Professional spring opening with a 40-point checklist. We find the problems winter left behind — before your first weekend turns into an emergency call. From $199 in Collingwood & Blue Mountains.
Most owners book 2–3 weeks ahead. May weekends are already filling up.
Every spring, we find issues owners didn't know they had. Catching them early is the difference between a $200 repair and a $20,000 insurance claim.
Built from hundreds of cottage openings across Georgian Bay. Every item checked, every finding photographed. You get a full report the same day.
Showing 10 of 40 items. Full checklist provided on booking.
If you're opening the cottage yourself this spring, here's the order we run our own openings. Save it, print it, work top-to-bottom. Most owners can complete this in a long weekend if everything is dry; budget extra time if you find pest damage or a leak under pressure.
Open the main valve, bring the system to pressure, and watch for drops that indicate leaks in lines stressed by winter freeze-thaw.
Run each fixture and look under sinks, behind the washing machine, and at dishwasher connections for slow leaks.
Never energize an empty tank. Confirm it is full, then turn the breaker on and verify the burner or element cycles.
Run the furnace and any mini-splits, swap in a fresh filter, and confirm airflow and thermostat response.
Press test on every unit, replace batteries as needed, and replace any detector older than 10 years.
Check the attic, crawlspace, under sinks, and inside cabinets for droppings, nesting, or chewed wiring.
Walk the envelope for compromised weatherstripping, cracked caulking, or gaps that let moisture and pests in.
Reinstall dock sections if applicable and inspect the shoreline for ice damage, erosion, or missing hardware.
Photograph every checklist item and any issues found. This satisfies most Ontario insurer inspection requirements.
Flat rates by property type. No hourly billing, no surprises. All prices in CAD, HST (13%) applies.
10% off opening + closing combo
Book both seasons together and save.
15% off for maintenance clients
Active Watch + Care or Full Service subscribers.
Flexible scheduling
Weekdays and weekends available. You pick the date.
You don't just get a cottage that's open. You get proof it's ready.
Most owners open between mid-April and late May. We recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead — May weekends fill by early April. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have on dates.
We document everything with photos and send you a full report the same day. For urgent issues (active leaks, wildlife damage, electrical problems), we'll call you immediately and can coordinate repairs through our maintenance service.
Absolutely. Many owners like to be present for their first visit of the season. We can also do it without you and send a complete photo report — your choice.
Yes, dock install and shore inspection are included in our Waterfront + Dock package. For standard properties without waterfront, we inspect any outdoor structures and note any winter damage.
A professional opening catches things most owners miss — hairline pipe cracks, early mould behind furniture, rodent damage in crawlspaces, and HVAC issues. We follow a 40-point checklist developed from hundreds of openings across cottages, chalets, and seasonal homes. The photo report also satisfies insurance inspection requirements.
Yes — 10% off the total when you book both spring opening and fall closing together. Active maintenance subscribers get an additional 15% off.
Every spring, owners call us the week before Victoria Day expecting same-week availability. Book now while your preferred date is still open.
Prefer email? hello@cottagecarecompany.ca
