General Builder's Starting Tool Kit: Covering All Bases

You're setting up as a general builder - a bit of everything rather than one specialism. What tools do you actually need when the work varies from week to week? Here's a realistic kit for someone starting out.

The Philosophy: Versatility Over Specialism

General builders need tools that handle multiple tasks rather than the specialist kit each trade carries. You're not a full-time plumber or electrician - you're doing bits of everything. Buy accordingly.

Core Power Tools

Combi drill: Your workhorse. Get a good one because you'll use it every day. 18V brushless from DeWalt or Makita handles wood, metal, and masonry.

Impact driver: For driving screws, especially structural screws and coach bolts. Once you've used an impact, you won't want to go back to a drill for screws.

SDS drill: For anything serious in masonry. Drilling wall ties, anchor bolts, waste pipes through walls. A combi drill's hammer mode is fine for small holes but not for all-day drilling.

Circular saw: Cutting timber and sheet materials. A 185mm or 190mm cordless handles most work. Essential for studwork, decking, first fix.

Angle grinder: Cutting metal, grinding, cleaning up. 115mm or 125mm for general work. Get a cordless one - the cable constantly gets in the way.

Reciprocating saw: Demolition, cutting in place, pruning (seriously). This tool handles the jobs nothing else can.

Multi-tool: Detail work, cutting in place, trimming. Incredibly useful for retrofits and awkward spots.

The Battery Question

Stick to one battery platform. If you buy DeWalt, buy all DeWalt. Mixing means carrying multiple chargers and batteries that don't swap between tools. Starting out, pick a platform and commit.

Hand Tools - The Essentials

Measuring: 8m tape, spirit level (1200mm), speed square, combination square, chalk line.

Cutting: Utility knife, chisels (basic set), hand saw for where power can't reach.

Striking: Claw hammer, club hammer, rubber mallet.

Gripping: Adjustable wrenches (two sizes), water pump pliers, standard pliers.

Screwdrivers: Set covering PH1, PH2, PZ1, PZ2, flats in various sizes.

Pry and demo: Flat bar, wrecking bar.

Access Equipment

Step ladders: Platform steps are better than regular steps - more stable, you can work longer.

Extension ladder: For roof access, external work. Make sure it's trade-rated.

Hop-up: For internal work at height. Safer than standing on toolboxes.

What About Specialist Tasks?

When you get jobs outside your core kit:

• Plumbing: Basic pipe cutters and spanners cover simple tasks. Subcontract serious plumbing.
• Electrics: A voltage tester at minimum. Don't do notifiable work unless qualified.
• Tiling: Manual cutter and basic application tools. Hire wet saws for floor work.

Know your limits. Taking on specialist work you're not equipped for loses money and reputation.

Starting Budget

Realistic budget for a general builder starting kit:

• Power tools: £1500-3000 (depending on brand and range)
• Hand tools: £400-800
• Access: £300-500
• Sundries, fixings, consumables: £200-400

Total: £2500-5000 to set up properly. You can start with less by prioritising - drill, impact driver, and basic hand tools get you working. Add the rest as earnings allow.

The Van

You need to get your tools to jobs. Starting out, a small to medium van is plenty - something like a Berlingo or Partner. Don't buy the biggest van available and rattle around in it half-empty. Size up when the work justifies it.

Racking keeps tools organised and protected. Even basic shelving is better than everything rolling around loose.