Home Improvement Favorites
In the spirit of Father’s Day, we are rounding up our favorite tools and gadgets for the home improvement lover. Now… we had to call in reinforcements for this post. It’s compiled by an avid DIY-er who can almost fix anything in our home and truly enjoys it 90% of the time. I’ve asked for him to round up the top favorites, and a little tip about each.
The books shown are a great gift for any new homeowner, and if you are DIY-ing or fixer-upping as a new couple, they can provide some good ideas and a starting point for discussion around what’s actually possible and practical for your space!
Hopefully this helps you shop for your own home projects! After all, being a homeowner is a project in itself even if you aren’t renovating! Having the right tools on hand is the best place to start.
bluetooth ear protection
Listen to Lorde while you work. Or whatever your TCB playlist is.
visual remodeling reference book
Comprehensive illustrated guide for construction and remodeling. Everything from building design to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.
classical design reference book
Full of examples and illustrations of time-tested, classical designs, patterns, and motifs. Includes doors, windows, trim, moldings, etc.
renovation handbook
Detailed step-by-step illustrated instructions for the DIYer who doesn’t want to miss a step.
heavy duty toolbags
These heavy duty bags store hand tools, drills, and other small power tools and are easier to carry and store than hard-sided tool boxes.
paintbrush comb
Good paintbrushes aren’t cheap. Use this tool to clean out paint before drying and storing. Allows you to re-use an expensive brush multiple times.
mini “shop vac”
Small but powerful. Easy to store out-of-sight somewhere accessible for small clean-up jobs (garage, car, truck, stroller, porch, attic).
hardware drawers
Save a trip to the store. Keep your hardware organized so you can find that nail, screw, bolt, washer, etc. when you need it.
slim work light
Fits in your shirt pocket. Bright enough to light up a crawlspace. Rechargeable battery.
Torpedo level
Pocket-sized torpedo level fits in your tool bag and also in the side pocket of your Carhartts.
stick rule
The perfect complement to a nice tape measure. Also the perfect size for a tool bag or Carhartts.
quick grip clamps
When your wife can’t (or won’t) lend you a hand.
socket & ratchet set
Small enough to fit in your truck. Get it out whenever you need them - all you really need.
15-in-1 screwdriver
Don’t waste time looking for a different screwdriver. A “must-have” item to keep around the house.
spring-loaded punch
Measure, mark, and punch; then drill. Strong enough to mark plastic, wood, and metal.
cordless drill
Fits in a tool bag and small enough to keep around the house for small projects. DeWalt’s small batteries have a long runtime and recharge quickly.
cordless blower
Blow out the garage and driveway without smelling like exhaust.