Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
A general contractor's tools are partly the subs' tools. Your own kit covers layout, inspection, small fixes and keeping the site safe and clean.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Laser level and tape measures | Layout and checking subs' work | Varies by brand |
| Cordless drill, impact driver and circular saw | Small fixes | Varies by brand |
| Multi-position ladder | Inspections and punch lists | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
| Moisture meter | Before drywall and flooring | Varies by brand |
| Non-contact voltage tester | Safe checks | $45 (Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, Fluke) |
| Job site first aid kit and fire extinguisher | Site safety | Varies by brand |
| Tablet or phone for photos and logs | Daily logs and change orders | Varies by brand |
| Lockbox and job signs | Site access and permits posted | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most general contractors buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Job trailer or storage container | Secure materials on site | Varies by brand |
| Dumpster account | Debris | Varies by brand |
| Temporary power and lighting | Site work | Varies by brand |
| Fall protection and guardrails | OSHA compliance on multi-story work | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Caution tape, cones and signs. Site safety.
- Fasteners and adhesives. Small fixes.
- Floor protection and plastic. Occupied homes.
- Punch list tape and markers. Closeout.
What a general contracting kit costs
The 2 starter kit items we could price add up to $580 at the maker's listed price, out of 8 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 4 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
Storage, dumpsters and temporary facilities swing the total most, and many are billed per job.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most general contractors buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our general contracting suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the general contracting services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Fluke: Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for general contractors, checked October 9, 2026
- OSHA: Fall protection, checked October 8, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.