Every spring, the same thing happens to at least a dozen Northern Michigan cabin owners: they drive four hours from Chicago or Detroit, arrive at dusk on a Friday, and spend the first 48 hours of their long-anticipated trip dealing with something that would have taken 10 minutes to prevent.
I've spoken to many property owners and local contractors, which has given me a clear picture of the most common problems that happen when opening a property for the season. These problems include a dead well pump, a propane tank that ran out of fuel, a family of mice that made themselves at home, and a deck board that collapses when someone steps on it.
None of these problems are complicated, and they can all be prevented. The issue is that many property owners from downstate Michigan don't realize how different the spring season is in Northern Michigan.
The main timing mistake that owners make is thinking that they can open their property in early April, just like they would at home. However, in Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties, the ground is often still frozen in late April, and the water table can be unstable until early May. It's not uncommon to have a late frost in mid-May. The local rule of thumb is to wait until after Mother's Day weekend to finalize your opening plans. If you schedule contractors before then, be prepared to reschedule.
With this timing in mind, here are 14 things to check before your first visit, organized by when to do them.
The 14-Point Checklist
01 / Call your dock company now
Good dock installers in Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties get booked up quickly, usually 4-6 weeks in advance. If you want to have your dock in the water by Memorial Day weekend, you should have made the call in March. Make the call this week and ask about your place in the schedule. - Do this week
02 / Check that your well pump is working
If your property manager or caretaker winterized the water system, make sure it's been properly restored. Don't assume it's working - ask for written confirmation. A dead pump can be a costly emergency, especially on a weekend. - 2 weeks before arrival
03 / Check your propane tank level
If you have a tank monitor, check the level now. If not, call your propane supplier and ask them to check the level or schedule a delivery before you arrive. Tanks that are low after a long winter often need to be refilled and the system restarted. - 2 weeks before arrival
04 / Replace the HVAC air filter
The air filter has been sitting idle all winter, collecting dust and debris. Replace it before you start using the system. Keep a spare set at the property - it only takes a few minutes to swap them out. - First 30 minutes on arrival
05 / Inspect the deck before using it
The freeze-thaw cycle can cause damage to deck boards and posts. Walk on the deck alone first to check for soft spots and loose fasteners. Look for any signs of damage or wear. - First walk-around
06 / Check the seals on exterior doors and windows
Mice can squeeze through tiny gaps. Walk around the perimeter of the property and check every door threshold, window frame, and vent. Use steel wool and spray foam to seal any gaps you find. - First walk-around
07 / Flush the faucets and check the water
Run every faucet for a few minutes before drinking or cooking with the water. Well water in Northern Michigan can develop iron bacteria over the winter. If the water looks or smells bad, call your water treatment company before guests arrive. - Before drinking water
08 / Test the smoke and CO detectors
Michigan law requires working smoke detectors in rental properties. Test every unit, replace the batteries, and check the manufacturer's date. Detectors older than 10 years should be replaced. - First hour
09 / Run the dishwasher and washing machine
Seals and hoses can crack and fail if they sit idle for too long. Run both appliances through a short cycle before loading them up. A hose failure can be a messy and costly problem. - Day one
10 / Inspect the roof and gutters
You don't need to climb up - use binoculars or a phone camera to inspect the roof and gutters. Look for missing or lifted shingles, sagging areas, and gutters that have pulled away from the fascia. If you notice any problems, call a roofer in April, not July when they're busy. - Before arrival, if possible
11 / Check the septic system
Frost can cause septic lids to pop off. Check that your riser lid is secure and hasn't been disturbed. If your last pump-out was more than 3 years ago, schedule a new one before the summer rental season starts. - Pre-season
12 / Restock your emergency supply box
Every Northern Michigan second home should have a basic emergency kit, including a flashlight, tool kit, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a list of local emergency contacts. If you rent out your property, your guests will need this kit even more than you do. - Day one
13 / Reconnect and test smart home devices
Smart devices like locks, thermostats, and cameras may have gone offline over the winter. Reconnect them to wifi and test them before guests arrive. If your router was unplugged, bring the login credentials. - Day one
14 / Inspect the shoreline and lake access
Ice out can leave debris on the shoreline. Check for erosion, displaced rocks, or debris in the swim area. If you have a swim platform, inspect the anchor chain and platform boards before kids use it. - First lake visit
The one call to make this week:
Call your property manager and ask for a pre-arrival walkthrough
A walkthrough takes about 30 minutes and costs a small service fee, usually $50-100. It's worth it for the peace of mind that everything is okay. Ask for photos of the exterior, deck, water at the faucets, and the HVAC unit running. A good property manager will have already offered this service. If they haven't, it may be time to find a new manager.
Most of these checks take less than five minutes each. The ones that take longer, like the dock call or propane delivery, are the ones that can turn into costly emergencies if you don't do them ahead of time.
Northern Michigan rewards property owners who take the time to properly open their properties for the season. Your property made it through the winter - give it a proper welcome back.