What are the essential tools required for building an off-grid home? If you are planning to build your own dwelling, you should be prepared with the basics. Here are some of our recommendations.
Once you have planned the type of off-grid home you want to build, you need to make sure you will have all of the tools and equipment required to complete the job. The more remote your property is, the less convenient it will be to just run down to the hardware store. I prefer to plan for my build in different stages so it is easier to remember everything.
The tools you will need vary widely depending on the type of structure you are building but here are some suggestions of crucial tools to help you with your planning. We have added in some links and pictures of tools we would recommend but we have a whole section dedicated to tools at specific stages so you can jump to other articles if you need more in-depth suggestions.
Foundation and Framing Tools
Level Instrument – whether you want to go for a simple spirit level or go for a laser measure, these are absolutely essential. Getting a good level foundation is key before you even start constructing the frame. You should be checking levels and measurements at every stage of the build otherwise you get to a point where your windows and doors don’t fit or everything just seems crooked.
Measuring Devices – These are generally very affordable compared to other tools so it doesn’t hurt to get a range. Personally, I like to use a minimum of a carpenter’s square, tape measure and I also like to have a laser measurement device just for those times that I’m working by myself and want to get an accurate measurement without needing someone to hold the other end of the tape measure.
Chalk Line or Marking Line – The best way to stick to the plan is to mark it out so you have something to follow rather than just try to eyeball where you need to go.
Sledgehammer and Regular Hammer – I would get both of these, a regular hammer for driving nails and sledgehammer for driving stakes or poles and for general construction tasks.
Post Hole Digger – Depending on the type of home you are building you might not need one of these but if you are setting posts for decks, fencing or support structures it really saves a lot of time and makes the task much more efficient. If you are not going to use it after the build maybe consider borrowing one from a friend but they are definitely handy to have around even after the home is built for creating chicken coops or fencing for animals.
Cutting and Shaping Tools
If you are trying to use as little electrical power as possible, a handsaw or hacksaw can come in handy. To get a better finish I like to use battery operated tools or even connect to a generator if it’s a really big job. I prefer to use tools that all the same brand so the batteries are interchangeable. My essential purchases are a battery operated Circular Saw and Jigsaw and you can get some really good deals if you buy them in a kit.
I will usually borrow a chainsaw from a friend when I need it as I don’t really use it other than if I’m making a small clearing for building. For the framing a mitre saw is always handy to make sure you are always cutting at the perfect angles, although these usually require some form of electricity as they are a little more power-hungry than most of the smaller battery-operated saws.
Joining and Fastening Tools
Depending on the materials you are using for your build, you would want to consider at least one of these options: Cordless Drill/Driver for drilling holes and driving screws, Nail Gun if you want to speed up the process of framing and roofing rather than just using a hammer (it might also save a few bent nails), Staple Gun for attaching building wrap, insulation, and more, Wrench set for tightening bolts and nuts.
Utility Tools
These are usually the things I wander around trying to remember where I put them because they are handy for a variety of different small jobs. It’s essential to have a Utility Knife for cutting materials like insulation, drywall and opening packages (especially if you buy materials that are held together with that blue strapping). Pliers and Wire Cutters are also absolute essentials.
Finishing Tools
Paintbrushes and Rollers for painting walls and applying finishes. Caulking gun for sealing joints and gaps to make sure everything is water-tight and energy efficient. Sandpaper and Sanders for smoothing surfaces or you might want other smoothing tools like a trowel if you are working with materials like hempcrete.
Specialty Tools
There will likely be some specialty tools or tool kits that you will need depending on the type of construction and systems you are building, for example a Solar Panel Installation Kit or a plumbing tool kit but we will try to address these in individual articles to make sure you have as much detail as you need to complete your project. If there are any gaps or articles we haven’t completed yet that you are needing, please feel free to reach out via our contact page as we may have completed the research already, we are always working to try and provide you with the most comprehensive and up to date information to help you with your projects.
Where to Start: Basic Handyman Toolkit
If you are just starting out and want to put together a basic low cost kit, there are a few inexpensive tools you can start with, or you can just purchase a starter kit either online or at your local hardware store. If you are putting it together yourself, here are the items I would include:
- Tool Bag or Tool Box – to keep everything organised in one place
- Hammer – a versatile tool, you can use it for more than just driving nails
- Adjustable Wrench – to save money in the beginning you can start with one of these that will be suitable for turning nuts and bolts of various sizes
- Screwdriver Set – Whatever you are building, you will want a variety of screwdrivers of different sizes in both flat-head and Phillips-head
- Tape Measure – if in doubt, measure and measure again before cutting or building something that will be hard to change. And don’t forget to take both inside and outside measurements. You don’t want to a home that is too small just because you forgot to account for the wall thickness. Measuring and planning accurately will ensure you don’t have excessive amounts of wasted building material at the end.
- Utility Knife – a good quality sharp knife can last a long time if you look after it
- Pliers – Both needle-nose and standard for gripping and bending. These can often double as wire cutters too if you are on a budget
- Flashlight or Headlamp: It is essential to have good visibility, especially when working in poorly lit areas or at night
- Work Gloves – Even if you don’t have delicate hands like me, good quality work gloves are important to protect yourself, especially when using power saws and chainsaws
- Safety Glasses – Essential for eye protection, construction projects always have a risk of eye injury and you might be a long distance from medical help if you hurt yourself
- Dust Mask or Respirator – If you are doing work that is generating fine particles, a dust mask is another necessary item to protect yourself. If you don’t have one, repurposing a bandana might be sufficient depending on the material you are working with
- Hearing Protection – if you are working with noisy power tools, hearing protection needs to be a priority. There are many options, you can get some good quality earmuffs or even go for some cheap single-use ear plugs but protecting your hearing is really important
