Recreational Guide to Inspecting Your Property
What should I look for when viewing a recreational property?
Nothing can spoil your summer fun as much as a cottage plagued with costly and time-consuming maintenance problems.
Protect yourself and your investment, and gain a little peace of mind by hiring a qualified home inspector before you buy.
But, even before you hire a home inspector, there are warning signs to look for. Recreational properties are often unoccupied for several months of the year, so they are vulnerable to infestation, freezing pipes, mildew, vandalism, and theft. When viewing recreational property, take special note of potential problem areas:
Exterior
Signs of infestation – Check along the foundation, under eves, around windows, doors, vents, and chimneys for signs of animals or insects. Watch for small piles of sawdust, unsecured holes, nests, signs of chewing, and animal droppings.
Roof – Look for loose or missing shingles. A sagging roof will mean a costly replacement.
Decks and stairs – Check for rotten timber, missing nails, warping, and peeled paint. If the deck is listing or sagging it may not be safe.
Dock – Look for signs of rot, missing nails, and warping. Are the floats and supports in good shape? Are swimming ladders, tie-ups, and other hardware firmly fixed?
Trees and utility poles – Check for dead or leaning trees or unsecured utility poles that could be a hazard to you or the building.
Windows and doors – Check the caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows. Check for rot on frames and sills.
Siding – Examine the siding for loose or missing planks. Look for peeling or bubbling paint.
Driveway and access roads – Is the driveway full of potholes, puddles, or trenches? Is the access road private or publicly owned? Find out who is responsible for maintenance and if there are any special conditions concerning its use?
Septic and water supply – Are the water pump, well, and pipes in good condition? Is there a sewage system or a septic tank or field? How old is the septic system?
Interior
General state of repair – Note the general state of the cottage. Is it clean and well kept? Walls in need of paint, loose banisters, stains, and a general state of disrepair may indicate there are other, bigger problems the owner has neglected to fix.
Electrical – Check the fuse box for signs of water damage. Test light switches and outlets. Make sure appliances included in the sale are in good working order.
Furnace – Check the condition. Turn on the heat and see how well it works (and how noisy it is).
Water damage – Examine ceilings and walls for stains and bulges. Excessive mildew can be a sign of a leak or poor ventilation.
Plumbing – Turn on all faucets to test water pressure and hot water. Flush toilets to ensure proper drainage. Examine the base of faucets, bathtubs, and under sinks for signs of water damage.
Water quality – What is the source of the water? Is it reliable and consistent? Can you drink the water? Does it have any unpalatable odours?
Security – An unoccupied cottage is an inviting target for burglars. Are there good locks on all outside doors and windows? Is there an alarm system
