TOOLS

First-Week Checklist

Your day-by-day action plan. Progress saves automatically.

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DAY 1

Set Up Your Business

Open a business bank account

Open a SECOND account for tax money

⚠ IMPORTANT

DO THIS NOW — don't skip it. After every job, move your tax into this account. This one step will save your business.

Get a quote for liability insurance (~$2,000/year)

Set up invoicing using the Hardwood Empire invoice template

DAY 2

Get Your Tools

Buy or rent core tools: flooring nailer + mallet, brad nailer, air compressor, table saw, chop saw

Buy hand tools if needed: bars, pliers, tape measure, chalk line

Get safety gear: knee pads, safety glasses, ear protection

Locate your nearest tool rental centers for specialty equipment

Organize your truck/van — tools accessible and secure

★ PRO TIP

Buy DeWalt for reliability. If you'll use a tool once, rent it. Only buy what you'll use every week.

DAY 3

Build Your Supplier Network

List every flooring supplier, lumber yard, and home reno showroom within 30 min of you

Visit the first 2–3 suppliers — introduce yourself at the contractor desk

💬 WHAT TO SAY

"I'm starting a hardwood flooring business in the area. Do you refer installers to customers who buy from you?"

Leave your name and number with each one (or a simple business card)

Ask what brands/products they sell most — know what you'll be installing

DAY 4

Get Your Name Out There

Post a free ad on Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace / Kijiji

Keep it simple: what you do + your area + your phone number

Join local Facebook groups: home renovation, real estate, buy/sell

Tell everyone you know — friends, family, neighbours — you're doing flooring now

Post before/after photos if you have any (even from personal projects)

DAY 5

Prepare Your Systems

Set up your Job Estimator with your local pricing rates

Customize your Client Proposal template with your business info

Customize your Invoice template with your business info and payment methods

Practice quoting — measure a room in your house and run through the estimator

Research competitors: check their ads, call for quotes, know the market rate

DAYS 6–7

Visit More Suppliers + Follow Up

Visit the remaining suppliers on your list — same intro, same ask

Follow up with any leads or inquiries from your free ads

If no leads yet — repost ads with different wording, post in more groups

Do a small project for yourself, a friend, or family member at a discount

Take before/after photos of EVERYTHING — this becomes your portfolio

Don't quit your day job yet.

Start on weekends. Build on the side. Make the switch when the work is consistent.