The warm and sunny weather is finally back and you want to make the most of it by escaping the commotion of the city. Purchasing a cottage is the ideal solution. But how to make the best choice? Here are a few things to consider before settling on a secondary residence.
Are There Services Nearby?
You’re relaxing with your family at the cottage on a Saturday night. Suddenly you realize that you forgot the baby’s diapers! Total panic! The nearest pharmacy is more than 30 kilometres away! Even if a cottage in the woods presents a number of advantages, its remoteness can also be problematic. And what about other amenities like bike paths, restaurants or gas stations? It may be essential for you to have quick access to these services.
Are You Willing to Travel?
You may be tempted to opt for a secondary residence that is located many kilometres from your main home as this usually means saving money. While some find driving to be relaxing, others are discouraged by the mere idea of spending more than one hour in the car. If your objective with this real estate purchase is to enjoy a calm area that will cause you zero stress, make sure that getting there will be the same. Our top tip is to travel the distance to the cottage a few times to be sure that you are okay with the ride before presenting an offer of purchase.
Which Renovations Need to Be Carried Out?
Are you handy? Do you have enough time to update your cottage yourself or will you have to sacrifice all your free time to complete this work? If you plan on hiring professional contractors to assist you with this task, do you have sufficient funds to cover the costs? These are the first things you should think about when making your decision. A turn-key cottage may be more expensive, but you may be happier in the long run.
Is It Near Water?
Most people hope to own a piece of land that leads directly to a body of water, but waterfront cottages are costlier. This does not mean, however, that the other properties don’t include access to water. Find out if there’s a spot where you can swim or launch your canoe or pedalo without having to ask the landowner for permission. Other related questions you should ask yourself are: is the path to the body of water safe or has it not been cleared? Is it close enough for the kids to go there alone? Are there access fees? Is there a beach for lounging?
Are the Insulation and Humidity Levels Adequate?
Any broker will tell you that it is important to have the cottage inspected before purchase to make sure, among other things, that there are no water infiltrations. The property may also be more or less well insulated depending on its age or the quality of the construction materials used, especially if it was only designed to be used in the summer. Be sure that the humidity levels are bearable. You can find inexpensive devices to calculate a room’s moisture percentage. Bring one during the visit as humidity levels in a home, while not necessarily a cause for alarm, may be unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Is There Enough Square Footage?
Are you the type to constantly invite friends over? To have large dinner parties? To have the guests stay overnight? Or would you prefer your cottage to be a sanctuary where you can recharge in solitude? In any case, the number of bedrooms, the size of the dining room and the kitchen’s workspace layout must be considered.
Do You Like Its Look?
A cottage is not a principal residence and, sometimes, its appearance can be disappointing. The exterior siding is outdated, the furniture is old and mismatched, the decor is non-existent, the walls are covered in old-fashioned faux-wood panels. Styling a cottage is not necessarily a priority. You still have to listen to your heart, though: if you know that you won’t be able to enjoy your time at the cottage because the atmosphere is too depressing, choose one that is more up to date.
Whether it is near or far, large or small, recently renovated or no, your real estate broker can help you identify your needs regarding a secondary residence. After all, a cottage should always be a source of pleasure and joy.