Opening your cottage this spring marks the beginning of warmer weather, BBQs by the water and fun summer activities. But first, you’ve got to make sure your place is up and running – there are a few essential preparations that need to be done before you can kick off your vacation season in style.
From securing recreational insurance, cleaning up from winter months and preparing your kitchen – there are plenty of essential preparations that should be taken care of. Don’t let stress ruin the beginning stages; use our detailed guide on how to open your cottage this spring with ease. With sensible planning and organization, you’ll be delighted by a seamless transition into warmer months brimming with leisure activities.
#1. Secure Adequate Insurance Coverage
The first step in the process should be to make sure your cottage is properly insured. Contact your insurance broker and ensure that you have adequate coverage for the upcoming season. It is important to review any changes that took place over the winter months and update your policy accordingly.
If you haven’t already, you might also consider purchasing additional policies to cover unique items like ATVs. Recreational insurance can provide additional coverage for these items and give you the peace of mind that your fun-filled summer won’t be ruined by an unexpected accident or damage.
#2. Inspect Your Property
Now that you’ve secured coverage, it’s time to check out how the structure withstood its long winter sleep. Walk around the entire property looking for signs of damage or debris that may have accumulated during the colder months. Check windows, doors, decks and other outdoor structures to make sure they are still structurally sound. Clear away any fallen tree branches and conduct a thorough inspection of the roof to make sure there is no water leakage inside the cottage.
#3. Check Essential Systems
Once the outside has been cleared and inspected, move on to inspect any essential systems. This includes checking that the plumbing is intact and running efficiently by running both hot and cold taps. Also, make sure you drain the water tanks completely and check for any signs of leakage or damage before refilling them. It’s also a good idea to get your furnace serviced and tested prior to using it in case there are any issues that need to be addressed.
It’s good to remember that not all policies will include collapse (snow load) – many will require that the water be turned off during the winter, or a competent person visit every three days. And it is always a good idea to have the water off while no one is there regardless of the season.
#4. Prepare Your Kitchen
Now that the essentials have been taken care of, it’s time to move on to the fun part – preparing your kitchen! Unpack any items you stored away over the winter months and make sure all appliances are running correctly. Clean out cupboards and fridge/freezer to ensure they are clean and hygienic. Stock up on any non-perishable items you may need for the season, such as spices, condiments, canned goods or other pantry staples.
#5. Clean Up the Grounds
Before you can enjoy your cottage to its fullest potential, make sure to give the grounds a good cleanup. Cut grass and remove any weeds that have taken root. If there is an outdoor space with furniture, give them a thorough cleaning and check for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Take advantage of warmer weather by adding colourful flowers and plants, and don’t forget to inspect any outdoor lights or fixtures as well.
#6. Enjoy!
Once all of the preparation is taken care of, it’s time to kick back and enjoy your cottage. Take advantage of long summer days by spending time outdoors with family and friends. Gather around a campfire, swim in the lake or indulge in a game of badminton – no matter what you choose to do, make sure you take some time to relax and bask in the joys that come with the warmer months. With proper planning and organization, you’ll be able to transition into your season with ease. All that’s left now is to have fun!
As long as you follow this guide on how to open your cottage this spring, you will be well on your way toward making lasting memories during the warmer months. With sensible planning and organization, you will be able to open your cottage with ease – leaving more time for relaxing and enjoying all that the season has to offer.
Need recreational insurance? Will Marshall Insurance Brokers can help you find the right policy for your unique needs. Our team of experts are here to guide you through the process and provide advice on how to get the best coverage for your specific situation. Contact us today to speak with our team and get recreational insurance that meets your needs and budget.
We look forward to helping you get the coverage you need – so you can rest assured that your long-awaited cottage season will be stress-free and fun-filled!