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Advertorial Don‘t let costly maintenance issues ruin your summer cottaging fun 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 timeâ€"consuming maintenance problems. Protect yoursolf 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 inspecâ€" tor, there are warning signs to look for. Recâ€" reational properties are often unoccupied for several months of the year, so they are vulnerable to infestation, freezing pipes, mil dew, vandalism, and theft. When viewing recâ€" reational property, take special note of areas that may potentially become problem areas: Exterior + Signs of infestation â€" 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 â€" Look for loose or missing shin gles. A sagging mmof will mean a costly re placement. +« Decks and stairs â€" Check for rotten timber, missing nails, warping, and peeled paint. if the deck is listing or sagging it may not be safe. *« Dock â€" Look for signs of rot, misSs ing nails, and warping. Are the floats and supports in good shape? Are swimming ladders, tieups, and other hardware firmly fixed? +« Trees and utility poles â€" Check for dead or leaning trees or unsecured utility poles that could be a hazard to you or the building. + Windows and doors â€" Check the caulk ing and weather stripping around doors and windows. Check for rot on frames and sills. + Siding â€" Examine siding for loose of missing planks and peeling or Dbubbling paint +« Driveway and access roads â€" Is the driveway full of potholes, puddles, or trenchâ€" es? 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 â€" Are the water pump, well, and pipes in good condiâ€" tion? Is there a sewage system or a septic tank or field? How old is the septic system? Interior +« General state of repair â€" 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 neâ€" glected to fix. + Electrical â€" Check the fuse box for signs of water damage. Test light switchâ€" es and outlets. Make sure appliances included in the sale are in good working order. + Furnace â€" Check the condition. Turn on the heat and see how well it works (and how noisy it is). + Water damage â€" Examine ceilings and walls for stains and bulges. Excessive mil dew can be a sign of a leak or poor ventilaâ€" tion. +« Plumbing â€" Turn on all faucets to test water pressure and hot water. Flush toiâ€" lets to ensure proper drainage. Examine the base of faucets, bathtubs, and under sinks for signs of water damage. + Water quality â€" What is the source of the water? Is it reliable and consistent? Can you drink the water? Does it have any unpalatable odours? + Security â€" An unoccupied cottage IS an inviting target for burglars. Are there good locks on all out ide doors and win dows? Is there an alarm system j Provided by www.royallepage.ca 963 Coulter Way " w ) $ \ Shhh! We have a highly desired home on one of the best streets in Milton ... and it‘s not on the market yet. Call us to find out more â€" 905â€"878â€"6232 + Desirable Mattamy built home + Stanbury model, 3537 sq.ft. + Large 50 ft. lot with finished basement «+9 ft. ceilings and hand scraped hardwood flooring + Inlaw / Nanny suite separate space above garage + Basement with finished living space, bedrooms and kitchen Te T 968 Clark Blvd &A . ,fhe Amy S TEAM Direct: 905â€"878â€"6232 * AmyFlowersTeam.ca 475 Main St. E Milton: ON L9T 1R1 e t L e ROYAL LePAGE Mceadowtowae Realty ie ze HOT NEw tstings!* wosuojjeyapisul"MM | NOIdWVHI NYIGVNYO NOLTIW | atoz ‘pt 4ing Aepsinuy | gg