Tools of the Trade: Favorite Equipment Our Crew Swears By

At any given construction site, there’s a rhythm to the work. The builders are buzzing, the general contractor is reviewing blueprints, and in the background, our favorite tools are doing the real heavy lifting. We asked our crew of seasoned construction workers what tools they just can’t live without—and trust us, this list is anything but basic. Whether you're a fellow contractor or just a curious future homeowner wondering about the cost to build a house, here’s your backstage pass to the gear that keeps our projects moving.

🛠️ 1. Backhoe – The MVP of Earthmoving

When it comes to moving expansive soils or prepping for a solid foundation, the backhoe is a hero on every building construction site. It digs, lifts, and maneuvers like a champ. Our operators practically name theirs—they love them that much. Perfect for digging footers (footings) and clearing space for ready mix concrete pours.

“It’s not just a machine—it’s a co-worker,” says Mario, one of our lead excavators.

🛠️ 2. Glulam Beams – Strength Meets Style

For projects that need strength and aesthetic appeal (like some of our custom home builders jobs), nothing beats a solid glulam (glued laminated beam). We love using them in passive house and green building designs where sustainability and structure both matter.

🛠️ 3. Laser Levels – Because Straight is Beautiful

You can't frame a house right without precision. Framing gets a lot easier—and faster—thanks to our trusty laser levels. Perfect for nailing the floor plan, setting forms for flatwork, and ensuring our fascia and frieze board (bird block) installs are spot-on.

🛠️ 4. Mixing Drills – For That Perfect Mud

Whether it’s for tile work or stucco, a heavy-duty mixing drill is crucial. Our guys use it to blend materials like damp proofing agents or to mix up the perfect base layer before floating a slab.

Pro tip: Want your mud to set right? Make sure your water ratio is on point. Grain counts, people.

🛠️ 5. GFCI Testers – Small but Mighty

Working with power tools in a forced air heating/cooling retrofit? Gotta keep it safe. That’s where GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) testers come in. They're tiny, but they’ve saved us from some serious shocks. Literally.

🛠️ 6. CAD Software & BIM – The Digital Toolbox

Before we ever touch a 2x4, we’re digging into our virtual toolbox. CAD (computer-aided design) and BIM (building information modeling) are essential for planning, cost estimation (bid, cost codes, change orders), and visualizing complex floor plans—especially for those high-end custom home builders projects.

🛠️ 7. Ready Mix Concrete – Can’t Live Without It

A pour is only as good as your mix. We rely on high-quality ready mix concrete for everything from driveways to floating slab pours. It saves time, ensures consistency, and helps us stay on schedule (and budget—because cost-plus contracts only work when everyone’s on the same page).

🛠️ 8. Flashing & Felt – The Unsung Heroes

You might not notice them, but these two keep homes dry and durable. Felt (underlayment) and flashing are a major part of our weatherproofing game, especially when working with fire-resistive (fire-rated) materials in high-risk zones.

Rain? Not on our watch.

🛠️ 9. Daily Reports – Yep, That’s a Tool Too

Ask any project manager, and they’ll tell you: daily reports are lifesavers. They track progress, document material use, and help resolve disputes before they start. Part of being a great construction company is staying organized—and that’s why we swear by these.

🛠️ 10. The Footer Crew’s Secret Weapon – Concrete Vibrators

When pouring footers (footings), a concrete vibrator helps eliminate air pockets and ensures the form is filled evenly. Our footer crew swears it’s the difference between “just okay” and “this’ll last a lifetime.”

Whether you’re knee-deep in floor plans or still dreaming with your architect, these tools—and the people who know how to use them—are the backbone of every quality build. At E.H. Construction, we’re proud to bring the best equipment, the sharpest minds, and the hardest-working hands to every job.

Got a favorite tool you think should’ve made the list? Let us know! And if you’re planning your own dream build, don’t forget—we offer free estimates, help with blueprints, and honest advice on everything from floating slabs to green board (pressure-treated lumber).

Ready to break ground? Contact your favorite Los Angeles general contractor today. We bring the tools—and the talent—to build something amazing.