Which drill should I buy?
- Most likely
- Most homeowners overbuy
- DIY approach
- A single 18V/20V brushless drill-driver with two batteries covers nearly everything.
- When to call a pro
- Not applicable.
- Typical cost
- $90–$180
Tools & Gear
Buy these tools. Skip the rest for now.
A short, good kit beats a long, cheap one. Buy the tools you will use three times this year, rent the rest, and replace anything that has already failed you once.
Common problems and what they usually mean
Do I need a pressure washer?
- Most likely
- Usually no
- DIY approach
- Rent for a weekend before committing.
- When to call a pro
- Not applicable.
- Typical cost
- $60 per day to rent
What tests electricity safely?
- Most likely
- Missing tester
- DIY approach
- A non-contact voltage tester plus a plug-in outlet tester.
- When to call a pro
- Not applicable.
- Typical cost
- $20–$35 for both
Cheap or expensive hand tools?
- Most likely
- Mixed answer
- DIY approach
- Buy quality for anything that grips or cuts; the cheap version is fine for pry bars and buckets.
- When to call a pro
- Not applicable.
- Typical cost
- Varies
Cost ranges are planning information for the Dallas–Fort Worth area, not quotes. Only an in-person inspection by a qualified professional produces an assessment you can rely on.
Checklist
- Adjustable wrench and tongue-and-groove pliers
- 4-in-1 screwdriver and a #2 Phillips
- 25-ft tape, torpedo level, utility knife
- Cordless drill with a basic bit set
- Non-contact voltage tester, flange plunger, hand auger, headlamp
Safety first
- Eye protection for anything that cuts, grinds or sprays
- Match the ladder rating to your weight plus load
- Never defeat a tool guard