Tackle Projects Around the Home with Your Own Two Hands

By Keith Loria

Purchasing and moving into your dream home is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it’s important for homeowners—especially first timers—to take into consideration the upkeep that comes with owning a home. If you’re leaving behind a condo, rental building or even your childhood home, you need to have the proper tools at your disposal so that you can take care of projects on your own.

While you may need to call in the professionals for big projects like electrical work or roofing (although even a savvy self-made handyman could figure this out with the right book), when it comes to wall hangings, painting, fixtures and other small projects, having the proper tools will enable you to get things done quickly and efficiently.

The first thing every new homeowner should have is a toolbox in order to keep everything organized and in one location. Even if you have a designated “tool drawer,” it will most likely become jammed with non-tool items, making it hard to find exactly what you’re looking for when a new project gets added to the list. Keeping all your tools together is a simple way to save time and eliminate stress when it comes to completing tasks around the house.

Once you’ve purchased a tool box, take a trip to your local hardware store and buy the standard tools that everyone should have—screwdrivers (multiple sizes of both Phillips- and flat-heads), a hammer, wrench, saw and pliers. Then start adding to your collection so that your toolbox includes everything you could possibly need for whatever project you’re tackling.

One important addition that shouldn’t be overlooked is a tape measure. Not only will you need to measure for curtains and new furniture, you’ll also be glad you have a tape measure when it comes to hanging photos and completing a plethora of other home fixing activities.

In addition, don’t forget to pick up a drill and the bits that go with it. Sure, you can accomplish most of the screwing and unscrewing with a screwdriver, but a drill will save you a lot of time and effort. Plus, when you start buying things that need to be put together at home (bookcases, beds, shelves, etc.), you’ll be happy you made the investment.

If you plan on hanging pictures or shelves in your new home, a level is a must for any handyman. This is another tool that will get a lot more use than you think.

Wire cutters are also important for those who plan on connecting surround sound or doing something with their stereo or television equipment. They can even be put to use for attaching a ceiling fan or performing other small-scale electrical projects.

Other items to start with include different sized nails and screws, wall hangers, blades, a utility knife, clamps and duct tape. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t be afraid to ask the experts at your local hardware store what they recommend.

For more tips on how to tackle projects on your own, contact our office today.

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