The Ultimate Rental Guide for Construction Sites

From scaffolding to waste disposal to temporary fencing, equipping a construction site with the right equipment and facilities is a necessity. But project managers can’t shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase what they need for the job.

Luckily, construction rental and services providers make it easy to set your project up for success while staying on budget and in compliance. 

In this guide, let’s explore everything there is to know about rentals for a construction site.

Construction Site Planning

Planning For Construction Site Rentals

The first step in renting construction site equipment and services is to plan; you can do this effectively by conducting a thorough assessment of the project’s scope, duration, and specific needs. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of how to assess and plan for construction site rentals.  

  1. Evaluate the number of workers and the type of tasks they will perform, which helps determine the quantity and type of portable toilets, hand wash stations, and safety equipment required. 
  2. Review the construction phases to understand when and where various equipment and facilities will be needed. 
  3. Create a detailed site layout to identify optimal locations for placing rental items such as fencing, storage containers, and temporary offices, ensuring ease of access and safety compliance. 
  4. Research and select reputable rental companies that offer the necessary equipment and services. Compare their pricing, rental terms, and customer reviews to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness. Confirm that they provide comprehensive support, including delivery, setup, maintenance, and emergency assistance. 
  5. Develop a rental schedule aligned with the project timeline, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available on-site when needed. Regularly communicate with the rental providers to address any changes in project requirements or schedule adjustments, ensuring that the site remains well-equipped and operations run smoothly throughout the construction period.
Construction Fencing

Considerations When Planning a Construction Site

A construction site can be a dangerous place with tens of workers constantly in motion, safety hazards and public safety to consider. It’s important to take into account these considerations before you determine what rental equipment or site services you might need. 

Compliance & Regulation

Ensure all rentals meet local safety and health regulations, such as OSHA standards for portable toilets, hand wash stations, and safety equipment. Don’t forget to obtain necessary permits for equipment and facilities.

Worker Safety and Comfort

The safety and security of construction staff is of utmost importance. When evaluating job site needs, make sure to plan for adequate sanitation facilities, such as portable toilets and hand wash stations, to maintain hygiene. Also, ensure proper safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are available for all workers. Climate control solutions help to maintain a comfortable working environment.

Rental Company Reliability & Reputation

Finding the right partner in your construction site services and equipment rentals is important to maintaining a stress-free and efficient project. Do your research, and choose reputable rental companies with a track record of reliability and good customer service. Confirm with the provider that they offer timely delivery, setup, maintenance, and emergency support should you need it.

What To Rent For a Construction Site

Now that you’ve done an assessment and put together a robust plan with the right considerations in mind, it’s time to select the services and equipment you will need to rent for your project. Explore each type of rental service category you might consider depending on your project scope, needs and setting.

 Hygiene & Sanitation

Having portable toilets and hand wash stations strategically located throughout the job site ensure the health and well-being of the workforce. These facilities help maintain cleanliness, reduce the spread of germs and diseases, and comply with health regulations. Providing adequate sanitation promotes a safer and more comfortable working environment, which can boost worker morale and productivity. Additionally, it reflects a company’s commitment to worker welfare and can prevent potential legal issues related to inadequate hygiene provisions

Portable toilets

Portable toilets are critical for a safe and healthy job site. They are made up of a cabin with a seat, lid and holding tank inside. Some portable toilets include features like a hand sanitizer dispenser, toilet paper holders, a flusher and a sink or sanitizer pump. Ask the rental company how often they service the portable toilets (most are serviced on a weekly basis, though frequency can vary depending on site conditions and number of workers.) 

The cost to rent a portable toilet for a construction site usually ranges from $75 to $250 per month, depending on factors like location, type of unit (standard vs. luxury or ADA-compliant), the duration of the rental, and the frequency of servicing.

Construction Rental Toilet

Portable hand wash stations

Obviously, a job site doesn’t always have running water or soap readily available. Hand wash stations are portable units designed to provide workers with a convenient and sanitary way to wash their hands on-site. 

These stations are essential for maintaining hygiene and reducing the spread of germs and illnesses among workers, especially in environments where soap and running water might not otherwise be available.

Equipment Rentals

You can’t complete a construction project without equipment! Renting equipment for construction is a cost-efficient, flexible and sustainable approach to planning your project. Rental companies typically have access to the most efficient technology, and they maintain, troubleshoot and service the equipment if issues arise. 

Scaffolding rental

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during the construction, maintenance, or repair of buildings. It provides a safe and stable platform for workers to perform tasks at elevated heights, ensuring access to hard-to-reach areas. 

When seeking out a scaffolding rental, offer details about your project requirements, including the type, height, and duration of the scaffolding needed to the rental provider. Compare quotes, confirm delivery and setup services, and ensure the rental includes proper safety features and compliance with local regulations.

Excavator rental

Excavators offer powerful digging and earthmoving capabilities and are a very common sight at construction sites. To rent an excavator, first determine the specific size and specifications needed for your construction project, considering factors like digging depth and reach. For example, for a smaller site project, you might consider a mini excavator rental. 

