Getting Your Condominium / Strata Unit Equipped to Face All Challenges - 10 Tools You Will Need

12 minutes ago

4 min read

There are a few tools and useful items that everyone living in a condo / strata should have. From fixing minor plumbing leaks to hanging shelves and everything in between, we've handpicked the must-have items that will empower you to take charge of maintenance and repairs in your condo.

We know that space can be an issue in some buildings, but we encourage you to get creative with utilizing all nooks, crannies and vertical spaces possible. Of course, for big and dangerous reparation jobs we suggest you get the help of a good condo vendor.

Top 10 Tools Every Unit in a Condo / Strata Must Have

Welcome to our guide on the top ten essential maintenance and repair tools every condo owner needs to tackle common household tasks and keep their space in top condition. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or simply want to be prepared for unexpected maintenance issues, this curated list will help you equip your toolbox with the tools necessary to handle any job.

We shape our tools and then our tools shape us - Marshall McLuhan

#1 Ladder

We recommend a featherlite fiberglass ladder between 5 and 8 ft tall. Most ceilings are quite high, so if you need to change a light bulb, hang curtains or put a fresh coat of paint on, it is better to have a ladder that can reach those high places. If you find storing a ladder inside your unit unappealing then we would suggest tucking it into your locker, if your condo provides one. Storing ladders in balconies is not recommended, specially featherlite ones, since they can be blown away by heavy winds which can cause huge damage to the condo / strata, other people’s property or life.

#2 Wet/Dry Shop Vac 🧹

It certainly doesn’t have to be one of the commercial units that are giant sized but having a shop vac handy can help you out of a jam or two when the need arises. You can use a shop vac to remove dust from vents, remove lint from your dryer and clean up spills. If the toilet or bathtub over flow or the kitchen backs up it’s a way to help you clean up and prevent damage by keeping the floors dry.

#3 Space heater and/or Rotating fan 🔥🌀

It is a rare occurrence, but should an emergency arise where the heating or cooling system is affected, it is a good idea to have a back up plan in place. Also, there are in-between season weather patterns that don’t always provide favorable temperatures. During this time, you may need a fan to cool off one day, but the space heater to provide a little extra warmth the next day.

#4 Multi-tool 🔧

We recommend getting a good one from trustworthy and renowned manufacturers. It is great to have one tool that has many functions. Wire cutters, knife, pliers, screwdriver and more. It doesn’t take up a lot of space either.

#5 Flashlight 🔦

If there is a power outage, the condo / strata’s generator will kick on and provide lights and power to certain areas and machines. Unfortunately, this will most certainly not include anything inside your unit. Having a light source available to you can be useful in unfavorable situations. Candles are another good (and more romantic) option, but can prove to be more difficult to move around with.

#6 Power Bank ⚡

The second thing we recommend for use in situations like the above-mentioned power outage or loss of power is a power bank. The emergency power provided by the generator allows condo / strata’s equipment to function. This includes emergency lighting, the elevators and security systems. Unfortunately, your condo / strata is not likely to be able to provide places to charge cell phones during emergencies. A power bank can keep your devices going, hopefully long enough until power is restored.

#7 Home owner’s tool kit 🔧

There are a number of these kits available from different manufacturing companies. They can be found at Home Depot or Lowes and vary in price range but are relatively inexpensive.

#8 Bucket 💧🪣🪣🪣

This may sound silly, but you would be surprised how many times in our experience as property managers and board members we have recommended putting a bucket under a slow drip under the sink or another similar scenario only to be told that they do not have one. A good sized well-placed bucket can buy you enough time to implement a better plan or get help.

#9 Toilet Plunger 🚽

The toilets inside your unit belong to the homeowner. Should they become clogged for whatever reason, it is up to the resident to provide a solution. ] As a first line of defense against an overflowing toilet, we recommend getting a decent quality toilet plunger.

#10 Hex Keys 🔑🔧

One of the handiest tools that anyone can own and use is a set of Allen (also known as Hex) Keys. They can be used to tighten the bathroom faucets and towel rack, when they become loose. Same goes for most of the suite door handles. The Allen Key is also useful for unlocking the bathroom door, should you find yourself locked outside (or someone else, inside) of it.

Ensuring that every unit in a condominium / strata is equipped with the right tools and essentials is essential for maintaining a well-functioning and harmonious community. By investing in these key items, condo owners and condo management can empower residents to take proactive steps towards maintenance and repair tasks, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their living spaces. Additionally, having these essentials readily available can help minimize inconvenience and potential damage in the event of unexpected issues.

-Stratastic Inc.

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