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Discussion Forum

Tools for starting your own business

Max_e_builder | Posted in General Discussion on February 9, 2022 10:06pm

Hi all, 

I’m interested in starting my own contracting business in the near future. I currently go to college for residential construction and work with a carpenter on the side. What tools would you suggest for me to get to start out own my own doing general construction? I already own basic hand tools, drills, circular saw. Thanks!

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Replies

  1. bing0328 | Feb 09, 2022 11:11pm | #1

    My experience had me using the basic tools and renting tools at the beginning. If I needed a tool that I had already rented I purchased it and billed the customer at the rental rate. That at least paid for a portion of the cost. The most important advice I received was buy the best quality tool available. Only now after 30 years, some of those tools are finally wearing out.

  2. calvin | Feb 10, 2022 06:10am | #2

    A very important tool is to realize that all your tools and the van or truck you need to transport them should be figured in as a cost for doing business. Even if you can find quality that will last forever there will be repairs to factor in.

    Too many just starting out think that since I already have the equipment, I’ll just figure my labor in an estimate, you cannot forget the costs of doing that business.

    Best of luck.

  3. raymondbb | Feb 10, 2022 06:32am | #3

    Yeah, the first thing you need to think about is transportation and the costs it has.

  4. Brooks_Yates | Feb 11, 2022 08:24am | #4

    Congratulations first off, going to school and working with a contractor, sounds like your off to a good start, it can be a very rewarding career for a driven person. Tools are very job dependent, you'll figure out most of it as you take on new jobs and your general scope of work. Transportation is very important as others have stated. I will say a tool I use every day as a general remodeler/handyman/contractor is my oscillator, amazing how handy they can be.

    If your doing interior work at people house having tarps and a vacuum are a must, first thing I do in the morning is set tarps and plastic and the last thing I do before I leave a customers house every day is vacuum my way out. People respect that kind of care, we've gone 30 years on just word of mouth, no advertising just go from referral to referral.

    1. calvin | Feb 11, 2022 08:49am | #5

      Brooks,
      At 30 years have you started working for your original customers children yet?
      I finally retired after almost 50 years doing a kitchen for a grandchild of one of my regulars.

  5. florida | Feb 12, 2022 11:53am | #6

    Starting a construction business isn't like buying a franchise or opening an appliance store. There is no stock answer to what you need other than you need whatever you need to do the next job. I just retired but I accumulated tools over a 50 year period added as I needed them. I went 10 years without a table saw and only bought one when a circular saw and straightedge were no longer enough. You'll do the same.

  6. makita888 | Mar 01, 2022 07:22pm | #7

    Keep it simple to start a good impact and oscillating saw with a couple of batteries , skilsaw w/straight edge, set of good levels , step ladder6' a couple of good cords 1/25' 1/50' shop vac and barrels drop cloth and small compressor combo with finish/ bradnailer and hose and a box of hand tools dont worry after a few years you will be shocked how much stuff you will have good luck

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