Having the right tools at the ready is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner or shareholder. Even if you live in a cooperative, condominium, or homeowner’s association that is maintained by a property management company, be prepared if any minor repairs are needed around your home. Below are 20 tools homeowners should have in their homes.
When to Contact Your Property Management Company for a Repair
- If you are experiencing a building-related emergency (i.e.- flood, fire, no heat, etc.).
- If you plan on making an alteration*: You may need board approval if you live in a cooperative.
- A repair is needed in a common area such as a lobby, parking garage, pool, hallway, or other amenities.
It should be also noted that if you request repairs inside a unit, the management company will only carry them out when they are approved by the board, or when they are considered management’s responsibility.
How to Contact Einsidler Management, Inc.
Emergency Hotline (For Building, Home, or Community Emergencies Only)*: 1800.684.4055
Office (Non-Emergencies): 631.293.2997 / 718.233.1390
Online Contact Form
*Always call 911 first in the event of a life-threatening emergency*
Unsure Who to Contact in the Event of an Emergency?
See our Guide: Who to Contact In a Home or Building Emergency
When to Hire a Professional for a Repair
When major or minor repairs are the owner’s responsibility, repairs should typically be left to a professional if they could result in permanent structural damage to the building or community. Additionally, anything involving pests (termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, carpenter ants, and mice), plumbing (frozen pipes and leaks), electrical work, or mold remediation should be left to experts.
When to Handle a Repair Yourself
Minor repairs that are deemed your responsibility as a homeowner (check your governing documents) can be addressed in some instances:
- Changing lightbulbs inside your apartment
- Unclogging drains
20 Tools Homeowners and Shareholders Should Have in Their Homes
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Screws
- Allen Wrenches/Hex Key Set
- Safety Gloves
- Wood Glue/Super Glue
- Tape Measure
- Level (alterations, including anything involving drilling into walls, may require board approval if you live in a Cooperative)
- Non-Damaging Wall Hooks (i.e.- Command hooks)
- Chord Wranglers for Organizing Wires
- Utility Knife
- Pliers
- Electrical Tape (for very minor repairs, otherwise, hire an electrician, or replace anything with frayed wiring)
- Duct Tape
- Painter’s Tape
- Ladder or Step Stool
- LED lightbulbs
- Bucket (in the event of a leak)
- Plunger
- Scissors
Review Your Governing Documents for Details on Ownership Responsibilities and Repairs
Depending on the type of community you live in, and the policies set forth in the governing documents of that community, you may be responsible for some or all repairs inside your home or unit. Therefore, it is important to have some basic tools on hand to address minor tasks in your home.
The Importance of Understanding Your Ownership Responsibilities
Understanding your responsibilities as a homeowner or shareholder is crucial because it will help you to know and identify how to address repairs. Whether a repair entails hiring a professional, contacting management, or making a small fix on your own, stay prepared and informed with the tools and information that you need to facilitate the repair.
* All communities differ in regard to their alteration agreements and procedures. Check with your property manager for all requirements before drilling, painting, spackling, hanging, installing, renovating, etc…
