When planning a project, event, or any situation requiring security, one key consideration is whether to buy or hire temporary fencing We understand it is a dilemma for many construction workers and companies looking to use temporary fencing for their projects. This decision impacts your budget, logistics, and the overall success of your project.
Many businesses and individuals struggle with the decision to hire or buy temporary fencing due to a general lack of knowledge. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice ultimately depends on your circumstances and budget.
In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of hiring and buying temporary fencing so you can weigh the options and make an informed decision about which option best suits your needs.
Hiring Temporary Fencing
Hiring temporary fencing is a popular option due to its convenience. Hiring over buying has benefits that can offer you peace of mind and help your project run smoothly.
But is hiring better than buying a temporary fence? While there is no definite answer to this question, as it varies depending on the project at hand, there are several advantages of opting for a temporary fencing hire instead of buying.
Advantages of Hiring Temporary Fencing
More Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of hiring temporary fencing is its flexibility. You can choose the exact amount of fencing you need for a specific project and only hire it for the required duration.
Projects also often run over their expected timeframes, and hiring allows you to extend the rental period as needed if projects take longer than expected. This flexibility allows your site to remain secure for the duration of your project without the added hassle, regardless of any unforeseen delays.
No Maintenance Costs
When you hire temporary fencing, you eliminate any need for maintenance on your behalf. The hiring company is responsible for making sure the fencing is in good condition before it is delivered. Any repairs or maintenance required during the hire period should be handled by the company.
Hiring gives you the flexibility to change your mind in terms of quality or quantity without incurring any additional maintenance costs. Not having to foot the bill for maintenance costs saves you time and money.
No Storage is Required of You
Another major advantage of hiring temporary fencing instead of buying outright is that you don't need to worry about storage space. Temporary fencing can take up a great deal of space when not in use, and not having to worry about this is a major plus.
By renting, you avoid the need to store the fencing once your project is finished. Once the project is complete, the fencing company will collect it so you don’t have to, reducing clutter and keeping space open on your property.
All the Hard Work Is Done For You
Hiring temporary fencing means you don't have to lift a finger – much of the logistical work is managed and handled for you by the hiring company. The fencing company saves you time and effort by delivering, installing, and even collecting the fencing once finished.
When you hire temporary fencing, the rental provider does the work for you, eliminating the time you would have otherwise wasted undergoing training and installing it. The fencing is set up correctly and securely, so you can focus on the other important components of your project.
Less Up-Front Costs When Hiring Temporary Fencing
It should come as no surprise that renting temporary fencing can be less expensive than purchasing, especially if it is only needed for a short period.
Because hiring temporary fencing typically has lower upfront costs compared to buying, it is the perfect option if your project has a lower budget. You can still acquire the fencing you need with a smaller initial investment and preserve your capital.
Disadvantages of Hiring Temporary Fencing
Hiring temporary fencing has many advantages, but there are also some drawbacks you should be aware of.
Long Term Costs
While hiring temporary fencing is cost-effective in the short term, it can become more expensive over a long period.
If your project extends for months or years, the rental fees that accumulate may exceed the cost of purchasing the fencing outright.
This is why you should consider the duration of your project first when deciding whether to hire or buy.
Relying On Commitment from Hiring Company
When you hire temporary fencing, you are relying on the rental company’s commitment to providing quality service – which varies from company to company.
This includes the availability of fencing, timely delivery and collection, the condition of the fencing, and the company’s overall professionalism. Any lapses in these areas can impact your project and cause delays or additional costs.
Buying Temporary Fencing
When you purchase fencing, you gain complete control over its use and management. If you need temporary fencing for multiple projects or over an extended period, buying your own is a viable option worth considering.
Advantages of Buying Temporary Fencing
Buying temporary fencing is an investment that also has its benefits, especially for long-term projects or ongoing needs. Let’s detail some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying temporary fencing in depth.
You Own the Asset
The most significant advantage of buying temporary fencing is that you own the asset, which means that when you purchase fencing, you gain complete control over its use and management.
Ownership can be advantageous for businesses that frequently use temporary fencing, as you can reuse it for future projects without paying any additional fees.
No Terms & Conditions
When you purchase temporary fencing, you are not bound by the terms and conditions often imposed by a rental company. You have complete control over how and when the fencing is used, moved, or modified.
This provides you with more freedom to move and operate while eliminating administrative burdens.
When compared to hiring, buying fencing means there are no expensive charges if the fences are damaged, stolen, or lost. Extra charges, in addition to the standard rental rates, can add up quickly and put your project over budget.
No Hiring Fees
Buying temporary fencing eliminates the need to pay hiring fees because there’s no need to hire anything anymore. This makes buying a more cost-effective option in the long run, even if it doesn’t seem like it is up front.
More Cost Effective In the Long-Run
Following on from the above point, buying temporary fencing is more cost-effective in the long run than hiring it each time. If you know you’ll use your temporary fencing more than once, buying is definitely the smarter option, as you will have paid it off after only one or two projects.
The initial investment is offset by the savings from not having to repeatedly hire fencing. When divided over multiple projects, the cost of purchasing temporary fencing will usually be substantially lower than the costs of hiring it.
Disadvantages of Buying Temporary Fencing
The Upfront Cost is Expensive
The biggest disadvantage of buying temporary fencing is the upfront cost. The upfront cost of buying is significantly higher than hiring it.
This will usually alienate a potential buyer before they even calculate the costs over time. Because of this, many opt to rent without realising how much they would have saved had they bought their temporary fencing instead.
Storage Responsibility When Buying Temporary Fencing
As we’ve already stated, buying will incur a higher initial one-off fee, but there will be no ongoing hiring costs. When calculating the true costs of buying vs hiring, you need to factor in the storage costs as well.
Owning temporary fencing requires you to store it when not in use. This can be a disadvantage because of the space required to store large quantities of fencing. Proper storage facilities are needed to keep the fencing in good condition and make it available for future use.
Maintenance Responsibility
When you own your own temporary fencing, you are responsible for its maintenance.
This includes regular inspections, repairs, and replacements as needed. These maintenance responsibilities can take shape in the form of extra costs and logistical challenges.
How Can I determine If I Should Buy or Hire Temporary Fencing With SiteTech Solutions?
Deciding whether to buy or hire temporary fencing for your project depends on a variety of factors, namely the length, scope, and budget of your project. You may also wish to include the frequency of your need for fencing, and your capacity to store and maintain the fencing.
Generally, hiring temporary fencing is usually better in the short term, while buying is a smarter option in the long run. At SiteTech Solutions, we recommend hiring temporary fencing for most clients due to its flexibility, reduced initial costs, and the convenience of having all logistical aspects handled by professionals.
Our temporary fencing hiring service includes delivery, installation, and removal after the fact, with minimal hassle. Whether you need fencing for a few weeks or several months, hiring allows you to adjust to your project's demands without the burden of ownership.