If you are a homeowner, you need to be ready to handle a wide variety of repairs and improvement tasks that arise from time-to-time. However, before you can take on a job successfully, you need to have the right tool available. The 20 tools below will prepare you for most projects, so keep reading to learn more.

Claw Hammer

A claw hammer is useful for almost any type of hammering duty, including driving nails, and its claws can take out fasteners and remove pieces of wood trim. $13 Sears

Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

One of the four pairs of pliers any homeowner should have in their toolbox, slip-joint pliers are capable of removing fasteners, tightening nuts and performing a multitude of other tasks. $12 Tool Discounter

Needle-nose Pliers

These pliers are equipped with long, thin jaws that are useful for reaching into narrow spots and for working with wire. $5 Home Depot

Side-cutting Pliers

If you need to efficiently cut through wire or cable, you will find a pair of side-cutting pliers to be the ideal tool. $5 Walmart

Locking Pliers

A pair of locking pliers is the ideal tool for holding two objects together or for providing maximum grip when needed. $12 Sears

Four-foot Carpenter’s Level

Whether you are hanging pictures, attaching a fence gate or framing a wall, you will find a carpenter’s level to be the ideal tool for finding true level. $15 Home Depot

Stud Finder

A stud finder will easily locate the wooden studs that lie behind drywall, and this tool makes everything from picture hanging to installing electrical outlets much easier. $19 Ace Hardware

Screwdriver Handle with Bit Set

Screwdrivers are among the most-used tools in anyone’s arsenal, but you can simplify your work with an interchangeable screwdriver and multiple bits, including straight, Phillips, Torx, hex and numerous other bit types. $15 Sears

Tape Measure

A tape measure is a “must have,” as most home improvement jobs involve taking measurements. $6 Hardware City

Flashlight

Flashlights are more diverse than ever in terms of light output (LED versus incandescent) and power source (rechargeable versus disposable batteries), and some can double as lanterns for hands-free work. $19 McCombs Supply

Utility Knife

Utility knives use sharp, disposable blades and are useful for all kinds of cutting jobs, including whittling and trimming. $2 Office Supply

Putty Knife

Putty knives are good for spreading adhesives, scraping surfaces and performing numerous other jobs. $5 Amazon

Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is used for removing and tightening nuts and eliminates the need to own differently sized wrenches. $13 Tool Up

Socket Set

A socket set, which includes a ratchet and several sockets in various sizes, is a highly useful tool for working on machinery and other equipment with bolt fasteners. $18 Target

Electric Drill with Bit Set

An electric drill, whether a cordless, rechargeable unit or one that plug-ins, is necessary for drilling holes, but also performs well when driving fasteners quickly. $80 Home Better Now

Multifunction Tool with Blades

Multifunction tools use high-frequency vibrations to power cutting, scraping and sanding attachments, and this makes them one of the most versatile tools you can own. $48 Max Tool

Circular Saw

A circular saw makes short work of cutting boards, plywood, trim and other building materials. $47 Sears

Extension Cord

If you want to extend your working range with power tools, an extension cord will provide the flexibility to go where you need. $20 Home Depot

Portable Workbench

You will want to have a stable, safe working surface for cutting and other tasks, and a portable workbench can provide that for you. $80 Northern Tool

Tool box

Tool boxes come in all shapes and sizes, but a simple metal or high-impact plastic case will suffice for holding your essential tools. $200 JEGS

If you have questions about inspecting a prospective home, be sure to contact A Firm Foundation for help. We are here to serve you and will help ensure your new home is all that you want it to be.