Equipment & Tool Hire Costs
Understanding the costs of accessing equipment, scaffolding, and specialised tools for construction projects.
What Are Equipment & Tool Hire Costs?
Many projects require equipment that isn't practical to purchase. Scaffolding for a week costs more to buy than to hire. Specialised tools (concrete saws, floor scrapers, industrial vacuums) are hired rather than bought. These costs typically represent 5-15% of project cost, depending on project complexity.
Common Equipment & Hire Costs
Access Equipment
Scaffolding (per week): £50-150+ depending on height and coverage
Aluminium ladders (per week): £15-30
Extending ladders (per week): £20-40
Scaffolding tower (per week): £40-80
Mobile elevated work platform (per day): £80-200
Scaffolding is the biggest cost item for work at height. First week often includes delivery/setup charges (£100-200).
Power Tools & Machines
Concrete saw/cutter (per day): £40-80
Angle grinder (per day): £15-25
SDS drill (per day): £12-20
Pressure washer (per day): £25-50
Industrial vacuum (per day): £30-60
Compressor + pneumatic tools (per day): £50-100
Most tradespeople own basic power tools. You only hire specialised equipment.
Floor & Surface Equipment
Floor scraper (per day): £20-40
Floor polisher (per day): £40-80
Floor sander (per day): £50-100
Carpet/tile cutter (per day): £15-30
Damp-proof membrane sprayer (per day): £30-60
Most floor work projects require at least one specialized floor tool.
Generators & Power
Portable generator (per day): £30-80
Temporary power supply & RCD board (per week): £100-200
Heavy-duty extension cable (per week): £10-20
Larger projects need proper temporary power to avoid trip hazards.
Waste & Cleanup Equipment
Skip bin (per week, 8-10m³): £150-300
Large waste bags/rubbish (per 20): £50-100
Dust sheet protection (per m²): £1-3
Protective barriers/hoardings (per m²): £5-15
Cleanup costs are often underestimated—they're significant on most projects.
How Equipment Hire Is Charged
- Daily rate: Usually applicable with 1-2 day minimum
- Weekly rate: 4-5 days of daily rate (discount applies)
- Deposit: Refundable security deposit (typically 20-50% of item value)
- Damage charges: If equipment returned damaged, you pay repair costs
- Delivery/collection: Often charged separately (£30-100+)
- Insurance: Available at extra cost; usually worthwhile for expensive equipment
Cost Breakdown: Typical Project
Bathroom Renovation (5-day project)
Plus delivery charges (typically £50-100)
Why Equipment Costs Vary
- Duration: Weekly hire much cheaper per day than daily
- Supplier location: Rural areas may have fewer options and higher prices
- Season: Peak season (summer) rates higher than winter
- Equipment condition: Better-maintained equipment may cost slightly more
- Specialisation: Rare equipment more expensive than common items
- Volume discounts: Renting multiple items from same supplier may reduce cost
How to Minimise Equipment Costs
1. Hire for minimum necessary time: If floor sanding takes 1 day, don't hire for a week.
2. Combine equipment from one supplier: Multi-item hire often cheaper than multiple suppliers.
3. Buy insurance: If equipment is expensive, insurance (typically 10% of hire cost) is worthwhile.
4. Plan ahead: Booking in advance sometimes yields better rates than last-minute hire.
5. Return promptly: Late returns cost dearly—getting equipment back on time matters.
Red Flags
- Equipment costs missing from quote: Significant oversight or deliberately omitted
- No insurance offered: Risky—equipment damage liability falls on you
- Vague "equipment fee": You should know what equipment is needed and why
- Hire costs not broken down: Professional quotes itemise all equipment