Seasonal Upgrades

At some point you may want to make the summer cottage into a place you can visit all year round. A cottage getaway for Christmas and New Years can be romantic, exciting, cozy, and relaxing.

(Information about the seasonal tasks can be found on the Opening the Cottage and Closing the Cottage pages.)

If you already use the cottage well into the fall, you may only require a few improvements to make the season last longer.

• Make sure all windows are well-caulked, and either double paned or protected with plastic covering.
• Check that the furnace and/or wood stove is in full functioning order and that the chimney has been cleaned and inspected for damage. Replace the furnace filter if you haven't already done it this year.
• Check all pipes for signs of leaks which could lead to trouble (leaks) if the temperature drops below freezing.
• Have heavy window coverings to prevent heat loss at night. (These work well in the summer as well since they keep the space cool by blocking out the sun.)
• Check the roof and attic for leaks or missing shingles. Better yet have an engineer or home inspector come out and check for structural problems.
• Check the attic to make sure no water has been leaking onto the insulation, which will damage its effectiveness.
• Check the foundation and basement for cracks or leaks; water freezing in the cement will expand and make the cracks larger. Have any cracks sealed.

Winterizing the summer cabin

This requires more than just ensuring your cabin is insulated and that there is a heat source. You may require some major upgrades to the property and building to make it usable in the deepest winter months. Is your cabin insulated? Is it accessible? Are you using electricity to heat the space, or do you have a furnace and woodstove? (More information on wood heat is available on the Wood Burning page.)

First thing is to investigate the zoning - can you actually use the property all year? Will you be able to get a permit to make structural changes that will make the building usable?

Contractors

The HVAC page has detailed information on the subject of hiring a contractor. A smaller town may not have a Better Business Bureau to contact, but speaking to a few people at the local watering hole should give you a sense of whose work is valued in the area.

Roofing

The first thing to have checked is the roof, for structural integrity. The weight of snow can it to collapse, so it might be worth it to invest in roof deicing cables to keep it clear. If the structure is sound, have any missing or damaged shingles and flashing repaired, and checked that it is leak proof.

HVAC

Do you have a furnace on site? Is it oil, or are you considering electric heat. Electric heat can be extremely expensive, but if there is already electricity to your cottage, it could be combined with wood heating to lower costs. Also, have you considered alternative forms of energy?

Insulation and drywall

Adequate insulation is critical to keeping the cottage warm and lowering the heating costs. Insulation needs to be able to trap enough air to work as a buffer between the inside temperature and the out. If your insulation has become wet and flat, it will no longer be effective. Wet insulation can also become a breeding ground for toxic moulds. Have the R factor checked, and replace or install new insulation to the correct degree.

Windows & Doors

These are the single highest heat loss points in the average building. Not only do old window with insufficient caulking let cold air into a space, they radiate any warm in the room into the great outdoors. Replacing windows is not only a functional upgrade, but an aesthetic improvement as well. Check around window and door frames for daylight and have any holes filled.