The Home Owner’s Toolbox

The Home Owner’s Toolbox

One important responsibility of owning a home is maintaining your investment through regular maintenance and care. Like many things in life, the right tool can make your maintenance tasks easier and quicker. Following is a list of the basic tools that home owners should have on hand to take care of routine maintenance around the house.


Claw hammer: The claw hammer, used for driving and pulling nails, is generally the most common hammer. Look for one that is comfortable in your hand.

Rubber mallet: Also known as a soft-face hammer, a rubber mallet is used to strike wood-handled chisels or to tap into place soft materials that would be marred by a metal hammer face.

Set of screwdrivers: Be sure your toolbox contains both slot head and Phillips head screwdrivers in a variety of sizes. Always use a screwdriver that fits the screw head. If it doesn’t, you can damage the slot or strip the screw.

Drill and drill bits: Whether you buy a hand drill or a power drill, a good drill will last you a lifetime. Make sure your choice is based on the types of projects you expect to work on in your home. Don’t forget to get a variety of drill bits, since you’ll want to drill precision holes. If you choose a power drill, you can grind, sand, polish and accomplish other jobs with the correct accessories.


Paintbrushes: Brushes ranging from one-to-four inches wide and made of synthetic material or animal hair are adequate for the average home owner. Be sure to match the brush you use to the job at hand, and if you are using latex paint, don’t use natural-bristle brushes. Typically, the brushe's packaging indicates what paint works best with them. Cut-in work is best done with a chiseled brush, and a one-inch brush is good for trim. To find a good-quality brush, look for one with a lot of bristles of varying lengths and flagged (or split) ends so the paint goes on more smoothly.

Medium-sized adjustable wrench: General-use wrenches are used to turn any type of hex or square nut or bolt, or an object with flat surfaces. Plumbing wrenches are used to turn objects with round surfaces, such as pipes. Invest in the best quality you can, since this will be a well-used tool.

Pliers: Pliers are scissor-like tools that are usually made of drop-forged steel with jaws to grip small objects. You’ll likely want a variety of sizes.


Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter: One of several specialty pliers, needle-nose or long-nose pliers have thin, tapered jaws for reaching into tight spots or to hold and bend wire. This tool is especially helpful in electrical projects.

Crosscut saw: Saws come with various-sized teeth and specific numbers of teeth per inch (tpi) designated by “points.” The higher the number of points, the finer and slower the cutting. Look for taper-ground blades to reduce binding. The 8-point size is a good choice for general crosscut work.


Measuring tape: Choose a coated tape that has a solid case and a reliable return mechanism. Keep in mind that a wider tape is easier to read at a distance.

Assorted nails, brads, screws, nuts, bolts and washers: Choose a variety of fasteners to have on hand for projects that spring up unexpectedly. You may want to take a visual inventory of the items in your house that will need repair in the future and stock up in advance.


Level: A level is a wood or wood and metal tool; usually 24 to 48 inches long, that contains a set of small, glass tubes each with an air bubble. Levels come in a variety of sizes depending on the need. Check their accuracy by testing a perfectly level surface.


Plane: This tool is used to shave wood from boards. When using a plane, cut with the grain, use both hands and work at a slight angle. Be sure to keep the blade sharp.


Safety goggles: Keep in your toolbox plastic goggles with front and covered sides large enough to fit over regular eyeglasses. Don't take any chances with your eyes and vision when working around the house.


Heavy gloves: Use gloves for handling rough items such as brick or scrap lumber with exposed nails. Gloves not only protect your hands but also secure your grip.


Utility knife: Also known as a trimming knife or carpet knife, this handy tool is for cutting soft materials such as carpet, drywall, tape and string. Be sure to keep the blades sharp.


Caulking gun: A metal device with a trigger handle and a notched rod that extends from the back. It is used to apply caulk (which you’ll need in a variety of types and colors) and other sealants from standard 10.5-ounce cartridges.

