Author: Warren Weibel

10-Step Spring Maintenance Checklist

The days are getting longer and, albeit slowly, warmer. It’s the perfect time of year to bust out your 10-step spring home maintenance checklist, take stock of winter’s damage, and prepare for the hot, sunny days of summer. If you run into any roadblocks, Nuzum Building Supply has you covered for all your spring home maintenance tools, supplies, and contractors.

 1.  Check and Repair Walkways, Paths, Patios, and your Driveway

Winter’s relentless freeze and thaw is rough on your home’s hardscaping. Walk your property and assess for cracks or other damage to these hardscape features. Pavers and asphalt can be replaced or patched, but concrete may require professional help. Fixing these issues right away will save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.

2. Clean and Inspect Screen Doors and Windows

Your windows should fill your home with light and breezy warmth, not bugs and debris. Clean your windows inside and out without using vinegar or ammonia products on the outside which may degrade the siding on your home. While cleaning, inspect screens for holes and either patch, rescreen or replace them. 

3. Examine and Clean Your Gutters and Roof

Your roof and gutters take the brunt of winter storms. Remove any leaves, debris, or other blockages from your gutters. Check for holes, leaks, disconnections, or any locations where the gutter is pulling away from the house.    

Assess your roof for winter damage or uneven wear. Remove any leaves or debris from the roof that can cause leaks. Check for damaged or missing shingles. If you notice any part of your roof that needs attention, contact Nuzum Building Supply to connect with a qualified roofing contractor.

4.  Refresh Exterior Paint and Stain 

Your deck and other outdoor wood elements also suffer from the cold winter weather. Spring is the perfect time to power wash and stain, repaint or reseal your deck, furniture, fence, pergolas, trellises, and any other outdoor wood (i.e. your shed or wood siding). For color ideas, check out Valspar and come on into Nuzum Building Supply for all your painting and staining supply needs.

5.  Service the Air Conditioner

Once again, the milder temperatures that accompany spring make it an ideal time to inspect, clean, and service your AC. Outside you can hose down your unit and ensure all debris is cleared away from it. This is an ideal time to change your HVAC filter depending on routine maintenance instructions. Spring is also a great time to have a professional inspect and test your unit. Ensuring your HVAC system is in working order and ready to take on soaring summer heat will save you money and prevent last-minute emergency service requests when it is 90+ degrees outside.

6.  Prep and Check Outdoor Irrigation

Without the threat of the freeze and thaw, spring means you can now safely reconnect your outdoor water sources. Inspect, repair, or replace any cracked or leaking spigots and hoses. Additionally, run your irrigation system to ensure all sprinkler heads and emitters are functioning properly. Adust the heads that are spraying in the wrong direction or replace any broken heads. Determining that your irrigation system is in proper working order will save you money on your water bill while also protecting a precious resource.

7.  Install and Update Ceiling Fans

Spring is the perfect time to install and update ceiling fans which, when operated correctly, are more cost-effective than cranking the thermostat down. Ceiling fans redistribute cold air in the room by producing a downdraft causing a wind-chill effect so the air temperature feels cooler than it actually is. To change the direction of your fan, simply flip the small switch on the base. In the summertime, your fans should spin counterclockwise.

8.  Inspect and Repair Mailbox

Your mailbox can also take a winter beating from either snow piles built up around it by snow removal or physical damage from the unscrupulous plow. Each spring you should check to be certain your mailbox is sturdy and can still remain upright on its own. The door should open easily and close securely. If your mailbox is beyond repair, either build or install a new one.

9.  Check Outdoor Lighting

With the weather trending warmer, it is now safe and comfortable to spend time outside again. This is the time of year to inspect your outdoor lighting fixtures and make updates or repairs as needed. Pay special attention to your high-traffic areas to ensure your family and friends can safely enter your home after dark. Replace any solar fixtures that can no longer hold a charge and replace bulbs that burned out over the winter. Consider additional lighting for paths, walkways, and entryways, especially steps and dropoffs. Replacing old outdoor fixtures on the front of your home can refresh and enhance your curb appeal.

