As a new homeowner, it can feel like there’s a never-ending list of new things you have to buy. If you come from an apartment and want to dive into DIY, it’s unlikely that your current toolbox is sufficient. Hardware stores are filled to the brim with tools and supplies for various jobs, but which ones do you actually need? To try and help you narrow down your list, we’ve put together our top 10 must-have tools every homeowner needs.
1. Drill
A drill is a tool every homeowner needs to get DIY jobs done efficiently. It can help you drill holes in walls and wood, drive screws, mix paint, and even clean your home with a scrub brush attachment. For most homeowners, a regular drill with standard bits will have enough power to complete their to-do list, from assembling furniture to hanging pictures. However, if you’re planning to do some heavy-duty drilling through concrete or brick, you may need a more powerful hammer drill fitted with masonry bits.
2. Level
When you buy a new home, you usually have to hang shelves, pictures, hooks, and more. If you wing it, it’s likely that your pictures will look uneven. If you don’t have money to spend on a level, you can find an app for your smartphone that turns it into one. However, a standard full-size level will produce more accurate results, so it may be worth investing in. For small projects, I stick to levels between one and two feet. Larger models probably aren’t helpful because they’ll just get in the way if you aren’t tackling a huge project.
3. Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from long and thin to short and fat. You can often find affordable sets at the hardware store. Screwdrivers have a compact design that allows them to fit in tight spaces that a drill couldn’t reach, making this an essential tool every homeowner needs. Screwdrivers can also be more ergonomic and controllable than drills. However, if you only have the budget for one, a drill fitted with a driver bit can be a decent stand-in.
4. Electric Pen Tester
Electrical work can be scary because of the risk of injury. While swapping an outlet or installing a dimmer doesn’t usually require a high skill level, you have to make sure you take safety precautions to avoid hurting yourself. Even after turning the breaker off, it’s still a good idea to test the wiring with an electric pen tester. If it lights up, something has gone wrong and the outlet is still live. Maybe you switched off the wrong breaker or each outlet is tied to different breakers. Regardless, using a pen tester will help keep you safe.
5. Quality Paint Brushes
Painting requires tons of prep, including washing the walls, taping off the room, and filling and sanding dings. After all that hard work, you don’t want to be left with a subpar paint job. Spending a few extra dollars on a better paint brush or roller can be the difference between getting a nice, even coat the first time or needing to apply multiple layers. Your paint job will likely look better and last longer if you invest in high-quality tools, saving you money and time in the long run.
6. Shop Vacuum
Even if you don’t have a proper workshop, it’s still useful to have a shop vacuum, a tool every homeowner needs. They can handle messes regular upright vacuums can’t, such as drywall dust and debris in your fireplace. As an added bonus, they can even vacuum up water. If you ever have a leak or broken pipe, a shop vac can make cleaning the puddle up significantly easier.
7. Paint Razor Scraper
Paint razor scrapers can be used to remove paint, glue, and other adhesives from surfaces around your home. They work on glass, wood, tile, walls, and most floor coverings. I prefer plastic scrapers because they tend to be less expensive and more gentle. They’re great to have around for DIY projects like refinishing furniture that may require you to strip old paint.
8. Flexible Putty Knife
It’s likely that the seller left some holes in the wall that you need to patch. A quality, flexible metal putty knife can go a long way when working on drywall. Made for applying spackle to dents and dings in your wall, the flexible metal blade allows you to press the paste in and get a nice finish. Putty knives are available in varying flexibilities and materials. While plastic works for smaller one-off jobs, consider investing in a metal knife if you want to clean and reuse it for multiple projects.
Get the Right Tools for The Job
As a homeowner, you’ll learn that there’s always something that needs doing around the property. Even if you buy a newly constructed home, you’ll likely have to hang a TV, put up shelves, and paint at least a couple of walls. Getting the right tools for the job can make all the difference and help ensure your finished project looks great. Hopefully, this guide will help you embark on your homeownership journey with a little more knowledge and find the right tools for your situation.