This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a home renovation business.
Our business plan for a home renovation business will help you build a profitable project
Starting a home renovation business is exciting, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what tools to buy without going broke or missing something crucial for your projects.
Every renovation job has different requirements, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Home Renovation Equipment List
Starting a successful home renovation business requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to handle most residential renovation projects.
Power Tools
- Circular saw - Essential for cutting lumber and sheet materials accurately
- Miter saw - Makes precise crosscuts and angled cuts for trim work
- Table saw - Handles rip cuts and large sheet materials efficiently
- Reciprocating saw - Demolition work and cutting in tight spaces
- Jigsaw - Curved cuts and intricate shapes in various materials
- Drill/driver set - Drilling holes and driving screws in all applications
- Impact driver - High-torque fastening for heavy-duty applications
- Hammer drill - Drilling into concrete, brick, and masonry
- Angle grinder - Cutting metal, tile, and grinding surfaces smooth
- Router - Creating decorative edges and precise woodworking joints
- Orbital sander - Smoothing surfaces and preparing for finishing
- Belt sander - Heavy-duty sanding for floors and large surfaces
- Nail gun (framing/finish) - Fast and efficient fastening solutions
- Air compressor - Powers pneumatic tools and spray equipment
Hand Tools
- Hammer set - Various weights for different applications
- Screwdriver set - Multiple sizes and types for all fasteners
- Wrench set - Adjustable and fixed wrenches for plumbing/mechanical
- Pliers set - Needle nose, standard, and wire strippers
- Chisels - Wood and masonry chisels for detailed work
- Hand saws - Backup cutting tools when power isn't available
- Utility knives - General cutting and scoring applications
- Tape measures - Various lengths for all measuring needs
- Levels (2ft, 4ft, 6ft) - Ensuring straight and level installations
- Square set - Checking and marking right angles accurately
- Chalk line - Marking long straight lines on surfaces
- Stud finder - Locating framing behind walls safely
Specialty Trade Tools
- Tile saw - Wet cutting ceramic and stone tiles precisely
- Flooring nailer - Installing hardwood floors efficiently
- Drywall tools - Knives, hawks, and sanders for wall finishing
- Paint sprayer - Professional-quality painting equipment
- Pipe wrench set - Plumbing repairs and installations
- Wire strippers/crimpers - Electrical work and connections
- Multimeter - Testing electrical circuits safely
- Soldering iron - Electrical and plumbing joint work
- Masonry tools - Trowels, floats, and finishing tools
- Demolition bar - Heavy-duty prying and demolition work
Safety Equipment
- Hard hats - Head protection on all job sites
- Safety glasses - Eye protection from debris and dust
- Work gloves - Hand protection for various materials
- Dust masks/respirators - Lung protection from harmful particles
- Knee pads - Comfort and protection during floor work
- Safety harness - Fall protection for elevated work
- First aid kit - Immediate care for minor injuries
- Fire extinguisher - Emergency fire suppression capability
Material Handling
- Pickup truck/trailer - Transporting materials and equipment
- Dolly/hand truck - Moving heavy items efficiently
- Wheelbarrow - Hauling materials around job sites
- Extension cords - Powering tools throughout work areas
- Drop cloths - Protecting surfaces during work
- Tarps - Weather protection for materials and equipment
- Tool boxes/bags - Organizing and securing equipment
- Ladders (step/extension) - Safe access to elevated areas
- Scaffolding - Stable platform for extended overhead work
Measuring & Layout
- Laser level - Precise leveling over long distances
- Measuring wheel - Measuring large areas and distances
- Angle finder - Determining and transferring angles
- Calipers - Precise small measurements and marking
- Marking pencils/crayons - Visible marks on various surfaces
Cleanup & Maintenance
- Shop vacuum - Cleaning debris and dust efficiently
- Brooms/brushes - General cleanup and surface preparation
- Trash containers - Proper debris disposal and organization
- Cleaning supplies - Maintaining clean and safe work areas
- Tool maintenance kit - Keeping equipment in working condition
Business Equipment
- Tablet/smartphone - Project management and communication
- Camera - Documenting before/after and progress photos
- Measuring apps - Digital measuring and calculation tools
- Invoicing software - Professional billing and record keeping
- Business cards/signs - Professional marketing materials
- Contracts/permits - Legal documentation and compliance
Our financial plan for a home renovation business will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most home renovation business owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their specialization and scope. You really can't go below $8,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic power tools and safety equipment just to operate professionally and safely.
