5 Essential Tools to Buy When Starting Home Renovations: DIY home improvement must-haves:
Starting a home renovation project can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re updating a single room or taking on a whole-house overhaul, having the right tools and materials is crucial for a smooth process. To help you kickstart your renovation journey, here are our top five essential tools for your home renovation starter kit. Here are your must-have items for the DIY home:
1. Power Tools for Efficiency
When renovating your home, a good set of power tools is a game-changer. While you can rent or borrow tools for specific tasks, owning your own set can save you time and money in the long run. Here are some must-have tools for any renovation project:
- Cordless Drill: A versatile tool for drilling holes and driving screws, perfect for assembling furniture, installing fixtures, or hanging shelves.
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- Circular Saw: Great for cutting through wood, plywood, and even some metals. It’s invaluable when working with large sheets of material.
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- Jigsaw: If you’re working on cutting curves or intricate shapes, a jigsaw is the perfect tool for detailed cuts.
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Investing in high-quality tools ensures the job gets done faster and more accurately.
2. Protective Gear for Safety
Safety should always be a priority when working on home renovations. Whether you’re handling heavy materials or working with power tools, protective gear is essential to prevent accidents. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Work Gloves: Durable gloves will protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and splinters.
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- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from dust, flying debris, or sparks when cutting or drilling.
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- Ear Protection: Power tools can be loud, and prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing damage. Invest in earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
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By taking the time to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of injuries and focus on the task at hand.
3. Measuring and Leveling Tools
Accurate measurements are crucial when renovating, whether you’re hanging wallpaper, installing cabinets, or laying flooring. The right tools help ensure everything is level, straight, and properly aligned. Some key tools to buy include:
- Tape Measure: A reliable tape measure is a must-have for all projects, from measuring wall space for furniture to ensuring tile placement is accurate.
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- Laser Level: A laser level is invaluable for ensuring straight lines when installing cabinets, shelving, or hanging artwork.
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- Speed Square: Ideal for making precise 90-degree cuts and angles, a speed square is great for framing and woodworking tasks.
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Having the right measuring and leveling tools ensures that your renovations not only look great but are done properly and safely.
4. Basic Construction Materials
Even if you hire a contractor for some parts of your renovation, you’ll still need to purchase a few basic materials. These are essential for a wide range of renovation tasks, and having them on hand will prevent delays. Common materials to stock up on include:
- Wood: Whether you’re building furniture or framing walls, you’ll need lumber in various sizes.
- Found at Lowe’s, Home Depot or your local Lumbar yard.
- Nails and Screws: These are essential for holding materials together, whether you’re hanging drywall or assembling a new bookshelf. Various sizes and types for specific projects.
- Spackle and Joint Compound: For filling holes and smoothing surfaces, spackle and joint compound are indispensable for drywall and plaster repairs.
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These materials will come in handy for many aspects of your home renovation and allow you to make progress without unnecessary trips to the store.
5. Cleaning Supplies for Post-Renovation Cleanup
Renovations can get messy, and the worksite often ends up covered in dust, debris, and leftover materials. Having the right cleaning supplies on hand will help you keep the area tidy throughout the renovation process and ensure a thorough cleanup afterward. Important supplies to consider include:
- Shop Vacuum: A powerful shop vac is ideal for picking up dust, wood shavings, and other small debris from the worksite.
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- Drop Cloths: Protect floors and furniture by covering them with drop cloths during your renovation. This will prevent paint splatters and dust buildup. Link for 12 reusable: https://amzn.to/41R7MT1
- Cleaning Solutions: You’ll likely need heavy-duty cleaners for surfaces after a renovation. Get all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, and disinfectants for various surfaces.
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Having these cleaning tools ready to go will keep your home as neat and clean as possible during the renovation process.
Final Thoughts
Starting a home renovation is a big project, but with the right tools and materials, you can make it a successful and smooth experience. Power tools, protective gear, measuring instruments, construction materials, and cleaning supplies are essential for tackling almost any renovation task. By investing in these five items, you’ll set yourself up for a hassle-free and productive renovation project, ensuring your home looks beautiful and functions well for years to come.
Happy renovating!
