Setting up a workspace

   
Setting up a workspace for a full sized dollhouse takes some thought and preparation. You need a flat worksurface with good lighting, but just as importantly, you need a space that provides either the quiet or the comraderie you hope for while the build is under way. It may be grand central station in your home, or it may be a couple of tables in the garage. Either way, you should plan for many days of lots of space. When that is not possible (the builder's constant woe) it is important to provide for ways to manage the paint and supplies, the tools and partially built pieces, all the work in progress.
     
supply bin
Here is a large flat table which is plastic surfaced (not a family heirloom!). I have two cardboard boxes I got from the office supplies store - they are big enough for all the medium-sized pieces in the dollhouse so, in between building sessions, nothing will get lost. This kind of box has a lid that is perfect for a painting tray, lined with waxed paper it can transport rail or window parts to the couch in front of the TV for social time and productivity (the best of both worlds!)
The snap-lid bin is big enough for all of my supplies. When I keep my stuff in the bin, it is still there when I have "a few minutes" to get the next thing done
supplies

Supplies Index with content on how to find and use the tools and products in the instructions:

Supplies in my Builder's Bin (in order of use and importance)
*Tape Measure and pencil / sticky notes   Paint (semigloss interior latex paint)
Tacky Glue, Solvent Cement (for shingles)   Sandpaper (320 grit - 5 sheets)
Masking tape ('high tack')   Brushes (package of assorted 1" and 2" foam brushes)
4" foam roller for interior priming/painting
Utility knife   and   package of new blades, or
Double Cut Coarse file 10 or 12 inch
Brushes (package of assorted artist's brushes)

'Razor' saw or fine-toothed hack saw
 
Several rags and paper towels
Screwdriver (if your kit has hinges)   Bottle of water to dampen rags
Hammer (12 oz is my favorite)   weights (stacks of books, jugs full of sand, big cans of tomatoes)
    clothes pins (spring clip style)
Q: I am building the JM1065. What tools will I need?  
A: I perused the instruction and wrote down some notes on tools I use in building the house; you may also need supplies for wiring and interior finishing depending on your plan:

Tape measure, pencil, and sticky notes (for parts identification and labeling)
glues: Aleene's Original Tacky Glue for construction and Beacon's MagnaTac 809 for shingles
Coarse file or utility knife for squaring the corners of the cutouts (although this can be done with a razor saw too); 
Razor Saw; craft knife like X-Acto
Paint, paint brushes, paint roller, sandpaper, stucco mix (foundation treatment)
High adhesion masking tape (not painter's tape)
straight-edge (like a yardstick)
#1 phillips head screwdriver in new condition
Rubber bands (#32 is great)
Scissors; clothes pins (spring)
Shingle dye, stain, or paint (see links on the "Shingling" page: 
https://www.dollhouseworkshop.net/RGT/Shingles/ShinglesHome.html)