As a city characterized by its unique neighborhoods and varied architecture, exterior remodeling in Portland, Oregon can be particularly complex. Whether you are doing a facelift to a historic Seattle craftsman or giving a modern update to a ranch house in Southwest Portland, the right tool will help you achieve the success you are looking for. Take a look at this guide to the basic tools essential to taking care of Portland exterior remodeling projects.
Power Tools
- 18-volt cordless drill/driver: Use this one tool to drill holes, drive screws, and do all sorts of light assembly work when you remodel. Look for features like various speed settings and torque for various materials.
- Circular Saw: Very good for precision in cutting lumber, siding, or trim pieces. Find a saw that offers bevel adjustment, a means of setting an exact angle, and a motor capable of handling truly thick material that you may run into in Portland homes more often than you expect.
- Reciprocating Saw: Fast demolition work cuts through tough materials (larger nails, pipes, etc.) Great for taking part in previous siding or chopping the branches that dangle in your siding justice exterior.
- Impact Driver: Best for driving long screws and fasteners fast and without stripping the heads. It comes in handy whenever you want to install a new deck or affix siding panels in place.
- Electric right-angle random-orbital sander: Levels surface, and removes old paint or finishes to prepare for application of new coatings. Opt for one that has variable speed settings as well as dust collection capabilities to make clean-up easier.
Hand Tools
- Hammer: Essential for everything from framing and installing roofing shingles to general contractor work.
- Utility Knife: Nice to use on insulation cuts, package opening, and extra stuff pruning. Choose one with a retractable blade you can use to save time and prevent you from cutting yourself.
- Chalk Line: For making certain you get nice straight traces when marking cuts on siding or laying out initiatives like decking or fencing.
- Pry Bar: Use this to remove old trim, siding, or other materials that stubbornly refuse to budge.
- Levels (Spirit and Laser): Spirit levels in spirit dewalt levels are used in installing siding or framing while laser levels help in laying precise layout lines over great distances, making it vital for large outdoor jobs.
Safety Equipment
- Safety Glasses & Ear Protection: A necessity during exterior renovation projects to protect your eyes from debris and ears from loud power tool noise.
- Work Gloves: Help to give you grip, and protect your hands from the rough sharp edges, splinters, or whatever other dangers may be present while doing remodel work.
- Dust Mask or Respirator: Needed for use while performing demolition and in later construction.
Miscellaneous Tools
- Power Washer: For paint or stain preparation, you’ll want to use a pressure washer. Effectively removes dirt, grime, and old finishes.
- Extension Ladder: Critical for reaching high areas, such as rooflines or second-story siding. A quality ladder with rung protections and non-slide feet if necessary for your specific reach.
- Workwear: Work gloves and painting overalls that prevent paint splatters or spills from soiling clothes.
- Painting Supplies: Brushes, rollers, and paint sprayers used to apply exterior paint or stain to siding, trim, and fences
- Tool Belt or Tool Pouch: Hold essential tools and transport them up a ladder or scaffolding with minimal effort.
From power tools such as drills and saws to less physical gear like safety gear and equipment needed for some of our special services like pressure washing, no tool we offer is unimportant when it comes to the greater goal of beautifying the outside of your Portland home. Instead of seeing these challenges as obstacles to your project, consider them an opportunity to get creative, pioneer new ideas, and enjoy the journey of creating a home that is quintessentially Portland.
