Your Essential Restoration Startup Equipment Checklist
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
Equipment Category
The Bottom Line for Your Business
Extraction
A professional-grade portable extractor is essential for removing bulk water quickly and efficiently from carpet and hard surfaces.
Air Movement
Axial and centrifugal air movers are the workhorses of evaporation. You need a sufficient number to create a powerful drying vortex in the affected area.
Dehumidification
LGR (Low-Grain Refrigerant) dehumidifiers are the industry standard for effectively removing moisture from the air and structure. This is a critical investment.
Monitoring & Safety
You cannot manage what you do not measure. A quality moisture meter is non-negotiable. Proper PPE (respirators, gloves) is essential for safety and compliance.
Walking onto a job site with professional, well-maintained equipment is a powerful statement. It instantly builds trust with the homeowner and the insurance adjuster. Conversely, showing up with rented, mismatched, or consumer-grade tools screams "amateur." This guide provides a no-fluff checklist of the essential equipment you need to purchase when you are learning how to build a restoration company with Real Time Lead Gen's advice.
The Philosophy: Professional Tools, Professional Results
Your equipment is a direct reflection of your company's professionalism. It is not the place to cut corners. Investing in high-quality, reliable equipment from reputable brands like Phoenix, Dri-Eaz, or ProRestore is a long-term investment in your brand and your efficiency. This level of professionalism is just as important as the knowledge you gain from your IICRC certifications.
The Core Water Mitigation Package
This is the essential package you need to handle a standard residential water loss (e.g., a flooded basement or bathroom). Plan for this to be the most significant part of your startup budget.
Air Movers: Start with a minimum of 10-15 centrifugal or axial air movers.
LGR Dehumidifiers: You need at least 2-3 high-quality LGR dehumidifiers. This is a critical investment.
Portable Extractor: A professional-grade, heated portable extractor is essential for removing bulk water.
Air Scrubber / Negative Air Machine: One unit is crucial for maintaining air quality, especially on jobs with potential contamination (Category 2 or 3).
Monitoring, Safety, and Miscellaneous Essentials
These are the smaller, but equally important, items that complete your professional toolkit.
Moisture Meters: One penetrating and one non-penetrating (scanning) moisture meter are absolutely essential for documenting the drying process.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A full stock of N95 respirators, nitrile gloves, and disposable coveralls.
Miscellaneous Tools: A heavy-duty trash pump for bulk extraction, extension cords, a demolition hammer for removing wet materials, and a good set of hand tools.
Having this complete, professional setup is a prerequisite for success. Once you are fully equipped, you can confidently move on to the next step: creating your restoration company business plan and securing funding.
Justin Hess - Founder of Real Time Lead Gen - We'll Make Your Phone Ring! - Generating exclusive restoration leads since 2015...lifelong internet marketer. I AM The Google Alchemist.
P.S. Having the right equipment is step one. Having enough jobs to keep that equipment running is step two. When you're ready for a steady flow of high-quality calls to put your new equipment to work, that's what we do.
