Many commercial properties have skip bins they rent for long-term use, but homeowners may also get such a bin for a short-term project, such as tearing off an old roof or pulling down some interior walls, or even cleaning out the attic or basement. If you've never gotten a skip bin for such use before, you may not realize everything that's involved in their rental and what to expect when they arrive. Note a few questions to ask the rental agency so you know how to use the bin properly and safely, and don't face additional fees or anything else unexpected with the bin's use.

1. Ask what to do if you're not done with the bin by the pickup day

Don't assume you can just keep the bin indefinitely, as agencies may have a limited number of bins and will take reservations for them well ahead of time. You may face very steep costs for keeping the bin any additional days, so much so that it may not be worth that extra time. On the other hand, an agency may be very flexible and especially during certain times of the year when rentals are slow, or if you choose a bin that's not in demand by other customers. Whatever the case, ask about this if you're not sure that your job will be done as expected.

2. Ask about weight limits

You may know to fill the bin only to a certain level, but if you're going to be tossing away anything heavy, ask about weight limits. Roofing tiles, concrete chunks, brick, paver stones, and other such materials may actually put the bin over its weight limit even if you don't fill it entirely. This can mean that the agency's truck is not able to pick it up, and you may be required to remove some items, or face additional fees.

3. Ask about having the bin picked up early

If you finish your remodelling or other job early, you may get a reduction in price from the agency for that earlier pickup. However, this isn't always the case. If you do get a reduction in your bill, this can be motivation to get through your job as quickly as possible. On the other hand, if it doesn't affect the cost, you don't want to rush your renovation or cleanup project, expecting a reduction in price that you won't actually get.