Don't Leave Your Cottage Vulnerable This Winter
Owning a cottage in the Georgian Bay area is a privilege, but it comes with significant responsibilities—especially during the harsh winter months. When you close your cottage for the season and head back to the city, your property is left exposed to the elements.
Extreme cold, heavy snow loads, wind storms, and opportunistic pests can cause devastating damage in a very short period. A small pipe burst or a furnace failure can turn into a catastrophic loss if not detected immediately.
But the biggest risk might be your insurance coverage. Most cottage insurance policies contain a strict "vacancy clause." This clause typically mandates that if your property is unoccupied for more than 4 consecutive days during the heating season, you must have a competent person inspect the dwelling daily or weekly to maintain coverage.
At Carling Cottage Care, we don't just check your cottage; we protect your peace of mind and your financial investment. Our professional cottage check service is designed to meet the rigorous standards of major insurance providers while giving you a transparent, real-time view of your property's status.
Insurance Ready
Digital logs that satisfy vacancy clauses.
Visual Proof
Photos sent directly to you after every visit.
Climate Monitoring
Verification of indoor temperature & humidity.
Emergency Response
Immediate action if issues are detected.
Our Comprehensive Inspection Process
We don't just do a "drive-by." Our technicians perform a rigorous multi-point inspection every single time we visit your property.
1. Exterior Perimeter & Security
We start by walking the entire perimeter of your cottage and outbuildings. We check for:
- Signs of forced entry or vandalism on doors/windows.
- Storm damage to siding, roof, or decks.
- Fallen trees or branches threatening structures.
- Snow load accumulation on roofs.
2. Interior Systems Check
We enter the cottage to verify critical systems are functioning correctly:
- Furnace/Heating: Confirm ambient temp is above 10°C (50°F).
- Water Systems: Check for leaks under sinks, tanks, and toilets.
- Electrical: Verify power is on and panel is clear.
- Pests: Look for droppings or entry points.
3. Reporting & Communication
The job isn't done until you know your property is safe.
- Digital Log: Time-stamped entry/exit logs.
- Photo Proof: We upload photos of the thermostat and key areas.
- Instant Alerts: If we find an issue, you get a call immediately, not an email 3 days later.
Trusted by Carling Cottage Owners
"We live in Toronto and used to worry constantly about the cottage during storms. Since hiring Carling Cottage Care, we sleep easy. When our furnace kicked out last January, they caught it within 24 hours and coordinated the repair before pipes froze. Worth every penny."
Sarah & Mike T.
Deep Bay Road, Carling
"My insurance company demanded weekly checks for my policy renewal. The team at Carling Cottage Care provides exactly the documentation I need. Professional, reliable, and great communication."
David R.
Nobel, ON