Should You Buy Or Rent Scaffolding?

Those doing work that requires scaffolding might need to determine if it would be cost effective and convenient to purchase their own or rent materials instead. While some items such as insulation cannot be rented, other materials needed for renovation projects might only need to be used one time. They might not become a permanent fixture in a renovation and only be used to achieve an ends. Borrowing or renting might help you save money, but if you find you are reusing the materials again and again, renting or borrowing might be too much effort. You need to weigh the pros and cons of investing in owning your own equipment. You might find buying your own is definitely the way to go.

Most of these items are not available in all that many places. If you purchase the items, you will have it when you need it. Though there are rental places, they might not have locations close to your business or close to where you will be working. Owning your equipment means never having to locate a nearby renter to supply what you need. In addition to location, you might not be able to find what you need when you need it. Even if a company you rely on for materials is close to the worksite, what you need might already be rented to someone else.

Price is your other consideration. Renting is less expensive than buying, but only if you plan to use the materials one time. The key to determining if renting or buying is more cost effective is to add up the number of times you have rented the materials and look at that cost. If you are renting three or four times each year and the cost of buying is double that of renting, buying still saves you money. You might also want to consider security deposits. Sometimes when you rent, you need to leave a deposit until the materials are returned. Though you get this money back, you do not have access to it during the time you are renting the equipment. This can make a big difference in your cash flow and money supply.

You might also have limitations on materials when you are renting them. You might have to return them by a certain date or you might not be able to travel with them. If you plan to work out of state, you might not have access to the materials you need.

Finally, you need to take damage into consideration. Most people assume they will return their materials as they found them, but accidents happen. If something breaks or gets damaged, are you responsible for paying for the replacement costs? This means you basically will pay for the materials without the benefit of owning them. Ask yourself if it would be better to buy outright and deal with small damages over time on your own. You might have an occasional scratch or break, but you can ignore it since you own the equipment.


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Stewart Wrighter recently studied the work of a San Antonio scaffolding company when he went out for bids on a new project. He worked with a San Antonio Insulation firm as new techniques are sought for the energy crisis.