The day you buy a new home, is the day you sign away hours of your life to a slew of DIY tasks and home maintenance projects. For a first-time Connecticut homebuyer, this might sound intimidating, but not to worry: home improvement can be fun and wonderfully satisfying, provided that you have the right tools. The following 10 tools are must-haves for anyone who owns property.
1. Hammer
There are very few home improvement tasks that don't require use of a hammer. Whether you're driving stakes into the ground or nails into a wall, hammers are essential. They can also be helpful with demolition projects if you're doing a lot of remodeling.
2. Drill
You're going to need a drill for putting pilot holes in boards and driving screws into walls. Drills are especially critical if you need to screw something into a wall stud. You can also choose to buy a bit set at the hardware store when you purchase your first drill, but unless you plan to do a lot of drilling on a regular basis, you might find that you're happier buying drills one at a time as the need arises.
3. All-In-One Screwdriver
Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers aren't just useful in home improvement projects: they're also helpful when it comes to assembling furniture and toys for kids. An all-in-one screwdriver should have medium and small sized bits for both Phillips head as well as flat head, so you can handle screws of various sizes.
4. Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is different from a standard wrench because it's bigger and more able to grip the slippery surface of pipes. Pipe wrenches are important to have on hand for tasks like installing new plumbing fixtures and fixing the toilet.
5. Tool Box
After amassing several tools, you're going to want a toolbox to keep your tools organized and in one place. There are a variety of different toolboxes on the market. Buy a large toolbox to stay in your workshop and a portable toolbox to take around the house while you work.
6. Pliers
Pliers come in handy in plumbing projects and in furniture assembly. Be sure to pick up a pair of pliers with non-slip grippers on the handles, for easy handling.
7. Tape Measure
Tape measures are most useful for installation and remodeling projects. Be sure to buy the kind with a clip on the back, so you can attach the tape measure to your belt or clothing.
8. Adjustable Wrench
It helps to have adjustable wrenches of different sizes. Depending on what you're working on and where the wrench needs to fit, you may find that a long-handled wrench, or a wrench with a large head won't always work for your needs.
9. Needle-Nose Pliers
Needle nose pliers come in handy for projects like tearing out old carpeting, when you find yourself pulling out a million little staples from hardwood floorboards.
10. Staple Gun
Staple guns are useful for craft projects as well as home improvement projects. When you purchase a staple gun, don't forget to buy staples.
When you start on home improvement projects, you may discover you need help from a contractor. If this happens, contact Litchfield Builders. We handle projects of all sizes, including residential remodeling, building, and repairs.
