8 Essential Tools Needed For A Remodel

By Kurt Real Estate Nov 23, 2019

Remodeling a new house is a bit like taking up a new hobby. There are a lot of things you don’t know yet, but you learn as you go. For starters, you’ll need specialized equipment. Whether you hope to become a top level home remodeler, or simply want to put some finishing touches on your new house, it takes the right tools to do the job.

The Right Tools for the Job
First, it’s important to ensure you have the right tools you need for a given job. Trying to improvise can be a downward spiral, causing excessive and unnecessary damage to your home, or damage to fasteners that will make them hard to fix later. Accuracy is key when making changes to your home. If you don’t know which tool is the right tool, ask someone at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot — that’s what they’re there for and they’re ready to help.

Without further ado, here are our top picks for the tools all homeowners should have:

1. Screwdrivers. You’re not going to get very far in your homeownership without interacting with a screw. Instead of keeping track of a pile of screwdrivers, choose an accessible model with magnetic bits. The longer the bit shaft, the better – especially for those particularly tough jobs. You can also get kits that contain sockets, as well as hex and torx bits. This will be your favorite screwdriver — and your only screwdriver. Ratcheting screwdrivers can be more trouble than they’re worth, but well-made models do significantly cut down on wrist strain.

Any homeowner should seriously consider a battery powered tool set that contains, at minimum, a drill and small circular saw. These two tools can do almost any job, though you may have to buy different bits or blades. Eighteen volt models are much better than the lower voltage units as many are designed for professional work. Bottom line, screwdrivers play a significant role in renovating a home.

2. Tape measure. If you don’t have one already, pick up a tape measure! Tape measures will speed up and simplify the process of home renovation. The wider models with 25 feet of tape are the way to go. You may not know this trick, but if you forget your level (or just don’t have one) you can use a tape measure as a level. Just choose the ceiling or the floor to level with, then measure from either point to the place where your shelf or picture will hang. Set as many points as you need between the two ends, making sure to mark the same height each time.

3. Level. There’s nothing that drives us all mad like a crooked painting or fixture. If you use the good old eyeballing method…don’t. Levels can help make your home look neat and perfect with those finishing touches. An old fashioned level will never steer you wrong. Ideally, you’ll want a set, including one that’s about six inches long, another that’s two foot long and a third that’s four feet long – if you intend to do any construction work in your home.

4. Utility knife. If you don’t have one of these, it’s a great time for you to get one. Or five. Skip the disposables and go for the heavy metal options. You won’t regret it! A good utility knife is perfect for cutting through boxes, carpet and vinyl flooring.

5. Pliers. Another combo group. It wouldn’t be fair to break the family up, after all. Plus, different pliers do different jobs. Pliers are especially great for small adjustments such as adjusting new cabinets.

* Locking pliers. These adjustable pliers also have a clamping feature, making them a multi-purpose wonder. You can clamp, you can hold, you can adjust! If you buy only one pair of pliers, choose a mid-sized pair of locking pliers. They’ll do everything regular pliers can do, plus some of the things groove joint pliers can.

* Groove joint pliers. This iconic plumbing tool is good for other stuff, too. The grooves allow you to expand the plier opening across a wider range of sizes than your locking pliers, but you have to hold them close to yourself. They are incredibly handy for those unexpected leaks.

* Needle nose pliers. In a totally different class, needle nose pliers are helpful when you’re trying to wire anything or fish out tiny things dropped in weird spaces. Always turn the power off before wiring anything, even a new smart thermostat.

6. Hammers. Yes, it’s a broad category, but your hammers are crucial.

* 10 oz. hammer. This tiny hammer, otherwise known as the “tack hammer” the definition of handy. Not only is it great for projects that require finesse (you can’t take a big whack at anything with this baby hammer), it’s also dainty enough to pull delicate trim work or tiles off the wall. These tiny hammers will do the little things your fingers can’t.

* Rubber mallet. This hammer should win an award for its ability to pound without leaving a dent. If you decide to put down certain kinds of laminate floors, for example, this guy is a must-have.

* Standard claw hammer. Everybody needs a standard hammer. It’s a general purpose tool that can put nails in and take nails out. Claw hammers also double as pry bars in a lot of situations.

7. Stud finder. When you need to hang something heavy, you really should hang it on a stud. Although people with really good hearing can use the tap test on sheetrock, it’s always better to be certain that you’re hitting a stud. Keeps things stable and easy to manage.

8. Saw. When renovating your home, having a saw is more important than you would imagine. If you’re doing this on your own, believe us when we say that you’ll need the ability to cut.

No Interest in a Tool Shopping Spree?

If you’re really not the handy type, forget the tool-buying mania and instead connect with one of our trusted vendors here.