Then, contact equipment rental companies, compare rental rates, verify availability, and ensure the rental agreement includes maintenance and insurance coverage to support uninterrupted operations.

Skid steer rental

Skid steers are versatile compact machines used for tasks such as digging, lifting, and moving materials. Skid steers can wear many hats in a construction project. Their maneuverability and ability to use various attachments mean you can use it for a wide range of applications, from excavation and landscaping to loading and site preparation.

When considering a skid steer rental, start by determining the size and type of machine needed based on the specific tasks and terrain of your project. Contact equipment rental companies, compare rates and availability, inquire about attachment options, and ensure the rental agreement includes maintenance for seamless operation on-site.

Scissor lift rental

A scissor lift is an aerial work platform designed to provide access to elevated areas. It operates by extending and retracting a crisscrossing mechanism, allowing workers to perform tasks such as maintenance, installation, and repairs at height safely and efficiently. When considering scissor lift rentals, ensure the lift options meet safety standards and height and weight capacity for your project needs.

Crane rental

A crane rental provides the necessary heavy lifting capability to move materials, equipment, and structures safely and efficiently across a job site. It allows your project to handle large loads, reach heights, and maneuver in ways that are otherwise impractical or impossible with standard equipment. 

When evaluating crane rentals, provide the company details like project specifications, duration, and site conditions. Compare quotes and company ratings to find the ideal crane rental option.

Temporary Fencing and Security

When planning for a construction project, safety and security are of utmost importance for both worker and public well-being, and site security. From mitigating pedestrian traffic to protecting worker injury, temporary fencing is an essential safety measure to have on-site. Temporary fences are often used at construction sites to protect valued assets. When seeking out a temporary fence rental, consider the type of fence that best suits the project. Common types include:

  • Chain link fence
  • Mesh fencing
  • Hoarding fence
  • Plastic fencing
  • Barricades
  • Safety fencing
  • Water-filled barriers
Construction Fencing

Cost of temporary fencing rentals vary based on material, length, market and duration. Other rental costs to factor in include set up, tear down and maintenance. Contact your fence rental company for a precise quote.

Construction sites see a lot of foot traffic, and often nearby to busy public areas. For added security, you might also consider services like surveillance, security guards and other personnel, and access control like checkpoints and badges.

Waste Disposal

Waste materials like trash and debris left over from the construction process is another element of construction to plan ahead for. With any construction project including a new structure, renovation or tear-down, the leftover waste or debris is simply part of the process. Construction waste includes a variety of materials like concrete, wood, metal, bricks, glass, plastics, asphalt, and even “green waste” like grass clippings, shrubs, leaves and branches. 

Having a clear and all-encompassing plan for waste disposal is an important part to a safe, efficient job site. Key elements of waste disposal include:

  • Segregation
  • Collection
  • Transportation
  • Recycling
  • Disposal
  • Documentation

Proper disposal and waste management reduces the risk of safety hazards on the construction site, minimizing the potential for injury, helps with compliance of local waste disposal regulations, and contributes to environmental sustainability. When considering disposal services and rental equipment, talk to the provider about type and volume of debris, site conditions and any specific disposal needs.:

Roll-off dumpster

Roll-off dumpsters come in various sizes, but most often in 10, 15, 20 or 30-yard dumpster length sizes. Roll-off dumpsters are ideal for larger projects or when space is limited, as they can be easily transported and placed at the construction site. 

So, how much does a roll-off dumpster cost to rent? The cost to rent a roll-off dumpster varies widely due to factors like size, duration, and market location. Generally, you should expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 or more for a standard rental of a 10-yard to 30-yard roll-off dumpster for a typical residential or construction project. Make sure to contact your waste management partner to get a specific quote based on your project needs.

Job Site Office Trailers

Site supervisors and workers need a quiet place to work and meet while on the site. That’s where a mobile office trailer comes in! A job site office trailer is a prefabricated structure used as a temporary office space while on the construction site. These trailers are usually equipped with essential amenities like desks, chairs, HVAC systems, and electrical outlets, providing a comfortable and functional workspace for project management, administrative tasks, meetings, and coordination among contractors and stakeholders. 

Job site office trailers are designed to be portable, allowing them to be easily transported and set up at various locations on the construction site as needed. When considering job site office trailer rentals, visit the rental company’s facility to inspect and assess the trailers if allowed, and coordinate delivery and set-up to make sure your site managers don’t miss a beat. 

Get Planning Your Construction Site

Get Planning

Planning rentals for a construction project is not easy! It involves a systematic approach to making sure all necessary equipment and facilities are available (and working) to support efficient and safe operations. When planning your rental equipment and services, carefully assess the project’s scope, timeline, and specific needs, such as the type and quantity of equipment required for tasks ranging from excavation and material handling to site office accommodations and waste management. Don’t forget to consider factors like site logistics, regulatory compliance, and budget constraints when selecting rental providers and negotiating rental terms.

By partnering with an experienced and reputable company and maintaining clear communication throughout the project, you’ll mitigate risks, adhere to safety standards, and maintain cost-efficiency while delivering quality results within scheduled timelines.

Interested in partnering on a construction site project? Reach out to us today to get a free quote