Hello everyone, it's Renova from Japan.

If you want to start self-renovating, the first step is to have the right tools and equipment. With the right tools, you can work more efficiently and the finished product will look more professional. Here we introduce the basic tools and equipment you need to have when self-renovating, aimed at DIY beginners and intermediate DIYers.

In this article, we have written about things by need that you may need to buy or that may be useful to have when self-renovating!

Hope this will be helpful.

So, here you go.

overall

No matter how hard you try, this will be necessary in all environments, including the following.

Measuring tape and level

Let's start with the measuring tools: accurate measurements are necessary for DIY work,tape measure is an indispensable basic tool for any project. They are a great help when measuring furniture placement and wall dimensions, and a level is also essential to ensure that shelves and furniture are installed horizontally. Don't rely on your visual sense to use the tool, as even if you think it looks level, it is often actually out of alignment!

Incidentally, a level can be used vertically as well as on the floor to determine the correct inclination of the house.

This is because in some cases, such as on balconies, the floor is deliberately sloped (designed slightly at an angle) to allow water to flow.

These two are also very useful at the point of preview, so keep them with you.

When you get to the stage of full-scale renovation, it is useful to have not only a short, easy-to-carry level, but also a longer, one-metre level and a drainage level!

Scales and pencils

A simple but often forgotten item is the scale and pencil. They are essential for drawing and marking lines accurately. They are indispensable tools for measuring and marking cut lines and should always be kept on hand!

It is also recommended because you can quickly hang up your ipad mini or other devices.

There is also a personal recommendation for a third-party product, the Apple Pen.

I once dropped an Apple pen and broke it, so since then I've decided to stop using the expensive genuine Apple pens and use the convenience pens, which are ready to hang up at the push of a button on the back.

We have written a separate article here with recommended apps and other information, so if you know someone who uses an ipad/tablet, take a look here in particular!

stepladder

Stepladders are needed for overhead work and slightly elevated areas, so one should have at least three steps!

something one wears

Goggles

You may need them most during demolition, but buy dust-resistant goggles.

Mask

Dust masks and other safety measures to prevent health hazards from inhaling strange substances during demolition.

clothes that can get dirty

If you plan to DIY/self-renovate, collect and place clothes that might already be in-flight, and use them as guns on these occasions! Eco.

Clothes that can be soiled, such as varnished, can also be used as a cloth substitute, by all means.

Destruction and demolition phase

Hammer and crowbar

One of the most basic tools in self-renovation is the hammer. It is used for hammering nails, removing old nails and tapping materials to prepare them, and if demolition work is required, a crowbar is useful. When removing wall coverings or old flooring, a crowbar allows you to work efficiently and without effort!

One long crowbar would be useful.

It would be a good idea to have both large and small hammers available if you plan to destroy large numbers of people.

Protective eyewear and gloves

Finally, don't forget your safety equipment Protective eyewear and gloves are important to prevent injury while working. Be sure to wear them to protect yourself from flying debris and sharp tools, especially when using power tools and when carrying out demolition work!

Vacuum cleaner, broom and dustpan

Basic cleaning, broom and dustpan!

You could use a vacuum cleaner, but there may be times when electricity is not available (especially if you are dismantling to the level of losing an electrical outlet), so you may want to consider purchasing one.

Construction stage

Assembly and other stages

Impact driver

The impact driver is one of the most versatile tools in DIY. It makes driving in screws and fastening wood a breeze. Especially in situations where power is required or in projects that use a large number of screws, a power tool will make the job much easier. Choose one that is cordless, so you can work on the move.

Sawing / Circular saws

The saws needed to cut the wood are also important. For beginners, a manual saw is sufficient, but if you have a lot of work to do or want to save time, it is recommended to get a circular saw (electric saw). Circular saws can make fast, straight cuts and can easily process shelving and flooring materials.

clamp

Clamps are useful for holding materials in place during DIY work. By holding wood or metal firmly in place, there is no need to worry about it shifting while you work, allowing you to cut and glue with precision. Clamps also allow you to use both hands freely, which is a big plus in terms of safety.

It is used when you want to bond and crimp wood.

You could also make a timber desk, for example!

