Top 10 Must-Have Tools for Home Renovation Projects

June 12, 2025

Top 10 Must-Have Tools for Home Renovation Projects


Whether you're planning a kitchen refresh, revamping your landscaping, or finally tackling that basement, the right tools make all the difference. Many homeowners dive into renovation projects only to discover that the tool they need is either too expensive to justify for a one-time use or too large to store. That’s where tool rental for homeowners becomes a game-changer.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 must-have home renovation tools available for rent—covering both indoor and outdoor needs. With weekend project equipment at your fingertips, you can renovate smarter, faster, and more affordably.


1. Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is one of the most versatile tools in any DIY construction equipment arsenal. Whether you're cleaning off decades of grime from siding, prepping a deck for staining, or blasting mildew from concrete patios, this powerhouse does it all.

Why You Need It:

  • Cuts cleaning time in half.
  • Delivers professional-grade results with minimal effort.
  • Essential for surface prep before painting or sealing.


Ideal Projects:

  • House exterior cleaning
  • Deck or fence restoration
  • Driveway renewal


💡
Tip: Use a rotating surface cleaner attachment for large flat areas to speed things up.


2. Hammer Drill

Standard drills just won’t cut it when you need to bore into concrete, brick, or masonry. Enter the hammer drill—a must-have for heavy-duty renovation tasks.

Why You Need It:

  • Combines hammering and drilling for efficient performance on tough materials.
  • Ideal for installing anchors, bolts, and plumbing through masonry.

Ideal Projects:

  • Hanging heavy items on concrete walls
  • Installing basement waterproofing systems
  • Removing old tile and thin-set mortar

🔧 This is a go-to option for serious DIYers tackling foundation or structural work.


essex silverline SL1218R orbital sander

3. Floor Sander (Drum or Orbital)

If you’re restoring hardwood floors, renting a floor sander is a no-brainer. A floor sander removes old finish, levels out wear patterns, and preps your floor for a fresh coat of stain or sealer.

Why You Need It:

  • Saves time and elbow grease versus hand sanding.
  • Delivers a smooth, even finish when used correctly.

Ideal Projects:

  • Refinishing hardwood floors
  • Smoothing subfloors before installing new flooring
  • Removing stubborn adhesive residues

🧰 Pair it with an edger to get close to walls and tight corners.


4. Drain Snake / Sewer Auger

Renovating a bathroom or kitchen often means dealing with plumbing. If your project involves old pipes or you're removing sinks and toilets, a drain snake or sewer auger can save you from expensive plumber visits.

Why You Need It:

  • Clears clogs deep in pipes—no chemicals needed.
  • Essential for older homes with cast iron or clay drain lines.

Ideal Projects:

  • Kitchen or bathroom demolition
  • Replacing sink drains or garbage disposals
  • Troubleshooting slow drains

🛠️ This is a great example of power tool rental that pays off quickly in avoided plumbing fees.


Imer Combi 200 (Big Easy) tile saw

5. Tile Saw (Wet Saw)

Upgrading a bathroom or backsplash? You’ll need a tile saw to get clean, precise cuts in ceramic, porcelain, and even stone tiles.

Why You Need It:

  • Wet blade minimizes chipping and dust.
  • Cuts more efficiently and accurately than manual tile cutters.

Ideal Projects:

  • Bathroom renovations
  • Kitchen backsplash installs
  • Outdoor tile work on patios or steps

🎯 Look for a sliding table and adjustable fence for more accuracy.


6. Lawn Roller

Outdoor projects deserve attention too—especially after heavy construction. A lawn roller is ideal for re-leveling your yard, whether you're laying new sod, seeding grass, or fixing ruts from heavy equipment.

Why You Need It:

  • Smooths out bumps and depressions.
  • Helps new grass seed take root evenly.

Ideal Projects:

  • Post-construction yard recovery
  • Spring lawn prep
  • Installing sod or turf

🌱 Perfect for finishing up your outdoor transformation projects.


7. Post Hole Digger

Building a fence, pergola, or deck? Digging by hand is exhausting and time-consuming. Renting a post hole digger will drastically reduce your labor time.

Why You Need It:

  • Drills uniform holes in minutes.
  • Handles tough soils, even clay and compacted dirt.

Ideal Projects:

  • Fence or signpost installation
  • Deck footings
  • Planting large trees or shrubs

⚙️ Many models offer different bit sizes—check your project needs in advance.


8. Floor Scrubber

Cleaning often comes last in a renovation, but it shouldn’t be an afterthought. A floor scrubber makes it easy to restore flooring after all the dust and debris.

Why You Need It:

  • Cleans hard floors better than a mop.
  • Great for final cleanup.

