The tools you’ll need fall into two broad categories: hand tools and power tools. Power tools require electricity to operate and cost much more than hand tools, but you won’t need as many power tools as you’ll need hand tools.

Let’s start with the hand tools:

Claw Hammers-Compare wood and fiberglass-handled hammers to see which you like better. Fiberglass weighs less. Choose a hammer with an excellent grip.

Screwdrivers-At least one flat head and one Philips head. However, because screws come in all shapes and sizes, you’ll probably enjoy the convenience of a set of screwdrivers. Using the correct size screwdriver makes the job easier and greatly lowers the risk of damaging the screw. Some sets come with screwdrivers with less-common heads—like hex and torx—but you probably don’t need these right away.

Pliers-Buy regular pliers and a set of needle-nose pliers. Look for pliers with an integrated cutting edge. Needle-nose pliers are useable in spaces too tight for regular pliers. Both types allow you to gain a tight hold on objects.

Tape measure-If you only buy one, choose one with a length of at least 25 feet. If you buy a second, choose a smaller length.

Level-One classic “bubble” level should do. You may prefer using a laser level for some tasks, such as hanging pictures.

Utility knife-These knives come in handy even for non-construction tasks. Look for one with a retractable blade.

Wrench-With a wrench, you’ll be able to tighten and loosen bolts and nuts. You’ll probably want more than one, though an adjustable crescent wrench will cover most of your needs in this category. Also consider a socket wrench set. Socket wrenches are versatile and less likely to slip than regular, open wrenches.

Crow bar-Not essential, but a mini crow bar will often come in handy for pulling apart materials without damaging surfaces.

There is one essential and some very useful power tools for the do-it-yourselfer:

Drill- Cordless or corded, a power drill will be used again and again. The most expensive models may be overkill; there are good cordless drills at most price points. Power drills also double as power screwdrivers.

Sander-Power sanders come in a few different forms, though you’ll probably find the random-orbital type the most useful right away. While not essential equipment, power sanders cut sanding time and effort down dramatically—so if you anticipate the need, invest in one.

Saw-Consider purchasing a circular saw and a jig saw if you think you’ll be sawing a lot. Otherwise, a hand saw and hack saw will probably suffice for basic, infrequent cutting.

For hand tools, be sure to compare the cost of assembling your own set of individual tools with the cost of purchasing a tool kit. You usually save money by going with a kit. Kits also typically include a tool box or case—an essential as your collection grows. While you won’t be able to complete a full home remodeling with your new set of basic, quality tools, you will be well-equipped to handle most small chores that need attention.

Home remodeling projects disrupt your family’s routine for months and have the potential to cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. When the remodeling involves only an addition to the existing house, it is possible for life to go on fairly normally despite the dust barriers and some noise. But most remodeling projects involve a major invasion of existing space. There is only so much a family can do to cope with the chaos of a renovation project, especially if the project shuts down major sections of the home for long periods of time. Preparing for the new tensions and altered living conditions should be a priority.

Communication

Quality communication is the prevention and cure for many of the remodeling headaches you’ll encounter. Talk early and often with your contractor; understand the timeline upfront and be prepared for delays. Supplies are often delivered behind schedule, and custom orders can take months to arrive. Weather and labor issues will also interfere with progress. Because your contractor might be working on multiple projects simultaneously, problems at other job sites could pause work on your remodel. Home renovations almost always take more time than you expect. Staying in contact with your contractor will keep you in the loop—and allow you to keep your family in the loop.

Be prepared for things to cost more than you initially expected. The larger the project, the higher the potential for unforeseen expenses. You could also change your mind about the design or materials during the construction phase; if you decide to go through with changes, costs typically increase. Keep in close touch with your contractor for revised estimates. Small increases add up and will result in sticker shock if you haven’t kept yourself up to date.

Relocation

For multiroom, major remodeling projects, you are faced with a decision about packing up or toughing it out in the construction zone. It is possible to have your entire home remodeled and remain a full-time resident; you’ll just need to remodel one section at a time and muster over a year’s worth of extra patience. Renting another residence or staying with relatives are other options. These options come with their own stresses; however, they provide you with a respite from the chaos.

