Must Have Tools for the New Homeowner

Let’s talk TOOLS for the new homeowner! If you’re like most people, you probably lived in an apartment or housing situation before you bought your first home that provided a landlord to take care of most of the maintenance. Now that YOU’RE the person responsible for your home improvement projects and upkeep, owning a home will bring with it an opportunity to purchase tools to help you get the most important jobs done. Here is a list of suggested tools for every new homeowner, plus a few other ideas that can help you when you’re getting settled in your beautiful new house!

Some essential tools to have on hand:

• Screwdrivers – small and large size for each type (regular, phillips)
• Hammers – 2 sizes
• Cordless drill + drill bit set (titanium)
• Crescent (adjustable) wrenches – 2 sizes
• Allen wrench set
• Plyers – 2 sizes
• Wire cutters
• Utility knife
• Small level
• 30-35’ measuring tape
• 3-prong extension cords (10’, 50’)
• Heavy duty work gloves and protective goggles
• Flashlight
• Hardware - a selection of general-purpose nails and screws
• Ladders – 6’ fiberglass and 2′ step stool
• Plunger
• WD-40 spray lubricant
• Fire extinguisher – 1 for each floor
• Tool bag

Some tools that are nice to have on hand, but not always absolutely necessary:

• Voltage detector
• Cordless circular saw (or powered one if you’re serious)
• Channel lock pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Hand saw
• Wood rasp
• Metal file
• Socket wrench set
• Putty knife
• Ratchet screwdriver with multi-bit set (the alternatives to regular and phillips)
• Wire stripper
• Stud finder
• Small pry bar
• Silicon spray lubricant
• Electrical tape
• Teflon tape

Yard Tools - this will depend on your personal lawn maintenance needs. For example, if you have a homeowner’s association that takes care of all of your outdoor maintenance, you may not need all of these. It’s just a suggested list to help you get started!

• Lawn mower
• Weed wacker
• Water hose and spray nozzle and watering nozzle
• Sharpshooter shovel
• Pruning shears
• Rake
• Hand shovel
• Ice Melt

As a new homeowner, it’s also important to note what professional companies you would call to take care of specific jobs that you might not be trained to do. Keep a list of these companies that your RMG Real Estate Agent has referred you to or from people you trust that have been satisfied with the company’s work done for their needs in the past.

• Plumbing
• Septic Pumping 
• Well Maintenance
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
• Electricians
• General Handyman