And since 40% of UK house sales occur between May and August, I thought now could be the perfect time. Plus, with Easter weekend coming up, it’s prime time for home DIY projects.
Toolstation have collaborated with construction expert, Chris Lawson, Managing Director at CK Architectural, to devise a list of the essential tools homeowners will need to invest in to tackle DIY tasks in their homes:
1. Drill driver – around £110 (+ £15 for bits)
Designed to both drill holes and drive in screws, whether you’re putting up blinds or curtains, assembling furniture or installing shelves, this versatile tool will make life much easier. This is an investment so if you can borrow one, by all means, go ahead. Remember, you’ll also need some drill bits and screwdriver bits.
2. Screwdrivers – around £10
You’ll use manual screwdrivers for more precise jobs like tightening furniture and opening tins of paint. Go for a set of screwdrivers or a multibit screwdriver with interchangeable heads for maximum versatility.
3. Tape measure – around £5
A tape measure doesn’t need much explanation. A top tip is to take your tape measure with you when going DIY or furniture shopping so there’s never any room for error.
4. Spirit level – around £8
A spirit level can also be called a bubble level and indicates whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). Relatively low cost, spirit levels avoid bodged jobs when erecting shelves, hanging mirrors or perfecting a gallery wall.
5. Claw hammer – around £5
The head of a claw hammer is used for driving in the nails needed to hang things like hooks and photo frames, while the claw is great from retrieving any picture hooks, nails or raw plugs left in the walls. It can also be used for tasks like prising up old carpet.
6. Step ladder – around £50
A step ladder will come in handy for all sorts of DIY tasks including painting ceilings, changing lightbulbs, and hanging pictures. If you’re strapped for cash, a chair may suffice but ask somebody to keep it steady.
7. Toolbox – around £8
It’s not strictly essential but you’ll want a toolbox to store all your new tools in.
8. (Bonus) Shared tool libraries
For more challenging DIY jobs, it’s worth checking out local shared tool libraries. These are repositories of tools, like power tools, you can hire.
Total cost: £211 (£86 if you can borrow a drill driver)
You’ll find further details on the Toolstation blog
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