Even smaller remodeling projects may be most easily survived by relocation. Two areas in particular—the kitchen and bathroom—are difficult to give up for very long. The hassle of living without these rooms may justify the financial burden of temporarily moving. For those committed to sticking it out during a kitchen or bathroom remodel, here are some tips to ease the stress.

Kitchen

If possible, work with your contractor to keep certain areas of your kitchen available while construction is underway. Maintaining access to your refrigerator, for example, makes things much easier. But whether or not you’ll be able to use parts of your kitchen during the renovation, you will need to move most things out. Find a space—preferably with a working sink nearby—to set up a temporary kitchen. When you empty your cabinets, keep a place setting for each member of your family and box the remaining dishes. Take small appliances from your existing kitchen and set them up on a table in your temporary kitchen.

Use the temporary sink to wash dishes, being careful that food doesn’t clog the pipes. Plan meals ahead, perhaps by preparing several days’ worth in advance and storing them in a freezer. If your main refrigerator is unavailable, buy or borrow a small one. If the weather is pleasant, rely on your outdoor grille as a cooking appliance. And of course, restaurants are an ever-available alternative to cooking for yourself.

Bathroom

As with a kitchen remodel, a bathroom remodel can be made easier if the bathroom can remain partially functional for as long as possible. However, also like a kitchen remodel, renovating your bathroom will typically require a window of complete inhabitability. Plan ahead by designating another sink in the house as a bathroom sink stand-in. If you have no other bathrooms in your home, you might need to rent a portable toilet and find another place (like a gym) to shower. Clearly it may be worth the expense to find other accommodations during the time when your bathroom is totally out of commission.

Keep the End in Mind

Keeping in mind the finished product and tracking the project’s progress help you keep things in perspective. Be flexible, and be honest with yourself about whether you have the patience to live in your home while it is being remodeled. Even if you choose to stay, be sure to get out on a regular basis. Find peace in places outside your home while construction is underway.

Looking to change things up in your house?  Try repainting your bathroom!  In this article by Susan Kleinman, over at HGTV.com, you can find some pointers on how to help you choose the perfect color for your bathroom.  Whether you’re matching color with a fixture, your floors, or any other object, make sure you pick the right colors to compliment your style and create a unique feel for your bathroom.

Home additions are a great way to make your space feel completely new. You can transform different parts of your home by changing and adding different rooms. Exterior home remodeling can give your home the design you’ve always wanted. Home additions are a great idea for growing families who need more room, homeowners looking for something new, couples with grown children who want to take advantage of their new freedom, and anyone else looking for some sort of change in their home. Here are some great home additions to keep your eye on:

• Adding a second story to your home creates a whole new level for you to use. This is great for people who want to add to their home, but not necessarily change it. You can create more rooms that can be used as bedrooms, offices, craft rooms, or to store anything else you need!

• Garages are one of the most popular home additions. Homeowners can replace existing garages with new ones, or build entirely new unites. Garages can safely store your vehicles and any other items that don’t have their own place inside the home.

• Porches and decks can be added on to create more outside space. These are great for homeowners who do a lot of entertaining and find that they need more outside space for their guests.

• Adding a new master suite can improve the look and comfort in your home while also increasing its value. New master suites can include a new larger bathroom and more closet and storage space, and will allow you to turn your existing master suite into a guest room.

The Wall Street Journal has a great article talking about the unexpected costs that can creep up on you. Below is an except from the article, but make sure to read the whole article!

“Expect to pay for many of the expenses that a seller would normally pay in the transaction—because the lender, who is taking a loss, may refuse to approve the deal if you don’t.

Just what those costs will be varies. For instance, some lenders will agree to assist with a buyer’s closing costs; others won’t. Some will pay broker’s fees—others won’t. (If you agree to pay your buyer broker a certain fee for finding the house and handling the deal, and the lender doesn’t pay it, it will come out of your pocket.)

