What to Think About When Opening Your Cottage This Spring

Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the snow is melting and soon, you will be opening up your cottages!

If this is your first ever time, opening up the cottage, you are likely compiling a list of all the things you could possibly have to do. To help, here is a checklist.  

Before you head out, there are a few things you will want to do to ensure you are prepared for the cottage. While you won’t be able to predict every need, and may have to make a run to town, the following are some key items you will want to prepare.

1. Call your utility provides
   
   Before you head out, make sure everything is up and running. There is nothing worse than getting to the cottage only to realize you forget to reconnect your electricity, heat or water service.
   
   And, while you are on the phone with them, it is a great time to book your annual inspection.
   
   
2. Get all of your cottage related documents together
   
   It is a new year which means you probably received new insurance slips for your boat, trailer, property and recreational vehicles. Be sure you have all the necessary documents so that you can enjoy everything worry free!
   
   And don’t forget your keys!  
   
   
3. Gather the necessities
   
   Of course you will need clothes, food and drinks but you may also want to consider a few other practicalities.
   
   If you don’t have a tool kit at your cottage, you will want to put one together. You will also want to stock up on cleaning supplies to get the cottage back to its summertime condition and you will likely need to bring some batteries.

Once you get there, take inventory of your cottage from top to bottom. Check phone lines, power lines and the chimney. You will want to ensure the doors and windows are still in good condition and, that any structural supports are intact. Make sure there isn’t any water damage and check the roof and ensure there aren’t any leaks (and while you are up there, clear debris from the roof and gutters and trim any troubling branches). You will also want to look for signs of critters and start remedying the problem immediately, if it exists.

After that start getting everything back in order and one of the first steps will be getting your utilities up and running.

Before you turn them on, be sure your electricity, heat and plumbing systems are in good condition. If you see any signs of damage, contact your local service provider to get it looked at.

For your propane tank, inspect the tank, hoses and connections. Once this is complete, if everything looks good, turn it on. BUT WAIT! Before you turn it on, open all of your windows and doors – not only will this freshen up the place, it will ensure your cottage is properly ventilated, in case there is a leak in the system.

Next, you will want to test for leaks. The easiest way to do this is to wash the fittings and hoses with soapy water. If a bubble forms, there may be a leak. You may also smell rotten eggs if there is a leak!

If you suspect a leak, leave the cottage immediately and call us.

If the inspection goes well and everything starts up safely, you can move on to the rest of your cottage.

• Clean your appliances and turn them on
• Turn on your taps and hot water
• Replace smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries
• Check that extinguishers are in good condition
• Ensure your emergency equipment is in working condition
• Replace filters
• Check electrical cords and plugs for damage
• Dust, vacuum and disinfect surfaces

Budget Propane supplies the world’s most eco-friendly gas to your home or office on demand. Call 1 888 405.7777 to have Budget Propane install tanks and lines, place remote tank monitors, or provide technical support for your home, business, or contracting job. We deliver throughout central Ontario; Huntsville, Bracebridge, Haliburton, Muskoka, Bala, Midland, Orillia, Barrie, Alliston... and more! Visit us online at www.budgetpropaneontario.com