Buy your own tools
Tools are expensive. I get it. Having your own tools, at the ready when you need to complete a project step is invaluable. It means you can work on something for 15 minutes here and there, instead of setting aside a full day. For a one time need, most big box stores or hardware stores will rent equipment out, or you might have a very generous friend or family member that you could borrow from. Renting or borrowing, however, still requires you to go and get it, return it, and potentially pay the rent fee. If you are doing a larger renovation, say a kitchen renovation, renting the tool for the entirety of the project would be incredibly expensive. Keep in mind that DIY projects tend to take at least twice as long as you think they will, so if you plan for a 1-day rental, that could easily turn into a 2-day rental, doubling your cost. Of course, use your best judgment on which tools to buy, which tools to rent, but I have found that certain tools are necessary to have around the house.
Save your paint brushes
Paint is a homeowners best friend. There are thousands of projects that can be done with a coat of paint. This means a lot of paint brushes. If you don’t take care of your brushes, buying new ones for every project can cost a lot of money. Instead of buying cheap brushes, and tossing them at the end of the project, invest in a few nice brushes, and then make sure to clean them after each use. I like this tool to help get all the paint out of my brush after painting. You can extend the life of your brushes for years if you properly care for them (not to mention having brushes on hand at all times means less time-wasting trips to the store!)
Buy general purpose screws in bulk
Screw it. Literally. Depending on what your project is, it is likely that you will need some kind of general purpose screw. Having an assortment of screws on hand is another way to have what you need at your fingertips, instead of having to take yet another trip to the hardware store. This assortment of screws should provide you with what you need for most general purpose wood working projects. Purchasing specialty fasteners isn’t needed unless your specific project calls for it. Also, make sure to pay attention to the head of your fastener. If you buy a star shaped head style, you will need a star shaped bit to fasten it.
Need a truck?
Check with your local big box hardware stores. Most of these stores will rent trucks by the hour for a small fee. It’s always great if a friend of family member can loan a truck to haul larger items, but isn’t always available. When I was adding a small kitchenette to my basement, I ordered some cabinets from a local Home Depot, went there to pick them up, rented the truck to load the cabinets, and came right back after unloading. It was a much cheaper alternative than shipping the cabinets to my home.
Research and make a plan
Researching the how-to for your project and laying out a plan in writing can mean the difference between a smooth project, and one that requires multiple setbacks, and potentially added cost. Check here for my DIY Checklist.
Happy DIY-ing!
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