Tools We Love

No matter what work they do, most remodelers have favorite tools. Lead carpenters and other job-site workers probably would rattle off any number of power tools when asked to name the ones they would be most reluctant to give up, but the people in the office have their favorites, too.

Mike Harris, president of Harris Group Construction Co. in Dearborn Heights, Mich., rarely wields a reciprocating saw these days. His personal favorites include the following:

• My PC and laptop.
• Cellular phones. "Without my Nextel phone, I would accomplish less than half of what I do today," Harris says.
• Simple PC-based business accounting programs. "Without QuickBooks Pro, I would be much less effective controlling the financial side of our business."
• Internet and fax communications. "Clearly written directions, communications and sources of information — quickly — are critical."
• Hand-held computers. "My Palm Pilot put my 8"211"23" Franklin Planner in my shirt pocket and does the job better."

What are your five favorite tools, electronic or otherwise? E-mail Professional Remodeler at m.oconnor@cahners.com.