As a new homeowner, you likely have a long list of items you need or want to purchase for your new digs. From welcome mats to plungers and wall hangings, there’s lots to buy in the first weeks after moving day. As you browse through window treatments and home décor, don’t forget to stock up on the basic tools every new homeowner needs.
A well-stocked toolbox is essential for every homeowner, but choosing which tools to pack inside that kit can be confusing. What do you really need, and what’s just an extra? Can you get by with only one screwdriver, or do you have to spring for the whole set? So many questions — and we’ve got answers! We’ve compiled a guide to stocking a homeowner’s toolbox at every skill level. Happy fixing! Basic tools If you’ve never pretended to be a handyman, but you’d like to have basic tools in the house in case something needs minor repair, here’s what belongs in your toolbox:
The next step Once you’ve filled your toolbox with the basics, and you become more skilled at around-the-house repairs, consider adding these more advanced tools to your collection:
Advanced tools If you’re exceptionally handy, consider adding these to your toolbox:
Your Turn: What do you have inside your toolbox? Tell us about it in the comments.
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Q: I’d love to have a dog, but I’m not sure I can afford one. What kind of expenses am I looking at if I bring a furry canine friend home?
A: Owning and caring for a dog doesn’t come cheap. But, if you work out the numbers before moving forward, you’ll know what to expect and have an easier time budgeting for these new expenses. Here’s a rundown of what buying and owning a dog can cost. Start-up costs First, let’s take a look at the larger expenses that you’ll, fortunately, only need to pay once. If you decide to buy a purebred from a breeder, it’ll run you $500-$2,000. This cost may be offset by lower healthcare expenses, as purebreds from reputable breeders are generally healthier. If you get your dog from a shelter, you can pay as little as $50 or up to $200. You’ll need to spring for some doggy gear before bringing your pet home, including a bed, a collar and leash, a feeding bowl and some toys, for starters. Combined, these should run you, on average, about $50-$100. If you want to get your dog trained, you can pay as little as $25 for a single class, or up to $300 for a full course of training, plus resource materials. Next, is getting your dog spayed or neutered, which can add $20-$300 to your initial costs. Licensing, vaccinations and a microchip will bring that total up by $110-$360. Total one-time costs: $255-$3,060 Ongoing costs Once you’ve paid the costs to bring your dog home, you’ll need to consider what it costs to care for your pet each month. Dog food Your four-pawed friend’s got to eat, but how much is dog food going to run you? That depends on several variables. First, how much are you able to spend? The cheapest dog food can cost less than a dollar a pound, but if you go gourmet, expect to pay gourmet prices, or up to $1.60/lb. The size of your dog also plays a role in how much the food will cost. A small 3-pound pup will only need 140 calories a day, or ⅓ cup of food, while a 100-pound beast will need a whopping 1,925 calories a day, or 4½ cups of food. Finally, consider your dog’s special dietary requirements. A bag of food for dogs with sensitive stomachs can cost as much as $2.60/lb. Total monthly cost: $20-80 Preventative health care and routine well visits All dogs will need some medication to prevent common conditions, like heartworms, fleas and ticks. Some vets may recommend vitamins or other supplements and dogs should also have their teeth brushed occasionally. Costs for these preventative measures will vary by the size of the dog and its general health. Most vets also advise dog owners to bring their pets in for a wellness checkup at least once a year. The cost of this visit will vary by location and practitioner. Total monthly cost: $20-80 Grooming and bathing If you’ll be giving doggy baths at home or out in the yard and trimming its claws, you can save hundreds of dollars a year. If you’ll be hiring someone else to do the washing and occasional grooming, these costs can add another $100 to your monthly dog costs. Total monthly cost: $0-100 Doggy day care, boarding and walking Here’s where doggy costs can start to skyrocket. Doggy day care averages $40 a day, while individuals who travel often can expect to add another $100 to their pet costs for every overnight stay. Hiring someone to walk your dog will bring these costs up even more, with professional dog-walking services charging as much as $30 for every half-hour walk. Total monthly cost: $0-600 So, how much does it cost, in total, to own a dog? After the initial costs, expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $960 a month, depending on how much you choose to spend and how often you’ll need to leave your pet in day care. That furry friend doesn’t come cheap, but you can’t put a price on the companionship, and boundless love, that a dog will bring you. Be sure to review the costs before bringing your pet home, and to make sure you can comfortably afford these new expenses. Enjoy your four-legged friend! Your Turn: Have you recently purchased or adopted your own furry friend? Tell us how you cover your new expenses. Q: Which home improvement projects can I tackle myself, and which should I leave to the pros?
A: In today’s world, when you can look up how to do practically any project online, it’s tempting to want to do everything yourself, but it isn’t always the best choice. Attempting to do a project on your own can sometimes end up costing more time, money and mess than it’s worth. Here’s how to know when to do it yourself, and when to leave it to the pros. Home improvement projects you can probably do on your own While everyone’s level of skill and dexterity is different, these home improvement projects are simple enough for nearly everyone:
Six questions to ask before tackling a project on your own
Paying for a home improvement project Whether you decide to DIY, or you’re going to call in the experts, a home improvement project can cost a pretty bundle. Consider tapping into your home’s equity through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit through Ingersoll-Rand FCU to help you pay for the project. Increasing the value of your home is one of the best ways you can use your home’s equity. Your Turn: Are you an avid DIYer? Share your best success stories with us in the comments. |
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