Sandpaper and electric sander

To smooth the surface of wood, sandpaper is needed . Electric sanders are useful if you don't want to spend a lot of time doing the job by hand or if you are treating a large area. It can also be used to finish the surface before painting or to remove old paint for a smooth finish

Paint rollers and brushes

In self-renovation, there will be many situations where painting is required, and paint rollers and brushes are essential for refreshing walls and furniture. Rollers are suitable for large areas and brushes for small details and finishes. It is also important to choose the right brush for the type of paint to ensure a clean finish.

electric drill

Electric drills are very useful for drilling holes in walls and wood. Drilling holes appears frequently in DIY, for example, when installing shelves or hooks on the wall. Having an assortment of drill bits of various sizes allows you to work with any material.

multitool

It is likely to be necessary in most cases.

Specifically, it can be used to remove old caulking, or to cut wood when you want to cut a small piece from the middle of something that cannot be cut from a bridge.

タッカー

工具におけるホッチキスのような機能を持ったもので、先端の放出口からステープルと呼ばれる針を放出します。

木材同士の固定や壁紙の貼り付けやソファ・イスの座面張り替えなどにつかいます。

戸建てのリノベーションの場合は、断熱シートなど薄いものを木材などに密着させる際にも利用しますね。

あとは、こちらの記事でも別途まとめていますが屋根のリノベーションや付け替えにも役立ちます。

In some cases, necessary

Scaffold

Get scaffolding if repairs are needed and carried out on the second floor or roof.

Some people may enter the area with their own scaffolding in some cases, but safety first and foremost, you still want to use something made of steel pipes.

Scaffolding is usually rented.

Find a rental shop online!

Electric hammers (hazing hammers)

Necessary for breaking concrete.

It appears to be also known as ‘hatsuriki’.

If you plan to use concrete or plaster, you should probably buy it.

Mixer and a large skim level bucket

They all use one like a pickle bucket.

Battery

You need them if you plan to do it in conditions where electricity is not available! But batteries are quite expensive (around 100,000-200,000 JPY).

If you are a camper, you can take it camping with you while you are at it, and it can also help with disaster prevention, so why not take the opportunity to buy one?

Light

Light bulbs not available, then necessary!

Jacking machine

It is temporary and is necessary if the columns or other parts of the building have been attacked by termites. It temporarily raises the columns when the joints are returned to new ones.

It is likely to be quite dangerous work, so consult a professional if necessary!

protective sheet

In many cases, such as when constructing a second floor, the floor does not want to be mozzled.

Yes, you will need a protective sheet like the movers!

Hole saw/jizai-kiri

Tool for drilling round holes in sheet metal.

chisel

Scraping structural timber, hauling concrete, splitting blocks and bricks
Used for cutting and bending steel plates, deburring welds and peeling flooring.

Handy if you have it

Box-atters (metal detectors).

Excuse the barbed product name.

A metal detector is useful when you need to re-drill holes for electrical work in internal walls that have been blocked up. It can also help to locate electrical wires that have already been placed inside with the structural material.

Reference:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR8UnLgEnNo&t=536s

blower

You don't have to have one, but it is useful to have one so that you can blow off the dregs of wood.

I imagine that if you are a professional, you have it, but I think DIYers are mixed.

If you have a vacuum cleaner that can get dirty, you can use it.

support lifter

They are very useful for attaching plywood and cross-laying on ceilings, for example.

Especially if you plan to work alone - I'm not saying it's a bad idea, so buy one.

If you are working against gravity, the efficiency of your work will differ considerably if you have one.

Full-body assist supporter

If you are concerned about back pain or other problems, consider buying a supporter or other equipment!

Finally,

Summary

The right tools and equipment are essential for successful self-renovation. It is advisable to start with those that are readily available and gradually increase the number of tools depending on the scope and frequency of the work. The choice of tools has a big impact on the efficiency of the work and the quality of the finished product. By all means, get the tools that suit you best and enjoy self-renovation!

It would probably be quite expensive to get everything, so we recommend using a loaner service from a home improvement centre or a style where you buy what you need little by little!

I will summarise consumables separately in each construction situation.

If you are interested in DIY, please click here to find other articles and more.

Well, then!