Rental Services: Do It Yourself with a Little Help

You can literally rent anything. Think of a thing you need but can't afford. Something you can afford but don't want. Something you want but don't need. If everything is for sale, then everything can be rented as well. Consider what you already rent everyday: cars at the airport, DVDs at the store, your apartment or house. For weddings you rent time by the hour: photographers, DJ's, and caterers. You can even rent people for routine check-ups: maids, landscapers, and plumbers. Renting is the philosophy behind all transactions, so the same method applies when you need the right tools for a job. When it comes to home improvement projects, contacting the right rental service could be the one thing that makes or breaks your plans.

Get a Move On
The most popular rental service is relocation companies. When moving from one residence to another, there are tons of things to plan around. This is why, aside from a job search, moving is consistently the number one stressor in America. Since it's so nerve-racking, why not reduce the anxiety and hire professionals to get the job done. You could, of course, rent a moving company to load, transfer, and unpack your possessions. They cost more, but it's the most efficient way to get from one place to the next. But if you want to do it yourself, you have a few options. You could rent a truck for bigger projects, but for in-town moves you may want to rent a trailer. They come in open or closed styles and are available in any size depending on the layout of your house (one room, two rooms, etc.). Plus they come with options: hitches for cars tows, dollies for heavy appliances, and all the attachments you may need (ropes, pads, boxes, packing materials, etc). Just reserve early and make sure the company guarantees the unit for pick up so you won't be inconvenienced on moving day.

The Little Things
It's always those little things that make a project go faster, but sometimes it's the smallest items that cost the most. So for minor projects, you may need to contact an equipment rental service. For instance, if you've already moved but still need to sell your house, it's a good idea to rent furniture. For open houses, buyers like to see the house furnished to grasp its full size and potential; plus, it just makes a space more inviting. So if your couches and chairs are in the new house, rent furnishings to stage your old home to allure strong offers.

Of course, more often than not, you'll be contacting an equipment rental service for power tools. Tools are expensive, and even if you're a habitual do-it-yourselfer, these appliances are often used once and then sit in your garage for years. So it's best to lease a power washer or buffer for cleaning jobs. If landscaping, temporarily rent a tamper. For bigger projects, never buy floor strippers, scaffolding, or air compressors unless you know you're going to use them in the future.

The Big Stuff
If you have a big project, like building an addition, grading a yard, or re-roofing your house, you'll need some big tools as well. Though often used for commercial purposes, some equipment rental companies offer tools to homeowners who have the proper experience and training for such large jobs. Trucks are the most popular item, including dump trucks, vans, flatbeds, half-tons, or pickups. Rent a dumpster for demolition work. A trencher or backhoe for landscaping projects. Maybe you need a Bobcat, skid loader, fork lift, or concrete mixer. And if you need attachments, these professionals can supply you with augers, buckets, and breakers. But be sure you're proficient enough to use such tools before investing.

Rental Services
Rental services not only hand out tools to make the job go quicker, they also rent out information to make the project a success. Even if you're handy around the house, these professionals can give tips and instructions about how to use the tools effectively. They relay safety advice to make sure you're protected (especially since you'll probably have to sign a waiver so they're not liable for accidents). If you're unsure about what to rent, once you explain your intentions and tell them when you want the gear, these experts can lead you in the right direction and suggest what tools you'll need and for how long.