Summer cottage in spring: a checklist and quotes in good time

The summer cottage wakes up from winter, and a lot has to be done before the first weekend. If you do not have time or do not want to do everything yourself, it pays to request quotes early: in spring providers are at their busiest.

Checklist for spring upkeep

Inside

• Air the place and clean. Wash windows and surfaces.
• Check for moisture damage, mice and smells.
• Test the smoke alarms and change the batteries.

Water and electricity

• Turn the water on in stages and check for leaks.
• Check the pump, the water heater and the drains.
• Check the electrics. Electrical work may only be done by authorised professionals.

Fireplaces and chimney

• Make sure the chimney and fireplaces have been swept. Chimney sweeping matters for fire safety.

Roof and exterior

• Check the roof, gutters and walls after winter.
• Wash the terrace and outdoor surfaces, for example with a pressure washer.
• Check the jetty and the paths.

Yard

• Rake, trim shrubs and clear brushwood.
• Check the trees. Felling dangerous trees is a job for a professional.

What is worth having a professional do

Electrical work, chimney sweeping, roof repairs, tree felling and larger pressure washing are jobs where a professional's equipment and insurance pay off. Cleaning and yard work are easy to outsource if the cottage is far away.

What to say in the request

• The cottage's location (postal code) and access: road, keys, whether the power is on.
• Square metres and the size of the yard.
• What you want done and when the job must be finished.
• If the provider has to collect the keys, agree that separately.

Time it right

Request quotes already in winter or early spring. Then you have time to compare and agree a schedule without rushing.