Carpentry tools for Ottawa Renovation Contractor

Do You Really Need All Those Tools? Top Specialty Tools of an Ottawa Basement Renovation Company

The truth is that you can completed most renovations with just a few hand tools and common power tools. However, specialty tools do a couple things for us as an Ottawa Basement Renovation Company.

  • Firstly they often make a job less enjoyable….fun. Okay maybe that’s because we’re using cool tools….but we’ll take it. This also might be because the tool often takes away the stress of the task and requires less mental energy
  • We are able to do the job more efficiently which saves time and energy on the job site. Anytime we can accomplish both of those in one task we will embrace that.
  • And most importantly because the tool is specifically designed for the task at hand it does a better job which increases the quality of the product.

Miter Clamps - Keep a Joint Tight While Glue Sets Up

 These specific miter clamps are made by the Collins Tool Company.

There are also other carpentry clamps for different applications but there are great for baseboards and small trim applications. They are small and light which are easy to carry around in your tool belt.

You can see in the picture on the left when were were putting the finishing touches on a basement renovation in Ottawa, that the joint is tight which means the wood is being glued to the wood creating a strong joint.

These are also called spring clamps as they act as a spring. 

You can see the little beads of glue being squeezed out of the joint from the spring pressure.

The clamps do leave little holes in the trim from the pointed tips that are about the same size of a brad nail hole….and are easily filled.

A highly recommended tool for any finish carpenter.

Price: $30 (Set With Spring Pliers)

Ottawa Trim Carpentry Clamps

Skimming Blade - A Perfect Finish....Everytime!

A skimming blade is a must have for stubborn drywall joints or when matching old drywall to new.

Some will say it takes the skill out of the process or they they can do just as good without the tool. That is simply not true, and why wouldn’t you use a better tool?

This skimming blade is by Level 5 Tools.

Price: $145

Track Saw - A Perfectly Straight Cut!

A track saw is a fairly simple tool which is a circular saw that travels along a track, creating perfectly straight cuts.

It is very versatile but us a must have for building composite decks in Ottawa. When cutting composite decking it’s a very expensive mistake and a track saw eliminates that risk and makes the cuts perfectly straight.

It is also used frequently in flooring when cutting in flush mount vents and inlays.

We use a cordless model from Milwaukee which is a great saw with lots of power and being cordless takes away the need for extension chords.

Price: $1275 (Including Tracks)

Track saw for Ottawa deck building

Dustless Drywall Sander - Less Mess....More Efficient!

Ottawa Renovation Tool for Drywall Sanding

Pairing this sander with the Mirka Dust Extractor makes it essentially dustless.

What this means for our clients is that there is less potential for dust to enter their spaces. This also means for the operator that there’s less chance of being exposed to dust from traditional sanding.

This also means less dust to clean up when completing the sanding process which saves time. 

But not only does it save time on cleanup it is also faster and easier as the sander only weights 7.5 lbs.

Anytime we can buy a tool to do a better job, more efficiently with less health hazard….we will!

Price: $3200 (with Extractor) 

Zip Level - Measuring Elevations...Effortlessly!

A very clever tool. It measures elevation by comparing the pressure difference between the module and base. It works on the same principle as an airplane uses an altimeter to measure it’s height.

This tool has many uses. We mainly use it for decks and flooring. Before laying any flooring in Ottawa we check the flatness with this tool. It will tell us the difference in height with accuracy of the thickness of a piece of paper.

Price: $1200

Zip Level

We will update this post as we're always buying tools to increase our efficiency!

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We Would Love to Hear About Your Renovation Project!
Load bearing wall removal Ottawa

Do I Need A Permit? Should My Ottawa Contractor Get the Permit?

As an Ottawa Contractor during the process of removing a load-bearing wall during a kitchen renovation you need to consider how to get the new beam in…..sometimes you have to get creative!

When Is a Permit Required? An Ottawa Contractor Should Know

  • Decks over 24″ in height
  • Removing a load bearing wall
  • New electrical installations
  • New plumbing installations
  • Home additions
  • Sheds over size

While these are a few examples it is best to check with the City of Ottawa or your local building code office for verification.  There are also exceptions to every application.

Should My Contractor Be The One Getting The Permit?

That is a very good question….but it doesn’t really matter who gets the permit as long as there is one in place before any work begins. As the contractor we prefer getting the permit as we know and understand the process.

We will also note that it is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that all permits are obtained and inspections are completed. In our case we take care of the renovation process which includes permits. To ensure that there is no doubt we send all reports to our client for their safekeeping records.

Ottawa Contactor build decks with Permits

As an Ottawa contractor we get several calls a year from homeowner who are in a pinch because their contractor didn’t get a permit for their deck.

The unfortunate part is there’s not much that can be done quickly other than apply for the permit and rebuild the deck project. In some cases a full rebuild is not required and some items just need to be brought up to code.

At the end of the day it is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure all permits and inspections are carried out. It is sad that the person you trusted with the project has let you down.  

If you are in this situation please contact us….we would be happy to help!

What Is The Process To Get A Permit?

There is a process to getting a permit of course and it is not to be taken lightly. If the proper steps are not taken then it will likely lengthen the process.

Typically we would design the project first so that everything makes sense aesthetically pleasing. In the transition of design to engineering there are sometimes adjustments made to allow for practical building practices

A permit application would include a set of drawings from a BCIN (Building Code Identification) Designer or Structural Engineer. The set of drawings would include cross sections and plan views as well as specific details. These details would include things like nailing patterns, fastener size and metal connectors. It is the responsibility of the Engineer to size all elements correctly and it is not to be modified by anyone other than the owner of the professional stamp.

Why Should I Get A Permit?

Other than the obvious that you should get a permit because you’re supposed to, you should also get a permit to ensure that everything is done correctly and inspected. In doing this it keeps the contractor honest

Need a Quote?

We Would Love to Hear About Your Renovation Project!