In North America, most buildings known as cottages are used for weekend or summer getaways by city dwellers. It is also not uncommon for the owners of cottages to rent their properties to tourists as a source of revenue. In Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands, most buildings known as cottages or vacation rentals are used for weekend or summer getaways.

Some cottages have a Shore Road Allowance registered on title.  The local municipality has the final say in closure and title issues of the property and road allowances.  The Ministry of Natural Resources has established guidelines affecting closure of some roads for the preservation of wildlife and fish habitat.

You will be required to make applications and are responsible for the costs that are determined by the municipality.The purchasing and closing costs will vary, in some areas it may be substantial.

Jet  pumps draw water using an impeller which throws the water outwards creating a vacuum which draws the water up behind it, creating pressure.  The jet pump will not pump air so if line is not completely sealed will lose its prime. To stop the water from flowing back down into the well a one-way check valve is installed on the feeder line.

Septic tanks are usually the only option for your remote cottage sewage system. They may be constructed of wood, steel or homemade and may need immediate replacing. The size of the septic tank required depends on the size of the cottage determined by the number bedrooms.

Tiny Township has implemented a Septic Inspection program at the request of cottagers bordering on waterfront. 

That could be a worry for an inexperienced purchaser when you consider that they have found  that one-quarter of the systems inspected in Tiny Township have been found to have some type of defect. Orendt says an inspection project on Charleston Lake near Brockville turned up a failure rate of 45 per cent. 

If buying a Cottage in Barrie, Midland, Orillia, Rama, Brechin, Lagoon City, Severn Falls or in this general area contact the Barrie Home Inspector for a Professional Cottage Inspection.  With over 4,000 inspections and as a Certified Building Code Official your investment is in good hands.