First Tools to Buy?

[Lindsay Wilcox]

I'm about to go straight from renter to triplex owner-occupant. I'm an exceptionally fast learner and have at least average coordination, so I love the idea of learning to do as many things as possible myself.

If I wanted to be equipped for the widest variety of DIY tasks as inexpensively as possible, what tools should I buy first?

I have a hammer, tape measure, and a couple screwdrivers, but otherwise I have about as many tools as you would expect a renter to have who has never been responsible for maintenance!

[Jon Holdman]

Very first would be an electric drill. Cordless is handier, corded can be more powerful.

Beyond that, it really depends on the project. I generally buy tools as I need them. I've been doing a major bath redo (I'll get some pics up when its finished) and I've bought a number of tools during the course of the project. A palm nailer and an impact driver have proven to be very useful new additions. Major tools can often be rented, if you're going to need them just once. I rented a cast iron drain pipe cuter for this project.