Tools Every New Home Buyer Needs
If you are a first time home buyer, there are some basic tools you will need for the handy-man (or handy-woman) projects that are bound to come up in your new abode. Since most of of us can’t afford to call a handy-person for every little project on our honey-do lists – we’ve put together a list of tools the new home buyer needs to tackle basic home projects.
Top Tools
1. Toolbox – Don’t worry – you don’t need anything fancy. Pick yourself up a decent tool box or tool bag (canvas) so you can keep all your new tools in one place. When the time comes to put your new tools into use – you won’t be hunting around your house for everything. We suggest buying your tools first and then selecting a tool box that could hold twice as many tools as you purchased. You don’t want to have to buy a new tool box when you add to your collection.
2. Hammer – This is a handy-person basic. We don’t need to tell you why you need a hammer. A few helpful hints: A hammer with straight claws is probably more useful for the homeowner rather than sharply curved claws. You should be able to swing the hammer without difficulty – nothing too heavy.
3. Screwdrivers – Pick up a mixed set of 1/4 and 3/8 inch flat heads and No.1 and No. 2 Phillips heads (plus heads – as some of us laughably call them). Quality counts when it comes to screwdrivers – a cheap set will not last.
4. Tape Measure – A 16 foot 3/4-inch-wide tape measure should be sufficient. Less than 3/4 inches won’t do the job. Spend a few more bucks to get a 20 or 25 footer to make room measurements a little easier.
5. Utility Knife – A utility knife with replaceable blades will be much more useful than you can imagine. Either buy a utility knife or plan on replacing your steak knives more often.
6. Safety Glasses – This should be at the top of your list and your toolbox!
7. Level – This tool is a must-have for hanging pictures or shelves. A torpedo level is a simple and affordable level.
8. Pliers – Needle-nose pliers are are good for work in tight places and channel-lock pliers are adjustable and used for gripping things such as nuts and shower heads.
9. Vise Grips – A good set of vise grip pliers are invaluable. Make sure to pick up a pair of these locking pliers.
10. Drill – The only “must-have” power tool on the list. For those on a budget – who will not be using a drill all that often – a corded drill will work fine. For more frequent use, a cordless drill is more appropriate. Select a drill with a ½” chuck although the smaller 3/8″ chuck is usually large enough. A small assortment of drill bits (from 1/8″ to 3/8″ plus a few spare bits) and a few screwdriver bits will also be necessary to go with the drill. Make sure it is a variable speed, reversible drill of at least moderate quality.
All these tools are available at your local home improvement center. Just remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to tools. No need to spend a fortune – but consider your purchases as an investment in your new home.
Inlanta Mortgage offers Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac agency products, as well as a full suite of jumbo and portfolio programs. The company is fully delegated HUD-FHA including FHA 203K, VA, and USDA approved. Inlanta Mortgage also offers numerous state bond agency programs. Review Inlanta’s mortgage loan programs here.
Inlanta Mortgage is a multi-state mortgage banker based out of Brookfield, Wisconsin. NMLS# 1016. Inlanta Mortgage is proud to be a recent recipient of a 2012 Top Workplace Award.