Winter Work Shopping List - Self-Finish Construction

Purpose: Equipment and supplies needed to complete electrical, plumbing, insulation, and drywall work during winter 2025-26.

Note: Links verified November 2025. Prices and availability subject to change.

🔦 TIER 1: Essential Safety & Lighting (Buy Immediately)

Lighting Equipment

Overhead/Area Lighting

Commercial Electric 4ft LED Shop Light (Linkable) - 3200 Lumens

Price: ~$25-30 each
Quantity Needed: 2-3 units
Link: Home Depot - Commercial Electric 4ft LED Shop Light
Features: Pull chain switch, linkable up to 6 units, 50,000-hour lifespan
Why: LED runs cool (safe near insulation), low power draw, linkable
Purchased

Alternative: Commercial Electric 4ft 4-Light 7000 Lumen Shop Light

Price: Check current pricing
Link: Home Depot - 7000 Lumen Shop Light
Features: 80W, 4000K bright white, 4 LED tubes
Why: Higher output for large garage space
Purchased

VEVOR LED Work Light with Stand - 10,000 Lumens (Dual Head)

Price: ~$80-120
Quantity Needed: 1 unit (portable task lighting)
Link: Amazon - VEVOR 10,000 Lumen Work Light
Features: Dual head 100W, adjustable tripod stand 27.6”-70”, remote control, temperature adjustment
Why: Portable for moving around work areas, adjustable height
Purchased

Task & Personal Lighting

Energizer Vision Ultra HD LED Headlamp - 450 Lumens

Price: $17.88
Link: Home Depot - Energizer Vision Ultra HD
Features: 7 light modes, IPX4 water resistant, shatterproof lens
Why: Essential for electrical box work, overhead tasks, hands-free operation
Purchased

Alternative: Energizer Vision Ultra HD Rechargeable - 400 Lumens

Price: $24.81
Link: Home Depot - Energizer Rechargeable
Features: Rechargeable, Smart Dimming technology
Why: No battery replacement cost long-term
Purchased

Milwaukee M12 ROVER LED Flood Light - 1000 Lumens (if you have M12 batteries)

Price: $89.00 (tool-only)
Link: Home Depot - Milwaukee M12 ROVER
Features: Cordless, 1000 lumens, magnetic base, rotating head
Why: Battery-powered portability if already in M12 ecosystem
Purchased

Power Distribution & Electrical Safety

Yellow Jacket 50ft 12/3 Heavy-Duty Extension Cord with Power Light Plug

Price: Check current pricing
Quantity Needed: 2-3 cords
Link: Home Depot - Yellow Jacket 50ft Extension Cord
Features: 12 AWG, SJTW rated, lighted end
Note: Does NOT have built-in GFCI - add GFCI adapter separately
Purchased

Yellow Jacket GFCI Extension Cord Adapter

Price: Check current pricing
Link: Home Depot - GFCI Adapter
Features: 1-outlet GFCI protection
Why: Essential safety for construction environment
Purchased

Klein NCVT-2PR Non-Contact Voltage Tester

Price: Check current pricing
Link: Home Depot - Klein NCVT-2PR
Features: Dual range 12-1000V AC, digital display
Why: Critical safety tool for electrical work
Purchased

Respiratory Protection (CRITICAL)

3M 6502QL Rugged Comfort Half-Face Respirator

Price: $47.98
Link: Home Depot - 3M 6502QL Respirator
Features: Quick latch design, compatible with 2000/5000/6000/7000 series filters
Why: Required for insulation, drywall sanding, fiberglass work
Purchased - Order WH16973100 (Dec 1, 2025)

3M 2097 P100 Particulate Filters (2-Pair)

Price: $18.48 p er 2 - p ai r p a c k ($ 9.24/cartridge)
Quantity Needed: Start with 1 pack, buy more as needed
Link: Home Depot - 3M P100 Filters
Features: P100 rating with nuisance level organic vapor relief, 99.97% filtration
Why: P100 REQUIRED for fiberglass insulation (N95 not sufficient)
Purchased - Order WH16973100 (Dec 1, 2025)

N95 Disposable Masks (20-pack)

