Tag: home improvement

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.

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.

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.

Benefits of Installing a Ceiling Fan

When the summer months come knocking at our doors, it’s quite difficult to stay cool and refreshed. It’s even more difficult to stay inside our house because the air is all hot and humid. At the end of the day, we’ll be sweating profusely and truly exhausted from all the heat.

Luckily, there are a lot of ways to make our rooms breezy during the sweltering season. One perfect method is to install a ceiling fan.

What Is a Ceiling Fan?

As the name suggests, a ceiling fan is a fan that is suspended from the ceiling of a room or space. It has hub-mounted rotating blades that help circulate air, thus producing a cooling effect in the nearby area.

What Makes A Ceiling Fan Beneficial?

·       Ceiling Fans Are Also Great for Cold Weather

Most people simply associate ceiling fans as devices to cool down a room. But in reality, ceiling fans are a lot more flexible than that — because they can actually bring warmth to a space as well.

This is because ceiling fans have two settings that dictate the direction of the blades. You can create either a downdraft or an updraft. With the downdraft, the air is blown downwards, thus cooling the area beneath. Meanwhile, the updraft setting draws the cooler air upward so that the warmer air near the ceiling is the one that’s circulated below.

In other words, the ceiling fan is a versatile device because you can use it both during the summer and winter.

·       Ceiling Fans Help Get Rid of Insects and Pests

Summer isn’t just the season for heat and humidity — it’s also the season of bugs, insects, and pests invading our houses. Luckily, if you have a ceiling fan, it’s easier to get rid of them. This is because the breeze works against them, so they’re practically blown away by the airflow produced by the fan.

As a result, not only will a ceiling fan refresh you, but it will also guard you against bothersome insects.

·       Ceiling Fans Can Also Provide Light and Beauty

Over the years, ceiling fan manufacturers have added more functionalities and designs to the products. As a result, the ceiling fans we can find nowadays already come with an extra lighting feature, as well as a stunning design.

This makes ceiling fans a great addition to any room. It will help cool or warm the place, and at the same time, it brightens the place and looks great in the view.

 

Ceiling fans are a lot more flexible and versatile than we actually think. They can cool down a room or warm it, and they also have a light feature and beautiful design.

Because of this, it’s a great idea to have a ceiling fan in at least one room of your house. Give our team a call at Nuzum Building Supply for everything you need for your project.

Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Refurbish Old Doors

If your beloved front, back, or side door is starting to look worse for wear, then it’s time to break out your tools and get to work. By refurbishing your old door, you can bring it back to life and highlight everything you love about it. You will only need a little bit of know-how and a whole lot of gumption to get this project done right. So, if you’re ready to tackle this project, just follow these steps to refurbish your old door.

  1. Get All Your Tools and Supplies

To refurbish old doors and make them look like new again, you will need:

  • Flathead and Philips screwdrivers
  • Sawhorses
  • Drop cloths
  • Painter’s tape
  • Newspaper
  • Wood filler
  • Power sander
  • Tack Cloth
  • Sanding block
  • 120 to 240-grit sandpaper
  • Rags
  • Paintbrush
  • Wood stain
  • Clear varnish
  • Safety goggles
  • Dust mask

Once you have these items in hand, you can continue through the following steps. Remember to always wear your safety goggles and dust mask while sanding and staining.

  1. Take Off the Doorknob, Hinges, and Other Hardware

Using your screwdriver set, take the door out of the frame. Then, take it to your work area and place it across your sawhorses that are sitting over a drop cloth. Remove the doorknob, hinges, and all the other hardware. If the door has a window, tape it off with painter’s tape and newspaper.

  1. Sand to Remove the Old Finish

You must remove the old finish in full to restore the look of your door. To do so, start by putting 120-grit sandpaper on your power sander. Sand off the finish on all the flat surfaces on both sides while being careful to avoid rounding out any edges. Then, sand by hand around all the intricate details in the door using the same grit sandpaper. When sanding, use tack cloth to help pick up particles of dust to achieve a smoother look.

  1. Fill in All Imperfections and Sand Smooth

With the old stain removed, closely examine the door for imperfections. If you find any, fill them in with wood filler and let it dry as directed on the container. Then, come back with 240 grit sandpaper on your power sander and by hand to smooth out the entire door on both sides.

