Military home maintenance brings unique challenges for first-time military homeowners. When you PCS to a new duty station, understanding the local climate and how it affects home maintenance is important for protecting your investment. Maintaining your new home consistently can prevent major damage and costly repairs. This military home guide will help you transition from base housing to homeownership with confidence, teaching you essential home maintenance skills that every military homeowner needs to know.
Essential Home Systems for Military Homeowners
The biggest change from military housing is that you’re now responsible for all repairs and maintenance. In base housing, or as an off-base renter, you could call maintenance for any problem. As a homeowner, you need to handle these issues yourself or hire contractors. Your first step should be learning about your home’s basic systems.
Learn where your circuit breaker box is and label all switches clearly. Test GFCI outlets (the ones with test buttons) monthly – they prevent electrical shocks in wet areas. Never attempt electrical repairs yourself – always hire a licensed electrician for safety.
Your heating and cooling system needs regular care to work well and save energy. Find out what type of system you have – it might be different from what you’re used to. If you have forced air, check and replace your air filters every six months. Dirty filters make your system work harder and cost more to run. Schedule a professional check-up on your heating or cooling systems once a year, preferably before extreme weather seasons.
Your home’s safety systems need attention too. Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace their batteries yearly. If you have gas appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen and garage, and check them annually. These simple steps protect your family from serious danger, and expensive home damage.
Preventing Water Damage in Your Military Home
Water damage can quickly destroy parts of your house and cost thousands to repair. On your first day in your new home, locate the main water shut-off valve. This simple step could save you from major damage if a pipe bursts or something leaks. You should also locate the individual water valve to sinks and toilets, so you can shut those lines for clogs or repairs. In bathrooms and kitchens, use strainers on drains, and check them regularly for clogs.
If you move to a cold climate, shut off water to external spigots in winter, and insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
Key areas to check monthly for water problems:
- Under sinks and around toilets
- Around windows and basements after heavy rain
- Near the water heater
- Around washing machine hoses
Managing Moisture as a First-Time Homeowner
If you’re stationed in a humid area, controlling moisture prevents expensive mold and mildew problems, which can be a major health concern for your family. Run bathroom fans during showers and for 30 minutes afterward. If your basement feels damp, use a dehumidifier. Check your attic and crawl spaces for proper ventilation, and address any water leaks immediately. These simple steps prevent mold growth that could harm your family’s health and damage your home.
Seasonal Military Home Maintenance
Different regions have different maintenance needs throughout the year. In northern regions, seal your driveway before winter to prevent cracks. In autumn, clean your gutters before winter arrives. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams in cold areas or foundation damage in rainy regions. If climbing ladders isn’t safe for you, consider installing gutter guards. They prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters and reduce the need for regular cleaning.
Additional Fall Maintenance for Homeowners:
- Check for drafty windows and doors
- Inspect roof for damaged shingles
- Drain and store outdoor hoses
- Schedule furnace maintenance
Spring brings its own maintenance tasks. Check your home for any damage from winter storms, especially around the foundation. Pay special attention to your roof – missing shingles now could mean leaks later. Test your air conditioning before the first hot day arrives. It’s much easier to schedule repairs before everyone else needs them too.
Different regions have different pest problems. In the Southeast, termites can severely damage homes. In the Pacific Northwest, carpenter ants cause similar issues. Schedule regular pest inspections based on your local threats. Prevention costs much less than treating an infestation.
Military Home Insurance Protection
Unlike base housing, where you probably carried renters insurance, you will now need homeowners insurance to protect your investment. A basic homeowners policy covers most disasters, but you might need extra coverage depending on your location. For example, if you’re stationed in Florida, you’ll probably need hurricane insurance. If you’re in California, earthquake coverage might be smart. If your home is in a flood zone, you may be required to carry flood insurance.
Since appliances are the most expensive items to replace in your home, some homeowners opt for a warranty or additional insurance coverage for appliances. To get the most out of your investment, remember that major appliances last longer with basic maintenance. Clean your refrigerator’s coils yearly to help it run efficiently. Clean your dryer vent every six months to prevent fires. If you have a garbage disposal, run it regularly and avoid putting foods like pasta or potato peels down it. These simple habits prevent expensive repairs.
Building Savings as a Military Homeowner
As a homeowner, you should start saving now for future repairs. The “1% Rule” recommends budgeting annual home maintenance costs around 1% of the home’s value. Your costs will vary, but recent reports indicate homeowners spend around $2,500 annually on home maintenance, depending on the size and year their home was built. If you haven’t built up your savings account yet, consider getting a home warranty to help you cover major repairs.
Most major home systems last 15-20 years:
- Your roof might need replacement after 20-25 years
- Air conditioners typically last 10-15 years
- Water heaters last around 10 years before they start leaking
- Major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers last 10-15 years
Becoming a homeowner is exciting, but it can also be financially stressful. Thankfully, GoVA provides free access to The Edge, where you’ll find useful budget tools for military homeowners. You’ll find maintenance calendars, home repair cost calculators, and budgeting resources to help you build up an emergency fund. These resources help you protect your investment, prevent costly repairs, and be prepared for the expensive surprises of homeownership.
Your Military Home Maintenance Action Plan
- Create a simple maintenance schedule based on your home’s needs
- Save money each month for unexpected repairs
- Find reliable local contractors before you need them
- Keep records of all maintenance and repairs– they are tax-deductible!
- Join The Edge for free military homeowner resources
Don’t wait for problems to develop. Regular maintenance prevents expensive emergencies and protects your family’s investment. Join The Edge today for free access to military-specific homeownership resources and tools.
Get Free Military Homeowner Resources on The Edge
Remember: Taking care of small maintenance tasks now prevents big problems later. Use these tips and The Edge’s resources to maintain your home with confidence, no matter where the military sends you next.
