How could tool hire benefit your self-build?
Site toilets. Check. Site fencing. Check. Security containers. Check…
If you’re starting out on your first self-build and looking to buy or hire equipment, you’ll soon discover the list is endless. Once you commence build works you’ll probably require excavators, dumpers and skips for site clearance plus pumps, breakers and cutters to complete the infrastructure. When construction starts you may need mixers, forklifts, access equipment and tools for fitting out. But what do you invest in and which products are better to hire?
Depending on the product, hiring tools can save you much-needed cash for other aspects of your self-build project. It’s important to work out how often you may need equipment to ensure you’re not overspending – if you were to use items across your project it may work out cheaper to purchase them. Being organised and understanding what is required from the outset is key.
You may see yourself working on another self-build project in the future so buying power tools or access equipment (for example: ladders, trestles, drills) may be worth the initial outlay. However, heavier equipment, such as concrete mixers or loaders, are difficult to store and expensive to purchase. In these cases, in the short term it’s much easier to hire, explains Trevor Chapman, Jewson’s Regional Tool Hire Director. “It really depends on the product but hiring gives you the benefit of no initial outlay, so all the benefit for a fraction of the cost. At Jewson Tool Hire we deliver when required and collect equipment when you’re finished. For low value items that you need for a while, we’ll usually discuss at the time and advise if a purchase is a better option for the customer.
“Throughout an entire self-build project Jewson can supply hired items at each stage. We can provide the right tool for the application and information to help the user to complete the task. We offer the customer all the support they need with regular calls to make sure tools are still required and what they may need next.”
When it comes to the all-important budget tool hiring seems to be the best option. But is it?
Trevor adds: “We offer a self-build account which means self-builders will benefit from discounted prices when hiring items, with no upfront cost for a self-builder. This comes fully supported so if a machine breaks down, it’s fixed or exchanged to keep the customer working. When complete, there’s no hassle for the customer – we simply take it away. Long term hires can be agreed in advance, advising if a purchase would be a better option.
“It’s quite simple - if a customer has a credit account we’ll discuss hire and confirm details. If they are paying on a cash account, we’ll review the machine required with the customer and advise on a price and deposit, then agree delivery or collection. Hires are charged monthly on account or fortnightly on cash, so it’s easier to budget for and understand cost over a period of time.”
Some self-builders may be hesitant about hiring expensive equipment. What happens if products are damaged by accident?
Trevor explains: “On the rare occasion this happens, we notify the customer and make the unit available for inspection, advise of repair cost then agree before it’s charged to the account. We’d advise customers to ensure they have suitable storage space for hired equipment. We’d also make the customer aware before hire of our accidental damage protection policy, but it’s optional. Every customer will require insurance for the hire of plant (e.g: excavators and high value equipment) against serious damage or loss. If customers are hiring small tools we have a damage waiver scheme, which prevents customers paying unforeseen charges that arise from accidental damage.”
Find out more about Jewson Tool hire products and services here.