Putty knife: Also known as a spackling knife, this tool has a narrow blade with a squared-off end and is used primarily to apply glazing compound or for small scraping or spackling jobs.

This basic set of tools is enough to get you going. If you have more specific needs, visit your local hardware store or take a trip to your library for reference material. In the long run, it is better to buy the right tool for the project you are working, rather than make do with what you have on hand. Be sure you buy the best-quality tools you can afford since quality tools will last you a lifetime.



Source: National Association of Home Builders

How to carry out a successful walk-through before closing

How to carry out a successful walk-through before closing

Before you sign on the dotted line, take time to inspect the house thoroughly and address any problems that crop up.

By Michele Lerner of Bankrate.com

On closing day, most homebuyers are excited about the prospect of moving into their new home. However, one important final step must be accomplished before settlement: a walk-through. While plenty of buyers breeze through each room eager to unpack their boxes, real-estate experts suggest homebuyers are better served by a slow and careful walk-through.


Scheduling your house walk-through

"You should allow at least 30 minutes or longer for a walk-through," says Irene Gianos, a broker with Weichert Realtors in Clinton, N.J. "You need to go through the house with a fine-tooth comb and be as detailed as a home inspector."

Gianos recommends doing the walk-through the day of the closing, perhaps two or three hours before the settlement appointment, but Kristy Petrillo, a real-estate agent and owner of Re/Max Town & Country in Blue Ridge, Ga., suggests scheduling the walk-through the day before settlement, if possible, to allow time to handle any issues that may arise.

Brandon Green, principal broker with The Brandon Green Team at Keller Williams Capital Properties in Washington, D.C., recommends a house walk-through approximately 24 hours in advance of the settlement and no more than 48 hours ahead.

"If a significant weather event has occurred between the last time you saw the house and settlement day, like a windstorm, heavy rain or snowfall, be sure to visit the home to check on the condition just before settlement," Green says. "Once you have signed your settlement papers, the seller has no obligation to fix anything anymore."

A thorough walk-through


Green suggests including your home inspector if you have concerns about the property condition.

"Don't be afraid to bring your home inspector back to your walk-through," Green says. "The charge for a revisit is usually 25% to 50% of the original fee, which could be worth it if you want to make sure everything has been repaired to your satisfaction."

Gianos says buyers should be ready for their walk-through with an information packet, including the seller's property condition disclosure form and the home inspector's report, to ensure all repairs have been made as negotiated.

"If you choose not to bring in a home inspector, you should turn everything on and off such as appliances, lights, heating and air-conditioning systems," Green says. "You can pick up an electrical tester at a hardware store for $1.25 and make sure all the electrical outlets are working."

Petrillo recommends requesting receipts from the sellers for any items that have been repaired, because this proves the work was done and gives you contact information for the contractors.

Problem solving

If your walk-through reveals an issue that has not been discovered before, or one that hasn't been resolved satisfactorily, your action should depend on how serious the problem is.

"First, you should look at the big picture," Petrillo says. "You are probably getting a great home that you want to buy at a great price. Are you willing to jeopardize that for a $200 item?"

If the problem is serious, Gianos recommends contacting your settlement attorney immediately. "Your lawyer should contact the seller's lawyer to work out an agreement before you get to the settlement table," she says.

Petrillo stresses the importance of working things out amicably.

"If something wasn't done according to agreement, you can ask the attorney to escrow some amount of money, including what is needed for the repair, from the sales proceeds with an agreement in writing to release the funds as soon as the work is finished," Petrillo says.

Green says buyers' only leverage is "signing on the dotted line."

"You can ask for a credit from the seller, a side document to deal with the problem or an escrow of the sales proceeds, but if you and the seller cannot reach an agreement, then the last course of action would be refusing to close," Green says. "It's important to think about how much it could cost you to delay moving or to delay the closing. You may be better off just taking care of the problem yourself, especially if it is under $1,000."