10.  Revive Your Landscaping

Springtime means plants are waking up from the cold, wet winter. This is the perfect time to prune most plants (check to be sure it can be pruned in spring – some plants like lilacs and hydrangeas produce flowers on last season’s growth and should therefore not be pruned until after they bloom). Spring is also the perfect time for planting, fertilizing, mulching, and dividing perennials. Keep an eye on the forecast for the daily low temperatures and late spring frosts. Try to avoid planting until this cold weather has passed. If you have already planted, cover new plants with a sheet until the freezing temperatures depart.

Spring is a season of joy for surviving another winter and rebirth as the landscape rejuvenates, marking another warmer season of growth and outdoor living. By following our 10-step spring home maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your home and yard are completely ready for summertime and more time spent outdoors with family and friends. If you find yourself overwhelmed by any of the spring maintenance projects on your list, do not hesitate to contact us at Nuzum Building Supply for help with ideas, recommendations, supplies, and qualified contractors.

Why Should You Choose a Local Lumberyard?

Having high-quality wood is vital to every new construction or renovation project. Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner tackling your own project, there are many options when it comes to purchasing lumber. You may choose to buy your materials from big-box stores, or in local lumberyards.  

While both big-box retailers and local companies offer a great selection of raw materials, the latter provides a more personalized and convenient shopping experience for buyers. Here are some reasons why our full-service lumberyards are the best sources for wood: 

Wide Selection of Wood Materials

Most home improvement stores only carry basic types of wood. If you’re looking for specific materials, full-service lumberyards like NuZum Building Supply might be the best option for you. We offer a wide selection of durable yet aesthetically pleasing products that suit any new build or renovation. 

We also offer custom lumber cuts if our standard sizes aren’t what you need for your current project. You supply the exact measurements, and we will cut the wood to size. 

We Only Source From Reputable Suppliers

At NuZum Building Supply, we only provide our customers with the best possible quality of materials. We make sure to pick reliable suppliers to ensure consistency in the quality.  

Our team is also aware of the different factors that may affect our supplies. We implement strict storage and handling measures to preserve the condition of our lumber products. By doing this, we’re able to provide straight, durable, and superior wood. 

Our Team Is Comprised of Lumber Experts

Having too many options can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. At NuZum Building Supply, we have you covered. We take great pride in having extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to different wood products.  

Compared to big-box stores, we won’t let you wander around our lumberyard looking for answers. We’ll guide you in selecting the right wood materials, cuts, and grain patterns to best fit your project. If you have any questions, we’ll be more than happy to help.

You Can Get High-Quality Products at Competitive Prices

High-quality wood products don’t have to be expensive. While prices may vary per wood species, our team at NuZum Building Supply always strives to help lessen the costs for our clients. 

We often buy lumber in bulk, helping us reduce rates and provide our customers with competitive pricing. When you choose us, we can assist you in finding supplies that suit your budget. 

Trusted Supplier of High-Quality Lumber

If you’re looking for a trusted direct wood supplier around Viroqua, WI, turn to us! Contact us at NuZum Building Supply to discover more about our products.

The Team You Need for Your Home Construction Project

The Construction Team You Need

A successful construction project will need everything from high-quality materials to a reliable team of experts. When building a new home, who you hire makes a large difference in the pace of your project.

Without professional help, managing your project can stretch you thin. Below are five notable individuals to hire throughout your home construction process.

Architects

You’ll need an architect who can help design your new house. They plan for the look and function of the exterior space and make sure that no interior area is wasted. Architects can also make plans for redevelopment and reconstruction projects. 

Furthermore, they provide you with the blueprints of your home. You can work with your architect to ensure that everything meets your preference and style. They can also provide you with alternatives and help out if you need to make any compromises from your original plan.

Civil Engineers

Once your plans are finished, it is up to the civil engineer to inspect if they are structurally sound or disregard any important policies. These professionals also check on the foundation and materials you’ll be using. 

While they aren’t always on site, they’ll visit from time to time to make sure that the structure is safe for use.  

