How To Start a Restoration Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Aug 14, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 19, 2025
Starting a restoration business—whether focused on water damage, fire damage, or mold remediation—can be a profitable and rewarding venture. With increasing demand from homeowners, property managers, and insurance companies, restoration services are essential in helping communities recover from disasters.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to launching your restoration business startup, the equipment you’ll need, and how Wexford Insurance can help you protect your investment with tailored restoration business insurance.
Step 1: Choose Your Restoration Niche
Decide which services you’ll offer:
Water damage restoration
Fire and smoke damage restoration
Mold remediation
Or a combination of all three
This decision will guide your equipment purchases, certifications, and marketing strategy.
Step 2: Get Certified
Certifications build credibility and help you meet industry standards. Consider:
IICRC Certification – Industry standard for restoration professionals
EPA Lead-Safe Certification – Required for work in older buildings
Step 3: Create a Business Plan
Outline your:
Startup costs
Target market
Pricing strategy
Marketing plan
Insurance needs
Step 4: Register Your Business
Choose a business name
Register with your state
Get a tax ID (EIN)
Open a business bank account
Step 5: Purchase Restoration Equipment
Start with essential water damage restoration equipment:
Air movers and dehumidifiers
Moisture meters
HEPA vacuums
Extraction units
PPE (personal protective equipment)
Step 6: Get Restoration Business Insurance
Protect your business with tailored coverage from Wexford Insurance, including:
Step 7: Build Your Online Presence
Create a professional website
List your services and certifications
Add customer testimonials
Set up Google Business Profile and social media pages
Step 8: Market Your Services
Network with property managers, insurance adjusters, and contractors
Join industry associations like RIA
Offer free inspections or estimates to attract new clients
Bonus Resource: Let Contractor Back Office Support Your Growth
Marketing your restoration business takes time—especially when you're busy with inspections and client work. Contractor Back Office helps streamline your operations by managing your bookkeeping website and social media management. With our support, you can stay visible, build relationships, and grow your business more efficiently.
Step 9: Hire and Train Your Team
As your business grows, hire certified technicians and provide ongoing training to maintain quality and safety standards.
Step 10: Track Performance and Scale
Use software to manage jobs, invoices, and customer relationships. Monitor profitability and expand into new service areas or regions as demand grows.
