaces. Venice has become quite popular with owners buying lots with outdated properties, executing demolition, and designing homes unique to their needs. Many buyers are looking for the right Venice property and buying the lifestyle that accompanies it.
Why the Housing Market in Venice Thrives
Venice has long attracted sunshine and ocean lovers to the region. Whether it’s the relaxed vibe, unique people, surf spots, charming atmosphere, its draw has become a brand. A perfect day might consist of grabbing a delicious latte at Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney Blvd., enjoying a tasty burger with a view at Hinano Cafe near the Venice pier, and watching the sunset with a delightful cocktail at Great White on Pacific Ave. With popularity comes high demand, scarce availability, and competitive buying; Venice has become one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Pre-pandemic, Venice Beach receives around a million visitors a year. Many investors have tapped into the rental market, capitalizing using VRBO and Airbnb, driving prices up. “Venice is a great place to build and developers to invest,” says Venice resident and real estate agent Laurie Woolner. Venice resident Judy Goldman notes, “It’s the most diverse coastal community in the United States.”
Construction-Related Issues in Older Homes
It’s essential to remember that sometimes in older homes–particularly in a beach-town environment–there may be issues to budget for. If a home wasn’t well-maintained, the owner might have put off calling a plumber due to a number of reasons. If you suspect that there are plumbing issues, like the toilets don’t flush well, the sinks don’t drain properly, or the water pressure is low, you’ll want to ask a reputable plumber to inspect the property as soon as possible.
Everyone loves a vintage property with a story, but dated pipes and infrastructure can be a nightmare if not maintained and updated. Corrosion can be an issue, as the ocean air is filled with salt and moisture. Metal pipes, particularly copper, are vulnerable due to saltwater. Washing sand off in the shower can result in a buildup. Saltwater drys out you and even your dog’s hair, making more of it fall out in the shower and create clogs.
There are simple solutions for some of these issues, but left untreated can cause costly repairs.
Venice is known for its majestic trees, but those large roots can wreak havoc on your pipes. The Los Angeles Times reminds homeowners that older sewer lines are a rich source of water and nutrients for growing trees. Small earthquakes and settlements over time can affect drainage flow. Older pipes were made from materials that can develop rust, fungus, and other unhealthy contaminants. Professionals come equipped with technology to get to the underlying issue and advise you on the right solutions.
The Venice Homeowner’s Plumbing Checklist
Take note of the property’s visible problems like leaky faucets, slow drains, odors, noisy pipes, running toilets, water bill spikes, and low water pressure. Discoloration, structure stains, bubbling paint, and warped floors can be signs of severe damage that have already occurred. Many plumbing problems go unseen, but over time can cause worse damage and hefty repairs if not addressed.
It can be overwhelming for a homeowner to know who to turn to when needing the right plumbing assistance. A few key points to keep in mind are making sure they’re a licensed professional, research their website and reviews, check they are insured and make sure to get estimates before work’s started. Look for local companies with years of experience, such as Restore My Pipes, that use innovative technology, specialize in expert service and repairs, and realize preventative maintenance can be very cost-effective before small issues turn into emergencies.
How Worried Should You Be?
Venice will always be known as a hotspot and a beautiful place to live. The 2021 UCLA Anderson Forecast, states “In spite of the recession, the continued demand for a limited housing stock coupled with low-interest rates leads to a forecast of a relatively rapid return of homebuilding.”
Over the next few years, the Venice housing and construction market’s predicted to stabilize and see continual growth as the economy recovers.
In other words: Be aware of what you’re getting into, but don’t worry too much. Whatever type of residence you desire, make sure to do your homework when it comes to your plumbing. By taking charge of your home’s plumbing health, with the right tools, you can ensure your investment will last, and your home sweet home remains just that.
