Tracy in CO
A good quality cordless drill/driver. I've had Makita cordless tools for many years, 9.6v, 14.4v and 18v, and the 18v charger will charge all their smaller batteries. There are a few other manufacturers of professional quality tools like that (Porter Cable, Milwaukee, DeWalt come to mind).
These are just so handy that it pays to buy a REALLY GOOD one. It's so often the first tool I reach for--and the one I want to work most reliably all of the time. Obviously higher voltages yield more power--but they also get heavier (and more expensive). Actually I prefer the 14.4v for all but really heavy duty use--and it "feels right" to me.
Oh, and don't forget that basin wrench 
They're probably about $12--I wish I'd spent this a long time ago myself. Would've saved a LOT of trouble.
I'll post more as I think of them--and I bet you get some other suggestions as well.
Congratulations again on your new home!
-k2 in CO
OK, as promised (or is it threatened ), here are a few of the tools I've found most invaluable over the years:
1. Vise-Grips. These are GREAT. You can lock them on something and they won't budge. Uses are too numerous to mention. Even hammer on them. I finally broke a needle-nose Vise-Grip after years of abuse.
2. A 6' stepladder. I've had the same one for over 20 years. It's not industrial-strength or anything--just a "class II" so it's got good balance between being fairly sturdy though lightweight.
3. Quick-grips. I often grab these handy clamps as a "third hand" to hold things.
4. Drills and screwdriver bits for your (hopefully) new cordless drill driver. I've had pretty good luck with sets of drills from Costco. As for screwdriver bits--these I do buy high-quality 10-packs from a hardware or home-improvement store. (The cheapies just wear out right away.)
5. A caulking gun. Important for us Rocky Mountain people!
6. Tape measure. I like a 25' but my wife prefers a 16'--the feel of it.
7. Saws--but what kind(s) really depends on the kind of stuff you'll be getting into. I'd wait until a project necessitates one before rushing out and buying anything. Or, post what kind of projects you have coming up and we'll suggest one.
OK, enough for now! Whew!
Till next time,
-k2.
All kidding aside, the vise grips and pliers and basic set of wrenches or a set of 4 different sized (crescent) adjustable wrenches.
This is a great board...thanks for your ideas and keep 'em coming!
Tracy in CO
You'll find the bow saw and pruning saws useless for interior woodworking projects--you might as well leave these in the garage. The hacksaw will come in handy at times--for metal or plastic. Other tools, yes, just ask when you have an upcoming project--we will fill you up with ideas! You don't want to buy things NOW if it might be years till you'll use them.
As for the tape measure preferences (which hoganem teased me about ) between me and my wife, there is DEFINITELY an ergonomic aspect to tools. If you use one a lot, it should be the right weight, size, and feel. For example, with that cordless drill/driver, you definitely want to try these out for "heft"--they can get heavy after a while. It would be better to have a 9.6 or 12v (or even less than 9.6v) if that's what you'll use. Again, just make sure it's a high quality one--you won't regret it.
-k2 in CO