Plumbers

Another important aspect of your home is its plumbing. A master plumber makes sure that your house has a good water and sewer system. It is also the plumber’s job to make sure that the piping doesn’t interfere with the rest of the infrastructure design. Plumbers can also assist with other parts of your home, such as garbage disposal or gas pipes. 

Like an engineer, a plumber will need to ensure that their pipework fits the provisions set for the project. Their goal is to guarantee that the piping passes inspections on the first visit. 

Contractors

Your project needs a contractor to oversee it. They usually have large crews who are knowledgeable of the construction process. 

On top of project management, contractors are also responsible for other tasks. These may include equipment procurement, predicting any possible changes to the project, and creating different strategies to mitigate risks. A contractor may also have a subcontractor to help manage the site. 

Interior Designers

Once the structure of your house is completed, an interior designer is called. They work on making your house aesthetically appealing while keeping your style in mind. 

Interior designers rely on different factors to make your spaces visually satisfying. These include furniture placement, color palettes, and decorations. However, an interior designer also keeps the infrastructure in mind. They make sure that their layout doesn’t interfere with the foot traffic in the house. 

Their other responsibilities may include estimating the costs of the interior decorations, picking good quality materials, and creating project timelines. It is also their responsibility to coordinate with the other craftsmen on the job. 

Get a Construction Team Providing High-Quality Materials and Services

Each role involved in the construction project is important, so take your time in putting together a trustworthy and responsive team. Hire reliable contractors with the help of Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI.

How Long Does it Take to Build a New Home?

According to the US Census Bureau, building a family home takes approximately 7 to 8 months on average. The complexity of a new build project and its surrounding area can impact this timeline. Custom homes usually take longer to complete compared to production homes, which can take approximately one year from start to finish with a contractor.

Many factors may affect your home’s construction timeline, such as labor shortages, construction supply delays, and unpredictable weather conditions. The best way to stay on track is to plan your project with a contractor and stick to the timetable throughout the process.

 

Building a House in the Midwest

Overall, constructing a new home in the Midwest can be a fast-moving process. Contractor-built homes take about 7.7 months to complete. However, homeowner-run projects can stretch up to 11.1 months for average completion.

Contractor-Built Homes in the Midwest

Customized homes take longer to build because they require more personalized details. Additionally, the timeline includes planning, permit submissions, and the actual construction process. It also typically takes weeks for contractors to build the foundation up to its frame.

Depending on your location, the process of obtaining construction permits and authorization can also be time-consuming. It is helpful to file all necessary paperwork in advance and submit it to your local government office on time. Once the construction permit has been obtained, contractors can immediately start building your custom home.

Architectural Designs of a Custom-Built Home

If your contractor-built home has a unique architectural plan, the building process might consume more than six months. The first few weeks of the construction process will include preparing the land, building the foundation, and adding the specific details of the design. Depending on your needs, constructing a brand-new home may require non-traditional modifications.

The larger your home is, the longer it will take to finish. Depending on the size and complexity, contractor-built homes may take at least 7 months to a full year to complete. Builders may also need more time to adjust their designs and requirements if you want a unique floor plan. Homes that require special materials may likewise cause delays or longer detailing.

Non-Construction Factors That Influence Your Timetable

Factors outside of the project plan can also cause delays. For instance, the land you’re building on may require some clearing before actual construction takes place. Unpredictable weather can also cause interruptions, as contractors want to ensure the job site is a safe work environment.

Similarly, the time of year when your home build is processed may affect the availability of contractors in your area. During the peak seasons of spring and summer, workers may be unavailable due to the high number of job orders.

However, it is possible to avoid some of these through proper early planning. Hiring a contractor who knows the ins and outs of the process also helps you in reaching your target completion date on time.

Build Your Home With Nuzum Building Supply

When it comes to finding the right supplies and the best contractors for your custom-built home, trust Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua or Boscobel, WI. Contact us today to find a contractor for your new home construction.

Tips on Improving Outdoor Living Space

Planning for Your Outdoor Living Space Over the Winter

Wintertime is the perfect opportunity to plan for home improvements you can implement once the weather gets warmer. And, one of the best things you can focus on is your outdoor living space. While the snow covers your lawn and backyard, you can start gathering ideas about how you want them to look just in time for spring.

