Organizing a tool inventory for your new home

Every homeowner should have a tool kit for his or her home. After purchasing a new home, take an inventory of what items you currently possess and figure out what tools you should purchase to complete your inventory.

Know what obstacles you may encounter in your home and how you should go about remedying those obstacles.

Issues commonly arise in homes

A home inspection conducted before moving into a home can shed some light on issues you may soon face after the purchase of your house. For this reason, it may be a good idea to join a home inspector when he or she inspects your property to have a better idea of what his or her final report might mean for home maintenance.

Leaky faucets, windows that stick and creaking floors are only some of the characteristics that may plague your house. Each home is unique. Consequently, maintenance for each home varies quite a bit. Team Handyman noted that each room and element of your home may require a variety of upkeep.

As your home ages, your appliances and hardware may require upgrades. No home is immune to repairs, re-installations or any other general improvement. Luckily, most conservation can be done with proper knowledge and tools. No matter your skill level, the correct tools can make maintaining your home a breeze.

Toolkit checklist

The National Association of Realtors noted that owning a house requires more responsibility than renting an apartment. Issues that arise don't just require a simple email or phone call. You become the primary caretaker of your residence once you invest in a home, and proper maintenance is simple with the correct tools. 

As you gain more knowledge about the maintenance for your unique home, your toolkit may grow, according to This Old House. However, every homeowner begins with a modest collection. 

When you check out your current tool inventory, make a list of all the items you own as well as their sizes and adjustability before heading to your local hardware store. After creating your list, consider what tools you may need to your home. If caulking will be a common upkeep task for you, include tools necessary for such a job.

Some items you should consider including in your dependable toolbox include:

• Hammer
• Drill
• Screwdriver set
• Tape measurer
• Pliers
• Battery-powered source of light
• Utility knife
• Adjustable wrenches
• Tape
• Stud finder
• Hardware: nuts and bolts

Modest woodworking tasks may require additional tools, such as a handsaw. The New York Times suggested finding one that is still capable of fitting in your toolbox. If your collection outgrows your toolbox, you may need to purchase a larger one. 

Also, speak with an employee at your local hardware store if you have any questions about the benefits of specific brands and types of handsaws, hammers, drills or other gadgets. 

How to accommodate larger remodeling projects 

If you are not only maintaining your home, your tool requirements may vary. Different projects might require specific utensils that another endeavor may not need. If you are demolishing your kitchen cabinets, for example, a sledgehammer is especially useful. However, you would not want to bring a sledgehammer into your bathroom due to the risk of destroying existing plumbing. 

Conduct research for each individual project you chose to undertake and purchase tools based on the unique needs of that particular remodel. If you feel like purchasing tools for one-time projects, consider asking a neighbor, family member or friend if they have any materials that you could borrow. Also, check with your local hardware store and ask if it offers tool rental. These options could be cost effective alternatives to purchasing expensive tools. 

When you purchase a home, new responsibilities arise. Tackle them with confidence with the proper gadgets and gizmos and keep your home in tip-top shape.