I have compiled a basic list of tools that every homeowner should have whether they intend to do their own home maintenance or not. There are many more tools that I consider basic, but I have limited this list to 17 items that would be needed for small repair projects. Remember in tools, you do not want to go with cheap quality, note I said quality because sometimes you can get quality for a bargain price. Cheaply made tools will not last, this especially true in screw drivers and pliers. You should be able to put this whole tool kit together for around $200 to 300 dollars. After that, if you find you like doing your own repair work, add the tools needed per project that you are doing, that way you will defray the cost out over a longer period of time and buy only what you will be using. Also, there are many specialty power tools that you may only use one time and these you can rent from a rental tool company.

Hammer -- good 16 oz. straight claw with either a rubber covered steel handle or fiberglass
Set of quality screwdrivers
Utility knife and blades
Needle nose pliers
Locking vice grip pliers
Torpedo level at least 9 inches long
Tape Measure, 25 feet long is best, but I also carry a small 10 foot one in my purse
Pry Bar, a flat bar with a straight and curved end is best if it is the only one you own
Reversible Drill and Drill Bit assortment (go with an electric one if you will only being using it occasionally)
Hand saw, at least a 12 inch one that will fit in your tool box
Safety equipment -- safety glasses or goggles, and dust and paint disposable masks
Electric tester -- get a inexpensive two prong one that plugs into the socket
Wood chisel -- either a set or if only one, get a 1/2 inch
Carpenters square -- you will need this to make straight cuts
Flashlight
Toolbox -- one large enough to hold all of your basic tools
Basic Home Repair Manual -- I prefer it in book form, although you can always look up a project on the Internet

Comments are appreciated and if you have a question you can email me at Mary@MaryMcCombs.com