You’ve signed the paperwork and the keys to your new home are in hand; you’re officially a homeowner! But the homeownership journey doesn’t end there — it’s just beginning.
Owning a home comes with a unique set of responsibilities, many of which revolve around its upkeep. Even if you move into a new build, you’ll need to do regular maintenance down the road to keep it in tip-top shape. Having the right tools readily available is key for handling common household tasks and DIY projects alike.
Check out this list for all the essentials you should keep in your toolkit as a homeowner.
1. Safety First
Make sure to take the proper precautions to protect yourself before beginning any home repairs. Invest in a pair of safety goggles, work gloves and a dust mask. Setting yourself up for safety is crucial for success in any project.
2. Nail Down Your Style
A hammer is a must-have for everything from furniture assembly to hanging artwork. But which type of hammer should you buy? Opt for a traditional claw-shaped hammer weighing 16- to 20-ounces. It should be heavy enough to pack some power, but not too hefty to break out on a regular basis.
3. Spiral Solutions
They say less is more, but that doesn’t apply to screwdrivers. Having only one or two can leave you with a lot of frustration. Instead, buy a set of screwdrivers that includes both Philips head and flat head tips in various sizes. Throw a flexible screwdriver in for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
4. Measurements Matter
As the old saying goes, measure twice, cut once. Buy a tape measure to avoid buying incorrectly sized furniture or making DIY changes you can’t undo. One that’s 25 feet in length is ideal for most measurements you might need to make in your home.
5. Pincher Perfect
Sometimes, you need to use more force than your strength alone. That’s when pliers come in handy. Similar to screwdrivers, they come with several styles of tips. Buy a set with needle-nose, slip-joint and cutting pliers to make sure all of your bases are covered.
6. Adjust as Necessary
Over time, nuts and bolts can come loose, which makes a wrench essential for maintenance. An adjustable wrench, or crescent wrench, allows greater flexibility for fitting the varying sizes of bolts you face. You can make the jaws wider or narrower as needed.
7. Cut with Confidence
When it comes to home maintenance, simple scissors won’t cut it. For everything from breaking down boxes to trimming wallpaper, you’ll want a utility knife that’s portable, accurate and super sharp. Go for a high-quality model that’s retractable with replaceable blades. These features ensure maximum safety and convenience.
8. Set Things Straight
A level ensures you’re perfectly lining items up horizontally or vertically. Not only is this important from a visual standpoint, but from a structural one too. You want to make sure you’re equally distributing the weight of whatever you want to hang. A simple level with a floating bubble will work just fine for most household tasks.
9. Find Your Studs
When you want to hang heavier items like shelves or a mounted TV, let the studs do the lifting. Studs are the vertical, structural pieces of wood in your walls and are ideal for supporting heavy items, but you’ll need a stud finder to locate them. Invest in a standard stud finder that uses magnets or sensors to locate these beams behind your drywall.
10. A Little Light Goes a Long Way
When it comes to flashlights, you don’t need anything super “flashy” (get it?). A simple battery-powered, LED one will do. Use it for repairs in areas that may be hard to see. Additionally, you’ll be thankful for a light source in the case of a power outage.
Ready to Take On Projects in Your Own Home?
At Starlight Homes, we provide you with all the tools for making homeownership easier than you may think. Get in touch with a Home Guide today to learn how we can assist you on your home-buying journey today.
