Do you have the right tools for your %26quot;honey-do%26quot; list?

(ARA) - It's summer and there's no better time to take on home improvement projects and that ever-expanding "honey-do" list. In a few months, those tasks will seem a lot more unpleasant when they can't be done in the beautiful sunshine.

The key to tackling everything from the largest construction project to the smallest touch-up is to have the right equipment. Don't talk yourself into trying to getting by with makeshift tools - you'll only end up frustrated, and your project might not get done at all.

If you can't find everything you need in your tool shed (or even in your tool box), you may be worried about the cost of buying a lot of expensive equipment - particularly if you plan to do more than one project. For most people, renting equipment allows them to get jobs done without the extra cost of buying pricey items that they won't actually use much.

To make sure that you've got everything you need, start by assessing what tools and gadgets you have. Here are some ideas for what you'll need for some of the most common summer home improvement projects:

* For cleaning your home's exterior, whether it's the siding, deck or driveway, a rented power washer gets the job done in a fraction of the time with double the power.

* For touching up the paint on your home, you'll need sturdy ladders, an array of painting tools and, of course, paint. To give yourself an easy place to set all of your gear, a wheeled scaffolding unit with a platform is a great idea.

* For putting in a new fence, you'll need panels and posts, and, to make the job go faster, a power auger from your local rental store for digging post holes. Just make sure you contact local utilities to find out where it's safe to dig before you get started.

* For clearing unwanted brush, bushes and trees, you'll need a chainsaw and, potentially, a stump grinder or wood chipper. You can rent all of the necessary equipment.

* For adding a deck, choose the decking material you want, and depending on your selection, you might need to pick out sealants and decorative accents. You'll also need an air compressor for the building process.

Instead of having to shop around for the best price, you can save time and get started right away on your project by going to your local rental store and picking up the tools you need. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers RentalHQ.com, the world's largest and most comprehensive rental store locator.

You might even be able to talk your friends into helping out with your projects - combine an afternoon of deck building with a barbeque and you might just find more willing helpers than you'd expected. Armed with a little know-how, a little help from friends and the right tools, your "honey-do" list will be a thing of the past. For more information on tool rental, go to www.RentalHQ.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent