Summertime Home Improvement Secret: Discover the Cost-Slashing Shortcut to Avoid Buying That Expensive Tool
Refreshing Your Home on a Budget:
Summer is the perfect time to revamp your living space, but the expenses can pile up fast, especially when it comes to materials and tools. A lesser-known approach among DIYers is renting equipment instead of investing in expensive tools they rarely use. From pressure washers to power saws, your project might call for the one-time use of a bulky and costly tool that you don't have room to store after the project is done. Thankfully, most local hardware stores rent out a variety of top-notch equipment for a fraction of the purchase cost. Here's what our renovation experts have to say about this money-saving strategy.
Expert Tips on Renting Tools:
- Pressure Washers
If there's one project that screams "summer," it's cleaning patios, decks, siding, and driveways with a pressure washer. However, buying one may not be the smartest choice for the average homeowner. Monika Zasada, a home construction and renovation expert, explains, "Do you really pressure wash your house twice a season? Probably not, it depends on where you live."
High-quality pressure washers can set you back several hundred dollars, and storage could be an issue. Renting one from a hardware store or your local tool center can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per day, depending on the model. Plus, there's no need to worry about maintenance or storage. Zasada emphasizes renting as a practical way to prevent clutter and avoid having a large, infrequently used item taking up essential space.
- Tillers and Excavators
Lawn restoration, expanding garden beds, or installing a vegetable patch requires heavy-duty equipment like tillers. These powerful tools can cover a lot of ground quickly but are rarely worth buying for residential use. Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, also recommends renting tools like a small skid steer for excavating and grading land, as the average homeowner might use it only once or twice a year. Compact tillers cost around $50 to $70 per day to rent; skid steers range from $150 to $400 per day, depending on size and attachments.
Buying these tools can cost anywhere from $500 for basic models to over $30,000 for a larger, more advanced one, not counting maintenance or transportation. "If you plan ahead and ensure all materials are onsite, renting tools can be a game-changer," Raboine says. Renting allows you to enjoy professional-grade tools without the financial burden and storage commitments.
- Compaction and Cutting Tools
Hardscape projects often require specialized tools like plate compactors and wet tile saws – equipment that's too costly to purchase for a one-time use. "For hardscape projects, tools like plate compactors and cutting tools will make the job much easier," Raboine explains. Renting a plate compactor typically costs between $50 and $100 per day, while buying one can set you back $1,000 or more. These machines can be noisy, heavy, and bulky, making them even better for temporary use.
If you're inexperienced with these types of projects, consider hiring professionals and renting top-of-the-line tools. This approach will ensure a professional finish while saving you a significant amount compared to purchasing the equipment outright.
Price vs. Value:
When it comes to renting, the numbers speak for themselves. Raboine points out that rental tools are usually cheap to rent per day or week; the real value lies in avoiding a substantial initial investment for something rarely used. For instance, a pressure washer can cost $250-$600 to buy, while renting one can cost $50 for a few hours – a potential savings of 80% if you only need it once a year.
Additionally, rental tools typically require only basic cleaning before returning them to the store, eliminating the need for meticulous cleaning and saving time for busy DIYers.
Where to Rent and What to Expect:
Many major hardware store chains offer online reservations and in-store pickup for a variety of equipment, from stump grinders to rental trucks. Some even provide delivery and pickup services for larger machines that only pros should transport, or that wouldn't easily fit in most vehicles. Local garden centers might also have landscaping equipment rentals available.
Most rentals offer flexible daily, weekend, or weekly pricing. Before you book, evaluate the entire project and aim to complete all tasks requiring a particular tool within the rental period. It can be difficult to extend a rental, especially if someone else has booked it immediately following your reservation.
Non-Monetary Reasons to Rent:
Beyond financial savings, there are several other reasons to rent tools, especially for complex or one-time projects.
- Storage Space: Renting tools can save you valuable space, especially for bulky equipment like tillers or concrete saws.
- Expertise and Guidance: Many rental centers offer guidance, demos, or digital tutorials on how to use specific tools safely and efficiently.
- Safety: Renting allows you to work with professional-grade equipment that's maintained by the provider, reducing potential risks associated with improper use or faulty tools.
- Try Before You Buy: Renting a tool before purchasing can help you determine if it's the right fit for your needs, allowing you to test its performance and decide if it's worth the investment.
Environmental Consideration:
Renting is also an environmentally friendly option. By renting and reusing tools instead of constantly purchasing new ones, you can help reduce waste and promote sustainability.
- For home improvement projects like hardscape projects that require specialized tools such as plate compactors and wet tile saws, renting can be a cost-effective solution, particularly when the equipment is rarely used.
- When planning a home renovation, considering expert advice about renting tools like pressure washers, tillers, or excavators can help save money and spare valuable storage space, providing a practical solution for the average homeowner.
- If you're embarking on home remodeling or lifestyle projects and require expert advice, the lifestyle and home-and-garden section of the popular home improvement magazine, Better Homes and Gardens (bhg), is a great place to find ideas and professional recommendations.
