What Does a First-Time Homebuyer's Tool kit look like?

Do you have the "tools" to tackle your new home?

Becoming a first-time homeowner is one of the most exciting milestones in a person’s life. Gone are the days of renting, roommates, landlords and such— Welcome the days of truly having a living space that is all your own. However, owning a home also means that the crutch of calling the landlord every time something needs to be fixed is no longer there. Now, everything is your responsibility, which means preparedness is key. 

We’ve put together a list of some basic essentials that every homeowner should have available at all times for those common needs you’ll be liable to encounter.  It’s a smart idea to slowly start collecting these items for you to own, as they are the most essential when it comes to home maintenance. 

1. Ladder. There’s really no way around it- everyone is going to need a ladder at some point. From cleaning gutters, hanging decor, or tacking up lights at Christmas time, a ladder is a must-have.  Prices range depending on the height and material but expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $400 for an extension ladder.
2. Cordless Drill. This is another power tool that comes in handy every time something is being assembled, or for heavy items, you’ll need to hang on a wall. Drills can be purchased from anywhere between $20 and $300.
3. Hammer. Get a hammer. No toolbox is complete without one. You can grab one for as cheap as $5.00.
4. Garden hose.  Get started on your curb appeal by watering your plants. Grab a hose for anywhere between $8 to $100 depending on the length. You’ll also want to pick up a nozzle and a reel for storage.
5. Tape measure. These are useful in just about any situation, from measuring furniture placement, finding the right height for the TV mount on the wall to other tasks around the home. You can grab one for as little as $4.00.
6. Level. Levels are a big help when it comes to hanging pictures and wall art, because sometimes “eyeing it” just isn’t enough. A 4-foot level costs as little as $10, or you can choose to go more high tech by purchasing a digital level with an LCD screen for around $175.00.
7. Screwdrivers. This is a necessity because even if you’ve got a drill, something in your home is going to need a battery which will call for a handy screwdriver to replace. You’ll need both flathead and Phillips head varieties. A 4-in1 screwdriver set with both heads in different sizes costs as little as $4.00.
8. Pliers. A five-piece plier set should take care of almost anything you’ve got to pull, grasp, or cut. A five-piece set includes an adjustment wrench, slip joint, long-nose, diagonal, and groove joint pliers costing as little as $11.00.
9. Stud finder. These come in handy when hanging heavy items on your walls such as TV mounts, shelves, large art pieces and etc. If you choose to hang these pieces without finding a stud first, you’ll be patching up holes in no time because sheetrock alone cannot hold that much weight. You can find a magnetic stud finder for around $3.50 or up to around $80 for a digital one.

Of course, you may already have these items or have others that suit your home needs more precisely. Either way, it’s smart to have some type of “tool kit” handy for when emergencies take place around the house. Save yourself the trip to the nearest Lowe’s or Home Depot by grabbing these tools today, and you are sure to be set for the common maintenance tasks every homeowner experiences.