Is it time to Winterize your cottage or cabin?

Living in Paradise year-round!

The wistful, wonderful, and whimsical days of summer are coming to a close. With that change of season, it’s time to start to think about the one thing you try to avoid considering all of July and August.  

You have to start thinking about closing the cottage or cabin for winter.  

Or do you?  

Many people have already taken the leap and can live and work from their cottages year-round.  

Here’s what you need to know about Winterizing your cottage:

What do you need to do to winterize a cottage or cabin?

There are a few things that you need to do to turn your summer cabin or cottage into a year-round home.  

1. Make sure it’s properly heated.

2. Install insulation.

3. Upgrade your septic system  

4. Improve the pipes.

5. Draft free windows and doors.  

6. Create storage for your summer toys

7. Improve your driveway and pathways

That may seem like a lot of work, but you might find that your cottage or cabin already has some of those features, or that you may be able to spread the renovation costs over server years.  

Still, there will be one big question that will drive your decision the most

How much does it cost to winterize a cabin or cottage?

Although an exact cost is difficult to pin down – it depends on local factors and the condition of your cabin or cottage at the start of the project – you can use home renovation estimates to gauge.  

Most estimates suggest that a mid-range renovation project will cost about $50,000. However, you might be able to do a smaller cottage for about half of that.  

Once again, it all depends on the work that’s needed.

For that, you have to ask yourself an important question.  

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What does winterizing a cottage mean?

What does it mean for you, that is. For some, it just might mean making sure the pipes don’t freeze. Heating the home beyond basic insulation could be OK if you live in Southern Ontario or B.C. and enjoy a more rustic experience.  

However, others who have colder winters – or who just don’t like to sleep in the cold -- may require a more substantive winterization.  

It all comes down to what you need and what you feel comfortable spending.  

Regardless, of whether this is the year that you turn your summer getaway into a year-round paradise or not, you can follow MoveBuddy on Facebook to get the latest tips on moving, renovations, and making your home and property the best that it can be!