NFT: Your advice to people after they've bought their first home.

battery invented.

...by far the most durable, reliable tools we rented were Bosch.

In comment 11636578 dorgan said:

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shop vac is a good idea for an early purchase. Cordless drill as well. A decent saw, a couple sets of channel locks, some adjustable clamps, assortment of screwdrivers, combination wrench set (probably two sets), socket set, basin wrench, wonder bar by Stanley and a couple of hammers will get you started. It's amazing how much you accumulate over the years.

You can get over half of that stuff in any decent rape kit.

from Amazon (based on customer reviews) as I need them for a project. The biggest things when I first moved in were the lawn care things, bc i didn't have any of that coming from an apartment. Mower, edger, garbage cans, rakes, shovels, clippers, etc, it all adds up , and if you are buying in the summer you have to get unless you want a shitty looking house right away.

get the edger attachment as well. You won't regret it. A good shovel is also a smart investment.

In comment 11636625 Greg from LI said:

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...by far the most durable, reliable tools we rented were Bosch.

I upgraded to a Bosch set (without the circular saw) when I replaced the Ryobi because I had some contractors here doing work and that's what they used and recommended them, but I'm far from expert so I didn't want to make a recommendation.

And I feel like I got my money's worth from the Ryobi so I didn't want to bad mouth them.

but I agree with you Greg, from what I've read.

WD-40, vise grips, and duct tape. Three simple things that can get a helluva lot done.

and they are a good price.

In comment 11636643 WeatherMan said:

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WD-40, vise grips, and duct tape. Three simple things that can get a helluva lot done.

Sounds like the contents of Cam's brief case.

If you need them more than just a couple cuts.

But for just around the home stuff any of the name brands will work just fine.

Both circular and reciprocating saws burn through batteries like crazy. Disk grinders do too.

For me, the cordless drill is by far the most useful.

For the rest I usually just buy one with a cord.

In comment 11636653 Davisian said:

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If you need them more than just a couple cuts.

makes sense, I rarely used it anyway, so didn't look for one in the set when I upgraded.

be willing to pay a little extra to hire specialized inspectors (plumbing, heating/cooling) to do a house inspection besides the standard inspector. Frankly, the standard inspectors just have some checklist and aren't very competent to notice stuff like poorly constructed piping. The specialists can notice things that you can get the seller to pay for, saving you far more money (or preventing you from buying a bad situation).

I fucking hate owning a home.

My advice is to every year throw shit out you don't use. Don't let it pile up and make your garage and stuff unusable.

(and I do mean "we" as my wife uses the power tools as much as I do) that during any particular project, we need to change out to new blades--sometimes more than once.

Most of the saws, slap hammers, etc we rented out were to guys doing demo work, so that stuff took a beating. For typical around the house stuff, other brands should be fine. Bosch are fantastic tools, but you certainly pay for it.

BTW - rental companies like United and Sunbelt sell their used equipment all the time to keep their rental inventory relatively new. You can find some good bargains there. It's worth checking out.

tools for everything but a drill. And even then, you'll probably want one 1/2" corded drill for larger jobs.

WD40 and duct tape are no joke.
Rich, however, is.

In comment 11636430 Randy in CT said:

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And remember, when something goes wrong, just chill. The house won't fall down and you will get the thing fixed. Make it better than it was before.

Haha. I actually have a house that almost fell down (kinda). Previous owner moved a Lolly column, creating an extra long cantilever in the center beam. The central staircase began to dip on one side. It wasn't until I ripped apart the partially finished basement he made that I saw what he did.

Did I mention I hate owning a house?

if you have a toss up between a house with a sidewalk and one without, pick the house without a sidewalk.

No shoveling and no chance the town makes you pay for repairs

In comment 11636498 hitdog42 said:

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demand excellence in the guys you hire. their are plenty of guys to do work. dont settle. be polite but demanding. i have several regrets already on things i have done. Also, know ahead of time how long you plan on staying there. I am in for the long haul in my house (2yrs so far but plan on 30yrs)- because of that i dont panic about "how much i will get back" for every project i do. If i were in a starter that i want to get out of as kids get older and grow, then i would be more selective. Lastly- dont argue with your wife. you are always wrong

Good advice!

In comment 11636503 SwirlingEddie said:

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When you have to shut something important off (or on) quickly) its good to know where to go. Make an emergency plan in case of fire and create a supply kit in case you are without power for some length of time. Schedule reminders to test and change batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Forget the computer for a few minutes and go out and meet your new neighbors! You never know when you might need one of them to do you a favor, like pick up nails and stuff.

