This is every seasonal cottager's favourite time of year! It is time to open up the cottage which means summer is just around the corner! To maximize your summer enjoyment now is the time to make sure everything is in working order and if any problems arise you can address them early. Get your home away from home ready with this cottage opening checklist!
 
Prior To Opening Up
 
If you do not have any friends or family members in the area we would recommend visiting your property before you formally open up. This is a chance to see how the grounds are after the winter and if any trees have fallen down. This is also a great time to see if there are any shingles missing from your roof or if any windows need to be repaired. It’s better to do it now instead of in the summer.
 
Prior To Going Up

1. Call your utility provider to turn on your services such as hydro, gas, internet, and cable.
2. Call your insurance provider and make sure your insurance is up-to-date for your cottage, boat, ATV, or any other vehicle you use.  
3. Consider booking a fireplace inspection or clean if the weather suggests you might need to use it. You may also want to consider having your septic system or outhouse cleaned and pumped before you arrive.

• Cleaning supplies
• Tools
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Food
• Water
• Bug spray
• Toiletries
• Towels
• Bedding

1. Inspect Your Cottage Exterior: If you were unable to come up before, this is the time to look around for anything out of place or damaged. If you were able to come up, just do a quick sweep looking for any new problems.
2. Inspect Your Cottage Interior: Before starting your opening routine, walk around the cottage looking for any problem areas. Move any outdoor furniture you moved inside outside and start organizing your stuff. Now you can start your checklist.

•  Open the doors and windows to let fresh air in and reduce moisture.
• Close the fridge and freezer doors. Turn on your power at the switch panel.
• Close all the taps inside and outside.  Reconnect any water sources that were disconnected.  Switch on power to the water pump and insure there is water pressure and the tank is filling.  Open the water tank and ensure there are no leaks from winter damage. 
• Once the water is running and the hot water tank has filled, turn on the power to the hot water tank.  You’ll need a hot shower after opening day.
• Check mouse traps. Look in cupboards and closets for any other rodents or insects.
• Check for cracks or water damage on the walls and ceiling.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Make the beds and organize your living space.
• Stock the cupboards and the fridge.

3. Clean Up Outside: Take the next few days to rake leaves, clean up fallen branches, and prune trees and bushes. If you notice any trees growing close to power lines or your cottage cut them back. You may also want to get the power washer out to clean off the deck, porch, and pathways.
4. Get The Garden Ready: Depending on when you go to the cottage it might be too soon to start planting but you can definitely get your gardens ready. Remove weeds, turn the soil and add new fertilizer.
5. Reattach The Dock: Finally, you can reattach the dock and launch your boats. Summer is right around the corner and now you’re ready!

We hope you are as excited as we are for summer 2021. If you need any more tips on how to get your cottage ready, experts to call who can help or if you are looking to buy or sell a recreational property please get in touch with us. We are always ready to help.

At Knowledge Broker, our goal is to create an open-source of information for all our clients. At the end of the day, they get exactly what they want and what they need. If you know someone who could use our help or services please put them in touch with us or send us their details using the contact information below.
  

JOSHUA CAMPBELL (@knowledgebrkr)
Real Estate Broker
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre, Brokerage
joshua@knowledgebroker.ca
249 Avenue Road • Newmarket, ON L3Y 1N8
289.210.6007