Regardless of how much work you do on your home, a few simple tools can save you a lot of time and money. You don’t need to build a fence to justify owning a hammer…hanging a picture will do just fine.

10. A Hammer!

Nothing special. You don’t need a “framing hammer,” and don’t buy a “finishing hammer.” Get a good 16oz comfortable hammer, and I stress comfortable. Hammers should last a LONG time, so take five minutes at the local hardware store, pick up and play with a few different hammers. What you want to look for is balance and comfort.

9. A Tape Measure.

The only thing that I don’t like about tape measures is that I can never keep track of where I leave them. With that said, I use mine all the time for hanging pictures, cutting wood, and measuring rooms. I like the 25′ tape measure, it’s not too big and not too small. Very very handy device.

8. A Circular Saw.

This is one of those devices that I think some people would disagree with me about. However, a circular saw is very versatile. In the past year alone I’ve used mine to cut fence boards, decking, and the kitchen floor (We are remodeling the kitchen). I can’t see owning a home without one.

7. A Screwdriver Set.

I’m cheating a little here. I can’t just say that you need a screwdriver, because you need at least two. I recommend an actual set that include “flatheads” and “Philips” in various sizes.

6. A Power Drill.

Again, a very versatile tool. I got mine as a gift while living in an apartment and didn’t use it more than twice. I’ve since worn out two batteries since we bought our house. You don’t need anything too expensive. My 12 volt craftsman cost me around $50.

The next five tools that I list won’t be as common as the previous ones. These are tools that I have found to be very useful over the years.

5. A Paintbrush.

A GOOD ONE! That’s important. I know that a lot of people that decide to paint a room in their house buy the “10 pack” of cheapo paintbrushes. Don’t do it. A good paint brush can last you a very long time if you take care of it. Buy one with a nice “edge.” A good brush with a sharp edge (where the bristles come to a point) is essential for cutting your paint edges in. A good 2″ brush will cost you at least $15…maybe even more.

4. A 5-in1 Painter’s Tool.

We used our painter’s tool for a lot more than just painting. It’s a scraper, puttyknife, screwdriver, poker, paint can opener, paint roller cleaner, knife, tile lifter, grout line cleaner…etc. I’m sure that there are hundreds of uses for this tool.

3. A Level.

I use mine mostly for hanging things on the wall of our house. As home projects get larger, a level becomes more important. One thing to keep in mind while looking for a level: the longer the level is, the more accurate it is. Now I’m not suggesting that everyone go buy a 6ft level for their home, but, a 3ft level is going to be a lot more accurate that a 1ft level.

2. A “Dremel”Tool

These have hundreds of uses. I’ve used mine to cut holes in the Sheetrock, cut tile, cut through nails, sand furniture and more. This is probably the best all-in-one tool that you can buy, but don’t think of it as a replacement for anything that I’ve mentioned above.

1. Home Depot’s “Home Improvement 123″ Book.

I’m serious. You may have a book similar to this ( I know that I do), but this is by far the best “How-To” book that I’ve seen. The projects that they list range from unclogging a toilet to building a walk-in closet. I don’t recommend buying this to learn how to wire your entire house, but it is perfect for little projects. The book gives detailed step-by-step instructions, a general time line, and best of all “pictures.”