Most new homeowners previously lived in an apartment and surely acquired some basic tools. But owning a home brings with it numerous new opportunities for do-it-yourselfers that previously were done by the apartment maintenance guy. Below is my personal checklist for spending your money at Home Depot to outfit your new home. Warning, the costs add up pretty quickly so get the items you can afford and be prepared for a new trip to the hardware store with each new project to add to the collection.
High Priority Items
- Screwdrivers – small and large size for each type (regular, phillips)
- Hammers – 2 sizes
- Cordless drill + drill bit set (titanium)
- Crescent (adjustable) wrenches – 2 sizes
- Allen wrench set
- Plyers – 2 sizes
- Wire cutters
- Utility knife
- Small level
- 30-35’ measuring tape
- 3-prong extension cords (10’, 50’)
- Ladders – 6’ fiberglass and 2′ step
- WD-40 spray lubricant
- Fire extinguisher – 1 for each floor
- Tool bag
Medium Priority Items
- Voltage detector
- Cordless circular saw (or powered one if you’re serious)
- Channel lock pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Hand saw
- Wood rasp
- Metal file
- Socket wrench set
- Putty knife
- Ratchet screwdriver with multi-bit set (the alternatives to regular and phillips)
- Wire stripper
- Stud finder
- Small pry bar
- Silicon spray lubricant
- Electrical tape
- Teflon tape
Yard Tools (priority depends on personal situation)
- Lawn mower
- Water hose and spray nozzle
- Sharpshooter shovel
- Hand shovel
Gordon Daugherty 
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