Homeowner’s Tool Guide
Homeowner’s Tool Guide
The joy and wonder of owning your own home is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Dreams of family celebrations and milestones may dance in your head. In addition to the wonderful plans that you have for your home, a home buyer should also be prepared for unplanned repairs, updates, and emergencies. As a homeowner, it may be easy to think that events are solely celebratory. However, it is prudent to have a stash of tools and anticipate life’s more sinister moments when emergency repairs are needed! If you have walked through the aisles of a home improvement store and are unfamiliar with its wares, it can be overwhelming to decide what is needed for move-in day. However, there are some basic tools every home buyer should have on hand when beginning their journey of homeownership. Bob Morey, explains the importance of owning tools in his article “The Importance of Tools for Every Homeowner.” Having tools on hand will save homeowners money as home repair services are expensive and often have a waiting list.
Insurance Coverage Won’t Cover it?
A common misconception among new homeowners is that if something breaks, the homeowner’s insurance policy will surely fix it! Unfortunately, this thought process is misguided because homeowner’s insurance is in place for major emergencies only and is not designed to cover the wear and tear of regular use. For a problem to be covered by the insurance, it needs to be a covered peril (which means it needs to be specifically listed under your policy coverage). It also needs to be significantly costly to exceed your deductible (the amount you will pay before the insurance picks up the tab). The damage to the home also needs to be classified as accidental and cannot be the result of ongoing wear over a long period of time. For example, the insurance is not going to replace a loose handrail that has been used daily for five years or tighten a doorknob that has loosened from repeated use. And that squeaking cabinet door that drives you crazy is going to be a thorn in your side unless you get some grease on it! The insurance would potentially replace or repair a roof that is damaged due to a hail storm as long as that is a covered peril on your policy. An accidental kitchen fire could also result in the insurance company providing repairs to the kitchen as long as the policy covers that peril and the damage exceeds the deductible.
A Tool Guide for Beginners
Home Depot put together this excellent guide for homeowners with basic tools that should be on hand for basic projects like hanging shelves, updating fixtures, and adding creative touches like curtains and wall decor. The list begins with easy-to-use items such as a hammer, measuring tape, and screwdrivers. These tools are easy to use and handy for any odd job. The list works its way toward more obscure items such as a stud-finder and wrecking bar. If you’re not familiar with these items, a stud finder helps to locate support beams within a wall and a wrecking bar, while it has multiple uses, can help to pry out molding, remove bad flooring, or dismantle an outdated kitchen. These fantastic tools are easily accessible at most home improvement stores and can also be purchased online.
Hand Tools Vs. Power Tools
For some home improvement tasks, it may be easier to use power tools rather than exhaust yourself using hand tools. Toolsturf put together an article titled “Hand Tools vs Power Tools: What’s the Difference?” that breaks down the difference between the two as well as lists the pros and cons for owning both. A major boon for hand tools is that they do not rely on power, so they are available with and without electricity or a fuel source. However, without that extra power, they lack the strength and drive that power tools have and it all depends on available manpower. Power tools are motorized and can get jobs done more swiftly and accurately than by hand. The downside to them is that their parts do require some maintenance and can fail at any time. Batteries can also be very costly and will not last through changing seasons if they are not stored and charged properly. Gasoline also needs to be treated in climates where freezing and thawing occur seasonally.
Tool Rentals
Purchasing tools after buying a home can be frustrating, however, some home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s allow you to rent tools. Lowe’s offers a wide range of tools for rent such as lawnmowers, power tools, and general construction tools to help with any minor repairs or renovations. If you would like to browse available rentals for your Lowe’s website offers a list of products for rent. You can easily reserve tools online, pick a selected time for pickup, and see prices for rentals. One of the benefits of renting tools is that you can get professional-grade assistance without having to purchase high-end items that may not get used regularly. Both renting and buying can have their advantages, so it is best to weigh the pros and cons for your family.
Get a Starter Set with the Basics
An easy way to get what you might need is to purchase a tool kit that has basic tools for your everyday needs. Amazon offers this 68 Piece Toolset that comes in a storage case for easy access and portability. This is a great starter set for the homeowner who may not be sure what is essential. Having tools on hand will ensure that homeownership is easier and saves you time and money by making small repairs and décor updates manageable. Do-it-yourself projects are not only cheaper, but they also create indelible memories of making your new house a beloved home.