We have recently discussed the idea of cottage living as a temporarily coping measure with urban house prices. However, many Canadians, especially in Ontario, use cottages seasonally, spending the summer by the lake. We have gone over the many steps involved in getting your cottage up and running for the season. But what happens by the time fall roles around? While the “closing the cottage ritual” was once done on Labour Day, we know that many now make their final trip of the season on Thanksgiving. In either case, it’s not too early to plan. Today, we will briefly discuss some of the steps required to shut down until next summer.&nbsp;One thing to point out before our discussion on shutting down for the winter is that some people do use cottages year-round. Whether you want to ski, skate, play hockey, or celebrate the holidays away from home, many people often make the trip back up to their second home throughout the winter. There are things to consider if you want to keep your doors open all year round. First, how much more brutal will the winter be and are you able to bear it when you are at the cottage versus at home? Is it accessible? In most suburban areas, regular street plowing is available, but the more remote your location you may have to snowmobile in. Secondly, is your cottage physically fit for the winter? For example, HGTV points out that if you plan on staying for the winter, your pipes need to be insulated to prevent your water from freezing. If you get your shower water by pumping from the lake maybe you’ll need to wait until you get back home. They also advise to check caulking and weatherstripping to protect against the cold. And personal safety is an issue. Should a medical emergency occur do you have access to communications and care? Most older cottages were not built for or intended for winter use, as most were built to serve in warmer temperatures only. So next we will discuss the “close”.To shut down your cottage for the winter, there are several things you need to do. First, you need to turn off your water to prevent your pipes from freezing and eventually bursting. Then, you need to drain the water left in the pipes by letting each tap run. HGTV proceeds by advising that owners should use antifreeze in case there is still water in the pipes. HGTV also says that when you are doing a final inspection on damaged pipes, it will be cheaper and more freeze-proof to replace with rubber pipes. Gutters and roofs also need to be cleaned out and repair anything if necessary. You should also shut off your electricity.&nbsp;Your outdoor furniture, dock, and boats need to be stored. In a shed, smaller boats like canoes need to be stored upside-down. Motors are to be removed if applicable. Knight Plumbing says that boats made of fibreglass or Kevlar can be left outdoors, upside down. A tarp will help keep out debris. Your dock is likely wood, which is susceptible to rotting away due to moisture. Pull it in and disassemble if possible, or at least cover with a tarp. For docks with aluminum frames, you’ll still need to pull them in to avoid ice damage. Outdoor furniture also made of wood needs to be protected from moisture too, so storage in a shed away from snow is essential.&nbsp;One of the larger jobs is to pest-proof your home. Soft furniture not only attracts dust and mold, but can also be attractive for small pests like mice and rats. To prevent this, according to HGTV remove your sheets and sit your mattresses upright to accommodate air flow. It is also important to ensure your fridge and cupboards are completely free of food. Points of entry and crawlspaces both inside and outside the property will look appealing to winter pests, so cover them up and block them off.<figure class="table" style="height:150%;width:100%;"><table style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);border-style:solid;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);border-style:solid;height:150%;width:50%;"><figure class="image"><img src="https://files.rifo.co/CompanySite/33/33_图片 2.jpg"></figure></td><td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);border-style:solid;">It is a sad reality that off season cottage crime exists. The steps taken to keep out pests can also make it more difficult for thieves to gain access, but there is no guarantee that they’ll be discouraged from trying. Removing anything of value that is portable and keeping sight lines covered or clear of inviting treasures is important. Battery operated or solar cameras can be installed, if not to actually catch thieves in the act but to make them think twice about finding an easier target. Some of these cameras can be accessed through the internet if your cottage area has coverage. This allows you to check-in throughout the winter and to view the property’s condition. Remember that in the winter your property can be easily accessed from the lake, so camera views need to be positioned to accommodate that angle and not just the driveway and road access. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>This should overall be an inexpensive process considering your water and electricity bill will be paused. The only large price you pay lays in your own energy spent on checking off all the boxes. Perhaps you can find some extra hands from those friends and family that negotiated an invitation throughout June, July or August. Especially if they are thinking ahead.&nbsp;Until next year!

Preparing Your Cottage for the Off Season

We have recently discussed the idea of cottage living as a temporarily coping measure with urban house prices. However, many Canadians, especially in Ontario, use cottages seasonally, spending the summer by the lake. We have gone over the many steps involved in getting your cottage up and running for the season. But what happens by the time fall roles around? While the “closing the cottage ritual” was once done on Labour Day, we know that many now make their final trip of the season on Thanksgiving. In either case, it’s not too early to plan. Today, we will briefly discuss some of the steps required to shut down until next summer. 

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