Don't be fooled by budget dumpster rental companies
The temptation of a low initial quote from budget type dumpster rental companies can be alluring. However, delving into the specifics, one might discover potential pitfalls. The initial savings might be offset by significant charges later on, catching many off-guard. A residential home cleanout might unexpectedly cost an extra $300-$400, while a construction or remodeling dumpster could set you back by $600-$1200.
The Hidden Costs of "affordable" type Dumpster Rentals
At first glance, these budget-friendly options offer an attractively low price for dumpster delivery. Yet, the end game reveals an entirely different story. Many unsuspecting customers find themselves slapped with considerable charges when the dumpster is weighed at the landfill. A residential home cleanout might unexpectedly cost an extra $300-$400, while a construction or remodeling dumpster could set you back by $600-$1200 more than anticipated.
This pricing model often revolves around tonnage caps. At face value, a 1-2 ton cap might appear to save you $50 during the order process. Yet, in reality, the final costs can escalate into hundreds of dollars.
Understanding Tonnage
A ton is equivalent to 2000 lbs. Most contractors have a firm grasp of the typical weight going into a dumpster due to their experience. Ordinary household and construction materials can accumulate weight rapidly in dumpsters. For the uninitiated, a loaded dumpster's weight can be deceptive. Yet, many of these "affordable" type companies will assure clients that they won't even reach the ton cap. If they do, customers bear the brunt of the extra charges.
Residential Cleanout Tonnage
These budget-type companies exploit consumers' lack of understanding. After luring you with an initial lower price, they'll charge exorbitantly post the 1-ton or 2-ton mark. Rates like $7 per 100 lbs (or $140 per ton) are common. Drawing from 25 years of experience, a standard weight for a 30-yard household dumpster is between 3-5 tons. When you rent a dumpster with a low tonnage cap, you might end up paying for 2-4 tons extra, which translates to around an additional $400 for a residential cleanup.
Additionally, the quantity of accumulated belongings in a home often correlates to the number of years spent there. The saying goes, for each year in a residence, we amass an extra cubic yard of items.
Tonnage for Construction and Remodeling
For budding contractors or those embarking on their maiden remodeling or construction venture, understanding potential dumpster weights is crucial. For instance, during a remodeling project involving an older structure, there might be considerable plaster waste. This material, found in walls, is composed of lime or gypsum, water, sand, and cement, contributing to substantial weight. A 20-yard dumpster filled during the demolition phase, containing plaster alongside carpet, drywall, wood, and flooring, might weigh up to 12 tons. In monetary terms, this could mean an extra $800-$1300 per dumpster.
For new home construction, a typical 30-yard construction dumpster's weight averages 3.5 tons. Over the course of 25 years in the business, we've observed such dumpsters usually weighing between 4-7 tons. If you're dealing with a budget type dumpster service with a 1-2 ton cap, anticipate additional charges for 2-6 tons.
Understanding Roofing shingles tonnage
- A 12-yard dumpster: up to 3.5 tons
- A 20-yard dumpster: up to 7 tons
- A 30-yard dumpster: up to 9 tons
Keep in mind that if you are going to remove a chimney this will affect the weight of your dumpster. Regardless of whether you're charged $100 per ton or $7 per 100 lbs, with a 1-2 ton cap, the likelihood of paying more at the end is very high.
Proceed with Caution
Before sealing a deal with an "affordable" type dumpster service, do your homework. Check Google or Yelp reviews. If the company doesn't easily allow customers to leave reviews, especially where they flaunt glowing testimonials, this could be a red flag. Beware of third-party review companies that may shield companies from direct public contact with their customers.