The essential tool list for DIY home remodeling includes tools to make your projects more enjoyable. See which ones to get first, and which to avoid wasting your money on. You will notice a huge benefit to using the right tools at the right time. If you want to finish more home remodel projects on your timeline, this article will show what tools you need.
Having the right tool for the job can make the difference between creating a great looking result, and a day of frustration. The majority of these tools can crossover into multiple categories, giving you more ways to use them. The list below is to help you if you are getting started in home remodel and don’t know exactly where to begin. Another great article to read after this one is How To Start A Remodel as a Beginner.
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How To Start A Remodel as a Beginner
Learn how to start a home remodel as a beginner, including planning, budgeting, and avoiding common first-time mistakes.
The Must-Have Hand Tools for Every Home Remodeler
Every remodel will require a different set of tools. If you are just getting started in remodeling it’s important to know what tools your specific project will require. You can then focus on those tools first to get your project completed. If you are ready to grow your tool set, below is a list of the most common tools for home remodel in the order of importance. Further down the page is another similar list for power tools.
The Order To Purchase Hand Tools:
- Tape Measure
- Hammer
- Screwdriver Set
- Utility Knife
- Adjustable Wrench
- Levels
- Speed Square
- Allen Key Set
- Flush Cut Saw
- Clamps
- Wood File
- Stud Finder
Let’s start with the basic set of tools every homeowner should have. Some of these you may already have. Others are tools you might not even know about yet. Every tool on this list is highly valuable to the work you want to get done.
The first tool on the list is a sturdy tool box. You need something to keep the rest of your tools organized and in an easy to find place. There are a few different options to choose from, as most styles will do the job. Pick one that is large enough to keep a variety of tools in. You may decide to get more than one box, so it doesn’t get weighed down and hard to carry.
Measuring and Marking Tools
Measuring is an important part of any job. That’s why a sturdy tape measure is important to have. The brand doesn’t really matter, but the length can make a difference. Two sizes that work well around the house are either 12 foot or 16 foot. If you are planning on remodeling larger rooms I recommend a 25 foot tape.
A pencil to mark your measurements is required. Any pencil you have will work for this. Pens work too, but they can break when using them on wood or other materials, which makes a mess. If you want a pencil that’s more durable, and easy to use, get a carpenter’s pencil. There are several different styles available that all work well.
A Level is helpful for many jobs around the house. When remodeling you may need a larger one, but generally a 16 inch level will work for most tasks. Sometimes a smaller “torpedo” style level will be the perfect size for fitting in tight spaces, or doing tasks like hanging a mirror or picture. I recommend having three sizes on site: a torpedo level, a 12-16 inch level, and a longer 7-8 ft level.
Safety Equipment
This category should have been at the top of the list because of how important it is. Safety gear is designed to protect you from accidents on the job. Use proper technique, combined with the appropriate safety gear to make sure you don’t get injured.
Work gloves are good if you are handling sharp or abrasive materials. It is generally not recommended to wear gloves when using most power saws. There is a chance the gloves may get caught in the blade and cause an injury that is otherwise avoidable.
Safety goggles are used when cutting materials like wood. They should be shatter resistant to ensure if they are struck by a fast moving object they will not shatter close to your eyes. Find a pair that fits comfortably for you. I like using clear glasses, but tinted ones are helpful if the work is outside.
Ear protection is used when working with loud tools like saws. They can be in the form of ear plugs, or ear muffs. Find ones that are comfortable for you.
Dust masks are ideal for working with tools that produce a lot of airborne particulate matter. Demolition work, painting, and similar projects require this type of personal protective equipment.
Power Tools Worth Investing In
There are many brands of high quality power tools that you can consider. When shopping for battery powered options, you may want to focus on buying from the same brand. Different companies have different style batteries that are not cross compatible. If you stick to one brand the batteries will be interchangeable as long as they are the same voltage level. You will also be able to recharge them on the same charger.
A combo kit is a good option that allows you to get the above options. These are more expensive, but will most likely allow you to save some money versus purchasing them individually.
The Order To Purchase Power Tools:
- Cordless Drill and Driver Set
- Circular Saw
- Oscillating Multi-tool
- Random Orbital Sander
- Jigsaw
- Miter Saw
- Palm Router
- Portable Table Saw
- Angle Grinder
- Shop Vac
Home remodels can be done by using only hand tools, but power tools make the job much easier. They save time, make extremely accurate cuts, and can be a lot of fun to use. This category has many tool options in it, but like hand tools, there are a few power tools that will do a variety of things.
A great all around tool to consider is the oscillating multi-tool. It’s handheld, making it easy to get into tight places. There is an assortment of blades that are designed to do a multitude of tasks. It’s great for cutting moulding in tight places, cutting through screws and nails, as well as many other tasks.
A good miter saw will go a long way. If you plan on doing a lot of moulding and other finishing work, this tool will be your workhorse. For those types of jobs you want at least a “compound” miter saw, meaning the blade pivots either left or right. But if you have the funds to invest in this tool, a double compound miter will come in handy when you need it.
The circular saw is a helpful option if you need to make rip or cross cuts, but don’t want to purchase a table saw. All you need is a long straight edge, like a level, and a couple of clamps. This will give you a fence to make your cut along, giving you a great option. There are many other uses for this tool as well.
