In a previous discussion, we examined the key players in commercial restoration. Now, it’s time to explore one of the most misunderstood components of a successful project: equipment selection.
Too many restorers still rely on what could be called the “WOT” method:
Whatever’s On the Truck
Instead, consider adopting the “WHAT” method:
Whatever the Project Requires
That shift in mindset can dramatically affect your success rate—not just in drying performance, but in profitability, client satisfaction, and winning bids.
Why Equipment Selection Impacts the Bottom Line
Have you ever lost a commercial bid even though your daily rate for air movers or labor was lower than the competition?
It’s tempting to assume:
- The competitor had an inside connection
- Pricing was undercut
- Someone bid irresponsibly low
But more often than not, bids are lost based on the total project bottom line, not just daily equipment rates.
Commercial stakeholders evaluate:
- Total project duration
- Business interruption impact
- Tenant disruption
- Operational downtime
- Overall project cost
The cheapest daily rate does not always equal the lowest total cost.
Understanding the Commercial Stakeholder Chain
In commercial environments:
- Tenants pay rent
- Owners depend on that rent
- Owners pay lenders and insurers
Tenant satisfaction drives financial stability.
If drying equipment selection minimizes disruption and shortens project timelines, everyone benefits.
This is where strategic planning matters.
The Parameters That Drive Proper Equipment Selection
Selecting the proper drying equipment requires evaluating:
🔹 Size & Layout of the Structure
- Open floor plan vs. compartmentalized offices
- Ceiling heights
- Multi-level vs. single-level structures
🔹 Type of Construction
- Steel stud vs. wood framing
- Concrete vs. lightweight gypsum assemblies
- Insulated wall cavities
Different materials respond differently to drying strategies.
🔹 Extent & Category of Water Loss
- Clean water vs. contaminated water
- Surface wetting vs. saturation
- Duration of exposure
The severity and classification of water impact determine equipment intensity and configuration.
🔹 Business Interruption Concerns
- Can tenants remain operational?
- Are quiet hours required?
- Are certain areas mission-critical?
Sometimes deploying higher-capacity equipment can shorten drying time and reduce total disruption—even if the daily cost appears higher.
Thinking Beyond What’s Available
The “WOT” method limits effectiveness to inventory on hand.
The “WHAT” method evaluates:
- Should additional dehumidification capacity be added?
- Is desiccant drying more appropriate?
- Are specialty systems needed for dense materials?
- Would temporary power improve efficiency?
Commercial drying requires adaptability—not convenience.
Helping the Right People Get What They Want
As Zig Ziglar famously said:
“You can get what you want if you just help enough of the right people get what they want.”
In commercial restoration, the “right people” want:
- Minimal business interruption
- Predictable timelines
- Controlled costs
- Professional communication
- Safe environments
Proper equipment selection supports all of those outcomes.
Total Bottom-Line Thinking
When evaluating drying strategies, ask:
- What will shorten the project timeline?
- What reduces tenant complaints?
- What minimizes overall rental income loss?
- What provides defensible documentation?
Sometimes deploying more efficient, higher-capacity, or specialized equipment reduces total cost—even if daily equipment rental appears higher.
Commercial clients evaluate total impact, not line-item pricing alone.
Final Thoughts
Winning commercial projects isn’t about loading the truck with whatever is available. It’s about analyzing project parameters and deploying equipment strategically to serve stakeholders.
The difference between WOT and WHAT thinking is the difference between reacting and leading.
Select equipment based on what the project requires—and the total bottom line will follow.
Click here to read Chuck’s entire article: https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/83659-selecting-the-proper-drying-equipment-for-commercial-restoration