Yes, yes, and yes to all of the above. First thing you want to do when you move into a new home is PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT. You need to know where all of your water and gas shutoff valves are. Get new smoke/CO detectors. Buy a couple fire extinguishers. Diagram your fuse box. And yes, meet your neighbors - you don't have to knock on their doors but make sure you say hi to them when you see them outside. A conversation should come pretty naturally after that.

Also, wait for the first time you get heavy rain and then go around the house and check for leaks (look at the ceilings, skylights, in the attic, and the crawl space). While youre looking, check for mold too - thats something you would want to address immediately along with any leaks or plumbing issues.

Lastly, I'd suggest taking your time (with regards to spending). Costs going into a new home add up very quickly between buying new furniture, tools and supplies, paying for repairs, re-doing floors and walls, and buying appliances. Budget yourself very carefully otherwise you'll spend yourself into really bad debt very quickly.If necessary, draw out a 24 month plan for yourself to help plan out your spending and time, and also to prioritize what needs to be done.

In comment 11636669 Moondwg said:

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be willing to pay a little extra to hire specialized inspectors (plumbing, heating/cooling) to do a house inspection besides the standard inspector. Frankly, the standard inspectors just have some checklist and aren't very competent to notice stuff like poorly constructed piping. The specialists can notice things that you can get the seller to pay for, saving you far more money (or preventing you from buying a bad situation).

This is excellent advice, but one key point, I assume is true in every state, but I know it's true in Mass, only items in a home inspection can come from a licensed home inspector, not an electrician, plumber, contractor, etc.

So definitely has those experts inspect the house, but do it BEFORE the home inspection, take their reports and anything major instruct the home inspector they need to include them in the report.

Twice now I've been absolutely amazed at the major stuff home inspectors don't find, but we find very shortly after occupying a house (I've bought two homes).

And the home inspector reports are caveated so they are entirely not liable for anything they miss.

I've learned that for virtually every home repair and task there is a youtube video and/or a specialized tool that exists that makes it easy enough for anyone to do it.

Link - ( New Window )

In comment 11636687 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 11636669 Moondwg said: Quote: be willing to pay a little extra to hire specialized inspectors (plumbing, heating/cooling) to do a house inspection besides the standard inspector. Frankly, the standard inspectors just have some checklist and aren't very competent to notice stuff like poorly constructed piping. The specialists can notice things that you can get the seller to pay for, saving you far more money (or preventing you from buying a bad situation). This is excellent advice, but one key point, I assume is true in every state, but I know it's true in Mass, only items in a home inspection can come from a licensed home inspector, not an electrician, plumber, contractor, etc. So definitely has those experts inspect the house, but do it BEFORE the home inspection, take their reports and anything major instruct the home inspector they need to include them in the report. Twice now I've been absolutely amazed at the major stuff home inspectors don't find, but we find very shortly after occupying a house (I've bought two homes). And the home inspector reports are caveated so they are entirely not liable for anything they miss.

I have a friend that was a home inspector for a few years. He said he learned very quickly that realtors would stop calling you if you found "too much".

Take that for what it's worth.

don't be afraid to ask and check here, lots of smart experienced people.

Just last week the pilot on my water heater started going out. New water heater probably would have cost almost $1000. On the advice of bbi i changed the thermocouple for $10 and its like new.

--people here have spoken highly of the pse&g service contracts (if you are in their service area)

In comment 11636675 BeerFridge said:

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In comment 11636430 Randy in CT said: Quote: And remember, when something goes wrong, just chill. The house won't fall down and you will get the thing fixed. Make it better than it was before. Haha. I actually have a house that almost fell down (kinda). Previous owner moved a Lolly column, creating an extra long cantilever in the center beam. The central staircase began to dip on one side. It wasn't until I ripped apart the partially finished basement he made that I saw what he did. Did I mention I hate owning a house?

I also didn't allow for sinkholes.

In comment 11636643 WeatherMan said:

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WD-40, vise grips, and duct tape. Three simple things that can get a helluva lot done.

Amen Brother!!

In comment 11636702 Cam in MO said:

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In comment 11636687 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 11636669 Moondwg said: Quote: be willing to pay a little extra to hire specialized inspectors (plumbing, heating/cooling) to do a house inspection besides the standard inspector. Frankly, the standard inspectors just have some checklist and aren't very competent to notice stuff like poorly constructed piping. The specialists can notice things that you can get the seller to pay for, saving you far more money (or preventing you from buying a bad situation). This is excellent advice, but one key point, I assume is true in every state, but I know it's true in Mass, only items in a home inspection can come from a licensed home inspector, not an electrician, plumber, contractor, etc. So definitely has those experts inspect the house, but do it BEFORE the home inspection, take their reports and anything major instruct the home inspector they need to include them in the report. Twice now I've been absolutely amazed at the major stuff home inspectors don't find, but we find very shortly after occupying a house (I've bought two homes). And the home inspector reports are caveated so they are entirely not liable for anything they miss. I have a friend that was a home inspector for a few years. He said he learned very quickly that realtors would stop calling you if you found "too much". Take that for what it's worth.

