Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Insulation work splits into blown-in, batts and spray foam, and the kit depends on which you sell. Most start with blown-in and batts, where a machine, a hose and good protective gear do most of the work.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation blowing machine (rent or buy) | Attic jobs in an afternoon | Varies by brand |
| Blowing hose and fittings | Reaching the far corners of the attic | Varies by brand |
| Insulation knife and a straightedge | Clean batt cuts | Varies by brand |
| Staple hammer | Faced batts and baffles | Varies by brand |
| Respirator, coveralls, goggles and gloves | Fibers and dust in tight spaces | Varies by brand |
| Attic boards or walk boards | Moving safely across joists | Varies by brand |
| Headlamp and work lights | Dark attics and crawl spaces | Varies by brand |
| Ladder for attic hatches | Getting in and out safely | $229 (Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, Little Giant) |
| Rulers and depth markers for attics | Proving the depth you installed | 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 insulation contractors buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal camera | Finding gaps and proving the result to the customer | $699 (FLIR C5 compact thermal camera, Teledyne FLIR) |
| Spray foam rig | Sealing and insulating in one step | Varies by brand |
| Dense pack wall setup | Filling closed walls through small holes | Varies by brand |
| Insulation removal vacuum | Taking out old or damaged insulation | Varies by brand |
| Box truck or trailer | Carrying bales and the machine | 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.
- Blown-in bags and batts in common R-values. Small jobs and fill-ins.
- Rafter vents and baffles. Keeping soffit air flowing.
- Can foam and fire-rated sealant. Air sealing before insulating.
- Staples and insulation supports. Holding batts in floors.
- Poly sheeting and tape. Protecting the house during the job.
- Spare filters and respirator cartridges. Comfort and safety every day.
What a insulation kit costs
The 1 starter kit items we could price add up to $229 at the maker's listed price, out of 9 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The 1 pro kit items we could price add up to $699 at the maker's listed price, out of 5 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The blowing machine and, for some, a spray foam rig swing the total most. Many contractors start with a rented machine and batts, and buy their own machine when attic jobs fill the week.
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 insulation contractors buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our insulation 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 insulation services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Little Giant: Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, checked October 9, 2026
- Teledyne FLIR: FLIR C5 compact thermal camera, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for contractors as a group, checked October 9, 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.