Don’t let an unexpected home maintenance issue throw a wrench in your dream house plans. 
Buying your first home? Prepare your toolbox with these basics so that you’ll be ready for any home emergency – and for your home improvement projects as you go! With the right tools, you can learn to care for your home and fix minor issues without calling a handyman. Skilled homeowners who take on bigger renovation projects will have more suggestions, but here are a few essentials to cover your back.
How to Use Tools as a Beginner
Tools can be intimidating if you have little experience using them. Don’t worry! Even the most inexperienced of beginners can implement tools around the home once they learn how and when to use them properly. Ellen recommends watching video demonstration on YouTube or asking a friend or family member to show you. And don’t forget to start with smaller DIY projects before jumping into bigger tasks!
Toolkit for First Time Homebuyers 
Power Tools
These kinds of tools are activated by an additional power source beyond manual power. Power tools either operate by an electrical plug-in or a battery source.
- Drill and Drill Bits: The convenience of wireless electric power makes quick work of lots of small projects and will quickly promote the cordless drill to one of the most used tools in your collection. Your drill can come in handy in a huge range of applications beyond making holes and driving screws and is easily one of the best tools to own. You’ll want to make sure you have a good assortment of metal, wood, and universal drill bits to cover indoor and outdoor projects. Buy a pack of drill bits with a wide selection of Phillips-head, slotted, and square drive bits all in a variety of sizes so you’ll be prepared for whatever repair jobs come your way.
- Compact 2 gallon wet/dry vacuum: Perfect for cleaning up after any and all projects. Self contained and easy to store – you will use this shop vac more than you think. I promise.
- 3 Prong Heavy Duty Extension cord: Keep a heavy duty electrical extension cord with multiple plugins around the house. They come in handy for outdoor parties, getting extra light into a dark corner, and of course, home improvement projects.
- Lawnmower: Depending on your lawn’s size and the grade of your property, you may need a lawnmower. Will you choose electric or gas-fueled? Do you want to ride or gently push one? If you want to combine a workout with your landscaping, you can even opt for an old-fashioned manual push mower. They’re quieter and relatively inexpensive! If you have a big lawn with lots of garden spaces that are inaccessible by a mower or if you have a hilly, rocky, or smaller property where it makes more sense than owning a full-sized lawnmower.
Manual Tools
Manual tools have no electrical power source, but rely only on your own strength. You’ll find yourself reaching for these hand tools regularly once you’re comfortable with how they work.
- Screwdriver set: Even if you own a battery-operated drill, a set of manual screwdrivers are handy for the simple jobs like changing out a switch plate or tightening a cabinet knob. Make sure to get a variety pack with different types of screwdrivers or one screwdriver with interchangeable heads.
- Hammer: A hammer will probably be your go-to tool. Ellen advises getting two: a lightweight pin hammer for small jobs and a heavier claw hammer for pulling nails, outdoor projects, and any demolition jobs. Get at least one with a padded grip for shock absorption to save your joints from wear and tear. Want to know how to hang your pictures perfectly level and in the right place for your home? See Ellen’s Tips for Picture Hanging Wall Art here!
- Assorted hardware: It’s good to have a selection of general-purpose nails and screws on hand for whatever projects come your way. Much assorted hardware comes prepackaged in sets of the most common sizes needed.
- Tape measure: Meet your new best friend. You’ll find a retractable, lockable tape measure absolutely necessary. From planning where to place window blinds, rugs, and furniture to hanging curtains or artwork, the tape measure will save you headaches from misjudging the dimensions of something going into your home. Get one that is at least 25’ in case you have to measure a room’s square footage or need to do some measuring in the yard.
- Pliers: Look for a set of pliers that includes locking pliers with a good grip, small needle-nose pliers for tight spaces, and electrician’s pliers for stripping and cutting wires.
- Level: Whether you opt for a high-tech laser level or Ellen’s favorite – a low-tech, less expensive version with a floating bubble in the viewer, never attempt to install kitchen cabinets, pantry shelving, or hang picture frames without a level.
- Hex keys or Allen keys: If you own anything from IKEA, you probably already have a few of these lying around, but they’ll come in handy for more than you realize. Screwdrivers can’t turn hexagonal bolts and screws – but Allen keys can!
- Scraper/putty knife: Putty knives are so helpful for more than applying spackle. They are great for removing old caulk and scraping away flaky surfaces or sticker residue.
- Adjustable wrench: You probably don’t need a full set of wrenches, just one or two adjustable wrenches, since wrench jaws may be adjusted to fit nuts and bolts of different sizes. Crescent wrenches are one of the easiest and handiest kinds.
- Stud-finder: Before installing your flat-screen TV on the wall or hanging a curtain rod, you’ll need a stud-finder to guide you. Stud-finders scan the wall and help you find exactly where to drill. Don’t create excess holes and avoid drilling where nails already exist by using a stud-finder.
- Pruning shears: Trim back that bush hogging all the sun from your yard! These also come in handy for cleanly cutting flowers or clipping garden tomatoes without damaging your plant.
- Rake: The best tool for cleaning up fallen leaves, of course, the rake is also useful for gathering grass clippings, smoothing out mulch, and spreading gravel. Dreaming of a landscape project or two? You’re going to need a rake.
Safety Tools
Safety should always be your priority, whether you’re new to using tools or experienced. Always use protective gear, and keep your fingers away from nail guns, drill ends, and sharp blades. You should also familiarize yourself with your tools’ safety features according to the manufacturer manuals.
- Gloves and Goggles. A sturdy pair of work gloves is great for dirty outside chores, like cleaning gutters and gardening. For corrosive solutions or jobs that involve glass of any kind, you’ll also need eye-protecting goggles. If you’re using power tools like mowers, leaf blowers, or machinery, use ear protection and dust masks to protect yourself.
- Flashlight: If your electricity goes out unexpectedly or you need to work on a project where lighting is poor (like in an attic or under a sink), an LED flashlight is the way to go. Get a few in different sizes, and leave them in various rooms. As prep for emergencies, make sure everyone in the house knows where the flashlights and the batteries are kept.
- Ice melt: For full efficiency, ice-melt needs to be applied to the ground before a storm arrives. There may still be a thin layer of ice after shoveling, so spread ice melt there, as well. Ellen recommends double-checking the kind of “rock-salt” you use as many kinds are not safe for pets.
- Snow shovel or blower: If you live in an area that gets moderate to heavy snow, where snow can be a big nuisance, a snow shovel is a must for keeping your walkways safe. For a big space that needs clearing, consider budgeting for a snow blower. Don’t forget! Don’t wait until it snows to get these items. Many hardware stores will run out after the first snowfall (since everyone else waited until after the snow came).
Buying Your First Home
Being a first-time homebuyer doesn’t have to be a scary, overwhelming process. With Ellen Zetmeir, the homebuying process can be EZ! Just ask first-time homebuyers John and Ali about their experience. In fact, one of Ellen’s mantras is to never let any first-time homebuyer make a single mistake. Learn more about working with Ellen now!
