Just when you think the drain on your savings couldn’t get any worse…you settle on your new home, unlock the door and move in. All is right with the world!
Experienced homebuyers understand, however, that it takes living in a home for a few weeks to notice all those items that need fixing and those you simply wish to change. As a new home owner the last thing you want to do right now, however, is spend even more money. But, spend you must if you hope to make the home comfortable.
Remember, you no longer have a landlord to call for repairs so you’ll need to either make them yourself or call a professional. If you’re handy and you have the tools required, many routine repairs are DIY projects.
If you don’t have the tools, it’s easy and inexpensive to assemble a basic tool kit and the other items you’ll need to tackle the small repairs around your new home.
The new homeowner tool kit
No, you don’t need to own every tool you’ll find in a builder’s shed. Even the basics will get small jobs done. Purchase a hammer, a measuring tape, both a phillips and a flathead screwdriver, adjustable spanner, craft knife and a pair of pliers. If you have extra money, consider some power tools, such as a battery drill and small sander.
Miscellaneous items
- A ladder is an indispensable item for all homeowners. Many heat pump filters and smoke alarms are set high in ceilings and only a ladder will help you reach them.
- Insulation tape – it’s a miracle product. Sure, people laugh about it, but there are so many uses for the stuff, from removing dust from a lamp shade to taping wires together after splicing them.
- Paintbrushes in an assortment of sizes – the small ones are handy for light touch ups so include those along with the standard-sized paintbrushes.
- Torch – and batteries. Every home should have more than one torch, not only to use in case of a power cut but also to inspect those dark areas of the home. Don’t forget a head torch so your hands can be free.
- Stud finder – you’ll get a lot of use out of this when it comes time to hang shelves & pictures.
- Level – a level will help you hang the shelves straight and it’s indispensable when hanging artwork.
Where to buy your tools to save money
Obviously, the best bargains can be found at garage sales and on Trade Me. Be careful, though, when purchasing anything other than hand tools. Buying used power tools requires a bit more research. Check that the cords aren’t frayed and that all the safety features are intact and functioning. Check the battery compartment on cordless tools and don’t touch any that contain rust or corrosion and that don’t come with a charger.
While they are a hot commodity at ReStore, you may find some good bargains on used tools at other second-hand shops. You’ll find our local stores on my Re-Home Your Pre-Loved blog.
Now that you have the tools, it’s time to learn how to do some of those upgrades and repairs. Visit the Mitre 10 Easy As page for some affordable DIY ideas, and the Resene decorator paint tips for a how-to-do-it yourself paint jobs or the Bunnings DIY page for some great help and the New Zealand Handyman Magazie has some great help too. As a new home owner, if all else fails, call a professional in or just google what you need to do and I bet someone has a page or video on how to do it!
About the Author: The above article, The New Homeowner’s Essential Tool Kit was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media.
You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921. He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.
I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman towns & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City.
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