7 Home Improvement Projects Where Equipment Rental Pays for Itself

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When tackling home improvement projects, you often face a choice: rent or buy the equipment you need? While buying might seem logical, renting can be surprisingly cost-effective for many projects. The right rental equipment can help you complete tasks faster and with better results—often paying for itself through efficiency and quality. So, which home improvement projects make the most financial sense to rent equipment for?

1. Wood Floor Improvements

Sprucing up your wood flooring can make entire rooms look new. Drum sanders remove old finishes and top layers while improving imperfections.

They are among the best equipment to rent for home renovations because you can do so much with them, including removing scratches and stains. Most people don’t need drum sanders regularly, making them excellent rental candidates. Providers offer heavy-duty models, including some you can walk behind while using. These options improve productivity and give consistent results.

2. Interior and Exterior Painting

Many homeowners tackle painting as a DIY project, but skimping on costs can lead to unexpected, lower-quality results. For example, cheaper, builder-grade paint tends to dry too quickly, often leaving unsightly streaks. Spending a bit more on higher-quality paint makes the application process easier and leads to a more satisfying, professional-looking finish.

For cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing home improvement results, consider renting an airless paint sprayer. Unlike manual methods, this tool delivers a smoother, more uniform coat. This not only enhances the appearance but also increases the paint job's longevity, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.

3. Drywall Removal and Replacement

When drywall is damaged by issues like burst pipes or sewage backups, prompt removal is important to prevent problems like mold, bubbling paint and structural weakness. Preparing for this task involves removing any standing water with pumps and using desiccant dehumidifiers to eliminate excess moisture. Fortunately, construction equipment rental companies typically have these items readily available, allowing you to address the problem swiftly.

When replacing water-damaged drywall, accuracy is key. If the damage extends from the floor upward, first locate the highest point the water reached. Then, using a chalk line, mark a straight, horizontal line at least 12 inches above this point. This line will serve as your guide for cutting and installing new wallboards in the affected area. To make this process easier and more cost-effective, consider renting dehumidifiers to further dry the space and drywall lifts to help with installation.

4. Concrete Laying or Repair

If you’re putting down new concrete or fixing existing surfaces, renting a mixer improves the stability and durability of the work. Although you can prepare the material by hand, this takes longer and could reduce the overall consistency.

Most agencies have electric models to use for the day or for an hourly fee. This type of DIY equipment rental makes sense for most households, especially because they may not need to use the item more than once every several years.

5. Tree Removals

Root damage, intense storms and soggy soil can cause trees to fall, or they may need removal after becoming diseased, causing you to deal with the stump. Leaving those parts of the tree where they are can:

• Encourage pests
• Cause accidents
• Obstruct landscaping

Many professionals offer stump-grinding services to remove the remains to a desired depth, including making them flush with the soil. However, having them ground out deeper increases the cost, making renting the equipment more attractive. The compact build of many units allows you to take them away on a trailer or truck bed for easy portability.

6. Garden Preparations

DIY equipment rental also makes sense if you have extensive gardening plans. Gas-powered tillers can help you:

• Aerate the soil
• Break new ground
• Add organic matter
• Repurpose lawn sections

Because many people do these things seasonally, renting makes financial sense and saves you from having the tiller gathering dust in the garage the rest of the time. The equipment is also ideal for tougher soil or larger gardens, helping you get more done with less labor. Experts suggest budgeting 10%-20% more than project estimates to cover hidden costs. Rented equipment gives you a financial cushion by reducing upfront expenses.

7. Surface Cleaning

If your home improvement projects involve making exteriors look fresh and new, a rented pressure washer is the multipurpose equipment to get jobs done quickly. Consider using it on:

• Garage floors
• Concrete
• The driveway
• Vinyl siding
• Decks
• Garbage bins

Rental companies maintain their pressure washers well and offer powerful models. The typically low daily rate easily pays for itself. Planning what to wash beforehand also helps you maximize the time, meaning you may only need the equipment for a day or two, even on a larger property.

Enjoy Cost-Effective Home Improvement With Rented Equipment

Some DIY home improvement tasks require extensive planning, time and money. Renting the necessary equipment helps you save while accessing effective, well-maintained equipment from well-known brands.