Before leaving

The keys

Ensure you have all the keys you may need for your stay first. These include quad, cottage, boat, and garage keys.

Cleaning products

Duct tape is a must-have! Bring it up if you're not sure! Brooms, mops, dustpans, paper towels, cleaning chemicals and other materials should be brought.

Contact details of the technician and equipment

Bring tools for maintenance and repair of the cottage. Make sure you have the phone numbers of any technicians or operators nearby. This includes arborists, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and electricians.

Licenses and Permits

Be sure to bring the necessary documentation and gear if you plan to go fishing or hunting.

Call Hydro today.

Make any necessary phone calls to get the cottage up and running.

Bring your companions!

Never attempt to open the cottage on your own. Bring loved ones or friends with you, so you have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

Check your insurance. 

Ensure your boat, ATV, trailer, and other valuables on site are covered by the appropriate cottage insurance! You won't have to pay out of pocket for insured risks if there are problems with your cottage.

Outside when entering.

It is best to thoroughly inspect the cottage's exterior before occupancy to identify any issues or safety hazards that may need to be addressed. This includes:

Grounds Survey

Look for damage to the building, windows, screens, power lines, chimney, deck, doors, stairs, and foundation. Inspect sealed weatherstripping and caulking for any problems and repair them as necessary. It would help if you also looked under your cottage for any signs of foundation, post, pad, or beam damage.

Examination at the dock

Look for loose boards and raised nails when checking your dock's floats, rings, and dock cleats.

Keep track of what you have.

Check all your outdoor toys and belongings to ensure they haven't been damaged or stolen.

Inspection for theft, animals, and pests

Check for signs of break-ins, animal intrusion (raccoon, bear, or squirrel), pests, or anything else that may pose a problem or threat. Control the animals or pests immediately if you notice any signs of animals or pains in or around your building.

Inspection of water/freeze damage

Inspect the building for water or ice damage, especially the roof and foundation. Ensure your pumps, pressure, and hot water tanks are not leaking. Check any pressure pipes and hoses. Once your water supply is restored, check your toilets and sinks for any leaks.

Check the exterior plumbing.

Check all exterior plumbing components, such as faucets, underground sprinklers, and water lines leading to the lake.

An external electrical test

Make sure all electrical fixtures and wires are functional and in good condition. Make sure you wear the appropriate safety gear to perform the task.

Such jobs are:

• Watch for any wire damage caused by rodents. 
• Check the power lines leading to your cabin. Do not touch broken or hanging wires; call the nearest utility. 
• Make sure any power poles or wires on your property are clear of obstructions and are not at risk of colliding with other objects such as trees, buildings, or machinery. 
• If your home has a transformer, ensure no obstructions within four meters of high-voltage power lines.

Interior

Checking the smell

Look around the inside of the cottage for any evidence of rodents, insects, or mould. After making sure there are no hazards, seal any rodent entrances you find. Call animal or pest control immediately if there is any indication of the current presence of an animal.

An inspection of the ceiling, cabinets, and drawers

Open all your cabinets, drawers, and closets and check for any evidence of animals, pests, or other bad things left over from the winter. Check your ceiling for any signs of water leaks.

Inspect HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

If there are no problems, check your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems and turn them on.

Electrical inspection of the interior

Now is the time to check the interior electrical parts. Make sure you know where and how to use your circuit breaker.

Check the internal cables and breakers for damage to the electrical components. Do not turn on your power if you see any damage. Contact a certified electrician. 

Inspect all your lights, fans, and appliances after checking for broken or damaged switches, wiring, or other components. Please make sure they are free from damage before using any extension cords. 

A plumbing inspection inside

Before turning on the water, ensure no damage to the pipes, fixtures, or system.

Check the pump, change the filter, prime, then turn on the water supply. 

Check all pipes and lines for problems. If something happens, shut off your water supply immediately and call a plumber. 

To remove air from the lines, open all the valves. If you use antifreeze to prevent your water pipes from freezing in the winter, run the water and flush the toilets to remove the antifreeze that has gotten into the system. 

Close all the valves and then check the pump. There is a leak when all the taps are closed, and no pressure is held. Get a plumber to turn off the electricity and look for the cause in your cottage.