Renovation approaches we recommend

McCrae - Coastal homes, roof resilience & outdoor living

Quiet coastal village, ideal for swimming.

Why McCrae?

McCrae is a quiet coastal village on the the Mornington Peninsula, nestled between Dromana and Rosebud, and framed by the base of Arthurs Seat.

It’s known for its long white‑sandy beach stretching from Anthony’s Nose to Rosebud, safe shallow waters for swimming, and scenic foreshore trails. The McCrae Lighthouse is a local landmark (no longer operational) and a piece of maritime history.

As coastal exposure intensifies, McCrae’s homes face salt spray, wind, and moisture challenges. Properties here range from modest beach houses to premium cliff‑edge homes with sweeping bay views. That mix makes it essential to design renovations and roof systems that suit coastal durability and the lifestyle of indoor‑outdoor living.

What we can build here

In McCrae, the services that deliver most impact are:

• renovations — updating homes to suit coastal and lifestyle needs, including weatherproofing, interior refresh, layout changes, and durability upgrades
• roofing-and-exteriors — resilient roof systems, gutters and facades designed for salt, wind and rain protection
• outdoor-kitchens — integrating alfresco cooking, entertaining areas, weather‑resistant materials and flow between indoors and outdoors

We tailor every project to McCrae’s climate context — for example, using corrosion‑resistant fixtures, roof designs that shed near‑shore wind loads, and materials tested for UV, salt and humidity.

Local considerations

• Coastal exposure & corrosion: Metal elements (fasteners, flashings, brackets) degrade faster under salt air. Use marine‑grade or corrosion‑resistant materials.
• Wind & storm load: Roofing and structural designs must account for elevated wind pressures being close to the bay.
• Slope & site stability: Some McCrae properties are atop cliffs or steep terrain. Recent years have seen active landslides and ground instability in cliff zones.
• Overlay zones & planning controls: Coastal and bushfire overlays (depending on lot orientation) may apply; site access for machinery might be restricted.
• Drainage & groundwater: Subsurface water flow can undermine foundations; proper drainage design is essential—especially on sloping lots.
• Heritage (local character): While McCrae is not dominated by strict heritage overlays, many homes reflect beach cottage aesthetics and materials; a sensitive approach to design helps maintain local context.

Community & lifestyle

McCrae is part of the Shire of Mornington Peninsula, about 75 km southeast of Melbourne. The population is around 3,300 people with many dwellings being owner‑occupied, often by couples or empty‑nesters.

Local amenities include small cafés, a supermarket, foreshore parks, and walking/cycling links via the Bay Trail that follow the coastline.

Families and retirees alike appreciate the peaceful, seaside lifestyle, with easy access to neighbouring Rosebud and Dromana services.

Projects that work well in McCrae

Here are project angles that particularly resonate in McCrae:

• Converting an under‑utilised alfresco area into a fully featured outdoor kitchen with weatherproof cabinetry and retractable covers
• Replacing an older roof with a modern standing seam or Colorbond design that resists corrosion and handles high wind
• Remediating and stabilising a coastal slope / foundation zone before a rear addition
• Upgrading home surrounds (decks, external walls) using durable, low‑maintenance coastal materials
• Integrating solar shading, louvered pergolas or smart blinds to manage glare while preserving bay views

FAQs

1. How long does a typical renovation in McCrae take?
Depends on scale: a small interior refresh might take 4–8 weeks; a full house renovation or extension can run 4–9 months including approvals and trades scheduling.

2. What’s a realistic budget for coastal home renovations here?
Expect premiums of 10–20 % more than inland projects to account for higher quality, corrosion‑resistant materials, specialised waterproofing, and structural resilience.

3. Do I need planning approval?
Yes, for structural changes, new roofs, additions, or exterior works. You’ll likely deal with local council overlays (coastal, bushfire, etc.). Some small internal works may be exempt — always check before starting.

4. Can I live on site during works?
Often yes for internal work, but for major structural or roofing jobs you may need to vacate or isolate zones due to safety, dust, and noise.

5. Are energy or sustainability upgrades feasible?
Absolutely — solar PVs, battery storage, high R‑value insulation, double glazing, and passive shading all integrate well into renovations and new builds.

6. What about heritage or character controls?
McCrae does not have strong heritage protections overall, but many homes reflect coastal cottage character. Design that complements local style is usually more favourably received.

7. What’s the storm / landslide risk?
Recent landslides and ground velocity events have occurred along McCrae’s cliffs, including a house collapsing in early 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} When building near cliff edges or slopes, geotechnical assessment and strict structural design are essential.

8. How long do approvals take?
Planning permits or building permits can take 4–12 weeks depending on complexity, council queue, and geotechnical findings.

9. How do I maintain outdoor kitchens or exteriors near the sea?
Rinse regularly (fresh water), recoat protective finishes on metal/wood every few years, use stainless or marine-grade fasteners, and ensure drainage systems work properly.

CTA

If you’re in McCrae or nearby and thinking about a renovation, roof upgrade or outdoor kitchen, TimberTegrity would love to help you bring your design to life.
Reach out via our contact page and we’ll walk through your site together.

TimberTegrity supports coastal homes from Sorrento to Hastings — see our renovations, roofing & exteriors, and outdoor kitchens pages for deep dives into how we build for salt, wind and view.