Bracing and reinforcement may be appropriate, sometimes in combination with relocation or elevation of the structure. If the erosion is at a fairly constant rate, moving the house may add several years to its useful life. If the erosion is more unpredictable, moving the house is less advisable. The practicality of moving a house also depends on the availability of inshore sites and on the expense of moving, compared with simply building a new house on a site farther inland. Structures may be reinforced, extended, or relocated as an alternative to positive erosion control measures, or in addition to them.
Professional advice can help to clarify the choices to be made and the costs of the various options.
In some cases, the expense far outweighs the value of the expected benefits, and sale of the property may be the wisest choice. A property that no longer suits one owner's needs may be ideal for another whose interests or resources are different. Glossary of terms highlighted in the text above.