The joys of homeownership in the many Chattanooga-area communities are numerous, from providing comfort for you and your family to building equity in your financial profile.
If you are a new homeowner, it’s important to be ready to handle home repairs as they come.
Fortunately, not all home repairs require the help of a professional or come with a big price tag. Here are 10 essential toolkit items to help you tackle home projects and maintenance like an expert:
• Screwdrivers. Cabinets, doorknobs, shelving or just about any area of your home are held together, in part, by screws. Two types of screwdrivers are generally needed for home repairs: a Philips screwdriver with a tiny cross in the middle and a flathead with a single slot at the head. If you’re interested a purchasing a few more, tiny screwdrivers are helpful in eyeglass or small electronic repairs.
• Hammer. Need to give something a good whack? Experts suggest purchasing a versatile medium-weight hammer for all you DIY needs, from hanging picture frames to repairing loose boards on your deck.
• Tape Measure. If you’re putting up curtains or figuring out where furniture will fit in your home, a tape measure is a must-have. You may want to consider a tape measure with a locking and retracting mechanism to hold the tape steady. A 25-foot tape measure is common for most small home projects.
• Pliers. This tool is ideal for grasping difficult items that need to be pulled or turned, especially in small, hard-to-reach places. Consider purchasing at least two that are different sizes, such as 8-inch needle-nose pliers and 10-inch groove-joint pliers.
• Level. To ensure your household items are straight and perfectly aligned, you will need to add a level to your toolbox. This device can come in handy when you’re hanging pictures or need to drill holes in a perfect line.
• Wrench. Make sure to purchase an adjustable wrench that can easily adapt its size to tackle any type of nut or bolt in your home.
• Flashlight. Proper illumination will help you navigate do-it-yourself projects in dark crevasses or in poorly lit spaces. If your power goes out, you’ll need this handy tool to find your way around your home, too.
• Hardware. If you’re assembling furniture or working on just about any small home repair, it’s good to have extra nails and screws available. You may want to start off with a prepackaged assortment of hardware in order to be prepared for any project.
• Tape. Adhesive is ideal for quick fixes, holding items in place while your work on them, and executing as perfect paint line. Experts recommend having at least four types of tape handy for repairs: Duct, painters, electrical and plumbers.
• Utility Knife. Sometimes using scissors isn’t ideal. A sharp edge knife can be used to cut wallpaper, shave wood or open boxes. With a utility knife, the blade is stored within the handle, so you won’t get cut by accident.
For more information about home repairs or renovations and to find an expert to help with your larger projects, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.HBAGC.net.