(ABC 6 News) – Buying a new home can be an overwhelming process and surprises come with the territory.

CR’s home editors share and recommend some not-so-obvious products that could end up saving you thousands down the road.

When Consumer Reports’ Paul Hope’s basement flooded last fall, he was shocked. As one of CR’s home and garden experts he already had a sump pump installed and ready to go.

“We knew our basement was prone to flooding and we thought we had done what we needed to do by having a sump pump in the first place. Unfortunately it failed while we were away,” says Hope.

But having it installed was key, Hope adds, “The good news is that because we had a sump pump in our basement we actually had a policy that covered the damage to our basement.”

Look for a sump pump with a battery backup for when the electricity goes out.

Even without a flood, you want to keep your home free from any water damage. That’s where newer technology can give you a critical heads up.

“A leak detector system will alert you to any leaks in your home and that could save you thousands on potential repairs,” says Hope.

To monitor a handful of trouble spots in your home, consider the X-Sense Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector, which offers a hub with a siren and three wireless sensors you can place throughout your home.

Even if there’s not a leak, excess humidity can often creep into your home, and you’ll want a way to reduce it.

“Dehumidifiers are a great idea anywhere you have excess humidity, particularly damp basements,” says Hope.

Another CR tip — an inexpensive humidistat can help you keep tabs on your home’s humidity levels.

And don’t forget those must-have tool box essentials like a hammer, a screwdriver and drill, and of course flashlights with fresh batteries

“Some of the most important tools to have around the house are obviously regular essentials like a hammer and screwdriver but you also want to have a drill, flashlights pretty much everywhere and batteries to power anything you might need,” says Hope.

Finally, now that you’ve got that new home, you’ll want to keep it secure. The SimpliSafe System earned top scores in CR’s tests and offers self or professional monitoring plans.

When it comes to home safety, don’t forget about fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.