First
Make sure to get some tape measures; they are indispensable in measuring furniture and windows when looking for new pieces or returning old parts. Make sure you have several sizes of tape measures on hand since nothing is more frustrating than having one that's not long enough to measure precisely what you're trying to mark.
Next up
Home Improvement enthusiasts at Tools Specialist suggest that you make sure to get a good set of screwdrivers. Of course, you'll need flatheads and Phillip's heads, but it's also helpful to have some nut drivers that fit your screws well- whether you're dealing with bolts or machine screws.
Then you should
Make sure you also have sandpaper for sanding down wood, metal, and masonry surfaces. Of course, don't forget something to remove the dust from sanding- a tack cloth is perfect for this job.
And of course
No renovation would be complete without some paint supplies. It's helpful to get a roller and tray if possible, but brushes work in a pinch. For painting your walls, it's preferable to use medium nap rollers and foam brushes; for ceilings and other high-gloss surfaces, use smooth rollers and lint-free (cotton) towels or application brushes. Make sure you also get some plastic covers for your floor while you're working on your walls.
The next thing you'll need
Is to find out how much your home will cost to renovate. This might take hours or even days, depending on the size of your house; it's highly recommended that you hire a contractor for this task. However, if you're feeling confident (and have enough money), go ahead and start it yourself.
If you do end up hiring someone
Make sure they are licensed professionals who carry full insurance. If they don't, don't work with them. You certainly don't want someone working on your home without the proper licenses and insurances. These people should be able to give you references and explain their job in detail- asking questions is very important before any work is done.
If you decide to do the renovation yourself
Make sure you know what types of insulation are being used in your home. If it's not up to standards, upgrade immediately with a material that will help keep water and airflow. It's also possible to insulate your exterior walls with materials that have R-values greater than 3 per inch, which can go a long way towards keeping your energy costs down.
An old house
If you're renovating an old home, this section might apply to your situation. Old houses often used asbestos for insulation purposes, but now it's illegal because of how dangerous it is to work with. To make sure if this is an issue, consult a professional contractor who can do an inspection.
Your house
If you are renovating your house, flooring is one of the first things that should be done to give your home a new look.
Carpet can be replaced with stone tile or linoleum/vinyl for easy cleaning and long-lasting durability. If you have any wooden floors, clean them well before starting renovation work to prevent covering them in the dust. For other types of flooring, use wood putty to fill holes and cracks in the floorboards. Once it dries, sand the area until smooth again.
Boards not fitting together correctly? Use wood glue to fix the problem! Carpenter's glue works best for this job; spread it on both surfaces to be joined and allow it to dry before using.
Well
There you have it, the basics of renovating a home! You don't necessarily need these things to start your project, but they are handy when doing work around the house.
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