How much does it cost to open and close a cottage in Northern Michigan?

Spring opening and fall closing together is $899 for standard properties. Individual visits start at $499. Larger properties, waterfront homes with docks, or properties needing extended winterization are quoted individually.

Do you handle dock installation and boat lifts?

I don't install docks or lifts myself, but I can coordinate with local dock companies on your behalf and make sure the work is done. I check dock and waterfront areas as part of every spring and fall visit.

How do I know my property is okay during winter?

Our year-round plan includes regular winter check-ins with photo updates sent directly to you. I verify the heat is running, check for ice dam or snow load issues, and respond after major storms. If something needs attention, you'll hear from me immediately.

I'm not local — how do we communicate?

Call, text, or email — whatever works for you. After every visit you'll receive a full digital photo report documenting everything I found and everything I did. Most of my second-home clients tell me the photo report is the most valuable part of the service.

Can you coordinate with my other service providers?

Yes. I regularly work with plow services, dock companies, lawn care providers, and cleaning services on behalf of property owners. I can be your single point of contact for everything related to your property.

Own a Place Up North? I'll Keep an Eye on It Year-Round.

You bought your place on the lake, in the woods, or on the peninsula because you love it up here. The problem is Northern Michigan doesn't go easy on a property while you're away — and a frozen pipe or a failed sump pump won't wait for your next visit to announce itself. I'm a licensed builder and Chemical Engineer based in Traverse City. I open your property in spring, close it for winter, and check on it in between — with a full photo report after every visit so you always know exactly where things stand, even when you're 300 miles away.

Spider Lake, Northern Michigan vacation property

Cottage care and vacation home maintenance in Traverse City, Michigan

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Spring Opening

I get your property ready before you arrive — so you walk in and enjoy it, not spend your first weekend dealing with what winter left behind.

Turn on water supply and check for frozen or burst pipes

Flush water lines and test the water heater

Test sump pump and discharge

Open and test exterior spigots and hose bibs

HVAC filter change and system start-up

Full interior and exterior walkthrough for winter damage

Roof, siding, and foundation check for ice or storm damage

Pest check — rodents, insects, nests

Dock and waterfront area check (if applicable)

Full digital photo report sent to you before you arrive

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Fall Closing

I button up your property so it's protected all winter. Before I leave, I run a thermal scan to find heat loss before you spend a season paying to heat the outdoors.

Full plumbing winterization — blow out lines, antifreeze in traps and drains, drain water heater if needed

Shut off water supply at main

Set thermostat for freeze protection

HVAC filter change and furnace check

Full gutter clearing before freeze/thaw season

Thermal imaging scan for heat loss and insulation gaps

Exterior winterization — spigots, vents, screens

Secure property — lock check, window check, entry points

Full digital photo report with winter prep summary

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Winter Monitoring

Peace of mind when you're not here. I check on your property regularly, respond after major storms, and contact you immediately if something needs attention — not after you've already made the drive up.

Monthly or bi-monthly property drive-by

Exterior visual check — roof, ice dams, snow load, entry points

Verify heat is running — temperature monitoring

Photo updates sent to you after each check

Storm response — priority check after major weather events

Furnace exhaust and walkway clearing as needed

Coordinate with plow and other service providers on your behalf

Why Second-Home Owners Choose Me

Most property caretakers are handymen or lawn care guys who added cottage watching as a side service. I'm a licensed Michigan builder with a Chemical Engineering degree and thermal imaging equipment. When I open your cottage in spring, I'm not just turning on the water — I'm checking the foundation for freeze/thaw damage, scanning the roof for ice dam evidence, and testing your sump pump. When I close it for winter, I'm running a thermal scan to find heat loss before you spend a season paying to heat the outdoors. And every visit comes with a full digital photo report — so you see exactly what I see, even when you're 300 miles away.

What's Included in Every Visit

Full digital photo report — every finding documented

30 minutes of handyman time for small fixes

Written recommendations for anything that needs follow-up

Direct communication with Justin — no call centers, no rotating techs

Ready to Stop Worrying About Your Property?

Tell me about your place and I'll let you know exactly how I can help. Most clients are set up within a week.

Learn about our full seasonal maintenance program

Service Area

I serve second homes, vacation properties, and seasonal cottages throughout Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, and Antrim Counties — including Old Mission Peninsula, Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor, Lake Leelanau, Elk Rapids, Benzonia, and surrounding areas.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Seasonal Maintenance Program

Year-round preventative maintenance with quarterly visits for primary and secondary homes throughout Northern Michigan.

Preventative Assessments

Comprehensive builder-led assessments with thermal imaging to identify issues before they become costly repairs.