Joint Publication Promotes Equipment Transparency For Industry Contractors
SMACNA, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have released their joint publication, the Tool and Equipment Rental Guide. The publication is available through each association and is a robust guide to equipment recovery costs for mechanical, electrical, line, and other construction contractors.
While all three organizations have in the past published versions of the Tool and Equipment Rental Guide this joint edition is a new effort. The nearly 200-page guidebook offers insights on contractor-owned equipment to ensure industry professionals have the most updated costs to inform internal estimating, project proposals for new and potential customers, and cost accounting efforts.
“Having reliable and comprehensive tool pricing data enables our contractors to provide their clients with accurate and reliable bids,” said Aaron Hilger, CEO of SMACNA. “This multi-trade research supports our members and provides signatory contractors with the information they need to provide the highest standards of quality and service in the construction industry.”
Construction tools and equipment are an essential part of any contractor’s business and can represent a significant investment. In addition to the large initial investment and the provision for eventual replacement, expenditures must be made for maintenance and repair, storage and handling, insurance, taxes, and interest. The comprehensive coverage of tools and equipment lends itself useful to a wide range of contractors who can benefit from transparent pricing.
This year’s guide includes an expanded and enhanced rates selection experience. New equipment has been added and updated list prices across multiple industries are available for equipment, such as aerial lifts, air compressors, air tools, compactors, conduits and other raceway tools, connection and splicing tools, cranes, and much more.
As the construction industry experienced shifts in equipment availability, pricing, and usage because of the pandemic, rates were impacted more dramatically compared to previous versions. EquipmentWatch, the leader in data, software, and insight for the heavy equipment industry, worked with SMACNA, MCAA, and NECA to consolidate their most recent guides and incorporate rental rates based on shared types of equipment. The rates within the report are derived from EquipmentWatch methodologies used in the construction industry and consider purchase price, depreciation, maintenance and overhaul costs, indirect equipment costs, and average annual use hours.
“With a shared goal of helping our members stay competitive, SMACNA is proud to collaborate with MCAA and NECA on this Tool and Equipment Rental Guide,” Hilger says. “It is a valuable resource that will support the important work of our collective contractors and their businesses.”
The Tool and Equipment Rental Guide is now available for members to access and/or download. In addition to the PDF, members of all three associations can access the guide via an enhanced web portal on each association’s respective website. For more information, visit smacna.org. ▪
