In the spirit of being the most helpful home remodeling related entity on the planet, this week we tackle the underappreciated topic of renting a dumpster! How do I choose what dumpster to rent? Will it destroy my driveway? Is there a difference between rental companies? How long can I keep my rented dumpster? Where will they put it on my driveway? So many questions… and here are some answers as we seek to demystify dumpster rentals.
Whether you’re planning a major overhaul or just a simple decluttering project, having the right dumpster can make all the difference. And it all begins with choosing the right partner! For us at The Lifestyle Group, we partner with a company called Bin There Dump That (BTDT) because their dumpsters were clean and pretty.
(Did I say clean and pretty?)
Yes… and if you’ve ever had a rusty bucket in your driveway dripping rust stains on your driveway, you will understand why we made that decision. It is the very first impression we make with our client on a remodeling project. It is neatly painted and gently set on the driveway. The truth is there is more than the dumpster itself that makes for a good experience and today we tackle some of the keys to have a good dumpster rental experience.
Choosing the Perfect Dumpster
Selecting the right dumpster starts with understanding your project’s needs. Consider factors such as the volume of waste, type of materials, and any space limitations. Most rental companies offer a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. (For more details on options, watch the video or listen to the podcast.) BTDT is incredibly helpful in guiding homeowners on what size they could possibly need for the project they plan to tackle. Our remodeling experiences tell us that getting a slightly larger dumpster the first time is cheaper than going to small and needing to rent another one later, so keep that in mind!
Preserving Your Driveway
Worried about your driveway? Fear not! Good rental companies like BTDT provide solutions like placing protective boards under the dumpster to prevent damage. Communicate your concerns with the rental company upfront, and they’ll work with you to find the best placement option.
Spotting the Differences
Not all rental companies are created equal. For instance, BTDT has smaller trucks that can fit into tighter spaces and bring their dumpsters down tight alleys if needed, while others use larger trucks that can’t make those tight turns. Some companies need advance notice of several days, while BTDT can in some emergency cases be responsive the same day and almost always the next day. While price is important, also consider factors like customer service, rental terms, and availability. Reading reviews and getting recommendations from friends or contractors can help you make an informed decision.
Duration of Rental
The length of your rental will depend on your choice of dumpster partner. While most companies offer slightly longer rental periods to contractor partners, companies like BTDT will let you keep your dumpster for one week from the time of delivery as a homeowner. Be sure to confirm the rental duration with your chosen partner, as well as any additional fees for extending the rental period.
Placement Considerations
Wondering where to put your dumpster? Most commonly, dumpsters are placed in the driveway for easy access and to avoid damage to the yard. However, if space is limited or you have specific placement preferences, discuss these with the rental company beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery and pickup process. As another point of reference, most customer friendly dumpster companies will provide a dumpster that fits in a single parking space.
Remember, a well-chosen dumpster can streamline your project and keep your workspace organized and safe. If you have any further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. We are here to help.
Happy renovating… and happy purging!