Working in construction requires a wide range of equipment and machinery to get the job done timeously and efficiently. For many established business owners this means forking out a large amount of capital to stock up on equipment as well as the relevant storage.
Some project managers, on the other hand, prefer to make use of the equipment hire Bendigo rental companies offer. Opting to rent not only saves money but also enables you to hire the exact machinery or equipment needed for the period needed. This means your company doesn’t have to deal with maintenance, storage or even licensing issues.
Know What to Check Before Opting for Equipment Rental
Do you want to take advantage of the many benefits of equipment rental? It can be challenging to find the best company in your area, especially since hidden costs and deceptive information can create a frustrating process. If your business is considering equipment hire for the first time, there are a few top pointers to keep in mind for a successful hiring process.
1. Assess the Job Versus the Machinery on Offer
The first step in machine or equipment rental is to assess the job at hand. Start by answering these questions.
- What exactly do you need to be done?
- Do you know what machine you’ll need? If not, be sure to give a detailed description of the task to your rental agency.
- Have you calculated the weight capacity of items that need to be moved from one place to another? This is particularly relevant when you’re moving building material from one location to another or removing rubble from a building site.
- For how long will you need the machine, and do you have space to store it overnight for projects that span a few days?
- Will you require more than one piece of equipment, or will it be more effective to hire a multi-purpose machine with various accessories?
2. Research Hire Company’s in the Area Near the Job Site
There might be a well-known hire company down the road from your office that you’re considering using. However, it’s important to keep in mind how this relates to the location of the job site.
With this in mind, rather research companies closer to the job site, especially if you require large machinery. Some larger pieces of equipment can be time-consuming or challenging to move through traffic and suburban areas. Consider aspects such as overhead power lines and peak-time traffic delays.
3. Opt for Professionals with a Stellar Reputation
Always check the reputation of the companies you have shortlisted. This usually includes checking a few online reviews and also speaking to fellow contractors. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a contract with hidden fees and inferior products.
It’s also important to discuss exactly what your project requires to establish which agencies can provide the best service possible. Our experts recommend getting a written quote from each company to compare costs and features on offer.
4. Look for Current Models
Construction machinery and equipment are constantly evolving to accommodate an ever-changing industry. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to look for machinery that features the latest upgrades and technologies to get the job done quicker, safely and more effectively.
In some instances, modern machinery may cost more to hire, but it’s worth noting that there’s less risk of downtime to service or repair an older unit. Modern machinery may also boast features that can enhance the job or even assist with getting other aspects of the task done faster. Modern, streamlined machinery is also easier to use and tends to have more efficient operating systems.
5. Establish any Local Regulations
The construction and building industries are also full of constantly changing regulations and compliances. It can be challenging to stay abreast with how your state regulations are changing, especially about the machines you want to use.
Will the machine or equipment require a licensed operator? Be sure to speak to your prospective rental agent about this. Usually, opting to hire means the rental company takes care of these regulations.
6. Always Check the Small Print
No matter what you’re renting, or for how long, it’s important to read through your contract before signing anything. Having a clear understanding of what the rental agency offers as well as any exclusions will ensure that you aren’t left with hidden fees at the end of the contract.
Be sure that the contract highlights the steps to follow if the machine requires maintenance during the period you’re using it. The contract should also mention any transport of the machinery to and from the job site.
Final Thoughts
Rental is almost always the most budget-friendly machinery and equipment option. Furthermore, there’s no risk of investing in a piece of equipment that spends the bulk of its life in a storeroom “in case” it’s needed. Keep our expert tips in mind as you get ready to hire your first machine to ensure that the rental process is as simple and effective as possible!