Yeah, Realtors can be scumbags. I am pretty sure that one that I dealt with paid a contractor to come and give advice about what can be done with a house, with fairly easy estimates to help close a deal.

in multiple sizes if necessary or you aren't sure. You can return everything (especially if unopened or not used). Receipt is not required if you have the credit card used to purchase so always use the same one to keep it simple.

I never thought that I'd be able to do half the repairs / projects that I do now. The comment about researching on the interwebz is a great one - if you're not a moron and can follow directions, then you can do 90% of home projects yourself (assuming the right tools).

Tools that are worth it for most homeowners, in my opinion -
- Shop Vac
- Circular saw
- Chop (mitre) saw
- Table saw
- Cordless drill / screwdriver
- Socket set
- Sawzall

Tools that are borderline (depends on how adventurous you're planning on getting) -
- Compressor
- Nail guns of various sizes
- Pipe cutters
- Laser level
- Jig saw

everything needs to be cleaned

projects can be done yourself. That being said, know for a fact that there are a few things in your house that can kill or maim you and while falls from heights, electricity, and power tools are obvious, NEVER mess with the springs on your garage door. They are under extreme tension and are dangerous. When the spring breaks, call a professional and don't think twice.

who are useful "fix it" people... and those that are not.
Having tools that you have no clue how to use and will never put the time to learn, is generally useless.
for those people, finding a guy who is a handyman that is cost effective, is very important. so you have somewhere to call to fix issues, and do minor around the house stuff.
yes i am useless in the house.

Foil tape fucking rocks. Buy some.

and phonically pleasing.

is to find your own and not use one that a realtor refers you to.

left behind by prior residents.

I'll emphasize budgeting your time.

Its your home. You either like it already or will grow to like it, and you'll probably think of million great things to do to make it better. Unless you set aside time (and money)to get them done, nothing will happen. Time is precious. Use it wisely.

I've already set aside a good chunk of money to hire good inspectors that my colleagues have been using for decades.

It's the one area my wife and I both agreed not to skimp on.

your neighbors

use a budget app/software so you know exactly how much you are spending on utilities, maintenance, repairs etc.

focus renos on kitchens and bathrooms

paint rooms in neutral colors.

In comment 11636882 kickerpa16 said:

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I've already set aside a good chunk of money to hire good inspectors that my colleagues have been using for decades. It's the one area my wife and I both agreed not to skimp on.

Good move, kicker. And as you may be aware, after you've made an offer and it has been accepted it is still contingent upon inspection--this is your "out" if you ain't feelin' it after the inspection. Or it is the time when you can deduct monies related to problems that the inspection turned up--or the Seller can get the problems fixed on their dime. Enjoy the process as something new to learn and experience. It all comes together.

In comment 11636648 pjcas18 said:

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Sounds like the contents of Cam's brief case.

For that you'd have to change a letter - vice grips. *grin*

Always prepare for large projects because they will arise: Roof, windows, deck, garage doors, driveway, boiler, water heater, appliances, etc. It is not if but when.

but invest in great window, sliding door, dressings. Nothing makes a nice house look shitty, is cheap window/door dressings

I use it all the time. A good , powerful gas powered backpack model is invaluable. You can throw away a broom for any job outdoors. Blow off the deck, the walks, driveway, light snows, blow dirt and dust out of the garage, and obviously leaves/grass clippings. Biggest time / effort saver you can have for outdoor stuff.

you get a contractor who comes well recommended. Ask neighbors who they used, and ask to see the work they did. Word of mouth is infinitely more reliable than an ad you see someplace. The vey best contractors rely almost exclusively on word of mouth because they are in demand and if you get their name based on a recommendation, they know you're serious about getting he work done.

Weird things can happen after a big change like that. Just go to sleep. No snuggling.

In comment 11637027 WeatherMan said:

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In comment 11636648 pjcas18 said: Quote: Sounds like the contents of Cam's brief case. For that you'd have to change a letter - vice grips. *grin*

You'd have to change more than that. Nipple clamps, clothespins, dog collars, astroglide, handcuffs, self adhesive tape...all of that. No to duct tape (takes skin with it) or WD-40. Vise grips? Meh, too heavy. Too easy to cause some sort of injury (worse than nice bruising or welts).