Patience, passion, a keen eye for detail?  Oh yes, a few good tools help.  Here is a basic list of tools that will help you construct and furnish your dollhouse

General
* Pencil
* Masking tape
* Needlenose pliers
* Screwdriver set
* Tweezers
* Magnifier
* **Dremel (a convertible electric tool that is used for drilling, routing and other tasks)

Measuring Tools and Accessories
* Rulers (12? and 6?)
* Protractor
* Mini square and triangle

Cutting Tools
* Utility knife
* X-Acto knife with blades of varying sizes
* Craft mat
* Small hobby saw

Building
* Small brass head hammer
* Small nails for constructing the shell of the house

Adhesives and Accessories
* Wood glue
* Tacky glue
* Foam brushes
* Hot glue gun (This is an issue of controversy.  Some collectors swear by it, while others warn against it and recommend Quick Grab glue.  Hot glue is commonly used for attaching roof shingles/rows.)
* Wood fill
* Plastic clamps

Painting and Accessories
* Sanding block and emery boards
* Tack cloth for removing dust from sanded surfaces
* Painter’s or masking tape
* Craft set of small brushes (The set should include brushes large enough for large exterior/interior surfaces and small enough for trim and fine detail pieces.)
* Foam brushes (Some collectors prefer foam brushes for painting and staining.)
* Thin cloth rags