Planning Your Summer Projects? This Renovation Hack Can Save You Hundreds

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your home, but costs can quickly climb, especially when it comes to materials and tools. A lesser-known savings tactic among DIYers is renting tools that are only used once in a while rather than buying them. From pressure washers to power saws, your project might call for the one-time use of a bulky and expensive tool that you have no space to store after the project is done. Luckily, most local hardware stores rent out a wide array of heavy-duty equipment for a fraction of the purchase cost. Read on to learn all about what renovation experts have to say about this cost-saving method.

Tools to Rent Instead of Buy

For seasonal, one-off, or large-scale projects, renting often makes better sense (and cents) than buying. Here are the tools experts say to borrow this renovation season.

Pressure Washers

If there's one project that marks the start of summer, it's pressure washing patios, decks, siding, and driveways. But buying a pressure washer might not be the smartest choice for the average homeowner. Home renovation expert Monika Zasada says, "Are you really pressure washing your house twice a season? No, you're probably doing it every few years, depending on where you live."

High-quality pressure washers can cost several hundred dollars, and storing them requires considerable garage or shed space. Renting one from a hardware store or your local tool center can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per day, depending on the model. Plus, there's no need to worry about maintenance or storage. Zasada says renting is a smart way to preempt clutter and avoid having a big item you don't use often take up essential space.

Tillers and Excavators

Lawn restoration, garden bed expansion, or installing a new vegetable patch requires equipment that can dig deep, like tillers. These powerful tools can cover a lot of ground quickly, but are rarely worth buying for residential use. Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, says it's also smart to rent tools like a small skid steer that can easily excavate and grade land, as the average homeowner might use it only once or twice a year. Compact tillers rent for around $50 to $70 per day, while skid steers can range from $150 to $400 per day, depending on the size and attachments.

Buying these tools outright can cost anywhere from $500 for basic models to over $30,000 for a larger, more sophisticated one, not including maintenance or transportation. "If you plan the project ahead of time and ensure all materials are onsite, renting tools can be a game-changer," Raboine says. With renting, you get professional-grade performance without the price tag or the storage commitment.

Compaction and Cutting Tools

Hardscape projects often require specialized tools like plate compactors and wet tile saws—gear that's too expensive to purchase for just one use. "For hardscape projects, compaction tools such as plate compactors and cutting tools will make the job much easier," Raboine explains. Renting a plate compactor typically costs between $50 and $100 per day, while purchasing one can set you back $1,000 or more. These machines also tend to be bulky, loud, and heavy—another reason they're better borrowed than bought.

If you're not a pro at these types of projects, rent commercial-grade tools and schedule the work to be completed by professionals. This combo can help you get the job done right and safely for a fraction of the cost.

Consider the Price vs. Value

When it comes to renting, the numbers speak for themselves. Raboine points out that rental tools are usually fairly inexpensive to rent per day or week; the real value, though, lies in skipping a major upfront investment for something you'll barely use. A pressure washer can cost $250–$600 to buy, while renting one may cost $50 for a few hours. That's an 80% savings if you only need it once a year.

Similarly, rentals usually require just a basic cleaning before returning them to the store. You don't have to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny, as you would if you owned it. For the time-conscious DIYer, there is value in getting a clean machine to use and not having to worry much about cleanup after the project is finally done.

Where to Rent and What to Expect

Many major hardware store chains offer online reservations and in-store pickup for everything from stump grinders to rental trucks. Some also provide delivery and pickup services for larger machines that only a pro should transport, or that wouldn't easily fit in most vehicles. Local garden centers might also have landscaping equipment rentals available.

Most rentals offer flexible daily, weekend, or weekly pricing. Before you book, assess the entire project and aim to complete all the work requiring that tool within the allotted period. It might not be simple to extend your rental, especially if someone else has booked it right after your booking concludes.

Non-Monetary Reasons to Rent

The financial savings are compelling, but there are other reasons to rent tools, especially for complex or one-time projects. Storage space is one important factor, as Zasada stresses the practicality of avoiding bulky equipment that sits unused for years.

Another overlooked benefit is expertise. Many rental centers offer guidance, demos, or even digital tutorials on how to use specific tools safely. Instead of just completing your project, you also gain skills and make memories, and that knowledge can be priceless.

The final reason to rent is safety. Many tools come with their own set of hazards, and aside from injury caused by improper use, storage can also present problems. In some households, keeping sharp tools away from kids and pets, or heavy tools from falling off shelves or wall mounts, might be the top priority. Renting lets you enjoy top-of-the-line equipment in the moment and promptly remove it from your property thereafter.