There are various home improvement projects that require the use of rental equipment. If you have a project like that, you’ll need to know how to rent out construction equipment the right way. Whether you are looking to spruce up your outdoors, remodel a kitchen or bathroom, or install a home addition, knowing how to rent out construction equipment can save you a lot of time and money. This is one of those things that can make your life considerably easier once your project kickstarts. Below we provide some of the best tips for renting out construction equipment.
Understand the Benefits of Equipment Rentals
If you have a home construction project in the pipeline, you might question whether you need to rent out equipment at all. The truth is once you do a cost-benefit analysis, you’ll discover that equipment rentals come with a lot of benefits. For instance, even something such as tree removal requires proper equipment because stumps and roots can be pretty difficult to remove with your bare hands. Perhaps your construction project involves lifting heavy items, in which case, you’ll need to look into forklift rentals to get the job done. Instead of buying the required equipment, you can save a lot of money by simply renting out the equipment.
This is especially true if you’re not expecting a lot of use out of the equipment. It’s a better choice to rent than to buy something that comes with a higher upfront cost and which you’ll set aside in storage after a while. You might think transportation costs and storage costs don’t matter, but it all adds up. Another reason why equipment rentals have a lower initial cost is because of the lower maintenance costs. That means you don’t have to spend money repairing or keeping the equipment in good condition. These costs are covered by the rental company. You also don’t have to worry about depreciation and having to replace obsolete equipment.
By renting, you have access to the best equipment powered by the best technology. If you know how to rent out construction equipment wisely, you can be confident about the quality of your project because of the cutting-edge technology at your disposal. All in all, the benefits of equipment rentals make it a superior choice for buying equipment. It will save you money, time, effort, and a lot of hassle in the long run.
Figure Out the Type of Construction Equipment You Need
Now that you understand the benefits of construction equipment rentals, the next port of call is figuring out which type of tools you need to choose for the job. That means you first have to understand the ins and outs of your project. For example, does the construction project involve excavation, or do you want to put it in a new driveway without hiring a paving company? Whatever you’re looking to get done, knowing your project is one of the most crucial steps if you want to know how to rent out construction equipment. To narrow down your options effectively, you also have to consider the amount of space you have.
That way, you can be sure you’ll rent equipment that you can use on your property without any restrictions. The last thing you want is to end up with equipment that’s too large for the area you’re planning on using it. The type of equipment you need also depends on your project scope and size. Think about how long your project will take and the amount of equipment you need for the project to be efficient. The good news is, you can always rent tools and equipment for a period of time to suit the size of your job.
Another criteria you need to look at is which area of your home you plan to be using the tools. For example, if you’re looking to install new epoxy floors, you’ll need floor prep materials, mixing tools, and installation tools and supplies. On the other hand, if you need equipment for general construction, there are standard tools you can rent, such as saws, drills, sanders, and other power tools. You may also need generators, cement mixers, air compressors, and other masonry tools. The right rental company can also help you figure out what you need ahead of time.
Shop Around and Compare Options
When figuring out how to rent out construction equipment, you have to be familiar with as many available options as possible. That way, you don’t have to feel like you have no choice but to settle for the first option that you come across. Suppose you need to rent a trailer to transport construction materials to your site. The first thing you need to look at is whether the equipment rental companies in your area have the right type of trailer you want to rent out. You need to ensure that whatever trailers are on offer are fully available for the duration of the project.
Another factor you need to look at is whether the companies you’re considering offer specific perks, such as multi-functional equipment. For instance, if you need to hire a mini excavator, you could benefit from renting out one that has various attachments which can be used for different jobs. Besides the multi-functionality of your equipment, you also need to consider the condition of the equipment when you pick it up. You should steer clear of equipment that looks like it’s about to break down, as this could mean more problems for you down the line. Inspect the equipment when it’s handed over to you and make several notes about its condition. If you discover something that could be a cause of concern, make sure that the issue is addressed before leaving the rental center.
