Buying and Winterizing a Camp in New England

[Ashley Kirby]

Im working on buying an older camp in New Hampshire from my Uncle this summer and need to get quotes on winterizing the camp so Im able to rent it out during the winter months. Because this is my first investment and my first time Im winterizing a camp I dont have a good grasp on what exactly needs to be done to get the camp useable in the winter. Whats the process with these type of things? Do I ask a contractor to come in and make recommendations and pricing on what needs to happen to have this property fully functional in the winter? I have a general list but need some expert advice. The one contractor I have reached out to asked what my budget was before he even looked at the property. 

Any tips or ticks on how to best manage this? 

[Troy Zsofka]

@Ashley Kirby -

Winterization usually refers to getting a property ready to go through the winter unused with no heat. It involves blowing out the water lines, filling them with RV antifreeze, etc.

It sounds like what you're trying to accomplish is a conversion from seasonal to year-round use. Thought I'd clarify so you don't call plumbers and ask for winterization since that's not what you're looking to do.

As previously mentioned, you'll need insulation, heat, etc; which may or may not be partially in place already. Much of it may require permits and inspections as well as licensed trades to do the work. The cost for something like this will vary greatly based on the size of the house, what's there already, etc.