A summer home near Calgary represents a dream for many people even though maintaining its safety and cleanliness requires effort when you're away.

That’s where cottage care services come in. 

Lumina Life is dedicated to serving Calgary homeowners by delivering dependable, tailored maintenance services for their cabins throughout each season.

Our team manages property maintenance whenever you prepare for winter or spring or need consistent check-ups during your absence so you can fully enjoy your second home without concerns.

🔍 What Exactly Is Cottage Care? 

The term "cottage care" in Canada describes the upkeep of vacation homes which includes cabins and lakefront residences along with weekend retreats located outside urban areas.

These services protect your property against damage and pests as well as prevent wear during extended off-season periods.

✅ Common Cottage Care Services Include: 

• Seasonal opening & closing 
• Interior and exterior cleaning 
• Pest control & prevention 
• Lawn care & landscaping 
• Plumbing & HVAC checks 
• Security inspections 
• Minor repairs & maintenance 

Cottage care extends beyond cleaning activities to include both value preservation and safety maintenance for your property each year.

🧊 Why You Need Cottage Maintenance in Alberta 

Properties left unattended in Calgary and nearby areas face severe weather damage because of the region's extreme conditions.

• Freezing temperatures in harsh winters have the potential to cause pipes to burst.
• Floods and moisture-related problems can occur as a result of spring thaws.
• The scorching summer temperatures have the potential to dehydrate wooden structures while also drawing pests to them.
• Debris carried by fall winds poses risks to roof structures.

These problems will create expensive repairs and insurance claims along with unexpected problems when you come back if you do not properly maintain your property.

Regular maintenance investments at your cottage protect against damage you can prevent while saving time and providing peace of mind through proper property care.

🛠️ Common Cottage Maintenance Issues We Handle in Calgary

Our skilled technicians receive training to detect early signs of troubles which helps you maintain better control of your property and budget management.

📦 Our Cottage Care Packages 

Our service plans provide flexible options that match your unique schedule and requirements.

1. Basic Cottage Care 

Perfect for occasional visits 

Includes: 

• Interior & exterior inspection 
• General cleaning 
• Pest check 
• Security check 

2. Standard Cottage Care 

Ideal for seasonal use 

Includes all Basic services plus: 

• Seasonal opening/closing 
• Lawn care (mowing, edging) 
• Minor plumbing & HVAC checks 

3. Premium Cottage Care 

Full-service maintenance 

Includes all Standard services plus: 

• Monthly visits 
• Emergency response 
• Priority booking 

❓ Cottage Care Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision

1. 🤔 How often should I schedule cottage care? 

The frequency of your property usage determines the care schedule needed. For most Calgary cottages, we recommend: 

• A full opening in spring 
• A full closing in fall 

Properties that remain vacant for multiple months need monthly check-ins.

2. 🧑🔧 Do your technicians handle emergency calls? 

Yes! Our emergency services respond quickly to urgent issues including water leaks, break-ins, and power failures.

3. 🧾 Are your services insured and bonded? 

Absolutely. Lumina Life staff members undergo full insurance coverage and thorough licensing and vetting processes to ensure your property receives trusted care.

📋 Top 10 Things to Check Before Leaving Your Cottage

When returning to the city after a weekend getaway or getting ready for winter storage at your cottage, taking essential precautions before departure helps avoid expensive repairs and ensures you have peace of mind.

At Lumina Life we assist Calgary-area cottage owners with their property protection throughout the year while providing simple checklists that help homeowners manage their tasks independently.

1. Turn Off and Drain the Water System 

To avoid frozen or burst pipes: 

• Shut off the main water valve 
• Make sure to empty all water lines along with hot water tanks and toilet bowls.
• In drain and trap systems use RV antifreeze to prevent freezing during winter months.

2. Unplug All Electronics and Appliances 

Power surges or storms can damage electronics: 

• Unplug TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, etc. 
• Consider installing a whole-cottage surge protector 

3. Empty the Fridge and Freezer 

Remaining food items can draw pests to your property and produce unpleasant smells.

• Clean thoroughly with vinegar or baking soda 
• The door should remain partly open for mold prevention.

4. Check for Pest Entry Points 

Mice and insects love empty cottages: 

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, and plumbing 
• Use natural deterrents such as peppermint oil or humane traps during the preparation process.

5. Secure Windows and Doors 

Protect against break-ins and weather: 

• Double-check all locks 
• Install deadbolts if not already present 
• Close and latch shutters or storm panels 

6. Remove Valuables and Important Documents 

Don’t tempt thieves: 

• Make sure to carry your jewelry, cash, electronic devices and personal papers with you.
• Use a hidden safe or lockbox to store your valuables.

7. Clean Thoroughly Before You Go 

Pests and mold find it difficult to inhabit a clean cottage environment.

• Wipe counters and sinks 
• Vacuum floors and furniture 
• Dust shelves and cabinets 

8. Maintain a low heat setting between 5–8°C (40–45°F) for your non-winterized cottage to prevent pipe freezing.

If your cottage isn’t fully winterized: 

• In the colder months set your thermostat between 5–8°C (40–45°F) if your cottage hasn’t been fully winterized.

This configuration prevents pipes from freezing and contributes to energy conservation

9. Inspect the Roof, Gutters, and Siding 

Look for: 

• Missing shingles 
• Clogged gutters 
• Cracks or gaps in siding 

Addressing minor problems immediately helps prevent major future issues.

10. Arrange for Regular Check-ins 

When your cottage will remain vacant for several weeks or months:

• Ask a neighbor you know and trust to visit your cottage every now and then.
• If your cottage will be vacant for extended periods, hire a professional service like Lumina Life for their scheduled maintenance visits.

🧳 Bonus Tip: Leave an Emergency Contact List 

Post this somewhere visible: 

• Local emergency numbers 
• Property manager or caretaker contact 
• Neighbors who have a key 
• Your cottage insurance provider info 

📞 Ready to Protect Your Cottage Investment? 

Your cottage requires attention and maintenance whether you are present or not. Protect your dream home from becoming a headache by preventing neglect.

Your Calgary-area cottage will be under Lumina Life's care so you can enjoy making memories instead of solving property problems.

📞 Call us today at 587 439 4019
📍 Book a tour of our Calgary cottage care home
📧 Email us at info@luminalife.ca

❤️ Hear From Our Clients 

We felt anxious about leaving our newly acquired mountain cabin unattended during the winter months. Using Lumina Life allowed us to travel without worries because everything was in perfect condition upon our return.

— Jason R., Calgary 

A slow leak under our sink was discovered before it had a chance to cause damage. Worth every penny." 

— Marie L., Canmore 

Lumina Life acts as your personal representative to monitor your property whether you are nearby or in a different country.

‍