High end: $1,100

Perfect price: $375

Must-have features for gas-powered mowers include adjustable wheel bases for cutting grass of varying lengths, and mulching and bagging capabilities, says Alan Pinsonneault of the Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario. For hilly jobs, get a self-propelled machine. “A lower noise-level muffler would also be nice,” he says.

Regardless of your level of ambition, there’s a host of tools every homeowner should have. But even if you’re a budding Mike Holmes, think twice before you start filling those cupboards with pricey tools: in some cases cheapies will serve you well, and often you’re just better off renting.

If you do get the right tools and are up to the challenge of doing-it-yourself, the savings can be astounding. Toronto-based homeowner Rod Wilmot, an information technology worker by day, estimates he’s saved a whopping $65,000 by renovating his kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and hardwood floors himself, instead of hiring contractors. “Of course, I had a lot of help from friends and family members,” Wilmot says, “but everything turned out great.”

The basics: $300-$500

If you’re interested only in simple household maintenance there are some tools that are absolutely necessary. A hammer, for example. “Get one that weighs 20 ounces unless you’re going to be doing a lot of framing or deck work, at which point you might want to bump it up to 28 ounces,” recommends Keith Andreasen, Rona’s resident adviser on tools and home renovations. And a tape measure, too. “You can buy them for $5 or $40, but you probably want something in the middle range,” he says.

Inexpensive staples like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, levels and squares are also de rigueur, as is the indispensable cordless drill. “Before someone renovates a basement or redoes a kitchen, they have to get handy at hanging a picture, installing some IKEA cabinets or putting up coat hooks,” says Ottawa based home designer, renovator and builder Moneca Kaiser. Cordless drill sets can be purchased for as little as $99 for an 18 volt Black & Decker, but it’s worth it to spend $300 or more for a Makita or DeWalt—the main difference being durability. “Sometimes you get what you pay for,” notes Wilmot, who admits he once dropped his DeWalt two storeys onto concrete, with few adverse effects other than some superficial scuffing and a few heart palpitations.

Woodworking: $500-$1,500

Remember that dilapidated fence? Or maybe it’s a rotten deck. You can fix or replace those yourself, and save thousands of dollars in the process—and you don’t need a bunch of complicated, expensive tools to do so. The first thing you’ll want to purchase is a circular saw. A decent corded model will cost about $100, while $170 gets you a similar unit that runs off an 18-volt lithium ion battery. But unless you plan on cutting only thin, soft material, go with the corded model, recommends Ottawa-based contractor Mike George and owner of National Capital Electric. “Two-by-fours, plywood and fence posts will run your battery down pretty quickly,” says George.

If you’re going to be cutting a lot of angles—say putting points on your picket fence—you might also want to consider buying a simple miter. Basically a circular saw housed in a metal frame, the miter can be set to cut precise angles or to quickly and effortlessly cut boards to length. Douglas Thomson, editor of Canadian Home Workshop magazine, says most homeowners will be best served with a full-sized model with a 12-inch blade, which allows you to cut wood up to eight inches wide—perfect for those deck planks. Again, they don’t have to cost a lot: a Ridgid runs about $500.

Speaking of deck planks, you’ll want to fasten them down somehow. Increasingly the tool of choice is an impact driver. “An impact driver is like a drill, but the drive mechanism is slightly different, so it drives screws or undoes nuts and bolts much more efficiently than a drill ever would,” says Thomson. “If you’re building a deck and are going to be driving 500 screws, it’d be a great tool for that.” Sets sell for as little as $150 for cheaper brands, rising to $500 high-end units.

Skilled work: $1,500-$5,000

Decks and fences are one thing, but what happens when you decide to tackle large-scale interior renovations, those bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens? For starters, you’re going to need more—and more expensive— gear. That simple miter saw, for example, will have to be upgraded to a sliding compound miter which allows for not only much wider cuts but bevelled cuts necessary for precision cabinetry and the installation of crown molding. A top-of-the-line Bosch model sells for $800, but Wilmot says homeowners can get by with a mid-range model for about $300. “You don’t have to buy a professional-calibre tool because you’re not going to be using it every day.”

