Memorial Day has come and gone and now the summer months are here. That means you will have ample opportunities to spend time outside and at your summer home. Whether you own a lake house, beach house, or a cabin in the woods, we want to make sure you enjoy every minute of your time there. After all, you work hard all year long. So, why shouldn’t you enjoy the little downtime you get during the warmer months of the year!
Since this is your summer home, you probably haven’t been there in a few months. Therefore, you will want to de-winterize the house and the yard. A little deep cleaning may be in order as well, to ensure the dust bunnies and musty odor are not part of your summer routine. Other than that, do you know what else you should do to open your summer home?
Tips for Ensuring You Can Enjoy Every Minute at Your Summer Home
1. Walk Around Your Property
After the cold long winter, it is a good idea to walk around your property before you start your summer fun. This is the time to notice if a neighbor constructed a new shed or put up a fence. If they did, you will want to make sure nothing is over the property line. Paying close attention to boundary lines is important. Failure to do so can result in you losing a claim to that piece of property if you don’t take action now.
If you notice that your neighbor is encroaching on your property, a nice conversation may be in order. Hopefully, that can resolve any issues and you won’t need to take further action.
Walking around your property will also allow you to remove any potential hazards. You may notice that water isn’t draining properly in one area. Or a tree fell and needs to be removed. Maybe the playset is in rough shape and needs a few upgrades before the kids start using it.
2. Consider What Permits May Be Needed
Repairs, or changes, to docks and boat slips, may require a permit in the state of New Hampshire. The same will hold true to any work you may want to have completed on your summer home. Now is the time to determine what work needs to be done and obtain the necessary permits.
3. Review Any Access Rights
Summer homes normally come with access rights to the water. You may even have permission to cross another person’s property to gain access to the water. This is the perfect time to review all of your access rights. It is usually best to form an association for this access area, so everyone using it is equally responsible for maintenance.
4. Check the Locks and Other Entryways
You may plan on spending lots of time at your summer home, but you will want to make sure it is secure when you are not there. While the locks and other entryways were secure when you winterized your home last year, they may not be now. This is the time to check all of the locks and windows to make sure no one tried to break in over the winter months.
5. Check for Structural Damage
Structural damage is common from winter storms. Before you get all settled into your summer home, you will want to make sure there is no structural damage. Catching damage early will mean lower repair bills and a safer place for your family. So, take the time now to see if the roof is leaking or any other damage is present.
These five tips will ensure you can enjoy every minute you spend at your summer home. We are sure you can think of other things that will make the time at your summer home more enjoyable. If you are having difficulty with a neighbor, want to set up an association for maintenance, or need legal advice, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.