News

The time has come to start making summer plans. For cottage owners, those plans include spending as much time on the dock making memories. The key to enjoying lazy summer days at the cottage is a productive opening weekend to fashion dormant, sleepy cottages back into summer dwellings for fun and relaxation.

Avoid Finding Yourself Without Necessities

There are so many things that need to happen to get a cottage ready for the season. Before you go, make a list of all the things you need to bring and projects you intend to do tackle. This will help you to stay organized and not miss or forget anything important!

Two weeks prior to your first trip of the season, contact utility providers to reinstate paused services like hydro, water, gas and internet. This is an ideal time to review and update insurance policies, if needed.

Even if you stored supplies from the previous season, packing additional necessities will keep the opening moving along according to plan. Unknown property damage may have compromised materials or supplies you intended on using.

Check & Inspect

Once you’ve arrived, inspecting the interior and exterior of your property should be the priority before all else. Look for property damage and any hazards that may have come about during the winter season. Survey the exterior of your property for and inspect the condition of things such as:

• Downed power lines or trees
• Missing or damaged shingles
• Sagging areas in the roof
• Under the building and/or the foundation
• Pest and/or rodent habitations
• Shifting ground or slopes for properties on uneven ground, rocky areas, hills, or waterfront
• Gutters/eavestroughs – blocked or damaged
• Windows, window screens, window wells
• Decks
• Docks

When surveying the interior of your property, check and inspect:

• Pest infestations
• Weather and/or water damage
• Mould
• Leaking or burst pipes
• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors batteries
• Replace HVAC filters
• Proper working order of services such as: water, hydro, gas and septic

If you find or detect any property damage at your cottage, rely on WINMAR® to restore your cottage for a season of family memories. Our skilled and experienced teams have the expertise to ensure your property is restored to pre-loss condition as soon as possible. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your time at the cottage.