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Becoming a new homeowner is a big deal and putting your own personalized touch on your home is just the beginning. You also need to be prepared for home improvement projects, maintenance, and repairs/emergencies. That’s why you should have these essential DIY tools on hand.
As a first-time homeowner, there are many purchases and upgrades to consider when spending your money on improving and maintaining your house. Consequently, one of the first things you should do as a new homeowner is to get a well-stocked basic DIY toolbox or kit. Not only is purchasing essential tools early on a smart investment, but it will also help save time and money in the future.
Of course, having essential DIY tools on hand might seem like the last thing on your mind when purchasing and moving into your new home. But, you never know when you might need them. Moreover, it is not always easy to decide whether to do it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional. But, if you have the tools and the know-how, you can take advantage of DIY home repairs to save you a bundle. You can also use DIY tricks to save money on home decorating, house maintenance, repairs, landscaping, and more.
Thus, in order to help you put your best foot forward, here is a basic must-have tools guide for homeowners that covers everything from hand tools to power tools and other essentials to keep a smooth-running home.
Aside from safety gear, there are several must-have DIY tools you need to have at home, including measuring tape, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, a utility knife, plunger, and a flashlight. You should also consider investing in hand-size tools such as a level, a stud finder, wire cutters, a sander, and a good cordless drill. Other items like an assortment of nails and screws, clamps, and different extension cords can also save you a trip to the hardware store.
In addition to the essentials mentioned above, having a basic DIY toolbox or kit is a must. In fact, one of the keys to saving money on DIY is to have a well-stocked toolbox at the ready. That said, you do not need to buy up every tool at the hardware store simply on the chance that you might need it. And thankfully, you typically do not need that many tools to be prepared for home emergencies. About a dozen tools should be enough to see you through the most basic repairs. Rather, it makes more sense to spend your tool budget on a few really good tools that you know you will use more than once.
A good tip to keep in mind here is to figure out what your DIY goals are before shopping for a toolset. This will help you narrow down what tools you require and stop you from spending too much on a 100-piece professional-grade home tool kit. Of course, if you plan on major renovations like building a deck or framing a wall in the years ahead, then you should consider purchasing a quality toolbox.
Moreover, when it comes to creating your basic tool kit, it is important to keep in mind that everyday tools tend to receive the most wear. Thus, it is highly recommended that you purchase the best-quality hand tool sets that you can afford. This will ensure that you will not have to put a project on hold or experience delays because of a broken/worn-downed tool.
Yet another tip for your basic DIY toolbox is to opt for a large toolbox since you will likely fill it up sooner than you think. You may also want to consider looking for household tool sets that contain a variety of the most commonly needed tools and use one of these sets to start building up your basic tool kit.
Last but not least, other tools that can help make maintaining your home easier are a must. For instance, if you know winterizing is in your future, then why not pick up tools now. Or maybe you plan to grow your sustainable garden, build a treehouse for the kids, or simply intend to handle your home maintenance yourself—whatever your plans are, having what you need on hand just makes life easier. As a result, you may want to consider picking up some snow shovels, budget-friendly saws, or a portable table saw, a shop vac, a pressure washer, and even a riding mower.
Ultimately, at the end of the day, half the fun of embarking on a DIY project or maintaining your home is choosing the best tools for the job. As the years go by and your projects get more ambitious, you will likely amass quite the collection of tools. But these are the essential tools that most DIYers cannot seem to live without or turn to time and again for general upkeep and specialized jobs.
Do you have questions about home loans or financing home renovations? If so, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local mortgage company from Bellevue, Washington, serving the entire state, as well as Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. We offer many mortgage programs to buyers all over the Pacific Northwest and have been doing so since 1992. Contact us today with any questions you have about mortgages.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.