All homes require basic upkeep to ensure their continued livability. Whether you aim to be a seasoned do it yourself-er, or you simply want to hang your own picture frames, you will need the right tools for the job.  

Below is the Grand Home Inspection list of 10 tools every homeowner should have.  There are many specialty tools for specific applications, so this is more of a starter kit than an exhaustive list, but it will get you well on your way to making sure your home is comfortable and looking good!

1. Framing Hammer or Claw Hammer – Two names for the same tool, a basic hammer for driving and removing nails.  You’ll use this tool for everything from hanging decorations to tearing out those old cupboards.
2. Screwdriver Set – Screws are all over the place in your home and appliances and will occasionally require your attention.  Make sure you have both phillips and flathead in a variety of sizes.
3. Box Wrench Set – These are your basic non-adjustable wrenches with closed and open ends to fit specific bolt sizes.  Using the correct wrench for the bolt size will reduce the risk of stripping the bolt.  Get inch and metric versions to make sure you have the right tool for the job!
   
4. Adjustable Wrench – Sometimes referred to as a Crescent wrench. This will be your go-to when you have nuts or bolts of unknown sizes, need two wrenches of the same size, or need to get multiple sizes taken care of with one tool.  This wrench is more likely to strip nuts and bolts, so try to use the box wrenches whenever you can.
5. Bubble Level – Use this tool to confirm the flatness in a variety of applications.  Items can
   fall off of shelves that aren’t level, and nobody likes cooking on a stovetop when everything in your pan slides to one side.  The bubble level is much more than straight curtain rods and you should have one.
6. Tape Measure – Whether you’re installing new countertops in the kitchen or feng shui-ing your furniture, a tape measure will help you get it right.
7. Caulk Gun – Unfortunately sealants in bathrooms, kitchens, and around windows don’t last forever. Water getting where it doesn’t belong is the number one cause of damage, so it’s important to be prepared when caulk fails.
8. Plunger – Probably the most self explanatory item on the list.  When you need it, you really need it!  
9. Personal Protective Equipment, aka PPE – Ok, PPE is more than one thing, but you need to be safe during all home projects. Safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator can help keep you safe from flying objects, cuts/scrapes, and hazardous fumes.
10. Flashlight – Nothing in the above list will do you any good if you can’t see what you’re working on.  A flashlight can help you through low-light projects or when the power goes out.

Some people are more handy than others, but everybody is capable of some basic home projects.  Doing your own work can be very rewarding and these tools will help you along the way.