Price: ~$15-20
Quantity: 1 box
Why: Quick dust protection for general cleanup, lighter tasks
Purchased

Eye Protection

3M Virtua CCS Safety Glasses with Anti-Fog Coating

Price: $2.07/unit (sold in case of 100 at Home Depot for professionals)
Link: Home Depot - 3M Virtua CCS (Case of 100)
Features: Anti-fog, removable foam gasket, ANSI Z87.1-2020
Alternative: Available on Amazon in smaller quantities
Why: Anti-fog critical for winter (warm breath + cold garage = fog)
Purchased

Face Shield (for grinding, nail gun work)

Price: ~$10-15
Search: “3M face shield Home Depot”
Why: Required for grinding, cutting metal, demolition
Purchased

Safety Goggles (for overhead work)

Price: ~$10-15
Why: Dust and debris fall into face during overhead work
Purchased

Hearing Protection

Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs

Price: ~$50-60 (varies by retailer)
Link: Amazon - Howard Leight Impact Sport
Features: NRR 22, amplifies conversation to safe 82dB, auto shutoff 82dB+
Why: Allows conversation while blocking dangerous tool noise
Note: Also available at Cabela’s, Honeywell store, specialty retailers
Purchased

Foam Earplugs (100-pack)

Price: ~$10-15
Why: Disposable backup, use under earmuffs for maximum protection
Purchased

Hand & Knee Protection

Husky Gel Soft Cap Work Knee Pads (1-pair)

Price: $39.98
Link: Home Depot - Husky Gel Knee Pads
Features: Rigid foam outer, gel middle, moisture-wicking neoprene
Why: Essential for drywall, insulation work - prevents permanent knee damage
Purchased - Amazon Order NoCry Professional Knee Pads $32.78 (Dec 1, 2025)

Alternative: Husky Hard Cap Gel/Foam Stabilizer Knee Pads

Price: $49.98
Link: Home Depot - Husky Hard Cap Stabilizer
Features: Hinge design for added support
Purchased (not needed - bought NoCry instead)

Leather Work Gloves (6-12 pairs)

Price: ~$20-40 for multi-pack
Why: Lumber handling, general work - they wear out fast
Purchased - Amazon Order WZQH Leather Gloves (2 pairs) $15.98 (Dec 1, 2025)

Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves (6-12 pairs)

Price: ~$25-40 for multi-pack
Why: Better grip, chemical resistance
Purchased - Amazon Order NEOTRIL MicroFoam Gloves $9.49 (Dec 1, 2025)

Disposable Nitrile Gloves (100-pack box)

Price: ~$15-20
Why: Painting, staining, cleanup tasks
Purchased

Dust Control & Cleanup

RIDGID 14 Gal. 6.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vac

Price: $124.00
Link: Home Depot - RIDGID 14 Gal HD1400
Features: 7ft hose, fine dust filter, NXT locking accessories
Why: Essential for dust control during construction
Purchased - Order WH16973100 (Dec 1, 2025)

RIDGID VF6000 HEPA Filter

Price: $34.48
Link: Home Depot - VF6000 HEPA Filter
Features: 5-layer HEPA, 99.97% filtration 0.3 micron+
Why: REQUIRED for drywall dust (ultra-fine particles)
Purchased - Order WH16973100 (Dec 1, 2025)

Heavy-Duty Contractor Trash Bags (42-55 gal, 50-count)

Price: ~$20-30
Why: Construction waste, debris removal
Purchased

Push Broom (wide head)

Price: ~$15-25
Purchased

TIER 1 Subtotal: ~$500-650

🔧 TIER 2: Task-Specific Tools (Buy Before Starting Each Phase)

Electrical Phase

Klein NCVT-2PR Non-Contact Voltage Tester (listed in Tier 1 above)

Fish Tape (60-100 ft)

Price: ~$30-50
Search: “Klein fish tape 100ft Home Depot”
Why: Pulling wire through walls, conduit
Purchased

Wire Stripper/Cutter Combo

Price: ~$20-30
Search: “Klein wire stripper Home Depot”
Purchased

Junction Boxes (assorted sizes)