The same, however, can’t be said for the venerable table saw— the largest, heaviest and costliest tool in the arsenal of most home renovators. Table saws are used for making long, precision cuts in a range of materials from plywood to hardwood and veneers. But do you absolutely need one? The jury’s still out. Thomson suggests using a specific type of circular saw that has an added rail guide system (total cost for package about $500) for ripping large sheets of wood. Consider, too, that big box hardware stores will rip sheets for $1 a cut, adds Kaiser. A table saw is only necessary for those undertaking larger renovations and doing fine cabinet work, says George. “You’ll probably want to spend $1,000 or more for a 220-volt model with a two- or three-horsepower motor that won’t wear out.” It might seem like a steep investment— but the key word here is investment. “A reasonably highquality set of kitchen cabinets can easily run you $20,000,” George notes. “You can save half that or more by doing it yourself with a table saw and miter.”

Another tool beloved by savvy home renovators, but too often overlooked by neophytes, is the pneumatic nail gun. All-in-one kits that include an air compressor, a hose and a power head holding a clip of nails cost about $200 to $300. These are ideal for everything from simple furniture and upholstery repairs, to nailing down hardwood flooring and installing trim. “You only need one hand to operate it,” notes George. “It’s ideal when you’re working by yourself.”

What else? A jigsaw is essential for curved cuts and interior cuts—holes for kitchen sinks or plumbing pipes, say—and a reciprocating saw is ideal for demolition work or cutting pipe and metal: both tools can be purchased for between $70 and $200. And if you’re going to be cutting tile for bathrooms or kitchens, you’ll need a wet saw, which sells for as low as $130 for a Ryobi, ranging up to $1,000 for a Bosch. The same rules apply when it comes to buying: highend tools used infrequently are a poor investment.

Cutting costs

Purchased at retail all of the above can add up. Fortunately, there are ways to equip your home workshop for less. “Sales on tools take place throughout the year, but Fathers’ Day and Christmas are guaranteed to have some of the best deals,” says Andreasen. The usual Internet sites—Kijiji, eBay, et al— offer a virtual smorgasbord of used tools at half-off their retail price or better. Some big-box stores sell refurbished rental tools, and federal and municipal government and school board websites often put their used tools up for auction, says Wilmot. “It’s amazing the things you can find, everything from hand tools to industrial band saws.”

However, just renting tools often makes the most sense: why would you spend $1,000 on a gas-powered post-hole digger when big-box stores like Home Depot lease them on an hourly or daily basis at a fraction of the cost? Same goes for floor sanders, gravel compactors, or generators: any piece of machinery you’re likely to use only once.

OK, that’s it. Get busy. That new fence or bathroom cabinetry isn’t going to install itself.

— D.O., Ottawa

A: Relax, you’re not cheap jerks. A recent survey of newlyweds by Theknot.com and Weddingchannel.com found out how much guests spend on wedding gifts. On the lower end, $50 to $75 was considered reasonable for a colleague or business associate. Next up were friends or relatives, where the norm was $75 to $100. But if it’s a really close friend or immediate relative, be prepared to shell out $100 to $150. A distant cousin definitely qualifies for the middle range—stick to $75 and you’ll be just fine. Keep in mind that the happy couple’s special day is a celebration of their union, not how much loot they can collect, says etiquette expert and host of MannersTV.com, Louise Fox.

Got a delicate money question? Send it to ask@moneysense.ca.

