After putting numerous people in their home (from first to twelfth!) I have developed a list of things that every homeowner should have to make home-ownership easier and more manageable.

First things first

Before you start stocking up the big things there are some little acquisitions you need to make.

• Homeowner’s Journal-you think you will remember all the improvements you make and the names of the plants in your landscaping, and who did your lawn service. The truth is there is WAY too much to remember so buy a homeowner’s journal and use it faithfully. You will be glad you did!
• Fireproof strongbox-the first things you can put in it is your HUD-1 Settlement Sheet (those 2 8×14 papers that detailed all the costs of your closing), your title and other appropriate papers (it varies state-to-state what those papers will be).
• 4×6 Labels-when you first take possession of your home, fish out your inspection report and any notes you took. Place a large blank label on each appliance (where your company wont see it) especially your furnace, water heater, electrical panel, etc. Write on each label all the maintenance tips and use details so that they will be there to remind you how to care for them.

And Now for the Handy Homeowner

For those of you who are like me (creative - not handy or practical!) find a great home improvement book. Before you buy the book leaf through it - does it include how to fix a dripping faucet? How about how to re-caulk a tub? Be selective and thorough it can become a tried and true friend.

• WD40 - It has so many uses it’s simply amazing
• Hammer - check heft and balance and make sure the claw is well defined (it is a very handy tool component). Most contractors I talked to preferred the straight claw to the curved claw.
• Vice Grip
• Needle-Nosed Pliers with an integral wire cutter
• Tape measure - at least 16′ but I prefer 25′
• Electrical tester (for outlets) nothing fancy is necessary a basic one does the trick. I just recently used mine to assure that an outlet I was changing was truly not powered….good thing I checked!
• Screwdriver set
• Reversible drill with bit and screwdriver set
• Utility Knife with replaceable blades-at least get a box-cutter!
• 12 Inch Hand Saw
• Level
• Safety glasses
• Tool box - I added this at the bottom of the list so that you wont make the same mistake I did. Yup, you got it, I bought the box first and my tools didn’t fit in right no matter how I try to arrange them!

Last But Not Least, the Outside of the House

• Exterior quality broom - a push broom is okay but I prefer a traditional style with stiffer bristles.
• Metal file - it sharpens mower blades, hoes, pruning shears and MUCH more. Don’t skimp on quality or it just wont do what you need it to do. I use the one my grandfather (the tool and die maker) used and it is wonderful!
• Edger - nothing says pride in ownership like a well-edged lawn!
• Good non-kinking garden hoses
• Pruning Shears
• Hedge trimmer (manual, electric, or gas powered)
• Gutter guards - you still need to pay some attention to drainage but they make your job so much easier. I have talked to several roofers about their preferred type and most of them agree that a simple gutter screen is a fine solution when installed properly. For those of you that want the bells and whistles there are several internet forum sites that rate the quality of the different makers and I encourage you to visit them before making your decision.