Rent Your Equipment
When planning an outdoor project, it’s sometimes easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. Do you have the motivation to complete the project? Check! Detailed plans, the time required, a list of the necessary building supplies? Check, check, check! How about the equipment needed to complete the project effectively and efficiently?
Uh-oh. You didn’t build a post hole digger, skid steer loader and stump grinder into your budget. You can’t justify – or necessarily afford – buying the equipment for a one-time project, and none of your friends or family members have all the equipment you need. Now what? Has your project ended before it even began?!
Calm down, take a deep breath and reach for your computer keyboard or phone book. All is not lost. Do an Internet search on “rental service stores” in your area or look under that section in the yellow pages. That’s right: you can rent the equipment you need. Hardware and home improvement stores may also offer rental equipment. Taking the rental route can simplify your life, save you money and provide:
- Expanded project capabilities and possibilities because of professional-grade tools
- Access to experts who can provide advice, help and options for your project
- Training on the safe and proper use of the equipment
- Saved time that would otherwise be spent using manual or sub-standard tools
Now, before you rush out to rent your equipment, keep these tips in mind:
- Before renting equipment, organize your work area. This preparation can save you money because you are charged for the time the equipment is in your possession, not for the time you actually spend using it.
- Call the rental, hardware or home improvement store and describe your project. When store personnel know details (and the more, the better), they can recommend exactly the type and size of equipment you’ll need.
- When you pick up the equipment, ask how to use it safely and correctly. If you don’t understand everything perfectly clearly, ask again.
- Ask about and understand the store’s rates, hours and return policy. You may be able to rent by the hour, half day, day, week or month. Generally, hourly rates have a set minimum time that is less expensive than renting for the entire day.
- Completely understand your responsibility for the equipment.
The money you save in renting versus buying can be used to upgrade supplies in your current project or be put toward your next big project. Good luck, and happy renting!
