There’s nothing like spending time at the cottage. With fresh air, peace and quiet, and quality time by the water, it’s certainly not hard to see why heading to the cottage is a summertime favourite for most folks in Ontario.
That said, what if enjoying the cottage lifestyle wasn’t limited to just the warmer months? If you’ve ever wondered this yourself, we’ve got great news for you. Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes are full of properties that offer cottage-style living twelve months out of the year.
However, if you are looking to live in a cottage year-round, there’s a lot you’ll need to know first.
Can I Live in My Cottage All Year?
Let’s say you’ve already got a cottage, and you’re wondering if it’s possible to simply move in full time. Well, it depends.
A lot of cottages, especially older ones, weren’t built with year-round living in mind. So, your cottage may not have some of the necessary features and systems that a normal home has. Some examples include adequate insulation, heating, winter-safe septic and plumbing, or fully-sealed windows and doors. These are important aspects of an all-season home that many cottages simply don’t have.
So, you’ve got a few options. If you’re in love with your current property, you can renovate it to be completely winterized. You can also explore the many cottage-style homes that already exist.
Searching for the perfect home, cottage, or recreational property? Check out these blogs next!
- 5 Things to Love About Waterfront Living
- Where Are the Rural Homes in Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes & Northumberland County?
- 5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Home in the Country
Community Factors
On top of just the property itself, you’ll also want to consider how your cottage community is served during the summer months and whether or not those services continue into the winter. A great example of this is garbage collection. While some cottage communities have waste collection programs, not all of them continue during the off-season.
The same goes for getting in and out of your area. If you live in Ontario, you know just how harsh winter driving conditions can be. Many cottages are in remote areas with private or seasonal roads. If your local roads aren’t plowed in winter, living year-round can be difficult without a snowmobile or off-road vehicle.
How to Winterize a Cottage
Like it sounds, winterizing a cottage is the process of getting it ready for winter, whether that’s preparing to leave the property vacant before spring or making it move-in ready for full-time living.
Your cottage is unique, and your winterization process will depend on when it was built and how it’s been upgraded over the years.
However, here are a few things that may be necessary before you move in:
- Check the foundation for any leaks or structural weaknesses that may be worsened by cold weather
- Install a reliable heating system
- Add insulation to walls, plumbing, attic, and floors
- Upgrade windows and doors to double or triple-pane
- Ensure the septic system is winter-safe
- Make sure your electrical system is also weather-proof, and consider having a backup power source at the ready
- Set up home phone or internet service
Keep in mind that proper winterization isn’t something to take lightly – especially if you’re serious about living in your cottage year-round. To that end, many winterization projects will require professional help. Even if you’re typically a fan of the DIY approach, it’s best to get in touch with contractors and tradespeople. Not sure where to look for trustworthy contractors? Talk to a local real estate agent.
Looking for more catch-all advice on buying a home? Read these blogs next!
- What Are My Mortgage Options in Today’s Market?
- How to Budget For Your Next Home
- Moving Out of Toronto? Here Are 5 Tips For Transitioning to Life in a Smaller Town
Where to Buy a Cottage Style Home in Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes
Around here, cottage-style properties (most of which sit on or adjacent to a waterfront) are fairly abundant. Whatever size or type of property you’re on the hunt for, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that fits those parameters.
That said, if you’re looking for a cottage-style home that’s suitable for living year round, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent who specializes in these unique types of properties – along with the communities they belong to.
How to Buy a Cottage Style Home
Rural, cottage, and waterfront properties differ from traditional homes in many ways. So, you’ll want an expert by your side. That’s where we come in – Puckrin & Latreille.
With more than 175 years of combined experience in our local market, we know everything there is to know about recreational properties and cottage-style homes in Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes. We can help you find the perfect cottage based on your needs and make an informed investment when it comes time to buy.
Searching for the perfect place to call home? We can help. Call 905-985-7300 to reach our team, or email us at hello@liveplayinvest.com.
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