5th place

Volvo C30 | $29,500

“Safety first” has always been the unofficial motto of Volvo, so it should come as no surprise that this distinctive little compact is loaded with technology to keep drivers out of harm’s way. Along with the usual luxury options like blind spot detection, Volvo offers its Intelligent Driver Information System, which automatically delays distracting phone calls or messages when it detects intense steering, braking or acceleration. Despite all these features, our panelist panned the C30 for its lack of punch and performance. “It’s a bit lackluster in its ride and handling,” says Gentile, not to mention “a bit boring on the exterior.” Concurs Rolczewski, “The Volvo C30 is like a knock-off designer purse. It looks good, serves the purpose, but you know it’s just not a real luxury.”

4th place

Buick Verano | $22,895

Our only North American entry but the most affordable. This compact sedan is trying hard not to be your grandfather’s Buick, but opinions are mixed on whether it has succeeded in shaking off its stodgy image. Dave Redinger certainly thinks it has. He says the Verano combines great style and great value. “When I first saw this car I thought it was from Acura.” Rolczewski, however, isn’t quite sure this car has the pedigree to compete with the likes of BMW or Audi. “Does the Buick scream, ‘Look Ma, I’ve made it!’ No, but it does show you like comfort and value,” she says. But Iny does see comparisons to the Audi A3 because of its “luxury interpretation in a small package” and notes the Verano has become Buick’s bestselling car by far.

3rd place

Lexus CT 200h | $31,450

Another hatchback and the only hybrid on our list. Normally, the fuel-saving combination of an electric motor and small gas engine comes with a price premium, but the CT 200h is actually the least expensive Lexus you can buy. That’s prompted strong sales, but not all our experts are sold on this car’s value. “It’s like a Prius wrapped in a pricey wolf’s clothing,” says Bouchama, noting these vehicles share the same engine. As such, performance is not the CT 200h’s strong suit either, but, Gentile says, there’s still much to love with this little Lexus. “The ride won’t get your blood flowing. But it appeals to a young professional who is interested in saving gas and still wants to drive in luxury.” As with any Lexus, predicted reliability is excellent and resale value should be high.

2nd

Audi A3 | $34,100

Our other Deutsch delight is one of three hatchbacks in our line-up. The A3 is a real looker but getting a little long in the tooth. A new version is already on the streets in Europe but buyers here will have to wait until summer to see it arrive in dealer showrooms. Despite its age, our experts had high praise for the opulent Audi. “For years this has been the most luxurious compact hatchback any manufacturer dared to try to sell in North America,” says Iny. Adds Nika Rolczewski, “The only thing differentiating this baby from the pricier Audis is the size. The performance is there, the finish is crisp, and the components and materials have a richness to them that is the basis for any luxury automobile.”

1st place

BMW 3 Series wagon | $39,900

Known as “Bimmers” or “Beemers” to some, these products of the Bavarian Motor Works are often touted as the ultimate driving machines. “It’s definitely a driving enthusiast’s car,” says Mohamed Bouchama. “The BMW would be my No. 1 choice.” Petrina Gentile is equally impressed. “The ride and handling is sporty, dynamic and spirited,” she says. “This would be my go-to pick.” The 3 Series Wagon received a fresh makeover for 2013 that includes better fuel efficiency, more legroom for backseat passengers and even more safety features than ever. Some of our panelists bemoan the move away from six-cylinder to smaller turbo-charged engines. But they still say the performance and pedigree of this BMW leaves the others in its dust. And although it may be the priciest of our picks, George Iny says a soft European market means more 3 Series models have been flooding our shores, resulting in lower prices and very aggressive leasing offers.

How we came up with the numbers

Vehicle prices reflect the manufacturer’s suggested retail price without options or destination charges. For the cost of ownership, we used data from Edmunds.com, converted to Canadian dollars. Remaining scores are based out of 10; the higher the number, the better the value offered. Safety is based on ranking data available from IIHS and NHSTA, the leading authorities in the U.S. Reliability is based on Consumer Reports data gathered from vehicle owner questionnaires. Driving experience is the average score for each model provided by our expert panel. To obtain our overall value out of 100, 20% reflects cost of ownership, 20% reliability, 10% safety and 50% driving experience.

