For military families, deployments are a reality that demand immense strength and resilience. While one spouse is serving our nation, the other often shoulders the full weight of household management, and that includes the inevitable reality of home repairs. A leaky faucet, a malfunctioning HVAC, or a sudden electrical issue can feel particularly daunting when your partner, your usual co-pilot in these matters, is thousands of miles away.
However, managing home repairs during deployments doesn’t have to be a source of added stress. With careful planning and knowledge of available resources, you can ensure your home remains safe and functional until your loved one returns.
The Unique Challenges of Home Maintenance During Deployment:
The absence of a partner during deployment amplifies the challenges of home repairs:
- Sole Responsibility: The deployed spouse is unavailable for troubleshooting, decision-making, or even physical assistance.
- Emotional Toll: Dealing with unexpected household issues can add to the emotional burden of separation.
- Trust and Security: Finding reliable and trustworthy service providers when you might feel vulnerable is paramount.
- Financial Concerns: Managing repair costs on a single income or navigating potential emergency expenses requires careful planning.
Navigating Home Repairs: Your Deployment Toolkit:
Fortunately, several options and strategies can help you manage home repairs effectively while your spouse is away:
1. Proactive Planning Before Deployment:
- Home Inspection and Maintenance: Before deployment, conduct a thorough home inspection with your spouse. Address any known or potential issues proactively. Perform essential maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters, checking HVAC filters, and inspecting plumbing.
- Create a Home Repair Binder: Compile a binder with appliance manuals, warranty information, emergency contact numbers for trusted plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians, and the location of shut-off valves and breaker boxes.
- Establish a Financial Contingency Fund: Set aside funds specifically for unexpected home repairs.
- Discuss Decision-Making Authority: Clearly discuss and agree on how home repair decisions will be made in the deployed spouse’s absence, including spending limits and communication protocols.
- Share Key Information with a Trusted Contact: Identify a reliable friend, family member, or neighbor who can act as an emergency contact or offer support if needed. Share your home repair binder information with them.
2. Utilizing On-Base and Military Community Resources:
- Military Family Support Centers: Many bases offer resources and referrals for home maintenance services within the military community. They may have lists of vetted and trusted local contractors.
- Base Housing Offices: If you live in base housing, the housing office is your first point of contact for many maintenance issues. Understand their procedures and emergency protocols.
- Military Spouse Networks: Connect with other military spouses on base or online. They can be invaluable sources of recommendations for reliable local service providers.
3. Finding Reliable Off-Base Home Maintenance Services:
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek referrals from trusted friends, neighbors, or colleagues. Online community groups (especially those geared towards military families) can also be excellent sources of recommendations.
- Check Online Reviews: Utilize reputable online review platforms (e.g., Angie’s List, Yelp, Google Reviews) to research potential contractors. Pay attention to the number of reviews, the overall rating, and the details of the feedback.
- Verify Licenses and Insurance: Ensure any contractor you hire is properly licensed and insured. Ask for proof of their credentials.
- Obtain Multiple Quotes: For significant repairs, get quotes from at least three different contractors to compare pricing and services.
- Clearly Communicate Your Needs and Limitations: Be upfront about your spouse’s deployment and any limitations you might have in terms of physical assistance or decision-making authority.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communication, quotes, work performed, and payments made.
- Consider Home Warranty Plans: A home warranty can provide coverage for certain repairs and replacements, offering some financial protection and a point of contact for service coordination. Research reputable providers and understand the terms of the policy.
- Utilize Video Calls for Remote Consultation: If possible, use video calls to show your deployed spouse the issue and involve them in the decision-making process, even from afar.
4. Leveraging Technology and Remote Management:
- Smart Home Devices: Consider installing smart home devices like leak detectors, smart thermostats, and security cameras that can provide early warnings of potential problems.
- Video Conferencing: Use video calls to communicate with contractors and show them the issue remotely.
- Cloud-Based Document Sharing: Utilize cloud services to share repair quotes, invoices, and other relevant documents with your deployed spouse.
Empowerment Through Preparedness:
Managing home repairs during a deployment can feel overwhelming, but by being proactive, leveraging available resources, and utilizing technology, you can navigate these challenges with confidence. Remember, you are not alone, and there are systems and a supportive community ready to assist you in keeping your home safe and sound until your loved one returns. Your strength and resourcefulness on the home front are a vital part of the military family’s resilience.
For more Moving & Housing resources tailored to veterans, visit click HERE.
Written By: HelpVet.net
Photo Credit: Canva
