Being a first-time homebuyer can be the most exciting time of your life--and at the same time, be incredibly overwhelming. You've saved the money, secured a mortgage, found a home you love, and finally closed on it. But once the last document is signed and the keys are turned over, this beautiful home becomes YOUR responsibility.
No matter if you're a member of a Homeowners Association or not, you're bound to have some maintenance and repair projects pop up in your first few years of owning your home. Never fear! We've asked our knowledgeable ReStore staff to weigh-in and consulted with Mark Larson, who leads Twin Cities Habitat's Maintenance & Repair homebuyer education course, to find out what you should include in your home toolkit.
We divided the kit into two types: your basic, "must-have" items, and an expanded kit that includes "nice-to-haves" for more involved home repair projects.
| The Basic Kit | The Expanded Kit |
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If you're not a part of a Homeowner's Association, you'll also likely be responsible for the exterior care of your home. You'll need a few things to make sure you keep your home and yard maintained year-round:
"You can Google anything now, and easily find “how to” videos to walk you through what you'll need and how to execute just about any home project. You just want to make sure you watch the video in its entirety and that the video has been created by an expert."
In addition to having the right tools in your kit, it might put your mind at ease to have an idea of some of the most common types of repair projects you might need to perform. Mark says that minor plumbing (think leaky faucets or fixtures) and spackling are pretty typical repairs that are needed in the first few years of homeownership. That's because these areas take a lot of wear and tear and if your home is newer, it may "settle" into the foundation over time.
If after watching a few do-it-yourself videos or consulting with friends and family, you still feel uncomfortable performing the repair, you should trust your gut and call a professional. When calling on subcontractors, beware of scammers. A good process to follow when looking for a professional service provider is to ask for referrals. Inquire with neighbors and friends, coworkers, or consult sites that vet and rate service providers, like Angie’s list or HomeAdvisor. It's also always a good idea to research the company's record with the Better Business Bureau.
Have a checklist for maintenance--both external and internal, and post it in your garage and utility room. Some good maintenance reminders to include are:
You can also learn some basic and advanced project and repair skills at local workshops. Community colleges will offer public training sessions from time-to-time, and local hardware stores often offer workshops on smaller fix-it projects on weekends. These classes can be immensely helpful and help build your confidence in making other repairs.
"I always tell families not to be intimidated," Mark said. "You have to try. That’s the only way you’re going to learn. There’s always someone who can fix it, if you don't get it quite right. That’s the only way you can start gaining confidence."
Stop by either of our Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations to pick up some of your basic tools and materials for your first project!