Making your home safe and comfortable requires you to have the right tools on hand to make repairs, pay contractors, and keep everyone safe. Before settling down into your new home, make sure you have these 7 great items on hand. Also, check to make sure that the items are in good condition if you purchased them some time ago or if the previous owner left the items there for you to have.
Emergency Funds
First and foremost, emergency funds allow you to have cash on hand if something unexpected arises. The funds can pay for accidents that require medical treatment, weather-related damage, and renovation emergency funds if you are remodeling your home and find out that the project will cost more than expected.
Ladders
There are several different types of ladders that you want to invest in. Consider the stepladder when you need a boost up to change a lightbulb or get something from off a high shelf. A straight ladder can be used for projects that are higher up, such as inspecting the roof or cleaning out the gutters. Also, if you have a home with several levels, consider getting an emergency escape ladder that fits into a window. These ladders can help in case of fire and you need another way out of the house.
Headlamps and/or Battery Powered Lantern
A headlamp or battery-operated lantern isn’t only useful when the power gets knocked out after a storm. You also can use them when performing work in dark places, such as fixing a pipe under the sink or checking for problems in a crawlspace under the home. Make sure to have extra batteries on hand and check the headlamp or lantern once a year to make sure they are still in working order.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Wet/dry vacuums are perfect when you experience a range of different spills on the floor. Whether it’s a pipe burst and you have an inch of water in the bathroom, or there are split wood pieces all over the floor, a wet/dry vacuum can quickly clean up the mess. They also work well when you are demolishing or renovating certain rooms in your home.
Thorough Tool Kit
When people think of having tools, they usually opt for just a hammer, flathead screwdriver, and a Philips screwdriver. However, you want to ensure you have all the tools you need to handle all sorts of jobs. Also consider getting a stud finder, tape measure, level, utility knife, pliers, wrench, staple gun, electrical tape, Allen key set, and utility scissors.
First Aid Kit
You should always get more than one first aid kit. You want to stow one in the bathroom, car, and a small one inside an emergency bag that you can carry in case you have to leave your home or vehicle in a hurry. Stock up on all the first aid essentials and replace medications, such as ointments and pain medication, periodically to make sure they are not past their expiration dates.
Fire Extinguisher
It is always ideal to have several fire extinguishers handy in places where a fire may occur, such as the kitchen, garage, or workshop. Get the right fire extinguisher for the job. There are several different types that work well with different flammable substances, such as one for wood fires and another for oil or grease fires.
And to any homeowner looking for contractor work for your home’s roof, siding, gutter, and skylights, contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
