The Tools Every New Homeowner Needs — and the Ones to Just Borrow
When you own a house, you need a lot of tools, but which ones do you need when you first move in? Here's a list.
After you've lived in a house for a while, you tend to accumulate tools based on the particular maintenance and remodeling chores the house needs. You don't necessarily know what those are when you're first moving in, though, and it's a waste of money buying tools you aren't going to need on a regular basis.
When I moved into my house twenty years ago, all the floors needed to be redone. I already had most of the tools I needed from my job as a flooring installer, and it's a good thing too, because they were expensive. I'm glad I didn't have to buy them because, as it turns out, I haven't used most of them since finishing the floors.
As far as remodeler Daniel Cabrera is concerned, new homeowners should purchase a basic set of tools when moving in, and for the next two years, they should rent or borrow everything else.
That might sound a little extreme, and it begs the question of what constitutes a basic set of tools. While the answer won't be the same for everyone, Cabrera recommends a "starter kit" that costs about $250. In this post, you'll find out what's in this starter kit as well as other tools you might want to buy, based on your situation, and which you're better off borrowing or renting.
Starter Tool Kit - BUY
"The average homeowner will require just five tools on a regular basis," says Cabrera. They are:
- 20V cordless drill;
- 16-ft. tape measure;
- 16-oz. hammer;
- Stud finder;
- 24-inch level.
Based on my experience of moving into several new homes, I would add a few more tools to round out your starter kit:
- Multi-bit screwdriver;
- Socket wrench set;
- Cordless circular saw;
- Pliers (slip joint and regular);
- Utility knife;
- Caulking gun.
These are all tools you'll use often, and you'll probably need some of them right away.
Ladders - BUY
You WILL need a 6- or 8-foot stepladder at some point, and you'll also need an extension ladder if you have to work on the siding or roof. Ladders are essential tools, and while you might be able to borrow one, consider the hassle of transporting it when you don't have a truck or a roof rack for your car. Better to purchase the ladders you need at the get-go, so they're there when you need them.
Table Saw and Other Power Tools - BORROW
A table saw is an important tool if you're working with wood, but unless you're sure you're going to need it regularly, it will be an unnecessary expense, and you'll have to find a place to store it. The same goes for most other power tools, excluding a circular saw and drill. Wait to see how often you actually need a particular tool, like a belt sander, miter saw or router, before you buy one — and borrow until you buy.
Power Washer - BORROW
At some point, you may need to use a power washer on a regular basis, but probably not when you first move in. If it turns out the deck, sidewalk, or siding needs a good cleaning (and you have time for that amidst all the chaos of moving in), you'll save money and storage space by borrowing one from a friend. If none of your friends or neighbors has one, renting can be a money-saving option for a single use, says Cabrera. "Renting a power washer costs between $40 to $100 per weekend versus $300-$1,500 to purchase, and rental companies have more advanced equipment than homeowners."
Hand Lawn and Garden Tools - BUY
A basic collection of new lawn and garden tools doesn't cost that much — you may even be able to find what you need at a thrift store — and you'll be glad you have them. Plants don't stop growing when a house changes hands, nor do trees stop dropping leaves. Here's what you usually find in a basic collection:
- Digging shovel with a rounded blade;
- Spade shovel for weeding and planting;
- Snow shovel if you live in a snowy region;
- Soil rake for the garden;
- Leaf rake;
- Set of pruning shears.
Lawn Mower - BUY
If your new house has a lawn, you have to mow it regularly to keep it healthy. It may make sense to borrow your neighbor's mower for the first cut, especially if the grass is overgrown when you move in. Eventually, however, you're going to need your own mower if you want your new property to look good. The sooner you have one and know how to use it, the sooner you can establish a mowing routine that's good for the grass, so go ahead and buy one.
Power Lawn and Garden Tools - BORROW
Power lawn and garden tools other than lawn mowers — like hedge trimmers, weed whackers, power augers, chainsaws and cultivators — have very specific uses and might see action only once or twice a year. You have to find storage space for them, and if they run on gasoline, you have to empty them or treat the gas with stabilizer before storage to prevent startup failure. That's a lot of trouble you can save by borrowing the tools you need from a neighbor, friend or family member until you identify a recurring need for a particular tool.
Snowblower - BORROW
If you live in a region with a lot of snow, you may want to get a snowblower a few years down the road, but for the first year or two, there are other options. You can, of course, just use a shovel, or you can hire a worker or team of workers (who no doubt need the job) to do the shoveling. You may also have a neighbor who has a snowblower and is willing to lend it if you share the job of clearing snow on both of your properties.
Toilet Plunger and Auger - BUY
When your toilet backs up — and it will happen — you don't want to count on a neighbor, who might not even be home. Every bathroom should have clog-clearing tools at the ready, because a toilet backup can be an emergency. A plunger is more important than a snake, but you need both, so go ahead and buy them right away.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to rent tools instead of buying them?
It can be; it depends on the tool and how long you need it. Some tools, like drills and sanders, are so cheap to buy that renting makes no sense. On the other hand, it's usually cheaper to rent big, expensive tools like floor sanders and paint sprayers. If you aren't sure, multiply the rental rate by the number of days or hours you need the tool and compare that to the cost of buying a new (or used) one.
Where can I borrow tools for free?
If you need automotive tools, you can usually borrow them for free (after leaving a deposit) from a car parts store like Auto Zone or O'Reilly. For other tools, try making a request on an online community platform like Next Door, or a sharing network like Local Tools Alliance. Of course, do this only after you've asked your friends and neighbors.
What tools should every new homeowner buy first?
The five tools in Cabrera's starter kit (see above) are the most essential, along with clog-clearing tools for the bathroom and a basic set of lawn and garden tools.
About the Expert
- Daniel Cabrera has 16 years of residential remodeling experience in San Antonio metro area. He is the owner of Roof Direct San Antonio.
