This is a list I'll be sending to my sister and her husband, who are closing on their first house on Friday, and also my sister-in-law and her husband, who just moved into theirs. We've lived in our own abode four years, and have already learned through trial, error and wits ends what we need to survive.
Thursday is a big day for Casa del T-Bone. We're having our vintage 1964 sliding-glass patio door replaced with French doors with blinds between the glass. So chic, so modern! Plus, our friends the plumbers are visiting to replace our shower drain in the master bath (which should jumpstart my renovation project and let me finish it by the end of the month).
My fellow homeowners may have things to add or subtract, but here goes ...
What every homeowner needs:
1. A good flashlight
2. Fire extinguisher
3. Smoke detectors near bedrooms (check batteries often)
4. Carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms (get a plug-in one)
5. Basic set of tools (a collection that will grow with specialty tools as needed)
6. A good plumber (get recommendations from friends, co-workers before you need one)
7. Toilet plunger
8. A toaster oven (good for when your home's oven is busy or doesn't work)
9. Spare set of keys kept by a reliable friend or relative outside the house
10. Lots of patience or a trust fund so you can hire someone else to do all the work
What most homeowners should consider:
1. A subscription to This Old House or other do-it-yourself magazine. Even new houses need repair and maintenance.
2. Pickup truck to haul supplies from your favorite home improvement centers.
3. A hammock or swing in which to relax.
4. A loving spouse who can perform minor emergency medical procedures when you accidentally nail your hand to the house.
5. An open ear for good advice before you start a project.
6. A chainsaw. Even if you don't have trees, they're just cool and stuff.
7. A nice mulching lawnmower (see below for my yard-tips post).
8. The chance to know your neighbors. Exchange phone numbers, and then pleasantries on a regular basis.
9. A Swiss Army knife.
10. The realization that as great as your home is, it's good to get away as well.*
*After our bathroom renovation is complete, we're going to have a "Bathroom Warming Party" to celebrate, inviting all our friends who've endured our talking about it to come over for some food and fun. I may fill the toilet bowl full of ice so we can serve drinks out of it. OK, maybe not. The point is, after the party, we're going to have a weekend family getaway somewhere. It's good to get away.
Happy trails, pardners!
Hahaha, toilet bowl full of ice, LOL.
blinds between the glass? that sounds awesome! all of this new stuff...i'm so outdated. can i come to the bathroom warming? i wanna check out those doors!
Since I just moved into my first house a week ago (5/1) this list was very handy. I actually have most of the "must have" items. I don't have the Carbon Monoxide detector (it was already on my list), the good plumber or a toaster oven. I only have a couple of the things to consider (#5, #7 which I just bought yesterday and #8). I'm planning a house warming party Memorial Day weekend. Y'all are more than welcome to come up from the Big D if you'd like.
Just finished my bath renovation. After estimates of $8,000 we DIY for $1,500! It is soo worth it. I enjoy reading your site.