He has not yet closed up the cottage for the season, but this is going to be the week. When talking to him, I was reminded of an earlier post I wrote about closing down the cottage. One thing I often overlook when getting property ready for the winter is cracking open the outside water faucet.  I guess I don’t readily see it, so it is often over looked.

 And while it is easy to forget, it is important. If the waterline leading to the outside spicket slopes towards the outside of the cottage, water trapped at the faucet can freeze and split the faucet. That, of course, adds to the expense and headaches of opening up in the spring.

We cannot begin to figure out how many roofs we have had installed or replaced over the years, but we know it has been many. And even though it is costly, it is always worth the money. A neglected roof can begin leaking and do far more damage than the cost of the shingles.

There are many types shingles to choose from when roofing. One of the most commonly used shingles is asphalt, but metal, cedar or even slate shingles are also available. Many people when replacing their roof are trying to lower the cost and try to use the least expensive shingle on the market, which would be the asphalt.

The most common and least expensive is the traditional three tab shingle. However our choice and recommendation is to use the next step up. I call it an architectural shingle It has a dimensional wood shake look and is about 30% thicker than standard shingle. Does it cost more? Yes, about 15% to 20% more than a basic shingle, but the results are a much richer look which will add value to your property.

The other day I was in Traverse City for an appointment and I arrived well ahead of my scheduled time. As I was driving through the city, I passed a sign that stated, “You Have Just Passed the Most Unique Store in Michigan”. I noticed several carved bears of various sizes standing out in the cold snow and I was intrigued, so I wandered into the store. 

In the store I found a fascinating assortment of quality rustic wood furniture and other unique Michigan items.  Using a variety of woods and metals, talented artisans create furniture and accessories for every room in the house. There is a wide variety of styles and products and the quality of each item ensures that it will be around for many years to come.  

Woodland Creek Furniture Company is a haven for Northern Michigan treasures for the home, from the simple to the elegant and everything in between. Things you have not seen before and will not see anywhere else. This is a store where you may come in just to browse and leave with a new family heirloom. I went from trying to kill some time to putting making it a ‘must stop’ on my next trip through town.Located at 4290 US 31 North, Traverse City, right across from the Grand Traverse Bay, in the building that formerly housed the Traverse Bay Woolen Goods store. No, this is not an advertisement, we call it as we see it.  Read our policy.

Our checklist of closing down the cottage:

Drain water heater, shut off the gas valve if it is a gas water heater, or turn off electric to the water heater if it is electric. Always be sure to leave water valve open.

Open all faucets in the cottage, don’t forget the tub or shower. Flush all toilets, drain water lines from the lowest point or use air compresseor to blow out the waterlines.

Pour antifreeze into the sinks and all drains, as well as the toilet bowl and tank.

Make sure the breaker for the water pump is turned off.

Take one last look through all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and remove all jars, cans of food or anything else that could freeze. Empty the refrigerator, defrost it and leave the door ajar. My wife always places a box of baking soda in the refrigerator.  I always unplug it.

Empty all wastebaskets and trash recepitcals and take trash home with you.

Vacuum the cottage one last time.

Check all windows to make sure storm windows are properly in place and screens are stored and windows locked. Pull curtains shut and lower the blinds so no one can look in and be tempted by what they may see.

Make sure all things of value are removed or at least well hidden.

Make sure all outdoor equipment, furniture and tools are stored away and properly secured.

Check to make sure fireplace damper is closed.

Make sure you lock the door to the cottage and the outbuildings.

Notify a neighbor you are gone for the season. 

This happens frequently, but there are two types of those who ask. At times I am annoyed by nosey neighbors. I am on the site to get the job done and I do not appreciate neighbors following me around with millions of questions and solutions to the world’s problems.

On the other hand, concerned neighbors are a good front line of defense against mischievous people who do not have your best interest, or the best interest of your property, at heart.

When you close up you cottage for the winter, it is good that the year round residents know who you are and are able to keep an eye on your property. It may be a good idea to leave your phone number with that neighbor, just in case. If a tree limb falls on your summer cottage, or a neighbor notices a broken window, it would be better to be notified at the time, rather than finding it when you open up in the spring.

If you are far from the summer home, you may want to consider leaving a key with this neighbor. It may prove useful in case of an emergency.

The good news is, you may not have to wait for the budget to catch up to your dreams. You may have purchased it as a retirement home and living there is 5, 10 or 15 years away, but you would also like to use it now. You do not have to spend a lot of money to get a whole different feel for you new lakefront home.

The first thing add a fresh coat of paint inside and out. You can change the color entirely or just paint the trim.

Add some shutters to the cottage, paint them a complementary color.

Power wash the cottage and the decks and put a new coat of stain on the deck.

Add some flower boxes to the front for curb appeal.

Plant some easy to care for perennials around the property.

Update the house numbers with some bold numbers or letters.

Install a flagpole and a flag.

Install new light fixtures will modernize the appearance of the cottage.

Replace the doorknobs throughout the cottage.

Refinish the floors, install some new carpet or consider an area rug.

Install new switch plate covers and outlet covers.

Change the hardware on the kitchen cupboard and drawers. Or, consider new cupboard doors and countertops.

If necessary, consider new or gently used appliances.