- Basic Handyman Service
A basic handyman service focusing on small repairs and maintenance needs around $8,000-$20,000, with most of that budget going toward essential power tools and a reliable vehicle setup.
- General Renovation Contractor
A general renovation contractor handling full room remodels typically runs $20,000-$45,000, with specialized tools for multiple trades and material handling equipment.
- Full-Service Renovation Company
A full-service renovation company or one with multiple crews can easily hit $45,000-$75,000, especially when you add commercial-grade equipment and multiple tool sets.
Equipment Budget Examples
Basic Handyman Service ($8,000 - $20,000)
Basic handyman services focus on essential tools that can handle most repair and small renovation tasks. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on specialized equipment you won't use regularly.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Core Power Tools | Circular saw, drill/driver combo, reciprocating saw, orbital sander, basic miter saw, impact driver | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Hand Tools | Complete hammer set, screwdriver collection, wrench set, pliers, levels, tape measures, utility knives | $800 - $1,500 |
| Safety Equipment | Hard hats, safety glasses, work gloves, dust masks, knee pads, first aid kit, basic safety gear | $300 - $600 |
| Vehicle & Storage | Used pickup truck or van, basic tool organization, ladder rack, storage boxes and tool bags | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Specialty Items | Basic tile saw, drywall tools, paint brushes and rollers, extension cords, drop cloths | $800 - $1,500 |
| Business Setup | Business license, insurance, basic invoicing software, marketing materials, phone/tablet | $500 - $1,200 |
| Contingency | Emergency repairs, additional tools as needed, unexpected expenses during startup | $1,000 - $2,500 |
General Renovation Contractor ($20,000 - $45,000)
General contractors need more comprehensive equipment to handle full room renovations and multiple trade work. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to take on larger, more profitable projects.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Power Tools | Professional table saw, compound miter saw, router set, nail gun system, air compressor, angle grinder | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Specialty Trade Tools | Wet tile saw, flooring nailer, paint sprayer, pipe threading machine, electrical testing equipment | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Material Handling | Professional truck/trailer setup, scaffolding system, heavy-duty dollies, lifting equipment | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Measuring & Layout | Laser level system, measuring wheel, advanced squares, digital calipers, layout tools | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Safety & Cleanup | Complete safety equipment, shop vacuum, dust collection, proper ventilation, cleanup supplies | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Business Technology | Project management software, professional camera, tablet/laptop, invoicing system, marketing | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Insurance & Licensing | General liability, workers comp, contractor license, bonding, permit fees | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Working Capital | Initial material purchases, tool replacement fund, emergency repairs, business expenses | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Full-Service Renovation Company ($45,000 - $75,000)
Full-service companies operate with multiple crews and handle large-scale projects. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, maintaining multiple tool sets, and having backup equipment for uninterrupted service.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Equipment | Multiple professional tool sets, cabinet saw, commercial air compressors, industrial sanders | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Specialized Machinery | Floor sanders, spray foam equipment, concrete mixers, advanced tile cutting systems | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Fleet & Transport | Multiple work trucks, equipment trailers, tool storage systems, GPS tracking, fuel cards | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Safety Systems | Complete safety program, fall protection, confined space equipment, safety training materials | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Technology Integration | Advanced project management, crew communication systems, digital measuring tools, drone surveys | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Workshop Setup | Dedicated workspace, tool maintenance area, parts inventory, backup equipment storage | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Business Infrastructure | Comprehensive insurance, multiple licenses, bonding, accounting software, legal compliance | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Growth Capital | Equipment financing, replacement fund, expansion equipment, emergency business fund | $8,000 - $15,000 |