Skip hire can be pretty straightforward when you know what you’re doing. But what if you don’t? What if this is your first time hiring a skip? The last thing you want to be doing is making mistakes and getting it all wrong from the start.
This is where a bit of research is useful. Finding out what you need to know before you first skip hire can make the entire process easier. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some things you should know before you book your first skip.
Skip sizes
Skips come in various sizes, so it’s important to understand the real-life capacity of each seizure so you can book the right size.
Skips are measured in cubic yards and run from 2-yard mini skips to 16-yard roll-on roll-off containers. If you are having a small garden clearance, for example, if you are decluttering and don’t have large furniture to dispose of, then a 2-yard skip might be enough for you.
However, if you’re planning a larger renovation, then opting for a minimum of an 8-yard skip will be a better idea. Going too small means you’ll need to book another one if you have too much to dispose of, while going too big means you’re paying for something you’re not using. However, going bigger over smaller is generally a better choice here. But skip hire companies like MW Skip Hire can help you determine what the right size is for your project.
Permit Rules
Skip companies will generally take care of this detail here, but you still need to know how the rules impact you before booking. Permits can increase lead time, which isn’t good for people short on time, so this needs to be factored into your timeline. On top of this, the permit will come with conditions too. The skip needs lights and reflective marking if it’s on the road, and it can only stay for a set period. But if you’re placing a skip on your driveway, you might be able to avoid this entirely if you don’t have a dropped kerb, it’s not on an access route, or if there are no overhead cables. Again, your hiring company can verify if you need a permit for placement or not.
Placement options
It is not always as simple as picking any space and having the skip situated. This is especially true for areas with restricted access or in tight or urban locations where neither the road nor the driveway is suitable.
Then there is the issue of the skip causing damage to the surface it will be placed on. Some suppliers offer boards for this purpose, but they’re not automatically supplied, so it’s worth asking if you feel this is something you will need.
Collection timing
Your skip hire will be booked for a set number of days, usually between 3 and 14 days. If your project runs over, you can extend this. It will add cost, so again, like with skip sizes, it’s always best to book for longer than you initially feel so you’re covered. Even an extra day can be helpful.
Then when you’re ready for it to be collected, give your supplier as much notice as possible for them to arrange collection, as the same day isn’t always possible. And the last thing you want is the skip lingering on your property for days after it’s full.
