Postpone Purchasing That Tool for Now - Discover This Summer Renovation Trick to Save You Significant Amounts
Frugal Home Makeovers: The Top Tools to Rent Instead of Buy
Summer's here, and it's the ideal time to spruce up your pad. But the expenses can quickly mount, especially when it comes to materials and tools. A sneaky tip that seasoned DIYers swear by is renting tools primarily used for infrequent projects rather than shelling out for them. From pressure washers to power saws, your project may demand the one-time use of a hefty and costly tool that you don't have room to stash post-project. Fortunately, most local hardware stores rent an extensive variety of heavy-duty equipment at a fraction of the purchase price. Let's dive deep into what experts have to say about this smart economic move.
Renovation Gurus Weigh In
- Monika Zasada - Home construction and renovation expert, owner of De-Mazing (a project curatorship and construction therapy company)
- Joe Raboine - Vice President of design at Oldcastle APG, a leading global manufacturer of concrete building and hardscape products
Tools Worth Renting
For seasonal, one-off, or large-scale projects, renting often makes more sense... and cents! Here are the tools our experts suggest borrowing for your upcoming renovation season.
Pressure Washers
If summer kicks off with one project, it's likely pressure washing patios, decks, siding, and driveways. But buying a pressure washer may not be the wisest choice for most homeowners. Home renovation expert Monika Zasada highlights that "Are you really pressure washing your house twice a season? No, you're probably doing it every few years, depending on where you live."
High-quality pressure washers can set you back several hundred dollars, and storage demands considerable garage or shed space. Renting one from a hardware store or tool center can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per day, depending on the model. In addition, there's no need to worry about upkeep or storage. Zasada suggests renting is a savvy move to dodge clutter and avoid accumulating an item you don't frequently use taking up essential space.
Tillers and Excavators
Lawn restoration, expanding garden beds, or starting a new vegetable patch necessitate equipment capable of digging deep, like tillers. These powerful tools can cover extensive ground swiftly, but are seldom worth buying for residential use. Joe Raboine, the vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, also advocates renting tools like a small skid steer that can effortlessly excavate and grade land, as the average homeowner might use it only once or twice a year. Compact tillers rent for around $50 to $70 per day, while skid steers can range from $150 to $400 per day, depending on the size and attachments.
Acquiring these tools outright can cost anywhere from $500 for entry-level models to over $30,000 for a larger, more sophisticated one, not including maintenance or transportation. "If you plan the project ahead of time and make sure all materials are onsite, renting tools could be a game-changer," Raboine says. By renting, you secure professional-grade performance without the high price tag or the ongoing commitment.
The 6 Best Tillers, Tested by BHG
Compaction and Cutting Tools
Hardscape projects often require specialized tools like plate compactors and wet tile saws - gear that's too expensive to purchase just once. "For hardscape projects, compaction tools such as plate compactors and cutting tools will make the job much easier," Raboine reveals. Renting a plate compactor usually costs between $50 and $100 per day, while purchasing one might set you back $1,000 or more. These machines are also heavy, loud, and bulky - making them ideal for renting rather than buying.
If you're not a pro at these kinds of projects, opt for commercial-grade tools and arrange for the work to be completed by professionals. This combines the benefits of getting the job done right and safely, for a portion of the cost.
Consider the Cost vs. Value
The numbers unequivocally support renting tools. Raboine emphasizes that rental tools are typically fairly inexpensive to rent per day or week; the actual value, though, lies in bypassing a significant initial investment for something you'll barely use. A pressure washer can cost $250-$600 to buy, while renting one may cost just $50 for a few hours. That's a savings of 80% if you only need it once a year.
Additionally, rentals generally require minimal pre-cleaning before returning them to the store. You won't need to meticulously clean every nook and cranny, as you would if you owned it. For time-strapped DIYers, there's value in receiving a clean machine to use and not having to obsess over cleanup post-project.
Where to Rent and What to Expect
Many major hardware store chains provide online reservations and in-store pickup for everything from stump grinders to rental trucks. Some also offer delivery and pickup services for larger machines that are best handled by pros, or that won't fit comfortably in most vehicles. Local garden centers may also have landscaping equipment rentals at your disposal.
Most rentals offer flexible daily, weekend, or weekly pricing. Prior to booking, evaluate the entire project and strive to complete all the work requiring that tool within the allotted period. Extending your rental may not be straightforward, especially if someone else has reserved it immediately following your booking.
Non-Monetary Reasons to Rent
The financial savings are persuasive, but there are other benefits to renting, especially for complex or one-time projects.
- Storage Space: Zasada emphasized the practicality of avoiding bulky equipment that remains idle for years.
- Professional Guidance: Many rental centers offer guidance, demonstrations, or even digital tutorials on how to use specific tools properly and safely.
- Safety: Many tools come with inherent hazards, and aside from potential injury due to improper use, storage can also pose dangers. In some households, preserving sharp tools away from kids and pets, or heavy tools from toppling off shelves or wall mounts, might be top priority. Renting lets you enjoy top-tier equipment in the moment and promptly remove it from your property thereafter.
[1] https://www.homedepot.com/c/ha_88269/Rentals
[4] https://www.homedepot.com/c/ha_1008907/Rentals-FAQ
- Monika Zasada, a home construction and renovation expert, advises homeowners to consider renting pressure washers for seasonal use, as they might not use them frequently enough to justify the cost of purchase.
- Joe Raboine, the vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, suggests renting tools like tillers and small skid steers for large-scale garden or landscaping projects, as these are seldom worth buying for residential use due to their infrequent use.
- For hardscape projects requiring specialized tools like plate compactors and wet tile saws, experts advise renting them as they can be too expensive to purchase just once for a one-time project.
