A basic tool kit is essential for carrying out maintenance around your home. Having the tools to hand means you can deal with emergencies or even routine maintenance tasks as they arise.

You can buy the tools in this basic tool kit for around $200-$250, but you can spend a lot more if you go for the more expensive options. Some tools are essential, some are nice to have.

Essential items

• 1 x Screw driver set (slotted, phillips and square drive).
• 1 x 200mm (8 inch) and 1 x 100mm (4 Inch) adjustable wretch.
• 1 x claw hammer.
• 1 x craft knife (with spare blades).
• Pliers .
• Torch with spare batteries (that are the same size as the torch needs).
• Duct tape.
• Electrical insulation tape.
• Rope or ratchet tie-down.
• Hard wearing gloves, dust masks, goggles and earmuffs.
• Assortment of nails and screws.
• Garden hose.
• 1 can 3 in 1 oil or aerosol oil spray.
• Black marker pen.
• 5,10 and 15 amp fuse wire.

Good idea

• 1 x socket set.
• Nips.
• Multigrips.
• Ladder (3 step).
• Tarpaulin.
• Cordless drill and driver bits/drill bits.
• First aid kit (in case it all goes wrong).
• Fire extinguisher (in case it all goes really wrong).
• 9 volt batteries for smoke detectors.

Worth having:

• A list of emergency phone numbers.
• Picture showing the location of your valves for turning off water and gas.
• Picture showing the location of your electrical mains switch and hot water cylinder switch.