Early Outdoor Living Space Project Planning

Whether you are considering small improvements or a complete renovation, here are some reasons to start planning early:

1. By planning months before summer, you’ll have enough time to put away weekly savings to fund the project. To avoid overspending, you can also start asking for any contractor recommendations who can help you maximize your budget.

2. Planning your outdoor living space improvements in advance also allows you to add more charm and personal style to it. You can spend the winter visualizing a beautiful and unique space that will serve as an extension of your home. Planning ahead also gives you time to let your vision evolve and adjust your plan accordingly.

3. Aside from the design, you can also focus on scouting for the right furnishings at the right price. Items may be less expensive when procured ahead of time than during peak seasons.

Here are some specific activities and areas in outdoor living spaces you can focus on during winter:

Visualizing Comfortable Seating Areas

A great way to reuse old pillows and furniture lying around your house is to incorporate them into your outdoor area plan. You can gather as much material from inside your home to eventually build comfortable seating areas when the weather warms up. Do-it-yourself projects for your outdoor seating arrangements can be done indoors during the winter months, too.

Drafting a Lighting Plan

Lighting adds charm to outdoor spaces. Permanent light installations are worth planning and budgeting over the winter. Uplighting can make areas more inviting. String lights are also gaining popularity, as they add ambiance and help your guests see to safely navigate the yard.

Creating Some Privacy Through Greenery

Winter is a great time to decide on which plants to put around your outdoor spaces come spring. Shrubberies and trees also take time to grow, which is why you should start making a detailed plan early on. Adding landscapes and botanicals are great ways to create privacy around your property. You may eventually need professional landscapers to install trees and thick hedges for your outdoor living space, so you can start engaging them early as well.

Improve Your Outdoor Space by the Spring

Planning your outdoor living space project during the winter months will help you kickoff your spring and summer ready to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Contact Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI to pick up supplies for your project. We carry the most popular brands, and we can also find you the best local contractors.

Characteristics of Quality Windows

Is it time to replace your windows at home? When it comes to new windows, you have a wide range of options on the market, and it may be difficult to decide. Window style and frame color are not the only factors you should consider when looking for new quality windows.

Certain characteristics must be assessed since they influence how you use your windows regularly. Continue reading to learn more about the features of quality windows.

 

Quality Windows Should Be Energy Efficient

One of the main characteristics of quality windows is energy efficiency. Windows that are energy-efficient not only make your home more comfortable, but they can also help you save money on utility bills. Buying energy-efficient windows also helps in the reduction of carbon footprint by cutting down energy usage. This can be your contribution to help protec our environment. 

Energy-efficient windows are high quality because they’re also built to provide better insulation than standard windows. They prevent heated or cooled air from escaping your home as well. 

 

Quality Windows Are Made of Durable Hardware

The hardware is one of the most important components of a window. It includes all the materials and non-metal parts that allow a window to open, close, and remain properly shut. That’s why the second characteristic of a quality window is having durable hardware. 

Quality windows are made of high-grade hardware to ensure durability and longevity. Some of the most common hardware of windows are PVC and fiberglass. PVC windows have a particularly long service life. They stand out for their distortion resistance and high level of functionality. PVC windows can last for up to 50 years.

Fiberglass is also durable hardware that’s difficult to damage during a construction accident or severe weather event. It is made of glass fibers that are resistant to scratching and denting, which are common to other window materials. 

 

Quality Windows Should Be Easy To Operate

The third characteristic of a quality window is ease of use. A quality window should open and close easily, with no special physical effort on your part. Due to seasonal temperature changes, window frames can expand and contract, making them difficult to open and close over time. For this reason, look for quality windows that can withstand these effects and still be easy to use after several years.

When looking for a new window, don’t be afraid to experiment with the display items. Do they appear to withstand heavy use? Does the window latch close without much effort?

It is important to have a window that is easy to operate, especially during emergencies. Your window can serve as an emergency exit. You do not want a window that is hard to open because it will be difficult to use in the event of a fire or other emergency. 

