When Haley purchased her first home this month, she knew exactly what had to go before moving day: the stained, smelly carpet that covered much of the house.
After gathering quotes for new flooring installation, it quickly became clear that hiring the job out wasn’t in the budget. Instead, Haley decided to tackle the project herself, with help from family, friends, and the Cville Tool Library.
Armed with borrowed knee pads, a pry bar, safety goggles, leather work gloves, and work lights, Haley and her friends got to work removing the old carpet. Later, when relatives came to help install new vinyl laminate flooring, the tool library was able to provide additional equipment needed to complete the project.
The result? Beautiful new floors and an estimated savings of about $3,000.
“It was hard work,” said Haley, “but it felt really good to be working to build equity.”
For many homeowners, especially first-time buyers, the cost of tools can be just as daunting as the cost of materials or professional labor. That’s where community resources like the Cville Tool Library can make a meaningful difference.
“Tools are expensive, and so is hiring someone for home improvement and repair. Lower-income people in our community should have access to resources like this! I’m so grateful that the tool library exists, and I tell people about it all the time.”
We love stories like this because they highlight what the Tool Library is really about: helping people gain the confidence, skills, and resources they need to care for their homes, save money, and invest in their future.
Congratulations on your first home – and on a successful flooring project!
Have you finished a project with help from the tool library? Tell us about it!