Expert panel

George Iny: President of the Automobile Protection Association

Dave Redinger: Host of the Neighbourhood Mechanic on AM740 Radio

Mohamed Bouchama: Executive Director of Car Help Canada

Petrina Gentile: Producer of CTV’s and BNN’s Car/Business

Nika Rolczewski: Automotive columnist for the Toronto Star

Nearly all the frontrunners now have large, bright, high-resolution screens. They also sport chipsets capable of running complicated software like media players and immersive games, and feature multiple connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LTE.

The fight for consumers’ hearts and dollars involves not only industry heavyweights Apple and Samsung, but also companies that market-watchers once placed far behind those two juggernauts: Canada’s own BlackBerry (the company previously known as RIM) and Nokia.

Which is the best of the best? We considered five options: Apple’s iPhone 5, Samsung’s Galaxy S3, the BlackBerry Z10, the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Sony Xperia T. All prices we list are based on signing up for a three-year plan (or no term). You may be surprised to learn which of these worthy contenders deserves to be on top of consumers’ smartphone shopping lists.

Samsung Galaxy S3 (16GB)| $50 ($650 no term)

BEST DEAL! It may be long in the tooth and due for replacement in late April (see “Samsung Galaxy S4” to the right), but the venerable S3 is still superb. Experts agree its performance is on par with—or above—the iPhone 5’s, and the S3’s price is half the cost with a plan. In fact, it won the best smartphone award at the 2013 Mobile World Congress. Why? The S3 runs Google’s Android operating system, which features nearly 700,000 apps; the chipset can keep up with the most system-intensive software; its screen (at 4.8 inches, the largest in this group) wins raves for vivid colours and sharp images; and its on-board media management capabilities are truly impressive. Drawbacks are few: voice-recognition isn’t as intuitive as Siri, and some users find it too large to grip comfortably. First place.

Apple iPhone 5 (16GB)| $100 ($700 no term)

The latest iPhone boasts almost every smartphone must-have: excellent voice-recognition software (Siri), video calling (FaceTime), online media storage (iCloud) and access to nearly 700,000 apps, all while running the latest version of Apple’s iOS operating system. It’s the lightest smartphone on the market (112 grams), so it’s ultra portable. But the device isn’t perfect. It has a new connector, which means people with older iPhone accessories will have to buy new ones or invest in an adapter—and not all features work with the adapter. It’s also one of the most expensive contenders. The iPhone may be iconic, but it’s no bargain. Second place.

Sony Xperia T (16GB)| $0.01 ($550 no term)

Agent 007 carries an Xperia T in Skyfall, so for James Bond fans this may be the one and only option. It even has Bond-themed ringtones and email alerts. Other features include a top-notch music player, and easy access to useful widgets like a calculator and voice recorder. But it’s relatively heavy at 148 grams and despite sporting a 13-megapixel camera—well above the 8-MP cameras on all the other contenders—images aren’t that much better. The chipset isn’t the fastest either. Still, this is an Android device, which means users enjoy an app-rich playground. As a passable performer at a low price, the Xperia T remains a serious contender. Third place.

BlackBerry Z10 (16GB)| $150 ($600 no term)

After years of steadily losing market share, BlackBerry is back with a strong product. The Z10 offers video chat, an easy-to-use virtual keyboard and excellent photo-editing capabilities. The Peek feature makes it easy to check incoming messages. The Balance function separates personal and business information, so the Z10 should appeal to people who need to meet mobile-security requirements for work. The voice-recognition capability is no Siri, though, and the list of apps is extremely short compared with those available to Apple, Sony and Samsung users. In this contest, apps are everything. The pricey BlackBerry simply isn’t there yet. Fourth place… for now.

