Los Angeles Construction: Tricks & Equipment Rental Tips
Big city projects can require specific types of equipment. In a large city such as Los Angeles, California, the idea of getting an excavator on a busy road can be intimidating. Rentals in such a large city are even more complicated with specific environmental regulations, weather conditions, noise limits and equipment availability. Here are our best tips and tricks for renting any machine and working on construction in Los Angeles.
Rules and Regulations for Construction in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has strict regulations on construction in the city. Both construction and demolition projects can take place between 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Monday to Friday. Saturdays and national holidays have shortened hours and are allowed between 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Sundays are a no-work day for construction. Now, some exceptions apply for specific projects and should be worked through with the LADBS.
Another restriction on construction work in LA includes any work involving exterior illumination including floodlights. These are prohibited after 6:00PM on all days. This matters because some projects may require a lot of additional lighting. Work hours may need to be adjusted to earlier in the day to accommodate this rule.
Fines up to $1,000 USD can be handed out for breaking these rules. It’s great to know these standards when scheduling delivery and pickup of construction equipment or when booking rentals, too.
Any questions or concerns about these regulations should be directly addressed to the LADBS.
Working In Los Angeles Weather
LA is hot. Temperatures can easily exceed 90°F. For construction workers who work outside all day long, it’s important to work around these conditions and be aware of the added dangers associated with southern climates and hot-weather working.
Heat Exhaustion and Sun Stroke
Educate yourself and your employees on the signs and symptoms of heatstroke. You may work in LA weather all the time and think little of it, but every person can experience heat exhaustion. Dizziness, inability to focus, nausea and chills can be a sign that it’s time to get out of the heat. Site managers can spread out work time by avoiding high-sun hours. Beginning work earlier in the day with a mid-day break and a later shift can help keep contractors cool.
Environmental Dangers & Wildfires
In recent years especially, awareness about the dangers of extreme weather - such as wildfires - has been heightened. Construction projects that work in areas that are particularly susceptible to wildfires, hurricanes and other emotional dangers need to be aware of this during their project.
Ways to practice environmental responsibility on construction sites include:
- Properly disposing of any flammable materials to reduce wildfire risk
- Instituting and promoting a no-smoking, no vaping environment
- Having strict rules around tasks that promote spark creation such as welding, sawing or metalwork
- Safely storing any environmentally dangerous materials in a place that won’t be at risk during extreme weather
- Maintaining environmental testing throughout construction as a preventative measure
The Best Machine for the Job
Large cities present different challenges compared to rural or road construction. It can change a project manager's perspective on what the best machine for the job actually is.
Smaller machines such as mini excavators and compact track loaders are popular for urban construction projects. Wheeled excavators are also more popular because they are easy to move over roads and sidewalks without ruining the pavement. Scissor lifts can also be used in more compact areas compared to boom lifts for aerial work because they go straight up; they don’t need as much room for maneuvering.
Because urban work can benefit from such specialized machines, renting is more popular for these types of construction projects.
How To Find the Best Prices of Equipment Rentals in Los Angeles
When it comes to renting equipment for construction projects in LA, price comparisons and budgeting can be a struggle. The city is already so expensive that making sure you’re getting the best price for equipment can be really important. Using a comparative marketplace with transparent pricing to budget our equipment rentals and compare rental prices is the best way to get the equipment your project needs at the price you like.
Another benefit to using a rental marketplace is that your delivery, rental, payment and pickup is all done under one account, no matter who you rent the multiple pieces of equipment from. Having one contact for all rentals can simplify communication chains, make payment easier and lower stress if anything should go wrong during your project.
Stress-Free Los Angeles Rentals
For construction projects in large cities such as Los Angeles, renting equipment and running projects doesn’t need to be difficult. With these tips and tricks for running a construction site in an urban environment, your project can run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