Price: ~$2-5 each, buy 10-20
Why: Rough-in electrical work
Purchased

Wire Nuts Assortment

Price: ~$10-15
Purchased

Cable Staples (boxes)

Price: ~$5-10 per box
Purchased

Insulation Phase

Utility Knives with Extra Blades (100-pack blades)

Price: ~ $15 - 20 f or kni v es,$ 15-25 for 100-pack blades
Search: “utility knife blade dispenser Home Depot”
Why: Insulation dulls blades FAST
Purchased

Arrow T50 Heavy-Duty Staple Gun

Price: $19.98
Link: Home Depot - Arrow T50
Features: Jam-resistant rear load, high leverage handle
Why: Stapling vapor barrier, faced insulation to studs
Purchased

Arrow T50 Staples (assorted sizes)

Price: $3.37-4.97 per 1,250-pack
Sizes needed: 3/8”, 1/2”, 9/16”
Link: Home Depot - T50 Staples
Purchased

Great Stuff Spray Foam (6-12 cans)

Price: ~$5-8 per can
Type: Gaps & Cracks formula
Search: “Great Stuff spray foam Home Depot”
Why: Air sealing around windows, penetrations, sill plates
Purchased

4-6 mil Plastic Sheeting (100-200 ft roll)

Price: ~$30-50
Why: Temporary insulation over stud bays, dust barriers
Purchased

Drywall Phase

Drywall Lift Rental

Price: ~$50/day
Link: Home Depot - Drywall Lift Rental
Note: Rent 1-2 days for ceiling installation
Why: ESSENTIAL for 10ft ceiling drywall - cannot safely do alone
Reserved

DEWALT 8/10/12 in. Stainless Steel Taping Knife Set with 16 in. Mud Pan

Price: Check current pricing
Link: Home Depot - DEWALT Taping Knife Set
Features: Professional-grade, soft grip handles, includes mud pan
Why: Complete professional set for drywall finishing
Purchased

Alternative: 12 in. Stainless Steel Taping Knife Pro Kit

Price: Check current pricing
Link: Home Depot - Pro Kit
Features: 8”, 10”, 12” taping knives, 6” joint knife, jab saw, mud pan
Purchased

Drywall T-Square (48”)

Price: ~$15-25
Why: Accurate cuts on drywall sheets
Purchased

Drywall Sanding Pole with Head

Price: ~$20-40
Search: “drywall sanding pole Home Depot”
Why: Sanding ceiling and walls without ladder
Purchased

220-Grit Sanding Screens (pack)

Price: ~$10-15
Purchased

Drywall Screws (1-1/4” and 1-5/8” - 5-10 lb boxes)

Price: ~$15-20 per box
Why: Buy in bulk for entire project
Purchased

Joint Compound (Bucket - All-Purpose or Lightweight)

Price: ~$15-20 per 5-gallon bucket
Quantity: Start with 2 buckets
Purchased

Mesh or Paper Drywall Tape

Price: ~$5-10 per roll
Quantity: Multiple rolls
Purchased

TIER 2 Subtotal: ~$400-500

❄️ TIER 3: Climate Control & Comfort Items

Heating Enhancements

DeLonghi 1500W Oil-Filled Radiator Heater

Price: Check current pricing
Link: Home Depot - DeLonghi TRD50615E
Features: 5120 BTU, quiet operation, safety shutoff
Why: Spot heating at workbench, safer than open-element heaters
Purchased

Alternative: DeLonghi ComfortTemp KH390715CB-6A

Link: Home Depot - ComfortTemp
Purchased

20” High-Velocity Oscillating Fan

Price: ~$40-60
Search: “20 inch high velocity fan Home Depot”
Why: Destratify warm air from VEVOR heaters
Purchased

Air Sealing Materials

Weather Stripping (foam tape, door sweeps)

Price: ~$10-20
Search: “weather stripping garage door Home Depot”
Why: Seal overhead doors, entry door
Purchased

Painter’s Tape (multiple rolls)

Price: ~$15-25 for multi-pack
Why: Secure plastic sheeting, masking
Purchased

Comfort & Organization

Insulated Cooler

Price: ~$20-30
Why: Keep water from freezing, hold warm drinks
Purchased

Large Thermos (64+ oz)