You also do not want the window to be so loose in its frame that it will not remain in an open position, as this could cause serious injury. A window that is easy to use will help keep you safe during unexpected events.

 

Purchase Quality Windows From Us

Windows are essential for allowing in natural light and tying the aesthetic of your home together. They are significant investments, so consider every single detail when planning to replace your windows at home. Be sure that you are looking into the characteristics of high-quality windows before purchasing a new one. Call Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI to buy quality windows for your home.

How to Insulate Windows to Conserve Heat

We know you love staying indoors on a chilly day, just enjoying your personal time reading a book or catching up on your favorite TV show. However, an environment that is too cold is unpleasant. The last thing you want to do is wear layers of clothing at home.

A large portion of heat loss is due to windows, but they’re also an important part of your home because they keep the house cross-ventilated. The best thing to do is insulate them to prevent cold air from entering and still appreciate your “me time” indoors. Continue reading to learn tips on how you can start insulating your windows to conserve heat.

Use Curtains to Keep Heat In

Curtains are one the cheapest ways to insulate windows. Before modern insulation solutions arrived on the market, curtains have helped households restrict cold air from entering their homes. You can use curtains made of heavy fabric or an insulated window curtain. These types prevent heated air from escaping your home by creating a tighter air space for cold air to seep through.

You can hang more than two curtains together to create a sleek layered look that effectively keeps heat in. You can also use blackout curtains that reduce heat loss through the window by a fourth. As a bonus, they also reduce noise pollution by almost half.

Try Weather Strips to Control the Temperature

Weather strips are also a great way to insulate your windows because they seal gaps around them, making your home warmer. There are various types of weather strips, such as foam and V-type. This is the difference between them:

  • Foam Weather Strip or Foam Tape

The foam weather strip or foam tape comes in different sizes, which makes it ideal for irregular-sized cracks. It has an adhesive backing on one side and is commonly used for the top and bottom parts of window sashes. The foam strip is also the easiest weather strip to install.

  • V-Type Strip or Tension Seal

The V strip or tension seal is made of durable plastic or metal folded into a ‘V’ shape that springs open to bridge gaps. It is commonly used for sealing the sides of sliding windows and double-hung windows. It is also easy to use because you just have to cut to the desired length with a pair of scissors, peel, and then stick it to your window.

Apply Insulation Films to Your Windows

Another way to insulate your window is by using an insulation film, which is an item that looks like a food wrap. It creates a barrier between the interior of your home and your windows. These films can be bought from hardware or home repair stores.

Window insulation films are cheap but highly effective in conserving heat at home. They come in kits that include a plastic shrink film that is applied to the indoor window frame using double-sided sticky tape. You can use a heat source, such as a hair dryer, to shrink it and remove wrinkles.

Purchase Insulated Windows

Instead of using insulation products, you can also purchase insulated windows for greater temperature control that prevents cold air from entering your home. Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI is a locally owned business that offers high-quality insulated products from top manufacturers. We carry insulated windows and doors from Owens Corning, Knauf Insulation, Insulation Materials, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate.

The Best Windows for Cold Climates

One of the best ways to stay warm and cozy during wintertime is by investing in the right windows. Even if you have a perfectly functioning HVAC system, the wrong window type could force your equipment to work harder to keep the temperature in your home at optimal levels. This will leave you with high energy bills.

 When choosing the best windows for cold climates, you need to consider several factors to keep your home comfortable. Here are some characteristics that are perfect for homes in areas like Viroqua, WI:

 The Best Windows for Cold Climates

One of the best ways to stay warm and cozy during wintertime is by investing in the right windows. Even if you have a perfectly functioning HVAC system, the wrong window type could force your equipment to work harder to keep the temperature in your home at optimal levels. This will leave you with high energy bills.

When choosing the best windows for cold climates, you need to consider several factors to keep your home comfortable. Here are some characteristics that are perfect for homes in areas like Viroqua, WI:

Windows With Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass, or Composite Frames

An excellent place to start when choosing windows is the frame material. Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite are great at maintaining optimal temperatures all year round. Wood with vinyl cladding is also ideal because wood holds heat best while the vinyl protects the wood.

