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5 Useful Items That Every Homeowner Should Own

Whether you've purchased a fixer-upper or the move-in ready home of your dreams, you'll likely spend some time and money sprucing up your new sigs. You don't need to break the bank with expensive gadgets and gizmos, but there are a few key items that will be worth their weight in gold. 

1. Ladder - from gutter cleaning to painting, every homeowner needs a ladder (or two). Having a short indoor ladder for changing lightbulbs and minor repairs is essential, but don't forget that home emergencies take place bot inside and out. Purchase a tall ladder to provide access to your attic and gutter. If storage space is an issue, consider investing in an adjustable or collapsible ladder with multiple height settings. 

2. Tools - get a hammer and a high-quality cordless drill along with a large set of drill and driver bits, often purchased separately. Make sure to also get both a stubby screwdriver and an offset ratchet screwdriver to get at those tight and awkward spaces. A bright, adjustable work light will be essential, especially if you are painting a room and have removed all the light fixtures. 

3. Power Washer - keeping the exterior of your home clean and presentable can take up a lot of your precious time. Investing in a power washer provides homeowners with an opportunity to quickly and efficiently clean sidewalks, driveways, decks garage floors and fences. Plus, let's face it - it's weirdly satisfying to watch. 

4. Wet-Dry Vacuum - if you're planning a smaller scale home DIY, like sanding and drilling, your existing vacuum will come in handy. However, a wet-dry vacuum is what you need for bigger objects like nails and other debris that would clog a normal vacuum. Grab some extra filter bags if you're dealing with a dusty job, like cleaning a fireplace. It can also clean up liquid messes of all kinds and some wet-dry vacuums can even be put in reverse to act a s blower. 

5. Snow Shovel - one of the less glamorous parts of Canadian home ownership is shovelling snow. Since the safety of your family (and passersby who use your sidewalk) depend on its removal, it's wise to invest in the right equipment. From plastic over metal to a shovel with a straight vs ergonomic handle, make sure you choose one that isn't too much of a chore to use. 

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