3 Tips for Opening Your Cottage this Season

If you have a vacation property, then you know cottage season is upon us! With that comes the responsibility of opening up for the season. Before you can enjoy the sunshine, make sure to knock these tasks off your checklist so you can take advantage of your summer sooner rather than later. Here are some tips to get your cottage ready:

1. Perform an outdoor inspection. When you first arrive, make sure to inspect the perimeter and entire exterior of the cottage. What you are looking for here is any weather damage from the previous winter. Be sure to check the roof for loose shingles, the foundation for cracks, and all windows. Also inspect any wood around the property—for example, a deck or a dock— as over the winter they may have been damaged, especially any wooden items that were left in the lake.
2. Check on your water system and appliances. Since you would have most likely turned off your water for the winter, it is important to check your system before turning it back on. Some simple steps to do so are changing your filters and checking your pipes for any damage. Additionally, when checking appliances, be sure to look at the connection to the gas or propane and any signs of corrosion. Other appliances that should be examined are your showers, sinks and toilets to ensure that they have no problems running and there is no sign of rusting or water damage.
3. Do a thorough cleaning. Once all areas of potential damage have been inspected, the next task is to thoroughly clean all surfaces, as over the winter months your cottage can accumulate a lot of dust and grime. This includes floors, counter tops, bathrooms, and furniture—be sure to wipe down every nook and cranny!

Opening your cottage can seem like a daunting task; however, if you arrive prepared and with a few helping hands you can get this done in no time! Enjoy your summer whatever you are doing. It promises to be a wonderful one!