Those who are do-it-yourselfers know that the best and least expensive way to accomplish a task is to pull out the work gloves and get after it. But does that include projects that require construction equipment? There are several things to ask yourself before you decide whether to rent (or buy) construction equipment or to call in the pros.
Two of the most important things to consider are cost and size of the project. Have you always wanted a pond? There is really nothing stopping you from building one if you have enough land and there are no zoning laws restricting it. That is going to be a pretty big project and you might be surprised how much earth has to be moved to create even a small pond for watering livestock.
Think you are not qualified to operate construction equipment? You might be right. If you have never operated a bulldozer, you are going to quickly find out that those professionals only make it look easy. There is a lot to learn before you can successfully move dirt the way it is supposed to be moved. But even if you know how to run a bulldozer or other construction equipment, you may not have enough knowledge to put the equipment to proper use.
If you know anything about ponds, you know that just digging a hole is not going to get you a pond that holds water. If you know how to go about the sealing process, whether you should have a drain and how to choose the best place for your pond, you may very well be in a position to rent a bulldozer and build your own pond.
Think you are going to need a series of ponds? In that case, you need to carefully consider how long it will take you to do the digging and get a good estimate for the cost of renting the construction equipment you need for the entire project. Do not overlook transportation fees, especially if you plan to only use the equipment for a few days, send it back and then rent again. Do not overlook your time. If you are taking time off work, figure that into the cost of renting.
Compare that to the cost of hiring someone who owns the construction equipment to get the project completed. If it is a big project, consider purchasing your own construction equipment. After you are done, you can always sell the equipment to regain at least part of your investment.
Whether you are talking about a bulldozer for a major earth-moving project, a Ditch Witch to lay cable or water lines, or a jackhammer to bust up a concrete pad, you may be surprised at how affordable renting construction equipment can be.
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