New Homeowners Need These Tools, Borrow Others

By Organ Ashley 11/06/2026 2 min read 7 views

When moving into a new home, the list of repairs or upgrades can feel overwhelming. Purchasing the wrong tools upfront might waste money and storage space. Remodeler Daniel Cabrera advises new homeowners to prioritize a few essential tools and rent or borrow others until their needs become clearer.

Cabrera suggests starting with a basic toolkit costing around $250. These are the items most homeowners use regularly: a 20V cordless drill, a 16-foot tape measure, a 16-ounce hammer, a stud finder, and a 24-inch level. Additional items like a multi-bit screwdriver, socket wrench set, cordless circular saw, pliers, and a utility knife can be added based on the home’s specific requirements.

Ladders are another item to buy outright. A 6- or 8-foot stepladder is nearly unavoidable, while an extension ladder may be needed for roof or siding work. Transporting borrowed ladders can be inconvenient without a truck or roof rack. Owning them ensures they’re ready when needed.

Power tools like table saws, belt sanders, or routers are better rented unless their use becomes routine. Rental costs for tools like power washers range from $40 to $100 per weekend, compared to $300 to $1,500 for purchase. Rental companies often provide more advanced equipment than homeowners might own.

Basic lawn and garden tools, such as digging shovels, spades, and pruning shears, are worth buying. They’re affordable and essential for maintaining a yard. A lawn mower is also a necessity, though borrowing a neighbor’s for the first cut might be practical if the grass is overgrown. Lawn tools like scythes are making a comeback in some areas, but traditional options remain widely used.

Tools with niche uses, like hedge trimmers or snowblowers, can be borrowed initially. Snowblowers, for example, are better acquired after a few years of living in a snowy area. Neighbors or local rental services can provide alternatives in the meantime.

Toilet plungers and augers should be bought immediately. A clogged toilet is a plumbing emergency, and relying on a neighbor’s tools isn’t reliable. Both items are inexpensive and key for every bathroom.

For those unsure whether to rent or buy, a simple calculation can help. Multiply the rental rate by the number of days or hours needed and compare it to the cost of a new or used tool. Some items, like drills, are cheaper to buy outright.

Free tool borrowing is possible through local networks. Car parts stores like Auto Zone or O’Reilly often let customers borrow automotive tools with a deposit. Online platforms like Next Door or Local Tools Alliance can connect homeowners with neighbors willing to share equipment.

Cabrera, a San Antonio-based remodeler with 16 years of experience, emphasizes that the five tools in his starter kit, along with basic lawn tools and clog-clearing devices, are the most critical for new homeowners to purchase first.