The Single Parent's Home Maintenance Reality: What You Can Handle, What You Can't, and Who to Call

As a single parent, home maintenance concerns can feel overwhelming when you're already managing work, childcare, and everything in between. You worry about it late at night. The furnace makes that strange sound. The bathroom faucet that won't stop dripping. 

But you don't need to be an expert at fixing everything. You just need to know what you can realistically handle and where to find support when you need it.

What You Can Handle

Simple maintenance tasks build your confidence and save money without requiring special skills or expensive tools.

Monthly tasks you can manage:

• Replace HVAC filters (mark your calendar for every 30-60 days)

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries

• Clean dryer vents to prevent fire hazards

• Wipe down appliance seals to prevent mold

Seasonal tasks within reach:

• Clean gutters (with proper safety equipment and someone to spot you)

• Touch up paint on walls and trim

• Add caulk around windows and doors to prevent drafts

• Test your sump pump before spring rains

These tasks might feel daunting at first. But you'll find that many maintenance jobs are more about consistency than expertise. Your local ReStore carries affordable tools and supplies that make these projects manageable.

Get your kids involved

Even young children can help keep your house in good shape. A five-year-old can hand you tools or hold a flashlight while you check something. Older kids can learn to change air filters or help with yard work. These moments teach responsibility while giving you an extra set of hands. It’s also a nice way to demonstrate pride in homeownership, passing that value on to others.

What Needs Professional Help

Some home repairs call for licensed professionals. Recognizing these situations protects your family's safety and your home's value.

Always call a professional for:

• Electrical work beyond changing light bulbs

• Gas line repairs or appliance installations

• Structural issues like foundation cracks

• Roof repairs or replacement

• Major plumbing problems

• HVAC system repairs

It’s more than okay to call for help. You're making a smart decision that protects your investment. Professional repairs done correctly prevent bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

If you're worried about affording repairs, start by getting quotes from licensed contractors. Be sure to check references and verify their insurance.

You're Not Alone

The strongest tool in your maintenance toolkit is your support network. Twin Cities Habitat provides ongoing support for Habitat homeowners:

• The Volunteer and Learn Program connects you with other Habitat homeowners who understand your situation

• Regular check-ins from the Homeowner Engagement team

• Educational opportunities to build home maintenance skills

• Community events where you can ask questions and share experiences

Connect with other homeowners in your neighborhood. They've faced similar challenges and can recommend reliable contractors, share or lend tools, or provide advice based on their own experiences. 

Resources beyond Habitat:

• Check your local hardware stores for free workshops on basic home repairs

• YouTube tutorials can walk you through many common fixes

• Community education programs teach practical home maintenance skills

• Friends or family members who like DIY projects might enjoy helping

Building these connections takes time, but you're creating a safety net that makes homeownership more sustainable.

Creating a Realistic Maintenance Plan

You can't do everything at once. A solid maintenance plan helps you stay ahead of problems without overwhelming your already full schedule.

Start with a simple calendar system:

• Use your phone to set monthly reminders for filter changes and detector checks

• Plan seasonal tasks around school schedules or when kids visit extended family

• Budget monthly for home maintenance, even if you don't spend it every month (this fund helps when bigger repairs arise)

• Keep a running list of small issues so you can tackle them during free time instead of forgetting them

Knowing the costs of homeownership helps you plan financially. Expect to spend about 1% of your home's value on maintenance each year. Some years cost less, others require major expenses like a water heater replacement.

Address small problems quickly when possible. That dripping faucet wastes water and money. The small crack in the window seal will become a bigger problem in winter. Fixing minor issues prevents them from becoming emergencies at the worst possible time.

You Already Have the Skills You Need

Homeownership as a single parent comes with real challenges. But you're already managing everyone’s schedules and keeping multiple people fed, clothed, and safe. Those same skills apply to home maintenance.

You don't need to know everything. Just know where to find help and which tasks you can tackle. Take it one project at a time—and remember that asking for help IS smart homeownership.