Windows With a Low U-Factor

To make sure your windows effectively prevent heat loss, look for ones with a low U-factor or insulation value. This determines how well a window stops heat from escaping or entering your home. For the best insulation, look for the lowest possible rating. You can also check the U-factor requirement applicable in your area.

Windows With Multiple Glass Panes

If you’re looking for ways to better protect your home from the cold, you should opt for windows with more than one glass pane. Double- or triple-pane windows are suitable because they hold heat well enough to keep your abode warm and comfortable. These windows can also be insulated with gas in-feels like krypton and argon, which slow down heat transfer.

Windows With a High SHGC Rating

Select windows with a relatively high SHGC or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating. This measures how well they block heat from the sun. The rating ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 allowing no solar heat and 1 permitting maximum solar heat. A higher SHGC rating will help provide your home with natural heat even during winter.

Windows With a Low Air Infiltration Rate

When air leaks around the frame, the temperature in your home will decrease. This will force your heater to compensate. To avoid that, the best windows to get are ones with an air infiltration rate of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.

Windows With a Low-E Coating

If you want to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light passing through your windows without compromising visible light, choose panes with low-E coatings. These coatings are thinner than human hair and can conduct heat back into your home. They are also known to improve the thermal efficiency of a window.

Find the Perfect Windows for Your Home

If you’re looking for quality windows that suit your needs and style preferences, we can help you at Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI. We offer quality products from the most popular name brands and provide superior service that has been trusted since 1894. Call us today to get free quotes and estimates. We will be glad to help you!

How to Organize a Garage for More Space

Your garage is more than just a storage area—it’s an extension of your home that can provide functional and organized space when maintained properly. Whether you use it for tools, outdoor equipment, or seasonal items, a well-arranged garage enhances your property’s appeal and utility. Investing in a high-quality, customized structure, like those offered by Northern Star Sheds, can make all the difference in creating a durable and efficient space tailored to your needs. Before diving into the process of decluttering and organizing, it’s important to understand the potential of your garage as a clean, purposeful area that complements your property.

Is clutter slowly creeping into your life and taking up your garage space with overflowing items ready to bust out?  Most of the time, we don’t find the time nor the energy to declutter our spaces. For most people, the best place to keep items and forget about them is usually the garage.  However, over time the stored items become overwhelming. Where and how do you begin to declutter and organize your garage for more space?  Consider these six guidelines below: 

1. Get Your Friends to Help

What better way to get help than by involving your friends in your garage organizing project?   Gather your friends over for a garage cleaning get-together.  Make the atmosphere more relaxing by playing music and serving food and drinks.  Trade labor, your friends help you clean your garage in exchange for someday having your help to clean and organize theirs.

 

2. Plan Ahead

Will you need shelving, storage cabinets, bins, and packing boxes?  If so, purchase these items before starting on organizing your garage.  Having storage shelving, cabinets, and other storage items on hand will minimize the time and energy you require to run to a local store to purchase what you need.

Plan on the number of days you require to clean and organize your garage.  Planning for a day or two within the same weekend will ensure you don’t procrastinate and finish organizing your garage. 

 

3. Organize your items per category

As you remove all items from your garage, pile them according to their use.  Are they power tools and electricals? Pile these together.  Are they bedroom, living room, or kitchen items?  Give them their pile. And so on.  Next, break them down further into different categories:  Keep, sell, donate, trash.

A suggestion, to avoid keeping items you might never use, ask yourself.  Will I ever use this item in the next 3 to 6 months or 1-year at the maximum?  Remember, you want to declutter and organize your garage, not to clutter it again.

 

4. Think Vertical Storage

Once your garage is empty, take a paper and draw out a simple layout of where you would like to store the different ‘Keep’ items.  Tall storage shelving or cabinets take up less garage space and store more items.  A long closet with sliding doors saves on space than a cabinet with swinging doors.  A pegboard over a work table or even in the closet for handy tools is more practical than piling them in a box.   Hanging garden tools onto wall pegs is better than placing them on the floor.

