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Are you a new homeowner, or maybe new to a temporary home? In either case, you’ll want to have a basic toolkit for minor home repairs. Imagine having to shell out big bucks to a handyman every time you want to hang a picture or adjust squeaky door? So not cool.
The best gift I received when I moved into my first apartment was a stocked toolbox from my dad. Not the housewarming gift I was hoping for, but in the following months and after it’s weekly use, I was in total appreciation of his foresight.
So, where to start?
Get yourself to the hardware store, grab a cart and let’s get shopping. Building a good toolkit usually happens over time because it can be costly, but you should start out with some essentials. For about $60, you can build a starter kit. Here are the must-haves:
• Claw Hammer
• Screwdriver Set
• Adjustable Crescent Wrench
• Channellock Pliers
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Carpenter Pencils and Sharpener
Make sure to keep your core set of tools in a toolbox or bag at all times.
Ready to add more?
Within six months to a year, you may be ready to expand your toolkit. With a few added tools, you’ll have the means to put up shelves, paint a room, change door locks and more. The estimated cost for adding the below tools will be around $200.
• Utility Knife and Blades
• Ratchet Set
• Cordless Drill and Drill Bits
• Manual Saw Set: Hacksaw and Wood Saw
• Stud Finder
• Basic Painting Set
• Flash Light
Having so much fun that you want to try more?
Most hardware stores, especially large national chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s, both host classes and workshops designed to help new homeowners get comfortable with doing their own work around the house, making their own improvements, and fixing their own problems without spending a ton of money on contractors or specialists. For example, Home Depot’s weekly workshops will show you how to do things like install decorative molding, install tile flooring, properly paint interior walls, and more—all things you may never have had to do as a renter.
Lowe’s also has a how-to project center with walkthroughs for common household projects: Take me there
Sources:
https://www.fix.com/blog/diy-home-repair-kit/
https://lifehacker.com/where-can-i-learn-home-improvement-skills-1535195959[:]