  1. Apply the Stain to the Surface

After your door is smooth to the touch, you can start applying the stain using your paintbrush. Work in small sections, saturating the wood with stain, and then wiping away the excess with a rag. Let the stain dry overnight and put on another coat if you want a darker finish. If you want a shinier finish, apply a coat or two of clear varnish after the stain dries.

  1. Reinstall the Hardware

Let the stain cure overnight once again. Then, grab your old hardware or any updated pieces you want to install and put them in place using your hand tools. If you’re using the old hardware, you may need to oil the hinges or doorknob to improve their function.

  1. Put Your Door Back Up

With all the hardware installed, you can put your door back up in its rightful place in your home. Then, be sure to step back and admire your hard work.

 

Although refurbishing doors is well worth the time and effort, you can skip all the trouble by getting a new door with help from our team at Nuzum Building Supply. We can help you find a door that complements your home design and exceeds all your expectations. So, give us a call today at 608-637-2116 to get started.

7 Best Gift Ideas for a DIY Lover

If you have a loved one in your life that loves DIY projects, you may be wondering what to buy for them. We’ve compiled a list of seven great gift ideas for DIYers of every skill level.

  1.     Magnetic Pickup Tool

No matter what the task is, dropping metal pieces like nails and screws happens to everyone. And of course, these objects seem to find their way to the most inaccessible places in your shop. An extendable magnetic wand is a perfect tool for anyone who has had to crawl on the floor to retrieve a missing screw from under the workbench.

  1.     Digital Multimeter

No Electrical tool kit is complete without a multimeter. Today’s digital models are rugged, easy to use, even with gloves on, and sport extra-large displays. It’s also an excellent tool to help young or inexperienced DIYers learn more about electrical currents and how they work.

  1.     Storage Organizer

It doesn’t take long for a DIYer to gather a collection of nuts, bolts, washers, and screws left over from older projects. Keeping them safe and organized is always a challenge. Storage organizers come in a range of shapes and sizes, so there’s a perfect solution for every workspace.

  1.     Drill Attachments

Every drill comes with a basic set of drill bits. However, the average DIY enthusiast will quickly find that the included bits are made of cheap metal and break. Sometimes, they don’t come in the right sizes and types. An aftermarket attachment set offers a wide range of bits and attachments, including everything from screwdriver bits to hole saws.

  1.     Laser Level

Every DIYer probably has a level already. Upgrading to a laser level is a great way to help them up their game. They can use it to hang pictures, install shelving, lay floors, hang wallpaper, and more.

  1.     Work Gloves

A good pair of gloves is an essential tool for a DIYer. Whether they are working under the hood, on the roof, or in the garden, Look for gloves that offer extra protection for the thumb and index fingers. Machine washable gloves are a plus.

  1.     Gift Card

If you don’t know what to buy, a gift card, so your DIYer get what they want. Just choose a store or website where they enjoy shopping.

DIYers come in every kind. There’s almost no limit to the projects they might take on. With the right tools, you can help them stay busy!

5 Tips When Painting the Exterior of Your Home

 

There are a lot of decisions and preparations that go into painting your home’s exterior. You have to find the right paint color, use the right tools, and have some knowledge of what you are doing. It isn’t easy but that is why we have curated the best tips to help make exterior painting a breeze!

Here are 5 tips you should know when painting the exterior of your home:

  1. Consider Mother Nature – Don’t forget about the weather! It is important to pay attention to the weather if you are going to be outside all day painting. Select a dry time of the year when there is little rain and humidity. Paint needs to dry and will not adhere to surfaces correctly if they are not dry.
  2. Quality Over Price – The better the paint quality, the fewer times you’ll need to repaint over the years. Paint technology has improved so much that most colors are guaranteed to last longer than they have before. You may be tempted to save some money on cheaper paint, but that will only cause you more trouble, and more money down the road!
  3. Sand and Wash – Paint doesn’t adhere to wet surfaces, as well as dirty and rough surfaces. Clean the siding and trim around your house. Allow that to dry, then sand. This will ensure the smoothest paint finish.
  4. Use Primer – Its always been a rule to apply a good coat of primer before your color. This will have the color looking brighter and lasting longer. However, new paint technologies have combined paint and primer into one product, which ultimately will save you money compared to buying two separate products. If your perfect paint color doesn’t include primer in the mix, make sure you apply some before!
  5. Work from Top to Bottom – Start working your way from the top of the house to the bottom. This will help control streaks, as well as having you work with gravity rather than against it! Drips are going to happen, so this method will help you fix those as you are working rather than having to go backwards.