 

5. Organize small items

Bits and pieces such as nails, screws, sandpaper, power cords, and other small bits can be difficult to organize.  Consider using labeled jars or containers to store these different items. 

 

6. Hang up large items

Items such as ladders, wheelbarrows, mowers, and other large objects take up much-needed space.  Consider hanging them on the wall, if possible, to save on your garage space.

 

Do you need to build your storage shelves or cabinets?  Give us a call today or stop-in at Nuzum Building Supply for Free Quotes and Estimates.

10 Tools in Every DIY Pro’s Toolkit

You love DIY projects. Whenever something needs to be made, built, or fixed around the house, you’d much rather do the job yourself than call a professional. But in projects like this, you’re only as good as your tools. You’ve moved beyond the standard hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and wrench. What kind of tools do you need to be a real DIY pro? Here are our top 10 picks.

 

  1.     Circular Saw – There are a lot of different types of saws out there, but this one is probably the most versatile. Much straighter, smoother, and more controlled than a regular handsaw, a circular saw allows you to cut wood of just about any size, from a 2×4 to a sheet of plywood, quickly and easily. With a few specialized extra blades, you can also cut through other things, such as metal, brick, granite, and more.

 

  1.     Jigsaw – The circular saw is good for cutting straight. The jigsaw is good for cutting different shapes. If you need to cut out a curved piece of wood, or wood shaped in a specific pattern, a jigsaw is what you’ll use. You can also use it in a pinch to bore holes into everything from wood to metal to ceramic tile.

 

  1.     Cordless Drill – This is important for putting in screws of all types, as well as drilling pilot holes. You’ll use your drill in just about every DIY project. And cordless means you can use it anywhere, without having to worry if the cord is long enough, you have enough extension cord, or if the cord will get in the way. You’ll also need as wide an array of drill bits as possible, in all different sizes and head types.

 

  1.   Level – Whether you’re hanging a picture, making a cabinet, or building a new deck, you need a good, sturdy, metal level, to make sure everything is even. Many beginners use a cheap, plastic level, but a metal one is sturdier, lasts longer, and is less prone to wear and tear and other damage over time.

 

  1.     Angle Grinder – Your angle grinder is one of the most versatile tools in your toolbox, and can be used for all sorts of different things. Clean rust and paint off of metal objects. Sharpen your metal tools. Cut bolts down that are too long. You can even use it to cut through stone or concrete.

 

  1.     Random Orbital Sander – There are a number of different types of sanders available, from disc to belt, but the most common and most versatile is the random orbital sander. They’re fast, powerful, and can be used for most sanding jobs. They can also sand smoothly even against the grain, and eliminate swirl marks. You may decide to get more diverse and specialized sanders down the line, but the random orbital is the best one to start with.

 

  1.     Nail Gun – This will replace your hammer in most jobs, particularly ones with a lot of nails to put in. Used with an air compressor, not only is your nail gun faster than a hammer, with a lot less effort, but the nails go smoother and straighter, and look much more professional.

 

  1.     Impact Driver – Similar to a drill, an impact drill has more torque and multiple speeds, so it’s typically used for heavier jobs, such as fastening bolts or anchoring screws into concrete walls. It can also be used in a pinch as an impact wrench. The extra power makes it easy to over-tighten screws, though, so continue to use a regular power drill for jobs that aren’t as heavy duty.

 

  1.     Router – A router is great for making smooth edges in wood. You can also use it for decorative molding, as well as intricate patterns and designs. Plus, it’s great for cutting dados: joints or trenches in a piece of wood that allows it to link together securely with another piece of wood.

 

  1. Rotary Multi-Tool – Used for more intricate and detailed work, a rotary multi-tool has a variety of different attachments for different jobs. In addition to sawing, scraping, and sanding, it can be used to polish jewelry, etch glass, carve wood, or even engrave leather. You can also use it for sharpening and cleaning other tools.

 

Over time, as your DIY skills grow, your tool collection will grow as well. Likewise, as your tool collection grows, your DIY skills will grow, as you become more proficient with a wider array of tools. What tools do you most want to add to your toolbox, and what projects are you looking forward to completing with them? Contact the team here at NuZum Building Supplies today!