Carveth’s Marina would like to help you reduce your stress levels even more by taking away the worry of having to do all the work that’s required to open your cottage for the season.

Image, just driving up to the lake, hopping in your boat…or taking our water taxi, arriving at your beautiful cottage, opening the door and everything is done.

No need to worry about cleaning up after any pesky rodents, turning on the water, or even doing the first grocery shopping.  We’ll do it all for you.

Cottage Opening and Closing

At Carveth’s our goal is to provide Concierge Service with Old Lake Charm.

Our “Cottage Opening and Closing” checklist details our standard procedures. Then we go over any details that are specific to your situation.

These items are added to the master checklist, so we know exactly what needs to be done to ensure your cottage is ready for you, just the way you like it!

Cottage Opening Checklist

At Carveth’s our goal is to provide Concierge Service with Old Lake Charm.

Our “Cottage Opening and Closing” checklist details our standard procedures. Then we go over any details that are specific to your situation.

These items are added to the master checklist, so we know exactly what needs to be done to ensure your cottage is ready for you, just the way you like it!

• Check the cupboards, vacuum, dust, clean sinks and toilets, and open the windows/doors to air out the cottage. If your cottage has been closed up for months, the air inside is likely pretty stale.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms.
• Turn on and test appliances: washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster
• Check for leaks and/or water damage.
• Install a new jug of water.
• Check BBQ propane tank and exchange if necessary.
• Discuss Grocery or other items required, and date required.
• Check to see if septic/holding tank needs to be pumped out

Cottage Closing Checklist:

• Do a walk around to see if there is any damage to the property, like roof, eaves troughs, chimney, the foundation and docks. This way arrangements can be made to make any necessary repairs prior to arrival in the spring.
• Unplug major appliances as needed: i.e. fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, dryer, toaster, etc.
  Shutting off all power at the fuse board might not be the best option. Some things like the sump pump should remain on to prevent any flooding.
• Adjust the heating as necessary.Some people prefer to turn the heat off completely to the cottage, others may want it turned down to 10 degrees or so will help prevent frozen (and bursting) pipes.
• Shut off the main water supply and drain all the pipes.Double check and turn on a faucet to make sure no water comes out.

• Pump out your septic system if required. The general rule is to do this every 3-5 years, so if it’s around that time for your cottage, now (early fall) is the best time to do it.
• Unplug your BBQ from the propane tank.If possible it should be stored it in an outside shed.
• Clean out the fridge and freezer.Unplug both and leave the door open slightly to help prevent mildew build-up.
• Take photos of everything!Just in case any damage happens to the property during the winter, you’ll have photos to show your insurer, making the process smoother if there’s a claim.
• Remove any water jugs to prevent freezing and leakage.
• Check to make sure any watercraft and/or accessories (paddles, paddle boards, kayaks, lawn equipment, and so on, are not sitting out on the property and have been properly tied down or stored.
• Check to make sure is locked.Includes: windows, doors, bunkies, garages, boathouses, sheds, and the actual cottage.