What Tools Should I Buy as a New Homeowner?

Buying your first house does something funny to your brain. Suddenly you're looking at tools, lawn mowers and all kinds of things you never thought twice about while you were renting. One trip to Home Depot and you're questioning whether responsible homeownership means you should own a pressure washer now.

It doesn't.

There are definitely a few things worth having from the beginning, though. Mostly, they're the things you don't want to discover you need at the exact moment you need them.

Buy It Before You Need It

Start with a basic tool kit. You don't need anything fancy, but having a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, tape measure, utility knife and level will cover a lot of the little things that come up around the house. I'd add a cordless drill and a basic set of bits because you'll probably use it more than you think.

A good flashlight is another one. Yes, your phone has one, but your phone is a lot less helpful when you need both hands. Keep some extra batteries around too.

Get a step ladder. You'll use it for changing light bulbs, checking smoke detectors, hanging curtains and reaching all the places you suddenly need to reach once you're responsible for the house.

Buy a fire extinguisher before there's ever a reason to use one, and make sure you know where it is. While you're at it, check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your new house so you know they're working.

And please buy a plunger. There is no reason your first plumbing problem as a homeowner also needs to involve an emergency trip to the store.

I'd put a wet/dry shop vacuum pretty high on the list too. You don't have to buy the biggest or fanciest one, but water ending up somewhere it shouldn't is a terrible time to realize your only option is the vacuum you use on the living room rug.

That's honestly enough to get you started.

Don't Buy It Yet

This is where I think first-time homeowners can save themselves a lot of money.

You don't need to buy every power tool at Home Depot just because you have a garage now. If you need something for one project, borrow it or rent it. If you find yourself borrowing the same thing over and over again, that's probably when it's worth buying your own.

I'd wait on most of the yard equipment too. See what your property actually requires before you start filling the garage. A small neighborhood yard and a property with acreage are two very different things, and you may also discover there are certain jobs you'd rather hire someone else to do.

The same goes for tools you think you'll need for future projects. If you're painting the living room this weekend, buy the painting supplies. If you're thinking you might remodel the bathroom someday, Home Depot can keep storing the tile saw for you until someday gets here.

And while we're talking about things you don't need immediately, you also don't have to furnish the entire house the week you move in.

Live there for a little while first. The way you thought you'd use a room when you toured the house might not be how you actually use it once you're living there. Give yourself a chance to figure that out before you spend a bunch of money filling every room.

Leave Some Money in the Bank

This might be the most important thing on the list.

Moving into a house comes with a surprising number of small purchases. You'll need garbage cans, blinds, a garden hose, shelving, maybe different light bulbs, another extension cord and about 47 other random things you didn't think about before closing.

Then your house will start teaching you what it needs.

Maybe you realize you actually would use a pressure washer all the time. Maybe you start doing your own yard work and decide you want better equipment. Maybe you discover you love DIY projects and slowly build a tool collection.

Or maybe you figure out very quickly that your favorite homeowner tool is your phone because you'd rather call someone who knows what they're doing.

You don't have to become a fully equipped homeowner overnight.

Start with the things you'll be glad you already own when you need them, wait on the rest and keep some money in savings while you figure out your house.

If you're getting ready to buy your first home and have questions about what you should budget for beyond the down payment and closing costs, schedule a time on my calendar. We can look at your numbers and talk through what buying could realistically look like for you.

— Larissa Butler, Realtor® | Keller Williams Realty

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Written by Larissa Butler, a top female Realtor serving Pierce and King County, Washington. Recognized for her data-driven marketing and focus on empowering women through homeownership.