Price: ~$20-40
Why: Hot coffee/tea during cold work sessions
Purchased

Portable Battery Radio/Speaker

Price: ~$30-50
Why: Music makes cold work more bearable
Purchased

Folding Work Table

Price: ~$40-80
Search: “folding work table Home Depot”
Why: Get materials off cold floor, layout area
Purchased

Sawhorses (pair)

Price: ~$30-60
Search: “metal folding sawhorses Home Depot”
Why: Critical for supporting materials during cutting
Purchased

Plastic Storage Bins (clear, various sizes)

Price: ~$5-15 each
Quantity: 5-10 bins
Why: Organize fasteners, electrical parts, small tools
Purchased

TIER 3 Subtotal: ~$300-400

📊 Budget Summary

Tier	Category	Estimated Cost
Tier 1	Essential Safety & Lighting	$500-650
Tier 2	Task-Specific Tools	$400-500
Tier 3	Climate Control & Comfort	$300-400
	TOTAL ESTIMATE	$1,200-1,550

🛒 Shopping Strategy

Buy Now (Tier 1 - This Week)

LED shop lights (2-3 units)
Headlamp
P100 respirator + filters (Order WH16973100 - Dec 1, 2025)
Safety glasses (anti-fog)
Extension cords with GFCI
Shop vac with HEPA filter (Order WH16973100 - Dec 1, 2025)
Knee pads (Amazon - Dec 1, 2025)
Work gloves (assorted) (Amazon - Dec 1, 2025)
Non-contact voltage tester

Buy Before Electrical Work Starts

Buy Before Insulation Work Starts

Utility knives + 100-pack blades
Arrow T50 staple gun + staples
Spray foam (6-12 cans)
Plastic sheeting (100-200 ft)

Buy Before Drywall Work Starts

Optional/As Budget Allows

💡 Money-Saving Tips

Rent vs. Buy

Rent: Drywall lift (~$50/day, only need 1-2 days)
Rent: Scaffolding if needed for high work
Buy: Tools you’ll use repeatedly throughout project

Buy in Bulk

Fasteners (screws, nails): 5-10 lb contractor boxes
Consumables (blades, sandpaper, gloves): Multi-packs
Spray foam: Case pricing if using many cans

Check for Bundles

Home Depot/Lowe’s often have contractor bundles
Tool sets vs. individual purchases
Multi-packs of safety gear

Winter-Specific Considerations

Keep batteries warm: Cordless tool batteries lose charge in cold
- Store batteries indoors or in heated area
- Bring inside overnight
Warm up tools: Cold metal tools can cause frostnip
Monitor air compressor: Works harder in cold, drain moisture more frequently

📋 Quick Reference Checklist

Print this section and take to the store:

Essential Safety (Tier 1)

Power & Electrical

2-3 heavy-duty extension cords (12 AWG, 50-100ft)
GFCI adapter
Non-contact voltage tester

Dust Control

14 gal shop vac
HEPA filter
Contractor trash bags
Push broom

Climate & Comfort

📝 Notes & Tracking

Shopping Sessions:

Session 1 (Date: Dec 1, 2025): Order WH16973100 - Shop vac, HEPA filter, respirator, P100 filters - $238.44
Session 2 (Date: Dec 1, 2025): Amazon Order - Knee pads, leather gloves (2), nitrile gloves - $61.75
Session 3 (Date: ___________): Items purchased: _______________________

Actual Total Spent: $300.19

Items Still Needed: LED lights, headlamp, safety glasses, extension cords, GFCI adapter, voltage tester

Priority Adjustments: ___________________________________________

Optimal Purchasing Strategy - Maximize savings with discount strategies, loyalty programs, and timing
Temporary Heating (Winter 2025-26) - VEVOR heater setup and winter heating strategy
Winter Construction Strategy - Overall winter construction approach
01 - General Safety Requirements - PPE requirements and safety protocols
To-Do - Overall project task list

Document Status: Active shopping list for winter 2025-26 construction work Last Updated: November 2025 Next Review: As items purchased or needs change

Garage Construction Project

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Winter Work Shopping List