Nokia Lumia 920 (32GB) | $50 ($600 no term)

Credit the Lumia 920 with bringing Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 operating system into the spotlight. The combined power of the OS and Nokia’s superb hardware is compelling. Users get Microsoft Office functionality, access to SkyDrive online storage and a tap-and-share feature for swapping content between phones. This device supports wireless charging and is the only one with a screen designed to be used with gloved hands. But at 185 grams it’s also the heaviest contender, and some models are so hard to hold that a catastrophic drop seems almost inevitable. Plus there are far fewer apps available for Windows Phone 8 than there are for iOS and Android. Fifth place.

Get an overview at Kanetix.ca. This website provides competing quotes from leading Canadian travel insurance providers, based on various criteria, deductibles and special offers that can influence the rates charged. For a healthy individual going on a short trip, generally expect to pay up to $35 to $45 under age 40, $45 to $55 at age 55, and $60 to $70 at age 65.

Choose a family rate. “Couple coverage is typically a multiple (such as 1.8) of the premium for individuals,” says John Thain of THIA. “Family coverage, which includes dependent children, is typically two times the premium for individual coverage.”

Plan ahead. For those travelling outside the country more than once a year, annual plans may provide a better value. Joining groups like the Canadian Snowbird Association or the CAA (which offers tailored plans to members) is another way to save.

Increase your deductible. If you can afford a deductible of at least $100 that will get you a discount of several per cent, says Milan Korcok of travelinsurancefile.com.

Take shorter trips. Snowbirds travelling for extensive periods should consider breaking their trip into 60-day periods with an annual 60-day multi-trip plan, says Korcok. This allows you as many 60-day trips out of the country as you can fit into a year, and with lower premiums.

For more information on what type of coverage you should buy read, Are you really covered?

Compounding the couple’s misfortune was the discovery that their travel health insurance coverage had not been filed properly. What ensued next for Simpson, who lives in Whitby, Ont., was a legal nightmare that took five years to resolve. After an estimated $100,000 in lawyers fees, a portion of her extensive foreign medical costs were finally repaid. The fact is, when it comes to purchasing travel health insurance (or using existing coverage through a credit card or work plan), the onus is largely on consumers to make sure they meet the requirements of policies. Consider the following tips carefully before your next trip because a bad health insurance purchase could cost you your life savings.

Know your medical status

Most travel health insurance policies cover virtually all hospital and medical costs—but only if you meet the medical eligibility requirements of the plan. “It’s the first thing applicants should look for,” says Milan Korcok, editor and publisher of the consumer advisory website, travelinsurancefile.com. “Too many look for cheap insurance and then try to shoehorn themselves into the eligibility requirements by ‘forgetting’ about a certain medication, or a symptom or a hospitalization they may have had five years ago. It’s not worth it, as leaving out medical information can invalidate a claim after the fact—that means after services have been provided and the client has accumulated $250,000 in charges.” The kicker is that even if your emergency wasn’t related to your condition, because you didn’t fully disclose it, the policy would still be revoked.

“Because medical conditions are complex, it’s imperative that you contact your doctor if you’re uncertain about your medical status and need help answering medical questions,” says John Thain, president of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA). “Also talk to your insurance company if you need help understanding the form.”

You may not be eligible

Some terminal conditions, such as AIDS or certain types of cancer or heart conditions, won’t be covered. But most insurers make allowances with medically underwritten policies—for example, cardiac patients would be covered for any condition not related to their heart. This assumes the person is willing to take the risk and the insurer confirms other situations are covered, says Korcok.

Non-terminal pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, can also affect your coverage. Most insurance companies will cover conditions that are stable and controlled for 90 days prior to the departure date. “Your policy will have a definition of what stability means, so it may say something like there’s been no change in your medication or no other symptoms have arisen,” says Thain. “Consult with your doctor. Ask, ‘Did you change my prescription during our last medical visit?’”

How much do you need?

