Essential Tools for the First-Time Homeowner

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the process of buying your first home. Whether you’ve purchased a one-bedroom condo or a multi-story single family home (or anything in between), things are bound to need repair at some point during your ownership. We’ve compiled a list of some essential tools that every new homeowner should have on hand for home improvement and DIY projects.
Keep in mind that quality tools are a good investment and will typically last much longer than their cheaper counterparts. The key is to buy the best quality tools that you can afford and build your collection over time as different projects come along.

Safety Glasses

Before you conquer all of your projects with your shiny new tools, you need to protect yourself. Invest in a high-quality pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Tool Box

You’re going to need a place to store these tools, so let’s start with the basics. A tool box is an often overlooked necessity. Tools can end up in drawers, cabinets, shelves, etc. and be difficult or impossible to find. Having your tools in one location can minimize search time, and help complete your project faster. You can start with a modest size tool box and buy larger ones as your tool collection grows.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are a must. Even the most basic projects will probably require a screwdriver. Screwdrivers can be purchased in many different forms. Some people buy screwdriver bits for their drill (see below), others prefer the magnetic tip style screwdrivers and some prefer the standard one-piece metal screwdriver. Whatever you choose, having a set with a variety of flat and Phillips head sizes is recommended.

Hammer

Hammers come in a variety of sizes and weight. Pick one that best suits your needs and feels comfortable in your hands. Selecting the proper weight will depend on your intended use. Choosing a hammer with a straight claw is typically more useful for a homeowner than one with a curved claw.

Pliers

Pliers are useful for holding objects in place when you’re working on them. They can also come in handy when you need to pinch or bend things into place, such as thin metal or wiring. You can start with a standard plier and continue to add other varieties, such as needle nose, when necessary.

Measuring Tape

From taking small measurements, such as the distance between hanging pictures, or large measurements, such as an entire room, a tape measure is a great addition to any tool box. A locking, 25 foot tape measure should be sufficient for most projects around the home.

Flashlight

If your power goes out unexpectedly, you’ll be happy to have a flashlight to light the way as you move about the house. LED flashlights typically offer longer battery life and provide more light than their counterparts.

Cordless Drill and Bits

This will probably be the most used tool in your box. Cordless drills come in handy for many different projects and the wireless convenience makes them a great choice. Be sure to pair your drill with a wide variety of bits to cover all of your projects. If you spend a little more on one tool in your collection, it should probably be this one.

Level

Hanging something in a straight line? You’ll want to have a level handy. A simple 24-48 inch bubble level is probably sufficient for most projects, but you may also consider a more expensive laser level based on your needs.

Wrenches

At the very least, you should have an adjustable crescent wrench in your tool box. These wrenches can accomodate many different nut and bolt sizes in a single tool. As your comfort level and needs grow, you can add a ratchet and socket set with mutiple sizes and extensions.

Utility Knife

Stop opening your Amazon packages with a steak knife. A good utility knife can make quick work of anything from opening cardboard boxes to cutting caulk joints or rubber hose. It’s a good idea to have some extra blades handy in case one gets dull.

Ladder

Need to change a light bulb? Store stuff in the attic? A ladder is your best friend. Depending on the ceiling heights in your home, you may be able to make due with a smaller stepladder. For higher reach, consider a step ladder or multi-position ladder.

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