Buyers of a foreclosure, short sale or any property sold as is should also do a careful walk-through on closing day. The "as is" on these properties is as of a particular time such as the inspection date or the contract ratification date, Green says. If the property has deteriorated since that time or appliances are missing, the seller should be required to make amends.

Source: MSN Real Estate

How To Spot a Crooked Contractor

How To Spot a Crooked Contractor

By: Natalie Rodriguez, This Old House magazine


As we've all seen in recent news reports, natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina attract predators en masse. Of particular concern are phony contractors, who knock on the doors of distraught homeowners and offer to repair damaged roofs or remove fallen trees. They take a hefty deposit, but never return to do the work. Of course, these fraudsters don't just come round after bad weather. The following tips from This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and the National Association of Home Builders will help you spot a crook under any conditions.


Beware of a contractor who:


+ Refuses to give you a copy of his license and certificate of insurance, which should include liability and worker's compensation.


+ Has popped up out of nowhere, literally. You can't verify any of her references or that she even has a fixed business address.


+ Rubs you the wrong way. "Trust your instincts," says Tom. "If something doesn't feel right about the person, then it probably isn't."


+ Is so eager to get things started that technicalities get brushed away—but not the fee. He'll say you don't need to sign a contract and try to get you to pay for the project up front.


+ Asks you to write a check directly to him for products, such as cabinets and windows, instead of to the company supplying the items.


+ Offers a bargain in exchange for using your home as an example of her work or tempts you with a low price that's only on the table if you sign that day.


+ Tries to get you to buy stuff you already have. Don't get talked into paying to install a new HVAC system if you like the one you have.


+ Asks you to pay for work that hasn't been done yet or for materials that haven't arrived. "If you don't see it, don't pay for it," says Tom.


+ Uses scare tactics to get you to sign off on extras. Your walls won't crumble because you didn't get that ultra-expensive siding.


Source: ThisOldHouse.com

Checklist of Final Tasks Before Moving Out

Checklist of Final Tasks Before Moving Out

Have You Forgotten Anything?

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide

Before you lock the door for the very last time, make sure you haven't forgotten anything and that you're ready to say goodbye. There's nothing worse than leaving your old home only to remember that you forgot to turn off the lawn sprinkler or that you've taken the garage door opener with you.

Before Leaving the Keys Behind, Make Sure You...

1.Check all the water taps to make sure they're turned off. This is particularly important if the new residents aren't moving in on the same day you're moving out. A lot of water could be wasted if a tap is left on or is left dripping.

2.Lock all doors and windows, including garage and storage shed. Check every lock and recheck the windows to make sure the house is secure.

3.Check the washer/dryer, fridge and freezer for anything you might have left behind. I left a full load of laundry in the dryer once and had to return to retrieve it.

4.Check the outside of your home for any stray tools, toys or garden hoses that you may have forgot to pack. Also, make sure you don't leave your Christmas lights behind or any other outdoor decorations.

5.Turn off the heat, air conditioner and unplug the appliances. Unless you've been given other instructions, turn off the heat, the air conditioner and make sure any appliance that you're leaving behind are unplugged.

6.Switch off the lights. Unless the real estate agent or landlord has told you to leave lights on for safety reasons, turn off all lights including any outdoor lights.

7.Retrieve any keys that you may have hidden around the property. It's easy to leave keys behind, so make sure you collect them all, including keys that you gave a neighbor or friend. Also, gather all the keys from every member of your family, and make sure you leave keys for every door of the house, garage and storage shed.

8.Go through each room one last time. Go through your home room by room to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Check all closets, cupboards, and cubbyholes. Check the attic, too. Often times it's the storage areas that are forgotten. Check the fridge, the stove, the fireplace, the kitchen cupboards and back patios for forgotten items.

While you're traveling through your home for the last time, say goodbye and take a moment to remember the good times, and the bad, and know that you're moving on to new experiences and a new chapter of your life.

Source: About.com