10 Things Every Frugal Homeowner Should Own

Owning a home comes with constant expenses and maintenance challenges. The right tools and items can save you thousands in repair costs and service calls over the years. Here are ten essential things that help frugal homeowners protect their investment and keep more money in their pockets.

A Quality Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

Regular vacuums fail miserably when you need to clean up water, drywall dust, or garage messes. A shop vacuum handles wet spills, clogged drains, and construction debris that would destroy a household vacuum. They cost $60 to $150 depending on capacity and power.

Homeowners use them for everything from flooded basements to cleaning out gutters. The ability to switch between wet and dry makes this tool incredibly versatile. Calling someone to clean up water damage or debris costs hundreds while doing it yourself costs nothing. The vacuum pays for itself after just one or two uses. People who own shop vacuums wonder how they ever managed without one.

A Basic Toolset With Essential Hand Tools

Hiring someone for simple repairs costs $100 just for the service call before any work begins. A starter toolkit with hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and tape measure runs about $50 to $80. Most minor home repairs require only these basic tools and a quick YouTube tutorial. Tightening loose cabinet handles, fixing running toilets, and hanging pictures are all simple DIY tasks.

The confidence you gain from handling small fixes yourself is worth as much as the money saved. Quality tools last decades with basic care and get used constantly. Maintaining your home affordably becomes much easier when you have the right equipment. Borrowing tools from neighbors works occasionally but owning your own set makes more sense long term.

A Programmable Thermostat

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of most home energy bills. A programmable thermostat costs $50 to $150 but saves about $180 yearly on average. You can set temperatures to drop when everyone leaves for work and rise before you return home. Sleeping with lower heat overnight saves money without sacrificing comfort.

Many models connect to your phone for remote adjustments and monitoring. The device typically pays for itself within the first year of use. Some utility companies offer rebates that reduce the upfront cost even more. Homeowners who install them report immediate drops in monthly energy bills.

A Plunger and Drain Snake

Calling a plumber for a clogged toilet or drain costs $150 to $300 for a quick fix. A good plunger costs $15 and a basic drain snake runs about $20 to $30. Most clogs clear easily with these simple tools and a few minutes of effort. Hair, soap buildup, and minor blockages don’t require professional help. Learning to use a drain snake properly takes one video tutorial and saves repeated service calls.

Every homeowner faces drain issues eventually, making these tools essential rather than optional. The gross factor is minimal compared to the money you save. People who try clearing their own drains first almost always succeed before needing to call anyone.

An Electric Lawn Mower

Paying $40 every week for lawn service adds up to over $1,500 during the growing season. A decent electric mower costs $200 to $400 and lasts years with minimal maintenance. Electric mowers require no gas, oil changes, or tune ups like gas versions. Mowing your own lawn takes 30 to 45 minutes weekly and provides exercise.

The initial investment pays for itself in just one season of use. Rechargeable battery mowers offer cord free convenience without the gas mower hassles. Neighbors might judge your DIY approach initially but your bank account tells a different story. Reducing regular home expenses often means doing tasks yourself instead of hiring them out.

A Ladder Tall Enough to Reach Your Gutters

Gutter cleaning services charge $100 to $200 twice yearly for a task you can do yourself. A sturdy extension ladder costs $150 to $300 and lasts decades. Clogged gutters cause water damage costing thousands in repairs. Cleaning gutters yourself twice a year takes about an hour each time. The ladder also helps with painting, hanging holiday lights, and pruning trees.

Safety matters, so get a ladder rated for your weight plus equipment. The investment pays for itself after just two gutter cleaning seasons. Homeowners who clean their own gutters catch problems early before they become expensive disasters.

A Home Maintenance Binder or App

Tracking repairs, warranties, and maintenance schedules prevents expensive problems from developing. A simple binder costs $10 and helps you stay organized about home care. Knowing when you last serviced the furnace or replaced the water heater matters when issues arise. Warranty information saves money when covered items need repair or replacement.

Regular maintenance costs less than emergency repairs on neglected systems. Many homeowners use free apps to set maintenance reminders and track expenses. The organization helps you budget for upcoming needs instead of facing surprise costs. People who track home maintenance catch small issues before they become major expensive problems.

A Fire Extinguisher for Each Floor

Home fires cause devastating damage and insurance deductibles run into thousands. Fire extinguishers cost $20 to $50 each and can stop small fires before they spread. Every floor should have one, especially near kitchens and garages where fires often start. Most house fires begin small and could be stopped with quick action.

The few minutes before fire trucks arrive determine whether you have minor damage or total loss. Extinguishers last years and require only occasional pressure checks. Your insurance company might even offer a discount for having them. The peace of mind alone justifies the minimal cost.

A Power Drill and Bit Set

Screwing things in by hand is slow and exhausting. A cordless drill costs $50 to $100 and makes countless projects faster and easier. Hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and installing curtain rods all require drilling. The tool pays for itself quickly by enabling DIY projects that would otherwise need hired help.

A basic bit set handles wood, metal, and masonry applications. The rechargeable battery means no cords to manage or outlets to locate. People who buy their first drill wonder why they waited so long. Simple home improvements become actually achievable instead of intimidating.

A Caulk Gun and Quality Caulk

Air leaks around windows and doors waste energy and increase utility bills significantly. A caulk gun costs $5 and tubes of quality caulk run $5 to $8 each. Sealing gaps and cracks takes minimal skill but provides immediate energy savings. Drafty windows and doors make your heating and cooling systems work harder than necessary.

Most homes need recaulking every few years as old caulk dries and cracks. Professional weatherization services charge hundreds for work you can do in an afternoon. Improving home efficiency starts with stopping air leaks that waste money daily. The return on investment for caulking is immediate and substantial.

Frugal homeownership isn’t about being cheap but about being smart with resources. These items help you maintain your home properly while avoiding unnecessary service calls. The upfront investment in tools and equipment pays dividends through years of savings. Taking care of basic maintenance and repairs yourself builds skills while protecting your biggest asset.

This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.