Now that summer is over and we are well into the fall, it is time to consider getting the cabin/summer home ready for winter. It is important to consider these steps while the weather is still decent.
Don’t leave your treasured retreat exposed. Below you will find 11 Tips to prepare your cabin/summer home for winter.
Turn Off the Water
Rupture caused by frozen pipes and water lines is one of the most common insurance claims and precautions need to be taken. So from an insurance view point one of the most critical steps is to shut off the water and drain the pipes. Drain the hot water tank, consider adding anti-freeze to your drains. Make sure toilets are flushed and turned off.
Unplug your Electrical Devices
If you are not going to be there, why not take away the opportunity for a device to short and cause extensive damage. As well some devices do continue to draw power if they are plugged in.
Turn off/or Down Your Heat
Again why pay to heat a place that you are not using. Some would suggest you just turn down the heat. It really is a matter of preference. Obviously if turn off the heat you will save some money on the power bill, but you will expose your cabin to some elements.
Clean out the Kitchen
If you are not going to be there, it is best to clean out the kitchen. Don’t leave food around to tempt the wildlife. Even Cleaning up the crumbs etc will go a long way. Additionally making sure no food is left behind will help ensure there are no strange smells when you return in the spring.
Take Photos and Keep Records
If you are like any cabin/summer home owner, you will leave some valuables behind as you will not want to lug them around. That said it is important to take photos inside and out of your cabin so you have a record of what is there and how you left the property. Additionally record serial numbers. Taking these Steps will help in case you have to make a claim.
Clean The FirePlace/Wood Stove
If you have a fireplace or woodstove, make sure you clean it out and dispose of any ash and embers etc. Not only will help reduce the risk of a fire occurring, it will reduce the chance of returning to mess in the spring. Close your dampers
Cover Your Chimney
While we all know that nature is what has drawn us to our property, nature quite often nature means there are furry friends around. So best to keep these guys out of the house.
Snow Removal
If your cabin/summer home is easily accessible, it is a good idea to arrange for snow removal. Removing snow will give it a lived in look, reduce the chance of snow load and help prevent damage. Think about boxing in vents and skylights etc.
Store Outside Items Inside
Often it is not practical to lug items home for the winter, but it is a good idea to get them out of the elements, consider bringing them inside.
Have Someone Check on the Property
Again if the property is easily accessible, or you have a neighbor (who uses their property year round) it is a good idea to have them check in on your treasured retreat. It is easier to deal with a problem earlier than later. Sometimes a problem can be nipped in the bud.
Lock it Up
There is nothing more tempting for rapscallions than an unlocked property. Before your leave make sure all windows and doors are locked. If someone wants to get inside make it difficult for them. Some property owners even consider boarding up their windows.
The Insurance Equation
So here is the sell. While the list above is in no means exhaustive, it is clear that it is important to make sure the cabin/summer house is ready for winter. There is one critical piece. Insurance. You have invested your hard-earned savings to acquire this property, it is important to protect it with insurance.
That’s where we come in. It’s important to ask your broker, “What does my coverage include? What does my insurer require when I close my cabin/summer home for the winter?
At Crosbie Job, we are your seasonal residence/cabin insurance experts. We will work with you to tailor your cabin/seasonal residence insurance so that it meets your needs. Kick back and relax enjoy some much deserved. Sleep Easy! We’ve Got You Covered. Don’t hesitate to contact us and put our Strength and Experience to work for you.
Drop us an email: [email protected] or call us at 709-726-5414 or 1-800-563-7788.
