Tools and Equipment Needed To Start a Property Preservation Business

In the field of property preservation, efficiency and preparedness are paramount. Having the right tools and materials readily available is not just a matter of convenience—it is a cornerstone of professional service delivery. A well-equipped contractor can tackle diverse work orders with confidence, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and to client specifications.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the essential equipment required for various property preservation tasks, from routine maintenance to extensive cleanouts.

Equipment To Keep With You At All Times

• Generator: Provides essential power at properties where utilities have been disconnected.
• Shop Vac (Wet/Dry): Indispensable for water removal, debris cleanup, and preparing surfaces.
• Air Compressor: Powers pneumatic tools and is crucial for winterization procedures.
• Foldable Ladder: Allows for safe access to roofs, attics, and high shelving.
• Cordless & Corded Drills: A cordless drill offers portability for quick tasks, while a corded drill provides consistent power for demanding jobs like drilling through steel doors.
• Drill Bit Set: A comprehensive set including bits for wood, metal, and masonry is essential for lock changes and minor repairs.
• Work Lights: Portable, high-intensity lighting is necessary for safely working in dark basements, garages, and properties without electricity.
• Digital Camera: High-resolution photo documentation is non-negotiable. A camera with a minimum 10x optical zoom and a powerful built-in flash is critical for capturing clear evidence in all lighting conditions.
• Camera Accessories: At least two sets of extra rechargeable batteries and multiple high-capacity memory cards ensure you never miss a required photo.
• Flashlights: Several reliable, bright flashlights are a basic safety requirement.
• Extension Cords: A combination of a 100-foot cord (or two 50-foot cords) and several 25-foot cords provides flexibility for powering tools throughout a property.
• Power Strip: Safely expands a single outlet to power multiple tools.
• Sump Pump: Critical for emergency water removal from flooded basements or crawlspaces.
• GPS Navigation: A dedicated GPS unit or reliable smartphone app is crucial for efficient routing.

For Completing Debris Removal Work Orders (Trashouts)

• Dump Trailer or Dumpster Service: A dedicated dump trailer offers long-term cost savings, while having a reliable dumpster company's contact information is essential for large-scale jobs.
• Shovels: Both a large, flat-head shovel for scooping and a standard digging shovel are necessary.
• Brooms & Dustpans: For cleaning surfaces to "broom-swept" condition as required by clients.
• Heavy-Duty Garbage Cans: Several large, durable cans facilitate the collection and transport of smaller debris to the main trailer or dumpster.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Gloves: Protects against cuts, chemicals, and biohazards.
  • Dust Masks: An N95-rated pack of 25-100 masks is a must for protecting against airborne particles and contaminants.
• Load Securement:
  • Mesh Tarp: Legally required in many areas to cover loads during transport, preventing debris from flying out.
  • Ratchet Straps: Essential for safely securing large items and appliances in a trailer.
• Mini-Sledgehammer: Useful for light demolition and dislodging stuck items.
• Contractor-Grade Garbage Bags: Standard bags will tear; invest in 3-mil or thicker bags designed to hold construction debris.

For Completing Winterization Work Orders

• Air Compressor with Hose: A 25-50 foot, 3/8-inch diameter hose is needed to blow out all water from the plumbing lines.
• RV Antifreeze: Typically 3 gallons per property are required to protect drains, P-traps, and toilet bowls.
• Pressure Test Gauge: This specialized gauge is used to verify that the plumbing system holds pressure, confirming there are no leaks. Do not use a homemade device, as accuracy is crucial for liability.
• Pipe Fittings:
  • Shut-Off Valves (SharkBite Style): 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch push-to-connect valves allow for quick and reliable water line capping.
  • Caps & Plugs: A variety of 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch threaded caps and plugs for securing water heater and other supply lines.
• Wrenches: A selection of pipe wrenches and adjustable crescent wrenches for handling various plumbing fixtures.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: Zip ties, permanent markers (for labeling), and duct tape are essential for securing fixtures and documenting the process.
• Garden Hose: A 25-foot hose is often needed to drain water heaters and connect to outdoor spigots.

For Completing Maid Service Work Orders

• Vacuums: Both a standard vacuum for carpets and a shop vac for hard surfaces and heavy-duty cleaning.
• Cleaning Agents: All-purpose cleaner (like Pine-Sol), glass cleaner, and a powerful oven cleaner are standard.
• Cleaning Tools: Paper towels, a duster, and a complete mop and bucket set.
• Water Supply: A 5-gallon or larger portable water container is essential when the property's water is shut off.

For Completing Yard Maintenance Work Orders

• Lawn Care Basics: A reliable lawn mower and a weed eater (string trimmer) are the foundation of any yard service.
• Cleanup Tools: A rake, shovels (both digging and flat), and a leaf blower are needed for a polished, clean finish.
• Trimming Equipment: A standard hedge trimmer for shrubs and an extension pole trimmer for safely reaching higher branches.
• Safety Gear: Durable work gloves are a must.

For Changing Locks (Rekeys)

• Drills: Both cordless and corded drills are needed for removing old locksets and installing new hardware. A robust drill bit set is required for drilling out stripped or damaged locks.
• Pry Bars: Two sizes should be kept on hand. Crucially, these are used for removing stubborn, old hardware or for minor demolition, NOT for prying open doors.
• Bank-Coded Locks: A stock of knob locks, deadbolts, and padlocks all keyed to the specific code required by your client.
• Lockboxes: To securely store the new key on-site for agent and contractor access.
• Hasps: Used with padlocks to secure sheds, gates, and garage doors that lack their own locking mechanisms.
• Window & Slider Locks: For securing vulnerable windows and sliding glass doors.

Strategic Equipment Acquisition: Renting vs. Buying

For new businesses in property preservation, foreclosure cleanup, or REO services, managing start-up costs is a primary concern. The decision to rent or buy equipment directly impacts a company's initial cash flow and the scope of services it can offer.

Service Offerings Will Dictate Equipment Needs

A key advantage of this industry is its scalability. A new venture can begin by offering services that align with its current equipment inventory. For example, a contractor with basic lawn care tools can focus on yard maintenance. As the business grows, it can expand into full trashouts, winterizations, and minor repairs by strategically acquiring more specialized equipment.

The Case for Renting in the Start-Up Phase

Renting equipment before purchasing offers two significant strategic advantages. First, it allows the business to grow organically, matching expenses to revenue without a large, speculative upfront investment. Second, it provides an opportunity to gauge local demand. Renting a pressure washer for a few jobs can help determine if purchasing one is a sound investment based on recurring client requests.

Large home improvement stores offer robust rental programs for everything from generators and pressure washers to trailers and trucks, providing a low-risk way to offer a wider range of services.

Making Smart Financial Decisions

When starting a business, it can be tempting to purchase new, top-of-the-line equipment. However, it is essential to curb this "emotional spending" and focus on return on investment (ROI). A functional, older pickup truck performs the same job as a brand-new one at a fraction of the cost.

Pro-Tip: To maximize the value of rentals, plan your work in advance. Have all your personally-owned tools (gloves, tarps, straps) loaded before picking up the rental item. This prevents paying for costly, last-minute purchases at the rental store and ensures your rental period is used for productive work, not preparation.

Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy will vary. Core tools used daily, like drills and a shop vac, are clear purchase candidates. For specialized, high-cost equipment used infrequently, renting remains the most financially prudent choice, especially during the crucial start-up phase of your business.