Policies with coverage of $2 to $5 million are the benchmark, says Thain. While 99.9% of all emergency medical claims fall under $1 million, in very rare circumstances treatment for conditions such as burns or paralysis would prevent a patient from being safely transported back to Canada immediately. In such a scenario, costs would exceed $1 million. So always go with the $2 to $5 million policy, as that range would be sufficient for any type of medical emergency. Moreover, Thain says, the difference in premiums between a $1 million policy and a $2 to $5 million policy are minimal.

Pick the right provider

Buying direct from an insurance company, such as Manulife or RBC Insurance, usually offers the most complete coverage, says Korcok. “They will cover clients for the number of days they buy (for up to a year). They will pay providers directly, have the most generous benefits and will cover repatriation of a patient to a hospital at home if medically necessary.”

High-end credit cards also typically offer out-of-country insurance benefits with high limits. Problematically, though, many provide only two weeks of coverage, says Thain. “So you may be on vacation for 16 days but you’re only covered for 14.” This is easily overcome by purchasing top-up coverage from your credit-card provider, but be certain that there will be no gap between the two different coverages.

Keep in mind, too, that most cards cover only individuals under 65 years and because there is no medical questionnaire, any preexisting conditions are not covered. In addition, some credit-card providers don’t pay directly, meaning you’re on the hook for the immediate bill. “That can be a big problem if a client is confronted by a big Croatian nurse demanding $50,000 U.S. before she lets you out of the room,” says Korcok.

Travel health insurance through a work or retirement plan can have all the same pitfalls as credit-card policies. But an additional setback is lower benefit limits, says Korcok. “They sometimes have a lifetime maximum, such as $100,000. So each time a claim is made, it drains down the bank of benefits for any future emergency.”

Buy Canadian

Thain strongly advises buying policies from Canadian companies regulated by the federal government’s Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI). “They’re the ones in charge of all insurance companies in this country,” he says, meaning you’ll be protected in the case of insolvency of your provider.

Purchasing insurance outside Canada can also be problematic because a foreign policy may assume you already have some private health insurance coverage. For instance, many cruise line or tour operators in the U.S. offer coverage but it is usually designed for Americans who already have individual health insurance policies that include provisions for foreign travel; therefore, the cruise line coverage may only cover medical expenses related to getting you home. “Canadians don’t have any travel health coverage,” says Thain. “You need to make sure your policy is covering medical emergencies and not just getting you back home.”

• Also read: Get travel coverage for less

Look before you leap

Travel health insurance covers only unexpected emergencies. So before you go bungee-jumping off a bridge in Malaysia, be sure to consult your policy first to see whether claims generated by certain activities are payable. Claims may not be covered if they involve drug or alcohol abuse or travel to unstable countries or regions.

Stay in touch

Most Canadian travel insurance companies provide a 24-hour emergency assistance hotline you can call from any place in the world for advice and assistance in handling a medical emergency, says Korcok. In the case of a medical emergency, it is critical to contact that line immediately or as soon as medically possible. Failure to do so could result in your benefits being reduced and your coverage being limited.

TD Bank’s travel health insurance, for instance, requires policy holders to contact their hotline within 48 hours of hospital admission, or as soon as is reasonably possible. Failure to do so could limit the maximum benefit payable under the policy to 80% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $30,000.

After the emergency

After your medical emergency is over, don’t expect anything to be covered. For example, says Thain, if you required ongoing physiotherapy following your incident and chose to stay outside Canada rather than coming home, the insurance company wouldn’t provide that. Also bear in mind that while most travel health insurance policies generally provide generous benefits (upwards of $5 million in coverage per trip), that doesn’t mean your policy is a blank cheque, either. If you have a medical emergency while outside Canada, your insurer is calling the shots at all times, says Korcok. “The insurer will determine when the client will come home—by air ambulance or other means—as soon as they are fit to travel according to the insurer’s doctors and attending physicians.”

Always contact your insurance provider if you have any questions about your policy. Making a false assumption could have a devastating effect. It could mean the difference between the vacation of a lifetime or a vacation you’ll spend your life paying back.