Urban Rebellion: Time to ditch the city and open the cabin for another season! The folks at Rustic-Lodge-Lifestyle.com have some tips to help you get ready for this spring's "opening ceremonies" at your cabin. April 13, 2009 Spring is in the air and, like many people, you may be anxiously awaiting the chance to head to the country to reopen your cabin or cottage for another glorious season. The following tips will help you have a safe and comfortable summer by ensuring that your vacation property is in good shape and that any issues are identified and dealt with before they become bigger or more costly problems. Start with the exterior Tour the outside of your cabin, outbuildings, and grounds and note any damage or required maintenance. Check for * Signs of break-ins or vandalism * Damage from harsh weather or falling trees. Are there any tree limbs that are broken or that pose a threat from falling? * Damage to the roof, especially around the chimney and flashings. * The condition of your windows, screens, and doors. If you installed covers over your windows, remove them. * Cracks, water damage, water seepage around your building's foundation, siding, or chinking * Loose or sprung boards on your porch or deck. * Rotting or broken steps. * Ice damage to or shifting of your pier. If your water is pumped to your cabin from the lake, check the condition of the surface pump and confirm its adequate operation by checking the pressure gage on the main water tank. Now it's time to move inside Check the interior carefully for * Signs of water leakage around the windows, doorways, floor or ceiling, and water pipes. * Signs of rot or mold. * Signs of rodents. Inspect electrical wiring to ensure everything is in order; check the condition of open wiring that rodents may have chewed on. Damaged wiring is a fire hazard. Replace or repair it... don't ignore it! Do you have propane? Inspect the condition of the tank and connections. For propane or gas - test all fittings and hoses with soapy water: if you see bubbles forming, that means there's a leak. Call in a certified professional to solve the problem. If everything seems in order, you're ready to turn on the utilities. Start by turning on the main circuit breaker, making sure all auxiliary breakers are turned off. Then, systematically turn individual breakers on, one at a time, to be sure they are in working order. Then turn the water on. Let the water run through the pipes for a few minutes and flush toilets; this is especially important if you poured anti-freeze down the pipes last fall. After pressurizing your water system, check water pipes carefully for any signs of leakage. Hairline cracks in water pipes may not be evident until the system has been on for some time. Before turning on your gas or propane, open all the windows to make sure the cabin is well ventilated. Open the valves on each appliance first, then open the main line. Light all pilot lights. By the way, spring is the ideal time to perform the annual cleaning of the gas burners. Turn on or light pilot (if gas) for your hot water heater. Important: Ensure the water heater has filled with water before turning it on. This is a good time to check all smoke, gas, and carbon monoxide detectors, making sure to replace the batteries. Spring cleaning Open your windows and doors to air out your cabin in preparation for summer use. Clean up rodent or bird droppings and remains and get rid of any mothballs or poison and traps that may endanger children or pets' safety. Wear rubber gloves and, if you have mouse droppings, wear a surgical or dust filter mask to reduce the risk of possible exposure to hanta virus. Inspect all drawers for evidence of mice and if necessary, clean thoroughly. One cabin owner found that industrious mice had shredded paper towels and made a nest in one of her kitchen drawers over the winter. Dust, vacuum rugs, sweep floors, and clear away cobwebs. Clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces and wipe out the fridge before turning it on (hopefully you left it propped open during the winter). Outside, clean any debris out of gutters and rain spouts, sweep your deck or patios, and wipe off any outdoor furniture. Now you're all set to sit back, relax, and enjoy another season of cabin living! A word to the wise! Make sure you have a variety of tools with you when you are opening your cabin. There are a number of chores required to get things turned on and running again and you just never know what might need fixing. A flashlight or headlamp, in case you have to poke about in dark places, is a good idea too. For a more comprehensive opening checklist and a handy downloadable version, see http://www.rustic-lodge-lifestyle.com/opening-the-cabin.html *********************** Rustic-Lodge-Lifestyle.com is your complete online resource for rustic decor and lifestyle! Find log, wicker and twig furniture and accessories; rustic window treatments; moose, bear, rooster and sunflower decor; hammocks and swings; rustic lighting; cabin rugs; and much, much more! For further information, contact: Kim Thornton Email: kim@rustic-lodge-lifestyle.com Phone: 780-918-3764 Website: www.rustic-lodge-lifestyle.com