Must Haves for the New Homeowner
We are deeply blessed to be celebrating three years in Pine Daisy House! It is the first home we have owned (well, I mean had a mortgage for…ha!), and in many ways we are still new homeowners. The story of our house is one of family, Colorado pine trees, and craftsman touches within a vaulted and beamed modern cabin. We love it and knew it was meant for us about three seconds after we walked in. PDH was built in 1979 and was impeccably maintained. But like every new homeowner we wanted to make it ours with decor, paint, and of course DIY projects.
After renting for years we had a small stash of tools. When we joined the new homeowner club a few specific things proved to be worth their weight in gold. When I talk to new homeowners now I always recommend the following tools or materials to always have on hand.
Every Homeowner Needs a Great Drill
A friend encouraged us to invest in a high quality drill. We are so glad we did! In fact, the kit we got came with two drills. So, if we are building a piece of furniture, making a barn door, or reinstalling cabinet doors we can have two people working at once or have two different drill bits at the ready. A quality drill was one of the first big-ish tool purchases we made after we moved in, and it’s proven to be the best thing on the tool bench.
Every Homeowner Needs a Stash of Zip Ties
On a whim, I bought a multi-pack of zip ties at Target, during one of my many runs, right after we moved in. It has been one of the best impulse buys I’ve ever made! Aaannd, we may or may not be using zip ties to hold the shade to the light fixture in our daughter’s room. As a side note, did you know that IKEA only sells shades, or covers, for light fixtures? So umm when you buy what you think is an entire kit and are opening the box, just go ahead and send your husband to Home Depot hmmkay? Anywhoo, buy a pack of zip ties with various sizes and high durability. I’ve decided zip ties are like duct tape. Thousands of uses!
Every Homeowner Should Get a Laser Level
Let’s see a show of hands for people who have had to hang wall decor more than twice?! A laser level is a small but mighty tool that lets the user quickly level between two spots along the same wall. I have a love/hate relationship with hanging things on the wall. Most of the time it’s one of the last things I do in a room and by then I’m tired of being meticulous so I just eye ball it. Then I take the long walk of shame to the get the laser level. Do it right or do it twice? Yep. Have the laser level handy and you’ll be all set.
Every Homeowner Should Invest in a Quality Medium Paintbrush
When we moved in someone told me to get a really great medium paintbrush intended to edge a wall (so look for an angular trim brush). It was great advice! Don’t skimp, get the one that costs more than $10.00. I have had my Purdy Brush for years and it does an amazing job cutting-in on every wall of this house. The angle is just right so I don’t have to tape off a room. I have this weird muscle memory with it too… It’s like magic, I pick it up and know the exact way to hold it, at just the right angle.
Every Homeowner needs to know about Monkey Hooks.
Last summer I went to Vintage Market Days . If you haven’t been to this nationwide artisan market you can find one near you. Save some shopping money and go with a friend. It’s a blast! I decided to show some love to an adorable couple from Texas and buy my dream spool clock from them. As I was checking out, they introduced me to, the miracle workers, Monkey Hooks. Currently my spool clock is being held up by one 50 lb Monkey Hook. These little guys are my absolute favorite homeowner hack and I use them ALL.THE.TIME. Watch this video (jump to 1.25 min in the video) to learn how to use them. Now that you know, run to the store and get some. They are seriously amazing.
Being a new homeowner can be downright daunting. After our short tenure, we’ve learned some handy tips. More than that though, there are times when we are only as good as the tools we have on hand. These five things have made countless projects and honey-does much easier. I hope they can help you too!
*I’m just a regular homeowner and consumer. Throughout this post I recommend a few products to you. I am in no way profiting from my recommendations or your purchase of these items.
