Cabin Fever: Enjoy Your Vacation Spot Year-Round
For many families, spending time at the cottage is one of the best parts of summer. The relaxed atmosphere, the beauty of the landscape and the nightly games of Trivial Pursuit are just a few things that make your cabin special. While summer can't last forever, maybe your enjoyment of your cabin can. Making changes in siding, windows and flooring may be your key to winter cabin escapes.
Primary Considerations
Before you consider new siding, replacement windows and upgraded flooring in your cabin, there are a few things to check and consider first:
- Zoning. Is your area zoned for winter usage?
- Utilities. Are all of the utilities available year-round, such as sewer, water, electricity, telephone and gas?
- Snow removal. Are the roadways to your cabin maintained through the winter?
- Time. Will your schedule actually permit you to enjoy your cabin during winter months?
- Emergency services. Is access to fire, ambulance, hospitals and police available in winter?
Evaluating Your Siding, Windows, and Flooring: Get Help
It's very important to invite a professional to help you evaluate your existing siding, windows and flooring to determine their readiness for winter use before considering replacements. A local professional contractor will be able to tell you how affordable utilities are as well. While inspecting your siding, a contractor can also check the condition of your insulation. Adequate insulation, heating and quality windows and doors are the most important factors in upgrading your cabin. A local contractor who has helped other cottagers upgrade their cabins will be familiar with all of the issues involved. His or her advice will be invaluable in making your decision.
