Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Remodelers need carpentry, demolition and finishing tools, plus dust control that keeps the rest of the house livable while you work.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless drill, impact driver and a circular saw | Framing and daily fastening | Varies by brand |
| Miter saw and stand | Trim and framing cuts | Varies by brand |
| Oscillating multi-tool and reciprocating saw | Demo and tight cuts | Varies by brand |
| Levels, squares and a laser level | Straight, plumb and square | Varies by brand |
| Multi-position ladder | Stairwells and ceilings | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
| Shop vacuum with HEPA filter | Dust control | Varies by brand |
| Dust barriers, zip walls and floor protection | Keeping the rest of the house clean | Varies by brand |
| Pry bars, hammers and demo tools | Tear-outs | Varies by brand |
| Moisture meter | Checking subfloors and walls before you close them | 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 remodelers buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Table saw | Rip cuts and sheet goods | Varies by brand |
| Tile saw | Bathroom and kitchen tile | Varies by brand |
| Drywall tools | Patching after rough-ins | $356 (Bon Tool drywall tool kit, Bon Tool) |
| Air compressor and finish nailers | Trim and cabinets | Varies by brand |
| Dumpster or dump trailer access | Demo debris | Varies by brand |
| Air scrubber | Dust control on large demos | 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.
- Screws, nails and anchors in common sizes. Every job.
- Construction adhesive and caulk. Finishing and fixes.
- Shims, blocking and scrap lumber. Leveling and backing.
- Blades and bits. Spares.
- Floor protection and plastic. Every job.
What a remodeling kit costs
The 1 starter kit items we could price add up to $535 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 $356 at the maker's listed price, out of 6 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The saws and the trailer swing the total most. Many remodelers rent the big saws and dumpsters until the work is steady.
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 remodelers buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our remodeling 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 remodeling services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Bon Tool: Bon Tool drywall tool kit, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for general contractors, 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.