 

While painting the exterior of your home can be something you can do yourself, if you don’t feel prepared enough, that’s okay. Hiring a professional painter to get the labor done instead could be the better option. For advice and contractor recommendations, give the team at Nuzum Building Supply a call!

How to Improve Your Kitchen

Planning an upgrade or new kitchen from scratch can be a tough and stressful process.

If you do not know where to start, first do your research on your kitchen preferences and contact the building design professionals here at Nuzum!

Working with professionals will help you choose the right cabinet colors, cabinet hardware and cabinet layout. You want to ensure that your cabinets are beautiful, compliment your space, and are designed with a purpose so that all your belongings fit neatly. Knowing how many items you need to store will also be a big help in deciding how much storage space your kitchen needs.

Follow these simple steps to improving your kitchen:

  • Call and set up an appointment for an in-home design so that the designer, as well as carpenters and contractors can inspect the area, discuss your vision, and take measurements!
  • Design the layout of the kitchen by choosing the proper shape for your needs. Whether you have a large family, a large business, a small family or a small business, each kitchen needs to be tailored to fit your needs so that you enjoy your kitchen and it helps make your life easier!
  • Create a path by discovering and discussing how your family or business moves throughout the kitchen. In which order do you like to move from the refrigerator, to the sink, to the oven, and back to the island counter top to prepare a meal?
  • Decide your kitchen shape. Would you benefit from an L-shaped kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen, a kitchen on a single wall, or a G-shaped kitchen? Remember to think about the outer area to have to work with and around!

Each kitchen layout creates the perfect floor plan for your unique space and needs. Efficiency can be achieved by well thought-out plans. Enhancing the space with proper cabinetry will create wonderful storage for all belongings and the right floor plan will ensure no more traffic jams!

You can still enhance your kitchen without making major remodeling improvements. Repainting your cabinets and your cabinet hardware can really change the look of your kitchen. Work within your needs and your budget to give yourself a functioning dream kitchen!

The Most Essential Tools for Your Toolkit

Being a homeowner is a big responsibility and having a handy toolkit nearby is essential. When something important breaks, chips or deteriorates, it is imperative to get it fixed. Paying someone else to do it or saving yourself some money and doing it yourself are the best options. If you are looking for a wide variety of power tools to add to your tool kit, Nuzum offers Makita products that make every job easier!

A lot of projects only require a few simple tools to complete. Having basic tools handy at home will make it convenient to complete easy home repairs. Whether your toolbox is in the garage, or you keep your necessary tools in a kitchen drawer, having the right kind of tools nearby is key to completing projects yourself!

• Cordless drill – There are endless possibilities when it comes to the use of a cordless drill. Use this power tool to insert screwdriver bits to remove screws or drilling pilot holes for screws and nails. When you want to get the job done efficiently and effectively, a cordless drill is important! Nuzum’s premium line of power tools, Makita, offers the perfect cordless drill for your kit!

• Assortment of nails and screws – You can find a variety of nails and screw sizes in prepackaged containers and your local home center, such as Nuzum.

• Screwdrivers – A good quality flat head screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver are the two most important kinds you will need in your toolkit. A set of tiny screwdrivers can be helpful as well when needing to tighten the screws on a pair of eyeglasses!

• Pliers – It is important to have a wide variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to pliers. Wire cutting pliers are also good for wiring and craft projects.

• Tape measure – Choose one long enough to measure a wide range of small and large furniture and spaces. A small tape measure that can fit in your pocket or purse can come in handy on the go as well!

• Level – Make sure your pictures are hanging level. A good, sturdy level will last a lifetime!

• Hammer – For hanging pictures or putting up shelving, consider different sizes of hammers for more delicate projects or heavy construction!

• Wire cutters – Ensure you do not damage your home scissors by using the correct type of wire cutters. Wire cutters make it easy to cut a wire when dealing with electrical repairs, crafts, and other projects!

• Blue painter’s tape – Professional and amateur painters use blue painter’s tape to mask off areas they want free of paint. Available in different widths and sizes, this special tape is made to be removed from surfaces without causing damage. You can tape off the edges of a door frame or tape down runners to protect the floor from scratches when moving large furniture!

• A pencil – Having a pencil handy will be of more use than you think. Use it to place a mark right where you need to drill a hole or record a measurement. It is important that it is a pencil and not a pen, so it is easy to remove!