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Writer's pictureBrent Whelan

Top 10 Tools for Homeowners

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

Just getting into Home Ownership or DIY? Start Here.



Home ownership comes with responsibility, whether you’re putting a roof over your families head or renting your property to someone else, maintenance is a part of the journey. Gutters need cleaning, drains need snaking, and showers need caulking. In this blog, we're going to discuss some necessary tools needed for home maintenance.


Ladder



This may come to a surprise to a lot of people, but a good all-around ladder is hard to come by, and depending on your home and its unique needs you may need more than one. My favourite (and most hated) ladder is my A-frame multi-use ladder, similar to pictured above. I love it because it breaks down for easy storage, it can be used as a step or extension ladder, and it even can work safely on stairs (be careful and have someone close by until you feel 100% comfortable using these on stairs). Use this ladder for accessing your gutters for clearing, as well as changing the batteries in your smoke detectors. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll need to use a ladder around the house, so invest in a sturdy one that you’ll feel safe on.


Drill/Driver


This one comes with an asterisk; you don’t really NEED a drill or driver and can get by with a screwdriver set. However, you’ll love the added power, speed and convenience that comes with a drill, and when you need a hole bored you can’t beat a good drill.


Measuring Tape


Not just for DIY projects around the home, you’ll need a measuring tape for deducing how long the drapes need to be, if that cabinet will fit in that corner, what size air conditioner will fit in the window, hanging pictures, the possibilities are endless!


Adjustable Wrenches


Does the ‘honey do’ list include swapping a faucet? Changing the toilet? Fix a door from rubbing? Yes, you can do these things with a good adjustable wrench or locking wrench (commonly referred to as channel locks). You’ll need this tool for various plumbing jobs, even tightening/loosening your garden hose can require a little extra grip.


Plunger




To be real with you, I wasn’t sure if I was going to add this to the list because… Who DOESN’T have a toilet plunger? Then I thought about the bathrooms of many of my friends and family and remembered not one of them even had the correct plunger. If you’ve ever seen a plunger that was simply just a suction cup on the end of a stick, you’d be looking at a SINK plunger. Toilet plungers however have a flange at the opening of the cup, designed to get a good seal around the throat of the toilet. If you want a high-quality plunger (I love mine) then you’ll want an accordion-style plunger. These contraptions are amazing, just be sure to have a good seal when churning the toilet, as the operator is typically in the splash zone.


Hammer


No toolbox is complete without a hammer. You’ll want one for all the various DIY projects on said ‘honey do’ list. I usually use mine around the house for hanging pictures on the wall, and speaking of pictures you’ll probably want a…


Level


If you want a level that will double as a straight edge, get a reliable bubble level. I prefer my laser level over bubble levels any day, because they allow me to have a consistent line while I’m working, and they’re hands free! You can find laser levels on amazon for less than $80 and they’re well worth the investment.


Pliers

Many Basic Tools Can Be Had on A budget at Your Local Dollar Store

If you’ve made it to this point on the list and wondering “Brent, why on earth would I need a pair of pliers? I’m not planning to do any electrical work.” Well, I thought this too until my first Christmas and it was up to me to take my toddler’s presents out of its packaging. Yes, you’ll need pliers for all sorts of things.


Flashlight


For more than just power outages! Searching for items in your shed or crawl space, even changing a light bulb can be challenging without proper lighting.


Saw


There are a myriad of saws you can invest in, from simple handsaws to table saws. It can be difficult to decide what kind of saw you’ll need, but for a good all-around saw that can crosscut (cut against the grain) and rip (cutting along the grain) you should consider a circular saw. With a little bit of practice you can make nearly any cut, and the price is easier to justify than a sliding compound mitre saw. Just don’t count on having precise cuts on your baseboard project.


Of course, these tools are just for everyday DIYing and should be in every homeowner’s junk drawer for when they’re needed, but if you enjoy taking on weekend warrior projects, why not invest in specialized tools? If you have a knack for hands on work and can learn new skills from YouTube, then saving on the professional service and investing in the proper tools may be the way to go.



Brent Whelan is the owner and operator of Osprey Home Inspections, in the greater Halifax area of Nova Scotia. A red seal Carpenter, certified home inspector, and father of three, he implores you to 'Inspect Your Nest' before making one of the biggest investments of your life. You can catch him on his website and on Instagram, and you can book him directly here!


You can also access great places like your local tool library for those tools you don't necessarily want to own, or when you have limited storage space. And if you have specialized questions or get stuck, you can rely on the pros at The Project Garage to help you out! For more info about buying items on a budget, check out our previous blog on DIY Bargains



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