Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash
by Phillip B. Burum, DR Horton,
President, Building Industry Association (BIA) Baldy View Chapter
In previous columns I have noted that the holiday season offers a great opportunity for home shoppers to ask parents, family members and friends to give gifts of cash to help build their downpayment fund.
However, for new and current homeowners, or for those who are hoping to make 2020 the year they realize their American Dream of homeownership, the holiday season provides a great opportunity to stock up on the essentials homeowners need to maintain and protect what will be for most Americans the biggest and best investment they will ever make.
Here in Baldy View Region, homes have always been built to the highest standards of design, technology, materials and workmanship - and that means homeowners will always want to be prepared to improve or protect their investment in their home. Gifts that can support that effort will be more appreciated than you might imagine, so here are some holiday gift suggestions courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):
The single most essential tool for homeowners is a flashlight. They come in a wide variety of styles and price ranges. Keep some for in the home and others in the garage and always stock up on fresh batteries.
The beginning of any home improvement toolbox must be hammers. They come in a variety of styles and uses. Start with a claw hammer for driving and pulling nails and a rubber mallet that can be used to strike wood-handled chisels or to tap into place soft materials that would be marred by a metal hammer face.
Likewise, a good selection of slot-head and Phillips head screwdrivers in different sizes are always important.
Paintbrushes of varying sizes and made from different materials are a great gift idea. Consider a good adjustable wrench, a set of crescent wrenches or general-use wrenches to turn any type of hex or square nut or bolt or objects with flat surfaces.
Pliers are likewise an essential part of a toolbox. Consider a variety that includes plain pliers, needle-nose, or long-nose pliers that have thin, tapered jaws for reaching into tight spots or to hold and bend wire.
For the yard, landscaping enthusiast or for general do-it-yourself (DIY) woodworking, there are no shortage of options for quality and useful saws with various-sized teeth and cutting functions. For beginners, an eight point-size skill saw is a good choice for general crosscut work.
Remember, safety goggles with covered sides large enough to fit over regular eyeglasses are an important addition to any toolbox and offer crucial protection for your eyes.
For maintaining the inside of the home, a utility knife known as trimming knife or carpet knife for cutting soft materials such as carpet, drywall, tape and string is also an essential. A putty knife is a great addition to the toolbox for those true DIY enthusiasts.
For more complicated home improvement projects, one essential will be a good hand- or power drill. Get a variety of drill bits to drill precision holes. Look for a power drill that can also grind, sand, polish, and accomplish other jobs when equipped with accessories.
When you shop for or request tools as gifts, remember that garage sales and swap meets can be great places to purchase hand tools.
And don’t forget: if you will be giving or requesting gifts of cash for a downpayment fund, remember to sign or ask for ‘gift letter’ indicating that both parties consider the donation a gift.
The BIA Baldy View Chapter seeks to advance the opportunity to attain the American Dream of home ownership. For additional information on the benefits of homeownership, go to www.biabuild.com on the web.
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