A good drill and impact driver set will probably be the most useful tool you own. It’s good to have both of these, but if you are only going with one, get a drill. The impact driver only holds hex shaped bits, making it good for screwing in fasteners. A drill can hold hex bits as well as straight shaft drill bits.
The shop vacuum is what will help clean up the work space when you are done. If you are living in the home while it’s being remodeled, this is going to be a helpful tool to have. You don’t want a lot of dust in your home all of the time if you can help it.
Electrical Tools for Home Remodel Projects
Getting started in electrical work can feel daunting. This is an area you want to be comfortable with when going into it. There is a small margin for error because electricity can be dangerous for you and the home you live in. But if you follow the procedure correctly, and use the right tools there are many electrical tasks you can get started with.
A voltage tester is designed to show you when the electricity is turned off to an electrical wire. This safety tool will make an alert noise to signal when the wire is “hot”. This is the first thing to use to make sure you don’t accidentally touch a live wire.
A pair of pliers will be necessary for many of these types of jobs. You may have a pair already that will work well. Lineman’s pliers are designed to perform several specific functions, making it a great multi-purpose tool to have.
Wire strippers will peel the outer protective layer off the wire, exposing the inner conductive metal. There are several different features on a good pair of wire strippers, making it an important multi tool. A lineman’s pliers will have the functions of these wire strippers on it.
A fish tape helps you pull wire through tight spaces like wall cavities. They are made of flexible materials like fiberglass, which also does not conduct electricity. You may not need this tool right away, but when you do it’s a very helpful tool to have.
Plumbing Tools for Remodels and Repairs
Another main category for home remodels is plumbing. The tools used here can be unique in the sense that they have a very specific duty. There are some tools that will have crossover into other areas of your remodel. Below are the main tools to get started with in plumbing remodel work. These tools will be adequate to help you accomplish the majority of the plumbing you will do on your house.
The adjustable wrench is the perfect option when working on drains under sinks. The nuts used on p-traps can be hard to turn, requiring a wrench to open them. As the name says, the adjustable wrench has slots that let you adjust the opening to fit a variety of sizes, giving you a comfortable grip when on all uses.
A pipe wrench is specifically designed to use on metal pipes that are threaded. Galvanized and natural gas black pipe can be hard to turn at times, making this the best choice for the job. There will be other uses for this tool as well. But beware the teeth on it can easily cause a lot of damage to the materials it’s used on. Only use it on items you don’t mind marking up.
The crescent wrench is another helpful tool for home remodels. It is in the plumbing category, but will have many uses in other areas as well. A variety of sizes can be helpful because smaller ones are easy to handle, but there is a limit to the size opening. If you are going to get one to start with I recommend a 10 inch crescent wrench. Don’t get this tool right away if you have an adjustable wrench.
PVC cutters make cutting PVC simple. You don’t need to use your hacksaw and get all those shavings everywhere. This cutter cleanly slices through the pipe. Instead just squeeze and release multiple times until the cutter gets all the way through the pipe. If you don’t want to purchase this specialty tool, a hacksaw will be another good option.
Teflon tape is a product used to seal the threads on pipes that screw together. If you don’t put any on you will get a leaky joint. This product is only a couple of dollars, and lasts many uses. It’s good to have some on hand at all times.
An honorable mention, but not required is a basin wrench. This tool is handy when installing a new faucet. Its main use is to tighten and/or loosen the nut that secures the faucet to the sink. A faucet can be installed without this tool, but it’s a lot harder than if you have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
(What tools do I need first for DIY home remodeling?
Start with basic hand tools listed above and a cordless drill. These cover most beginner projects like hanging shelves, light demolition, and simple repairs. Then you can add a circular saw, oscillating tool, and shop vac.
Should I rent or buy tools for a home remodel?
One time use or specialty tools should be rented. If you will be using the tool for a long period or on multiple projects you want to buy. Buy tools you’ll use repeatedly, like drills and hand tools. Rent large or specialized equipment, like tile saws or floor sanders.
How much should I budget for DIY remodeling tools?
Most beginners can expect to spend around $200–$500 for essential tools. The exact amount varies depending on the projects you are working on.
Do I need professional-grade tools for home renovation?
No you do not. Professional-grade tools are designed for high levels of use, and are priced high as well. There are many tools that are built with high quality but not as expensive. Look for a reliable brand that has good name recognition to ensure you are using a quality product.
Is it better to buy tool sets or individual tools?
Focus on building your own tool set by buying the ones you need. Often times a set will include tools that don’t get used often. Spend your money on the tools in the lists above, that way you know you are getting only tools you need.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when shopping for tools is to buy quality tools in the beginning. You don’t need to spend a lot of money buying the most expensive options.
But if you get ones that are built to last, you will notice a difference in the quality of your work. You don’t want to be struggling with cheaply made tools that will be replaced much sooner. I still have some of the tools on this list that were purchased decades ago.
I hope this list helps you decide on which tools to buy first. Learn what the required tools are for your job, and focus on those first. Once you begin another project, reference this list for those tools.
Thank you for reading Remodel Upgrade. Here I am dedicated to helping you turn your home into a sanctuary.
-Kevin
Kevin
I grew up in a family where my dad and several uncles were general contractors. They took me to the jobsites, and also taught me so much about home maintenance. I remember spending several summers in high school helping my father build houses. It gave me so much knowledge that I am excited to share!
