Spring
has arrived and the ritual of opening the cottage is
the true sign that a new cottage season is upon us.
Every year cottages are weathered and need some fixing
up due to the damage caused by the winter.
Although
no two cottages are the same and some winters may
take a larger toll on the condition of the cottage,
there are many tiny things to check when opening
the cottage.
Gutters:
Clean out gutters, fix any that are sloping or
loose.
Roof:
Is the roof sagging or ridged from a heavy snowfall?
Are there any missing shingles or loose metal?
Doors:
Exterior doors may need painting or tightening.
Check for any signs of forced entry or broken hinges.
Dock:
Is the dock twisting or creaking? Are nails popping
out? Are any supports corroded or missing?
Foundations:
Check for cracking or heaving in the foundation
caused from water damage
Pipes:
Are any pipes leaking, loose, disconnected, or
clogged?
Crawl
space or storage spaces: Check for vermin and any
fallen insulation
BBQ:
Check for vermin, bugs, and spider webs. Also look
for corroded burners, check gas pipes, and refill
propane tanks.
Chimney:
Check for vermin, loose mortar or if it is leaning.
Walls:
Check for peeling paint, fading wallpaper or vents
that are blocked.
Windows:
Check locks, any cracked glass, paint or caulking
Deck:
Check the railing to ensure it is not loose. Look
for wobbly steps and/or nails popping out.
Plumbing
Traps: Are they connected? Any missing drain plugs?
Bathtubs:
Do they need re-caulking? Has the bathtub cracked
over the winter?
Electric
Heaters or Fans: Clean, secure electrical connections
Electrical:
Look for discolouration of outlets and switches.
Check that fuses are snug in panel and are all
working.
Be
sure to thoroughly check and fix all possible problems
so that you can ensure a safe and fun time at the
cottage for your family, friends and yourself.
