said by nunya :

There are folding / extending ladders (Little Giant knock-offs). Of course you could just get the original Little Giant.
I was looking at them the other day. They are very versatile. Other than being rather bulky when compacted, they do store down into a small space. I'm putting one on my "to get" list. I just have to wait til I can spring for the fiberglass version (I can't use aluminum).

The average homeowner should be good with a 1A aluminum ladder.

said by drew :

I've got baseboard heating... any maintenance on those?

said by drew :

Tool fund... I like that.

My tools consist of: cordless screwdriver/drill of unknown origin, an off brand so I suspect walmart, a black and decker corded drill that I used to drive a drill bit that I used to drill through studs to wire my house with CAT5e, miscellaneous wrenches and sockets and a hammer (if I can find it.) heh.

I need to fix my lawn mower... not even a year old and it sputters like its about to die every 5-10 seconds..

said by dark_star :

Regarding tools, I strongly advise buying a tool when you need it, and only when you need it. Otherwise, men and tools are like women and shoes. You'll bankrupt yourself with stuff that you think you need.

The exceptions are socket, wrench, and screwdriver sets. You don't want to buy one socket, or one wrench, or one screwdriver. By all means, get a decent set of each.

As for the miscellaneous stuff both small and large, buy those only when you undertake an improvement project or repair that requires it. In many such cases, the tool will pay for itself the first time you use it, versus hiring the job to a contractor. Assuming of course that you have the skill and temperament to get professional quality results.

said by KoolMoe :

Learn about electricity.