Top 5 Tools for New (& All) Homeowners to Keep on Hand

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, upgrading, downsizing, or relocating — a basic set of tools can make homeownership much easier. You may think that hiring movers covers your bases, but there’s more to it than that. Investing in a few tools of your own will help you to get settled, tackle any unexpected fixes, and help you feel at home before you know it.

We’ve welcomed thousands of homeowners to their new homes, and from our experience, these five tools carry their weight when you add them to your toolbox.

#1: CLAW HAMMER

Hammers are seen on every handyman’s tool belt for good reason. The double-sided tool features a flat head for pounding nails into the wall. On the other side you’ll find a v-shaped prong that can remove nails — because try as we might, sometimes the nail goes in crooked.

When you’re moving into a new place, most of the things you’ll be hanging require you to have a hammer nearby. If you’re purchasing one for the first time, try out a few different sizes to determine what weight feels best to you.

Pro tip? Even if you don’t expect to do much outdoor hammering, plan to accidentally leave your hammer outside at least a couple of times. Make sure the hammer you buy is weather-resistant so that it doesn’t rust.

#2: MANUAL SCREW DRIVER SET

Door knobs. Battery panels. Lighting fixtures. You know what they all have in common? Screws. You know what they don’t have in common? Screw size.

A manual screwdriver set will undoubtedly come in handy in your newest homeownership endeavor. Since screwdrivers are not a one-size-fits-all sort of tool, it’s helpful to have a set with a variety of sizes so that you can handle a range of tasks.

From assembling side tables or shelves, to checking access panels on appliances – a screwdriver set will be put to good use.

#3: CORDLESS DRILL

No one likes to be tied down by proximity to an outlet, especially when it comes to a drill. A cordless drill can handle a variety of jobs around the house, and you don’t have to wrestle with a cord the whole time.

If you’ve got an endless amount of screws in your future (we’re looking at you assembly-required furniture), a power drill can make quick work of them. Just make sure you have an extra battery pack in tow; that way you don’t have to stop mid-project for a re-charging session.

#4: LEVEL

Do you currently rely on the “stand-back-and-squint” technique to determine if your home decor is hung correctly? Spoiler alert, it’s probably crooked.

Levels are underrated, but they’re a must to make sure that your house doesn’t look like it was built on a slant. There are a few different types. You can stick with the standard level that has a bubble of air in liquid, which requires a bit of eyeballing. If you want to eliminate any guesswork and operate on the cutting edge at the same time, a laser level is an upgrade and a worthwhile splurge.

#5: PLIERS

There’s a multitude of super specialized pliers, but for average use around the house, having a couple of the more commonly used types should be plenty.

You’ve probably seen “Needle-Nose Pliers” which have a long skinny tip that is useful for gripping or grabbing things in small spaces. Another common and versatile plier is known as a “slip joint plier.” A pair of these can be used to remove nails from walls, loosen tight nuts and bolts, or even make basic sink repairs. Again, it’s best to buy the weather-resistant version of pliers to prevent rust from accumulating.

With these five tools in your corner, you’ll feel like an expert homeowner in no time. And when you decide to Live Up in a StyleCraft home, help is never far away. To learn more about your new home and how to prepare for homeownership, contact us at 804.523.HOME.