Ideal Projects:

  • Post-renovation cleaning
  • Moving into or out of a home
  • Freshening up high-traffic areas

🧽 This tool pays off for renters preparing for a security deposit inspection too.


Stihl MS 211 CBE chainsaw

9. Stump Grinder or Chainsaw

Taking down trees or reshaping your landscaping? After the tree is gone, the stump remains—and that’s where a stump grinder comes in. If you're removing trees yourself, a chainsaw rental is equally essential.

Why You Need It:

  • Removes hazardous stumps below ground level.
  • Chainsaws make quick work of trimming and removal.

Ideal Projects:

  • Full yard re-landscaping
  • Replacing overgrown garden beds
  • Clearing space for outdoor living areas

🌳 Don’t forget to follow safety protocols and wear protective gear.


Mud mixer

10. Concrete Mixer

Whether you're building a patio, setting fence posts, or pouring footings, a concrete mixer will save you time and effort.

Why You Need It:

  • Mixes cement faster and more thoroughly than manual mixing.
  • Prevents premature drying and poor consistency.

Ideal Projects:

  • Pouring small slabs or sidewalks
  • Fence or deck post installation
  • Patio or outdoor kitchen bases

🔨 This is an essential piece of weekend project equipment for outdoor builds.


Bonus Tips for Homeowners: Renting Smart

🛠️ Match Tools to Project Size

Always rent tools based on the scale of your project. For example, choose a mini tiller over a full-size one for a small garden.

📆 Plan Your Weekend Projects

Tool rental for homeowners is most affordable when you schedule your work efficiently. Consider the “weekend rate” Art’s Rental offers allowing you to pick up equipment Saturday and return Monday morning for a 1-day charge.

🧯 Prioritize Safety

Make sure you understand how to operate each piece of DIY construction equipment. Ask your rental provider for a quick demo or safety tips before leaving with the tool.

🧰 Try Before You Buy

Many homeowners use rentals to “test drive” tools before making a purchase decision. If you find yourself using the same item often, you may eventually decide to invest.


Why Renting Tools is Better Than Buying for Most DIYers

Tool ownership has its perks, but for many home renovators, renting provides significant benefits:

  • Cost Savings: Most power tool rental options cost a fraction of the purchase price.
  • Storage: No need to clutter your garage with tools you only use once a year.
  • Maintenance-Free: You won’t have to worry about oil changes, blade sharpening, or motor repairs.
  • Access to Specialty Equipment: Get the right tool for every job, even if it’s something unique like a drywall lift or concrete grinder.

In other words, tool rental is the homeowner’s secret weapon for successful renovations.


Conclusion: Build Your Dream Home Without Breaking the Bank

Home renovation doesn’t have to mean calling in the pros or spending thousands on tools you’ll rarely use. By leveraging power tool rental and weekend project equipment, you can complete professional-quality work on your own terms and timeline.

From prepping your space with a pressure washer to polishing off the final detail with a carpet cleaner, this top 10 list equips you for every step. Just remember: the right tool isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Ready to start your next project? Browse DIY construction equipment and home renovation tools at your local tool rental provider, like Arts Rental, and turn your weekend plans into lasting results.

Store Locations

Ohio

Sharonville, OH

3650 Hauck Road
Sharonville, OH 45241
513-769-6700

Amelia, OH

3781 Bach-Buxton Road
Amelia, OH 45102
513-753-3660

Franklin, OH

261 Conover Drive
Franklin, OH 45005
937-746-8855

Dayton, OH

5540 Poe Avenue

Dayton, OH 45414

937-567-2787

Riverside, OH

Riverside_OH4735 Linden Avenue
Dayton, OH 45432
937-253-5262

Kentucky

Newport, KY

215 East Sixth Street
Newport, KY 41071
859-431-4519

Florence, KY

140 Aristocrat Drive
Florence, KY 41042
859-371-3660

Arts-Rental-Florence-TEST

Erlanger, KY

37 Kenton Lands Road
Erlanger, KY 41018
859-341-3660

Cold Spring, KY

5025 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
859-781-5191

Dry Ridge, KY

101 Cull Lane
Dry Ridge, KY 41035
859-823-2787

Lexington, KY

1595 Mercer Road
Lexington, KY 40511
859-455-9922

Nicholasville, KY

701 Nicholasville Bypass 
Nicholasville, KY 40356 
859-305-5033

Louisville, KY

2438 Crittenden Drive
Louisville, KY 40217
502-637-6368

Louisville, KY

Louisville_KY598 N English-Station Road
Louisville, KY 40223
502-253-2223

Indiana

Lawrenceburg, IN

1196 West Eads Pkwy 
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
812-537-3660