Change the fixtures in the bathroom, install new towel bars and other hardware. Don’t forget new towels to compliment the paint color. Pick up a new shower curtain.

Consider going to the local art festival. Invest in some local art. It will make more of a difference than you think. Sometimes reframing the art or mirrors you already have or just repainting the frames will give them an entirely new look.

But, most important thing is to relax and enjoy your weekends at the lake!

Be friendly.  Guests are customers and they like to be welcomed and pampered.

Any small thing that you can do or provide will set you apart form your competitors. Some of the better coffee companies sell small bags of coffee, enough for one pot . Having a selection of these around is a nice touch and a great way for your guests to start their day. Always make sure your coffee maker is working and there are plenty of filters available.

Make your guests feel if they need anything all they have to do is ask. Many times we can overlook the most simple necessitates. If one person asks for something,  it means others have or will have noticed the same missing ingredients.

Provide your guests a list of local phone numbers: your number, emergency maintance, and even the local pizza place with delivery. Having a few menus from local restaurants in the cottage is a nice touch.

Keep some cards in the drawer as well a some games, books and magazines in case the weather turns bad.

Some comfortable deck or beach furniture is a must. If it is not comfortable for you, it will not be for them. Keep you eye open for sales, estate sales and moving sales for anything that you can provide for a better vacation experience.

Be available to your guests and their needs, make them feel wanted but never invade their space.  Many guests are looking for privacy and don’t want to be bothered.

Word of mouth is on of the best ways to attract new guests.  Have business cards or brochures with pictures printed up and have them available in the cottage so guests can remember how to contact you and have enough available for them to pass out to friends and family.

A lumpy or well worn mattress that is no longer providing you a good nights sleep at your home will not improve by being at the rental cottage. A shower that quickly runs out of hot water will be as disappointing to others as it is to you. A cottage that is not clean or has an “old” odor to it probably will not encourage guests to return.

Make the cottage feel like home. Attractive pictures on the wall, plenty of blankets for chilly evenings and comfortable furniture to relax on make for a very pleasant stay. Make sure you have a TV that works and has a clear picture for those evenings indoors and rainy days.

Guests tend to remember the worst of their vacations. You and your cottage do not want to be part of those memories. People will often return year after year if they had a good experience the first time.

A few basic tips:

If you know of any problems or things not working properly- fix or repair them before hand. Emergency repairs are often very expensive and guest’s vacations are interrupted.

Make sure the cottage is squeaky clean. You do not want guests feeling they have to spend the first half day cleaning the unit prior to using it.

Make sure your cleaning cabinet is well stocked with cleaning supplies and equipment. A guest that cleans up well during the course of their stay makes your job easier.

Use your parental eye on the property. Look around the property and determine if there is anything you should do to “child proof” the property for any children.

Before you make any decisions, you should determine the true cost of operation. There are the obvious costs; real estate taxes, utilities, insurance. But there are also less obvious costs when you decide to rent out the cottage; wear and tear or replacement of furniture, cleaning costs, cost of advertising, property management costs or added travel costs if you are the property manager.

Take the total cost of all the expenses and divide it by the number of weeks in the rental season and that number will be you true cost of owning the cottage. That is cost of owning before any profit.

You will also need to do a market study of what others are renting their cottage for. Look for cottages with “For Rent” signs in front of them and then call them asking about their rates and amenities. Take note of those you see advertised in the local papers as well as any in your hometown paper. Calling on the ads asking a few questions is an excellent way to start as well as doing an internet search for lakefront cottages for rent. Keep notes as to locations prices and amenities as it may be confusing after you talk to a number of different people.

Renting your waterfront cottage to a friend or family member at a reduced rate is quite different than renting it to a stranger . You know your friend or family member and expect them to care for your property. Renting to a stranger can be a different story. In that case do your homework and charge the market rate to offset damages that may occur.

The Basic questions:
Address?
Price?
How many bedrooms?
How many bathrooms? Tub and shower?
Age of Cottage

Waterfront Questions:
Is it directly on the water? If not, how far is the access to the waterfront?
Do you share the waterfront with some one else?
What is the waterfront like, is it sandy? Suitable for swimming?How fast does it drop off? (good to know for small children)
How deep does it get?
Is there a dock?
How busy is the waterfront?
Are there restrictions as to use and times of usage?
Is the cottage level with the waterfront? Are there stairs involved to access the waterfront?

Miscellaneous Questions:

Are pets permitted?
Is there a limit to the number of people staying at the property? Are guests allowed?
Is this a no smoking cottage? You may want to know if former guests were smokers.
How close are the neighbors?
How much parking is available?
Who cleans the cottage between the guests? What is included in this cleaning?
Do you charge a cleaning fee?
Who handles emergency repairs on the property and how far are they from the property?
Is there a phone in the cottage?
What is included? Linens, pillows, towels, blankets
Is there a washer and dryer on the premises?
TV?
Deck Chairs?
Water toys?

What else you need to know:
How far is the closest place for supplies? Food?
Is there medical care nearby for emergencies?
Where is the boat launch?

Legal:
When is the deposit due and how much?
What is the cancellation policy?
Ask to have a rental agreement/ lease sent to you in advance to review.
Ask for the names and phone number of a couple of former guests for references.

Ask questions, be prepared, and enjoy your Michigan waterfront vacation.