
When it comes to remodeling your home, and you are planning on doing the work yourself, there are a number of things that you need to be aware of, as well as certain tools that you are more than likely going to need during the work.
Whether you are fitting a brand new kitchen, or simply doing some restoration work on part of your home, you’ll need to have properly researched what the work will involve, what equipment you will need, and more importantly, some instructions to guide you through the process and help you complete the work in a professional and timely manner.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most important tools that you are going to need when it comes to home remodeling work.
A hammer
There are various types of hammers available at your local hardware store, but for any type of demolition or remodeling work, you are going to need a good hammer. One of the most popular are Japanese Cat’s Paw hammers, which actually has a chisel for a handle, and is going to be a lot better and easier to use than juggling between two separate tools.
The hammer will be used for breaking through parts of the wall or floor, as well as for hammering any nails into place. A claw that the other side of the hammer will be useful when it comes to ripping out fittings and can work as a small crowbar.
A reciprocating saw
This is a vital piece of equipment that you must have if you are going to be pulling down any ways, or ripping out fittings from the walls. There are various types of reciprocating saws, as well as cordless options, which are mainly used for outside work. It’s a good idea to check out a good tool review website before making a purchase.
They are much more convenient to use for some types of work, and you can get into difficult to reach places with one, which is something you couldn’t do with a jigsaw. It’s important to keep in mind that a reciprocating saw is used for demolition type work, and not something you’d use to cut wood trims or for finishing purposes.
If you need to cut through wood, metal and stone, then this is the piece of kit you are going to want to be using. It’s a powerful tool, and will save you a lot of muscle work.
A sledgehammer
If you are doing some major remodeling and are going to be knocking through walls, then a sledgehammer is going to be a must.
Though you can do a lot of demolition work with a reciprocating saw, there are some instances where a sledgehammer is going to be the best option.
A measuring tape
One of the most basic tools in your toolkit should be a measuring tape. These are relatively cheap to pick up at any hardware shop, and will be something that you will be using a lot during the remodeling work. Many people go for the version that prevents the tape from retracting back into the casing.
A laser level
When it comes to marking and laying out the work you need to do, nothing is going to be more accurate or helpful than a laser level. They are available in a number of styles, and are an alternative to the classic spirit level that have been around for many years.
Duct tape
Another item that can be found in most toolkits is a roll of good old duct tape. It’s extremely strong, water resistant, and can be used on a variety of surfaces, from metal to wood. It’s always something you’ll need at some point during any remodeling or DIY work, and it's very cheap.
A cordless drill
A good drill is going to be essential for your project, and it will be best if you are able to get a cordless one, which is going to be much more convenient for you to use, and not have a trailing wire behind you all the time.
There are a number of cordless drills available, so spend a little time and research them before buying the first one you come across. You’ll want one that has a good battery life, and also good control on the trigger, which will easily allow you to switch from slow drilling to fast.
A ladder
Unless you are remodeling a bungalow with low ceilings, then one piece of equipment that you are going to need is a good sturdy ladder. There are so many different types of ladder available and for different heights.
One of the most popular is the type of ladder that can be used in a variety of positions. If you will be standing up on the ladder for long periods of time, make sure that it has manufactured rungs, which will allow you to remain more comfortable.
Pliers
If you had to pick just one pair of pliers for any home remodeling work, then the needle nose pliers should be your first choice. They are perfect for those hard to reach corners, as well as perfect for holding onto wires.
Fortunately, you most likely won’t be restricted to a single pair, so you can pick up a few varieties to add to your arsenal such as slip joint or snub nose pliers.
Some final thoughts
Undertaking any type of home remodeling project is a big job. It’s not something that you should decide upon lightly, especially if you are planning on doing the work yourself.
Some types of remodeling work may require the assistance of a professional, but there is no reason why some smaller jobs such as simply replacing windows or installing a new sink in the bathroom, are things that you won’t be able to manage yourself.
Having the right tools and equipment is vital for your project, and it’s a good idea to make sure you have everything you will need before you get started. If you need the use of any expensive equipment, you can do a little searching and find a company that hires out the equipment, rather than you having to go and buy it. If it’s something you are not going to need to use again in the future, then renting it is going to be the best and most economical option.