Tools

DIY planner, calculators, checklist and buying guide

Everything here works on this page with no sign-up. The planner adds up cost and time with a buffer, the calculators size paint and boards, the checklist keeps your place and prints cleanly, and the buying guide explains tool types and typical prices without brand pitches.

Plan the project

DIY Project Planner (Budget and Time Buffer)Add up materials, tools and paid help, add a budget buffer and a time buffer, and see the planned cost, hours and work sessions for a DIY project.

Calculators

Paint Quantity Calculator (Gallons for a Room)Estimate the gallons or quarts of paint a room needs from its size, doors, windows and coats, with the formula shown and the limits explained. Cut List and Board Estimator (How Many Boards to Buy)List the pieces you need to cut and get the number of boards to buy, with saw kerf, a layout for each board, leftover length and an optional spare board.

Printable checklist

DIY Tool and Safety Checklist (Printable, Before You Start)A printable checklist to run before any DIY job: scope, tools, protective gear, old paint and lead, power and water, ladders, and when to hire a pro.

Buying guide

DIY tool buying guide: buy, rent or borrow by projectChoose DIY tools by type and project risk: hand tools, drills, saws, sanders, ladders and rentals, with typical prices and when to rent or borrow.