Your home is your sanctuary, the place you make your own and where you feel most comfortable. Whenever you buy a new house, you add your personal touches to make it your home. B
eyond furniture, appliances, and personal items, you need certain home essentials to make your home comfortable, clean, and safe. Having the right quality tools for DIY repairs and home updates, and outfitting your home with security and safety equipment, is the best way to make your house a home.
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Security Essentials
Home security is one of the most critical issues for homeowners. You should feel secure knowing that your home is safe from vandalism, robbery, and violent attack. To secure your home, you need high-quality surveillance and alarm systems to alert you to any dangers.
While quality mechanical locks on all doors are essential, you should also take extra precautions, such as changing the locks whenever you move into a new home. This ensures that you know who has keys and who can access your house. Many homeowners purchase a home security system for extra protection. These systems have sensors that keep your home and property safe from home invasion and robbery. They also automatically call the police or fire department if the sensors detect suspicious or dangerous behavior.
Another excellent security option is setting up cameras. A doorbell or door surveillance camera is a discreet way to know who is at your door or outside your home. The latest doorbell cameras can even pair with smart locks and allow you to remotely monitor your home from your phone.
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Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Around 2,100 people are killed each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and 2,000 people are severely injured, with 4,000 killed in house fires. Many of these deaths and injuries are preventable, and every home should have carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms installed.
They should be installed on every floor of your home and, if possible, in every bedroom as well. Batteries should be replaced at least once per year, and the detectors should be tested monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.
As of 2011, each state has legislation or regulations in place with specific requirements for installing carbon monoxide detectors. For example, residents of Alaska must have their carbon monoxide detectors inspected by a fire marshall before installation. Check your state’s carbon monoxide laws before installing a detector to ensure your home is in compliance.
Source: Serhii Krot/Shutterstock.com
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Landscaping Tools
A well-kept lawn is the pride of many homeowners, and having the proper tools to get the job done can help you keep your home beautiful and protected from insects, animals, and storm damage. Improperly trimmed trees can be dangerous in high winds, causing damage to your property.
Keeping them trimmed is also essential for the tree’s health; pests such as termites can infest trees and spread to other areas of your home if not addressed immediately. Install a garden shed in your yard and stock it with a hand pruner, lopper, and chainsaw.
Invest in a gas-powered lawnmower for large yards or an electric lawnmower for yards less than half an acre to keep your lawn neat. You should also purchase an edger and weed wacker or eater for trimming the lawn in tight spaces.
Your outdoor concrete areas, such as the patio, porch, or concrete driveway, need specific concrete tools to keep them in good shape. Invest in equipment such as concrete saws and power cutters to remove damaged areas of garden paths or driveways. You can also purchase a scarifier and grinder to eliminate unsafe bumps and chips and smooth out your concrete areas.
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DIY Equipment
Every house needs basic DIY tools for minor home repairs. Ensure you have the basics, such as a screwdriver, hammer, wrench set, level, pliers, measuring tape, and socket set. You should also invest in a power drill with multiple bit sizes.
Some lesser-known pieces of equipment could include a pipe snake for de-clogging drains, a voltage meter to check your car battery, or a circuit breaker panel. You could even invest in a concrete mixer to fix chips and breaks in your sidewalk, driveway, and patio.
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Emergency Supplies
A natural disaster can strike anywhere at any time. Preparation is the key to reducing the damage to your home and protecting your family.
Beyond basic supplies like water, food, and a first aid kit, ensure you have extra copies of your important documents like IDs, passports, insurance information, and medical documentation. If you need to leave your home suddenly, these documents are required to help you rebuild your life in the wake of the tragedy.
Also, make sure your emergency supplies are up-to-date. Canned food and bottled water have an expiry date. So check the labels to ensure they are still safe to consume and replace them if they have been in your bug out bag too long. It is also essential to make sure batteries still have their charge and flashlight bulbs still work.
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Cleaning Tools and Products
Keeping your home clean and sanitary is vital for your health. Unclean homes can be a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and viruses that can cause severe illnesses, from gastroenteritis to pneumonia. Creating a basic cleaning caddy with essentials like hydrogen peroxide, chlorine bleach, and natural cleaners like baking soda and distilled white vinegar can easily eliminate harmful germs from your home.
You also need to consider cleaning tools. Invest in a squeegee for a quick and effective way to give your shower door and walls a daily clean. Squeegees also make window washing a breeze.
Buy a set of hard-bristle scrub brushes, including several with small heads, to access overlooked areas like tile grout and baseboards. Finally, purchase several microfiber cloths. These ultra-soft cloths are a versatile addition to your cleaning kit; they can wipe, dry, buff, and polish numerous surfaces, from granite counters to glass mirrors to solid wood furniture.
Source: Zivica Kerkez/Shutterstock.com
Invest in the Essentials for a Happy Home
Whether you are just moving into a new home or upgrading your current space, equipping your house with items that help you to keep it secure, clean, and beautiful can make your home more enjoyable. In addition to your standard furniture and appliances, having the right home essentials, including cleaning supplies and outdoor tools, can make your home a happier, safer place to live.
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