Nothing says summer quite like spending time at the cottage. It's your home away from home. A place to kick back, relax and enjoy the warm weather.
However, a lot of work and preparation must be completed before you can truly enjoy the benefits of owning a cottage. Be sure to check out our list of important tips and must-pack items below so that opening your cottage is a breeze.
Preparation is key
First things first – call to have your electricity turned on ahead of time. Doing this a few days in advance should make sure that you aren’t affected by any delays in accessing power upon your arrival. Of course, you’ll also need your keys, tool kit and cleaning supplies. After sitting dormant for the better half of the year, your cottage will likely require some fixing up.
Of course, you’ll also want to bring batteries, chargers, a cell phone booster, your emergency kit, food and extra water in case an unexpected issue arises.
Inspection and Detection
Once you’ve made it to your cottage, one of the first things you should do is an inspection of your property.
This should begin with a walk around your cottage’s exterior. Keep an eye out for frayed or downed power lines or fallen trees, as this could have an affect on your phone or internet communication. If you run into these issues, call your local phone or utility company so that they can address the issue promptly.
You’ll also want to take a look at the roof. The winter months up North can be harsh and cause significant harm to your cottage. Examples include sagging spots with weather damage, loose shingles and outdoor fixtures, cracks in your foundation, and damaged doors, windows and walls.
If your cottage is made of wood, you’ll want to check for signs of rotting wood or loose nails. This same applies to your deck, balcony and dock. Also, any loose stairs will need to be fixed sooner rather than later, especially if you plan on having company over.
Water
A task that is crucial to having an enjoyable time is accessing your water supply. Assuming you turned your water off before the winter, be sure to check your water intake system and replace the filters before turning it back on. Look for any loose connections in the pipes and replace any visibly corroded pieces.
You should then turn on your hot water tank and open one of your hot water faucets. Follow the flow of the water from your tank to the faucet and check for any leaks. If you’ve used any chemicals to help protect the lines, be sure to thoroughly flush the lines before drinking any water from the tap.
How to handle unwanted visitors
While the cottage is intended to be your special little spot, there’s always the chance that some of the local wildlife will want to call it home too. Make sure you inspect all areas that you may have overlooked for any signs of animal activity. If you find mouse droppings or other signs of intruders, clean the affected areas and examine any food you may have stored away. Your chimney, closets and cupboards make perfect hiding places for critters so check those for signs of damage as well.
In you encounter any pests, try and get them out as quickly as possible as they can cause major issues and transmit disease. While some people prefer to call animal control, you can also try out some methods of your own to get rid of them. These might include Tabasco sauce, high-frequency electronic repellents and snap traps for mice; loud noises and bright lights for raccoons and squirrels; and sealing off access for bats.
Keep in mind that raccoon kits and baby bats won’t venture out until they reach a certain age, so evicting your pests may take a little patience. However, if you think there is any danger of rabies or distemper, call animal control immediately.
The Appliances
Be sure to check for signs of corrosion or damaged wiring before using any appliance. You’ll also want to check all connections to ensure that they are securely fastened, especially if you have gas or propane appliances installed. Then inspect the bathroom and check for signs of problems with the sink, toilet and shower. It’s also a good idea to take a look at the caulking in these to determine if it is peeling or damaged and in need of replacing.
The finishing touches
Last but certainly not least, it’s time to get cleaning – both inside and outside.
Give a deep scrub to areas such as the kitchen and dining area and clean all storage areas. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or replace the entire unit if they have passed their expiry.
Clear your eaves troughs of leaves and litter and remove any broken branches lying around the yard. Thoroughly clean out the fire pit area before use as well, making sure you properly dispose of any materials that cannot organically decompose.
Whether you visit seasonally or spend the entire year there, protecting the valuable investment that is your cottage is a must. Fortunately, CAA Property Insurance offers comprehensive protection with added peace of mind. CAA Members also save 10% on CAA Home Insurance.
For more information or to purchase property insurance for your vacation home, please visit caaniagara.ca/cottage, contact an Agent, or call 1-877-222-1717.
1 Property Insurance is underwritten by CAA Insurance Company.
Ontario