Gimme's Profile

Everything said so far is fine if you don't plan on doing too much (except the temp gauge... seriously?), if you enjoy a bit of DIY or have a number of jobs to tackle, I would suggest going a bit further.

My list comes from first hand experience on a large first renovation, i.e. I learned the hard way. It's a longish list so you could take your time and build up the gear as different jobs require it, 'however', I bet a substantial number of people would be better off taking the time/spending the money upfront, as the 6 trips to the hardware store to grab a few things/tool each time you start a new project will cost you way more overall. Anyway, this is my basic list:

#1: Totally agree with a drill, or if you are doing any semi serious work, an impact driver. Get a decent quality one (or better get a combo set if your budget will stretch to it). I have burned through 2 cheap sets, and the difference between cheap and quality is the difference between joy and despair when your wedged 20 feet under the house and your cheap drill fails you. I (now) have a pro quality makita 18v set now and a smaller, lighter 10.8v hitachi set both with drills and separate impact drivers - I use the 10.8v impact driver about 80% of the time and i love it , as it is small, very light and powerful enough for most jobs.

Tape measure x3: one for the car - trust me if you are buying furniture or anything that needs to 'fit' somewhere it will be a godsend, a cheap one for doing jobs outside in the garden (nothing ruins a tape measure faster than dirt and moisture), and one for your toolbag. Also a longish aluminum spirt level that can double as a straight edge.

A sturdy step ladder

A decent hammer and a decent wreaking bar if you are doing any kind of demo. If you ARE doing some demo work, a 18v recip saw as part of a kit is well worth the extra $

A sturdy box cutter, and small to medium handsaw - a inexpensive one with small teeth will do many jobs well

A sharpie and a pencil (a small note book is also well worth it)

A foam sanding block - super handy

A ratcheting manual screwdriver with assorted bits - if you use that fancy new 18v drill on the delicate stuff you will regret it.

Duct and electrical tape + some zip ties - always!

A LED light of some description that runs on AA batteries (something you can stand up or hang is best so you can keep your hands free and point it where you need it)

A pair of linemans pliers and a mid sized adjustable crescent spanner. A small to medium width flexible bladed scraper (putty knife? - I am not sure what they are called in the US?) for applying filler, scraping off flakey paint, etc etc

Some eye, ear and breathing protection (sorry channeling my mother there)

Lastly (for this list anyway) some all purpose caulking/sealant, a caulking gun, and some PVA or other general purpose glue, and a small foam roller set if you are doing any patch painting.

I have probably missed 50 things, but I don't want to put of aspiring DIYers! Oh and a cheap tool bag or large plastic tool box is a must to keep everything handy and in one place.

I am lucky enough to have built up a fairly large selection of hand and power tools over the last few years, and I always wish I had the foresight to get the good quality gear at the beginning when I would have really benefitted from it, not so much now when all the hard work is done (it is still nice to have them though!).

Cheers