Party tents and Insurance (things you should know) Most party rental companies carry the proper insurance, but
not all. Don't take it for granted that just because a company is in business that they carry the proper insurance.
The two types of insurance that any viable party rental company should have is General Liability (this insurance
covers damages to property and persons that result from work performed by the company) and Workman's Comp
(This insurance covers injury to workers including when there on your property). If any contractor or service
company doesn't have both these insurances you shouldn't have them working on your property.
If your a home owner damage to a tent while on your property is usually covered under your home owners policy.
Be on your guard when a party rental company is selling damage waivers. We have completed thousands of jobs
and not one of our customers would have benefited from this type of insurance. In the rare event of a tent failure
the basic insurances that companies and home owners carry protect the customer. Many companies charge 15%
of the rental amount for providing insurance that has little or no value. If your still tempted to purchase this type
of insurance read the fine print on the rental agreement and the insurance policy.
not all. Don't take it for granted that just because a company is in business that they carry the proper insurance.
The two types of insurance that any viable party rental company should have is General Liability (this insurance
covers damages to property and persons that result from work performed by the company) and Workman's Comp
(This insurance covers injury to workers including when there on your property). If any contractor or service
company doesn't have both these insurances you shouldn't have them working on your property.
If your a home owner damage to a tent while on your property is usually covered under your home owners policy.
Be on your guard when a party rental company is selling damage waivers. We have completed thousands of jobs
and not one of our customers would have benefited from this type of insurance. In the rare event of a tent failure
the basic insurances that companies and home owners carry protect the customer. Many companies charge 15%
of the rental amount for providing insurance that has little or no value. If your still tempted to purchase this type
of insurance read the fine print on the rental agreement and the insurance policy.
Permitting and party tents Erection of tents is exempt from Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL).
Technically only CSL, licenced contractors and property owners can pull a building permit. The reality is that local
building inspectors interpret permitting requirements for tents differently from town to town. Most towns require
filling out a permit and paying a fee and providing certificate fire resistance to issue a permit.
Some companies charge a customer as much as $250.00 just for assisting you with attaining a permit. For most jobs
we assist the customer with no additional charge.
Technically only CSL, licenced contractors and property owners can pull a building permit. The reality is that local
building inspectors interpret permitting requirements for tents differently from town to town. Most towns require
filling out a permit and paying a fee and providing certificate fire resistance to issue a permit.
Some companies charge a customer as much as $250.00 just for assisting you with attaining a permit. For most jobs
we assist the customer with no additional charge.
We warn all of our clients to watch out for the hidden costs and fees! These costs can be hidden
many different ways.
many different ways.
Not all party tents are the same! The two basic types of tents are frame and pole. Pole tents also come in two basic
styles High Peak and Traditional. High peak has the swoops up to a peak, traditional doesn't have the swoops and
is shaped similar to a hip roof house. There are no advantages from one style to the other. The center poles are
shorter on a traditional style tent. If you have over head tree branches that limits height a traditional style tent
may work better.
Tents are made out of two different types of fabric; Translucent- fabric that lets some light through and Block out-
fabric that blocks all light. Day time events with little or no lighting translucent works better. If a tent is being fully
lighted both types of material are OK.
If your taking pictures under a tent or are concerned about presentations that involve color never use a tent that
is colored or has color stripes. Everything under a colored tent takes on the color of the tent.
Wind resistance is another concern. For most parties and events a tent is up for 2 to 7 days. In New England the
weather changes quickly. Most tents when installed correctly will handle wind gusts over 60 miles per hour.
Recently there have been companies that are marketing light weight tents. These tents cant handle the severe
weather of the heavier duty tents. Some people prefer the look of the light weight tents but if they cant stand up
in bad weather keep your fingers crossed.
Tent Condition is basically by opinion. There are no recognized standard s to grade the condition and cleanliness of
a tent. The best way to deal with this is checking references. Also, you can request the locations and dates of
public gatherings where a companies tents are to be setup and check out the quality and condition for yourself.
styles High Peak and Traditional. High peak has the swoops up to a peak, traditional doesn't have the swoops and
is shaped similar to a hip roof house. There are no advantages from one style to the other. The center poles are
shorter on a traditional style tent. If you have over head tree branches that limits height a traditional style tent
may work better.
Tents are made out of two different types of fabric; Translucent- fabric that lets some light through and Block out-
fabric that blocks all light. Day time events with little or no lighting translucent works better. If a tent is being fully
lighted both types of material are OK.
If your taking pictures under a tent or are concerned about presentations that involve color never use a tent that
is colored or has color stripes. Everything under a colored tent takes on the color of the tent.
Wind resistance is another concern. For most parties and events a tent is up for 2 to 7 days. In New England the
weather changes quickly. Most tents when installed correctly will handle wind gusts over 60 miles per hour.
Recently there have been companies that are marketing light weight tents. These tents cant handle the severe
weather of the heavier duty tents. Some people prefer the look of the light weight tents but if they cant stand up
in bad weather keep your fingers crossed.
Tent Condition is basically by opinion. There are no recognized standard s to grade the condition and cleanliness of
a tent. The best way to deal with this is checking references. Also, you can request the locations and dates of
public gatherings where a companies tents are to be setup and check out the quality and condition for yourself.