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Details to know

• Step 1: Inspection
• Step 2: Water
• Step 3: Unwanted Visitors
• Step 4: The Appliances
• Step 5: Fine Tuning

Step 1: Inspection

Your initial inspection should begin with a walk around the exterior of your cottage and the property, and may even begin before you arrive at your destination. As you arrive, check for frayed or downed power lines or fallen trees that may hinder phone communication. If you encounter problems, call your local phone or utility company so that they can address these issues.

As you begin to examine your property, start by taking a look at the roof. Are there any areas that now sag because of heavy snowfall? Are all of the shingles intact and are the outdoor fixtures still securely in-place? Look for cracks along the foundation and check for signs of winter damage on your windows, doors and walls. From a more cosmetic standpoint, look for signs of peeling paint or loose caulking, which can be easily fixed if caught early on.

If your cottage is wooden or if have a deck or balcony, check for signs of rotting wood or loose nails. If any of your stairs are loose (concrete or otherwise), be sure to fix them before inviting your friends over for a barbecue. Similarly, if you've left your dock in the water over the winter months, be sure to check for any signs of twisting, which can easily occur over the winter season.

Step 2: Water

Before turning on your water (assuming you've turned it off to prevent freezing over the winter), be sure to check your water intake system and replace the filters. Check the pipes for loose connections and replace any pieces that are visibly corroded. Turn on your hot water tank and then open one of your hot water faucets located elsewhere in your cottage. Trace the flow of the water from your hot water tank to the faucet from which the water is pouring out to ensure that there are no leaks. And, of course, if you've used any chemicals to help protect the lines, be sure to thoroughly flush the lines before drinking any water from the tap.

Step 3: Unwanted Visitors

By now you may have already noticed if any undesirable visitors have left their mark in your cottage. The areas you've already inspected may contain mice droppings or other signs of intrusion and, if that's the case, be sure to thoroughly clean these areas and inspect any food that you may have stored away.

Be sure to check chimneys for bird nests, which may have been created either over the winter or during the first few weeks of spring. Open the closets and cupboards and keep an eye out for signs of damage.

Step 4: The Appliances

Before turning on any appliances, be sure to check for signs of corrosion or frayed/damaged wiring. Check all connections to ensure that they are securely fastened, especially if you have any gas or propane appliances installed. Inspect the bathroom and check for signs of problems with the sink, toilet and shower. Don't forget to examine the caulking in these areas as well to determine if it is peeling or damaged and in need of replacing.

Step 5: Fine Tuning

The first visit to the cottage is often an exercise in cleaning. Be sure to thoroughly scrub areas such as the kitchen and dining area and clean all cupboards and storage areas. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and, if they are now older than ten years, be sure to replace the entire unit (five for carbon monoxide detectors).

Clean the eaves troughs of leaves and litter and remove any branches that lay broken around the yard. Completely clean out the fire pit area before you use it, making sure to properly dispose of any materials that cannot organically decompose.

Opening the cottage is usually a straightforward and uncomplicated exercise. If you've taken the necessary precautions during the previous Fall season, a few days of cleaning should be all that's required. The summer is here and, after a little hard work, it's time to enjoy your valuable investment.