Perhaps the most important factor you need to consider with equipment rentals is the cost. Remember, equipment rentals are generally only cost-effective if they are more affordable than purchasing new equipment. Be sure to get as many itemized quotations as possible. That said, it’s important that you are willing to pay a fair price for the equipment you’re renting. Otherwise, you can end up going for the cheapest option while ignoring other red flags, such as poor customer service. Attempting to save money in this way can end up costing you more down the line.
Instead of fixating only on cost, make sure that you also consider the rental company’s reputation. Overall, this will help ensure you have a smooth rental experience. If the company offers excellent customer service, they will answer your questions and respond to your needs quickly. This is handy because when you rent equipment, there’s always a risk of breakdown, which gives rise to emergency situations. You need a company that’s diligent about keeping its equipment in good condition and can be relied on in an emergency situation. One of the best ways to confirm that the company you’re dealing with has a good reputation is to check online reviews and ratings. This will give you a good idea of whether the company has a good track record.
Practice Good Safety Measures
Want to know how to rent out construction equipment the right way? One thing you shouldn’t overlook is the required level of experience. So take a look at your experience. If you’re planning to rent a forklift, have you ever operated such a piece of equipment, and is the level of experience sufficient enough to ensure a safe and well-done job? If you feel that you’re capable of operating the equipment, you still need to have an intimate understanding of each piece of equipment. After all, renting large equipment for masonry projects will likely not be the same as operating small tools that are needed for home repairs.
You need to understand what each piece of equipment does and the purpose for hiring it. For instance, if you’re going to be operating an excavator, you need to know how to use it to dig out the ground or create a large hole in the ground. Similarly, if you need a backhoe loader, you also need to know how the machinery works for you to do some digging or remove accumulated debris. Whether you’re renting an aerial lift, a dozer, an auger, or an air compressor, it’s important that you’re truly familiar with how the machinery operates.
At the end of the day, it’s not only about the smooth flow of your project, but it’s also about your safety. If you don’t know how to use the tools properly, you can end up putting your safety at risk, and this is not worth the savings you win by choosing a DIY project. Figuring out how to rent out construction equipment doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do everything yourself. DIY home improvement projects may be in vogue, but leaving the important aspects of the project to the professionals will never go out of style.
Consider Working With the Right Professionals
If you’re planning to rent equipment for your upcoming rental project, the good news is your project can still go ahead even when you don’t have enough experience. This is because most rental companies provide training if you feel you need to learn how to use the equipment before you put it to work. So, while you may not have the expertise that roofers, plumbers, and other tradesmen need, you can take the time to get enough training to decrease safety risks. If you’re not in a position to train, another option is to ask the rental company if they can supply a pro who will get the job done more efficiently. This can make your project more efficient overall.
Prepare Well in Advance
One of the best tips for how to rent out construction equipment is to prepare well in advance. Generally, being prepared can help improve the efficiency of your project, so you can easily meet project timelines. A good way to prepare for future equipment rentals is to create a budget. Chances are your home construction project already comes with considerable costs, so you need to have a workable and flexible budget that fully accommodates the need for rental equipment. Whether your project involves hiring a gutter service or a residential roofer, most financial issues can be addressed by setting a budget and sticking to it.
You can also prepare by gathering all the materials you need well in advance. That way, you don’t have to park the equipment while you run around to collect the required materials. Once you rent your equipment, you’ll be charged up until the time you return it, so it’s in your best interest to get maximum usage and more value for your money. You also have to check the weather before you sign the dotted line. This helps you avoid a scenario where it ends up raining for the next two weeks straight, so you have to pay for equipment that you never used.
The best time to reserve your rental equipment is at least a few days beforehand. This will give the rental company ample time to ensure they have all the equipment available when you need it. Finally, make sure you have the job site information so that the supplier knows which site to deliver to and who to contact upon delivery. Communicate as many details as possible so that your rental supplier can provide you with the best services and the right support.
This information provides the best tips for how to rent out construction equipment. We understand that completing a home construction project takes time and energy. The last thing you need is to spend more time wondering about how to deal with equipment rental companies. All in all, knowing how to rent out construction equipment will save you a lot of time and money. The important thing is to figure out your project and the type of equipment you’ll be using. It’s also good to receive proper training before operating the equipment or at least hire a professional that can do the job.