Peaceful mornings by the water, evenings by the fire, precious family moments… Buying a cottage promises to transform your weekends and vacations. To make sure this adventure unfolds without a hitch, let's explore together the technical and practical aspects that shouldn't be overlooked.
1- Easements and neighborhood
During visits, don't hesitate to ask questions about easements and the various accesses that may not appear on the property's land register. If it's about water access, is it isolated and independent from a neighbor's land? Will it need to be moved or adapted if a new neighbor moves in and builds a cottage?
Regarding the neighborhood: are they very close? Do they own motorized boats, if the body of water allows it? While some people dream of a dynamic neighborhood, others might prefer the tranquility of a lake where motorized boats are forbidden
2- Access to potable water
In your quest for the ideal cottage, pay particular attention to the potable water supply and the wastewater disposal system. Is the cottage connected to the municipal water supply system or does it have an artesian well? If your drinking water comes from a well, don't hesitate to have the water tested and to check the condition of the installation. This extra verification step will spare you a lot of worries later.
Regarding wastewater evacuation, is your future peaceful retreat connected to the municipal sewer network or does it have a septic tank? If that's the case, has it been pumped out recently? Also, make sure to know the recommended maintenance frequency and the associated costs.
3- The condition of the building
For DIY enthusiasts, buying a cottage that requires some renovation work can be an exciting project. However, if your future cottage is meant to be a refuge where you can relax, carefully examine the existing structure and finishes.
Are the foundations still in good condition? Does the roof require replacement? Is the existing insulation adequate for year-round use, or is it only suitable for the warmer months? These structural elements will determine not only the extent of the work required, but also your budget and the feasibility of your renovation projects.
4- Services and additional costs
If your potential cottage is set back from a village or town, it's important to check what services are available in the area. For example, some telecommunication or phone companies only serve certain areas. You may have to search to find a reliable and high-performing provider.
Does the nearest municipality have all the services you need? Grocery store, garage, gas station, tourist attractions, medical services?
Finally, are you prepared to invest more in travel expenses if your cottage is far from your primary residence? Consider the gas costs, vehicle wear and tear, and travel time, especially if you plan frequent visits.
Ready to get started? Contact one of our real estate brokers now. They will be able to assist you in bringing all your projects to life!
