Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility, including maintaining your home and making repairs. Though it’s not a requirement to be a professional handyman, having a few basic tools on hand can save you time and money, and help keep your home in top shape.
Here are some of the essential tools every homeowner should own:
Tape Measure
Whether you’re replacing an appliance, installing curtains, buying furniture, or purchasing new flooring, a tape measure is one of the most essential tools for your toolkit. A 25-foot tape measure is a good all-around choice.
Hammer & Nails
Start with a basic clawed hammer and some nails. Small finish nails work great for minor repairs and hanging light photos on the wall, while heavier duty nails are good for larger projects and hanging heavier wall art.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are an absolute necessity for homeowners. From swapping out light switch plates to putting together new furniture, screwdrivers come in handy more often than you might think. Purchase a good quality screwdriver set with a few flathead- and Phillips head-style sizes.
Level
A level is used to ensure that objects are perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). They’re a useful tool for hanging pictures, installing shelving, and more. Models with a floating bubble are accurate and budget-friendly.
Stud Finder
A stud finder is used to locate studs (wood supports) inside walls. Knowing where your studs are is important when drilling screws or driving nails into your walls—it ensures they’re supported by the stud and not causing any damage. Using a stud finder can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in damages. You may not know what’s behind your walls, and if you pierce a water line, gas pipe, or wiring, you could be facing issues as major as a fire or explosion.
Utility Knife
We all know that a utility knife can open heavily taped packages, but it can also be used to scrape away paint from windows that may be painted shut, cut carpet and drywall, and do a variety of other household maintenance tasks.
Drill & Drill Bits
A cordless drill is the most common power tool that homeowners should own. Beyond drilling holes and screws, a drill is also handy for tasks such as mixing paint or building DIY projects. Investing in a quality drill and drill bits will ensure they last for many years.
Flashlight
Phone flashlights are convenient, but it’s smart to have a dedicated flashlight in your home in case of emergency. They’re also helpful for seeing in dark places such as under sinks or in basements.
Pliers
Pliers are used for gripping and cutting wires, tightening nuts and bolts, and removing staples. As a homeowner, you should have both regular and needle-nose pliers on hand.
Saw
A simple hand saw can be used for indoor and outdoor projects, but you may want to invest in a powered miter saw (or “chop saw”), too. This is one of the more expensive and mightier tools on the list, but it can come in handy for a variety of home maintenance and DIY projects.
The bottom line
These are just a few of the many tools that you may find useful as a homeowner. The specific tools you need will depend on the projects you’ll most likely tackle.
When starting to build your tool collection, consider buying a premade toolkit. These typically have multiple items bundled together for a cheaper price than buying them separately. And don’t forget to grab a toolbox to keep all of your tools together.
By having the right tools on hand, you can tackle many home repairs and projects yourself, saving you money and time and keeping your home in nice working order.