Among the other expenses you may have to shoulder: unpaid homeowners association dues, appraisals, inspections, mechanics and other liens, a second deed of trust, transfer and other fees and even the seller’s back taxes.”

Click the following link to read the full article: Wall Street Hidden Costs

The kitchen isn’t just a place where you cook. It’s also a place where you spend time with family and friends, come up with new delicious meals, read the newspaper with your morning cup of coffee—it’s a place where memories are made. So why not make your kitchen memorable? Today’s trends in kitchen remodeling are not only incredibly eye pleasing, but they also add an element of super-functionality to your kitchen. There are home additions available to improve every single part of your kitchen. Here at the top 5 trends gaining popularity in kitchen remodeling:

1. Computerized appliances are making their way into more and more homes. Some of today’s newer refrigerators are equipped with computing capabilities, which enable internet access, e-mailing, messaging, and TV/DVD players. These high tech appliances will make it easy to watch your favorite cooking shows while cooking along and e-mail the family to tell them what’s for dinner!
2. Simple cabinets have also been popping up around more kitchens. People are replacing their decorated cabinet doors for more simple, classic ones with solid colors. This simple design makes the cabinets appear larger, enhancing the look of the whole kitchen.
3. A lot of people have been using brighter colors in their kitchens. You can make a bold statement by using loud shades such as red and orange, or go for a more peaceful, serene look with blues and greens.
4. Stainless steel counter appliances offer another way to give your kitchen a simple, classic, and clean look. These appliances are sleek, strong, and durable—making them a great addition to any kitchen.
5. Many homeowners are going green by investing in eco-friendly kitchens. Some savvy kitchen remodelers have been using formaldehyde-free materials such as bamboo for the floors. There are also a number of Energy Star appliances that can help you save energy.

In The New York Times there is a great article on the basics of painting written by Bob Tedeschi. Below is an excerpt from the article but click on the link to read the full article.

“WHEN I first painted houses during summer breaks from college, I was lucky no one was watching. My abstract period, as I like to remember it, was an oil-over-latex, enamel-on-glass, dripping binge of experimentalism that paved the way for latter-day masterpieces. But more immediately, my collegiate approach led to long workdays involving a ton of touch-up. And because extra work is no longer acceptable for this busy dad, my first step after recently deciding to paint a bathroom and hallway was to seek some expert counsel.”

Click here to read the full article: New York Times | Painting Basics

Most people think of their basement as the part of house to store all of those items that don’t really have a place. It’s the dark, sometimes scary, lower level of the house that you’d never imagine spending more than 10 minutes in at a time.

But this stereotype is totally untrue!

Your lower level can be used in a number of different ways, from rooms just for you to perfect spaces to entertain guests. There’s no need for home additions when basement remodeling can make great use out of a great space!

Let’s take a look at just some of the ways your can transform your lower level:

Home gym

Your basement is a great place to set up all of your exercise equipment. Popular choices include treadmills and weight benches. Exercise bikes are another excellent choice, as well as mats for those who enjoy yoga and pilates. You can even set up a TV so that you can exercise with different workout DVDs.

Game room

This is the perfect space for that pool table you’ve always wanted. Combine that with a poker table…foosball table…maybe even an at-home bar?  You can also add a great sound system, complete with MP3 player. Your friends will love coming over for game night!

Home theater:

What could be better than a night out at the movies in your own home? You have the space for that big flat screen you’ve been eyeing. You can fill the room with theater-style recliners, or a few big, comfortable loveseats or sofas. Put in a mini-fridge to keep your sodas nice and cold, and a vintage popcorn popper for the full effect!

Fixlr.com has been given the rare opportunity to tap into the celebrity culture.

The following link will open your eyes to what some celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, Russell Brand, Sarah Jessica Parker, and many others have done to their homes.

Click the following link to read the article and view some truly amazing pictures: Celebrity Home Remodeling

From wild and crazy celebrity remodels to just making some kitchen or bathroom changes, Airoom has you covered! Airoom has all your remodeling needs no matter how large they might be. Let us help you turn your house into a home by calling us today for a consultation.