Tools.....

I thought I would put together a list of some of the tools that we have found helpful in this process.  Many times it is cheaper to buy tools and do it yourself rather than hire it done.  On some jobs we didn't have experience doing I've found the internet more than helpful.  There's a YouTube video for everything!

We bought a wallpaper steamer and borrowed one as well.  I had bad luck with the first one I bought and had to take it back.  I returned it for another and it didn't work either.  I did return for the third time and got one that worked well.  Go figure.......  Aaron was the main man in wallpaper removal and he thought the steamer worked the best in getting off the paper and the glue. 

I have used this little orbit sander a ton and love it.  I've used it to sand trim and doors as well as some furniture I'm refinishing.

Over the years I've had need for an air compressor and just never did justify spending the money.  However, knowing we would need one to use a nail gun we did end up purchasing a small one to use with the stapler and finish gun.  I do wish I had a bigger one that would keep up the pressure a little longer, but I like the size and portability of it.  I have also used it to blow off dust and will use it a lot more once I begin to paint trim.  Aaron particularly likes the stapler and finish gun.  I admit they're fun to use too.....

I have not used the miter saw yet, but Doug says it makes nice clean cuts and he's done several straight and miter cuts with it.

We also bought a paint sprayer to prime the walls, ceilings, trim and doors.  I will have to let you know how this works out.

We chose to purchase the things above for a couple of reasons...... first, they are things we will most likely use again and have had need for in the past.  For instance, I wish we would have had that paint sprayer last summer when we painted our deck!  Also, we figured the cost of paying someone else to do it and by purchasing our own equipment we were WAY ahead financially and we learned a new skill in the process. 

There are some things that we will choose to rent.  We have a circular saw, recipricating saw and miter saw.  Although a table saw would be nice for installing flooring the cost outweighed the benefit.  A jig saw would be nice to have as well but again, not enough need to justify the cost.  We are in envy of people who have all the fancy tools and maybe someday we'll collect some more good stuff too......

Because the house has 10 ft ceilings and it ALL has to be painted we did buy scaffolding to assist in the painting.  The last time I painted on a ladder it took several chiropractor visits to get me put back together.  So in this case the cost of the scaffolding is much less than a few Dr. bills.

We are taking the weekend off and enjoying time with family in celebration of the Lord's resurrection. May you all have a blessed Easter holiday!