What counts as “tools and testing equipment” for building services?

In the building services sector, “tools and testing equipment” covers a broad range of items used day‑to‑day or for specialist commissioning, inspection and reporting. Typical examples include:

• Handheld and power tools (drills, breakers, saws, extraction units).
• Portable PAT testers, multimeters, clamp meters and insulation testers.
• Thermal imaging cameras, ultrasonic leak detectors and airflow/duct testing rigs.
• Gas analysers, combustion testers, flue assessment kits and refrigeration gauges.
• Commissioning rigs, pressure test equipment and site QA/QC instrumentation.
• Van fit‑outs, workshop tools fitted to vehicles and mobile testing trailers.
• Scaffolding, access equipment and other assets used to deliver contracts.

Finance can cover new or used items, single high‑value pieces (e.g. thermal camera or commissioning rig) or packages such as a fleet of fitted vans and site equipment.

Types of asset finance available from our partners

Our panel of lenders and brokers offers the main equipment and asset finance structures suitable for building services businesses. Which is best depends on asset value, lifespan and your cashflow objectives.

• Hire Purchase (HP) — pay monthly to own the asset at the end of the term. Common for high‑value testers, van fit‑outs and workshop equipment.
• Finance Lease — long‑term rental with residual and potential purchase options; useful for specialised test rigs where ownership is optional.
• Operating Lease / Contract Hire — off‑balance, fixed monthly payments and replacement options; ideal for rapidly changing tech like thermal imagers.
• Chattel Mortgage — lending secured against the asset with ownership from day one; often used for vehicles or high‑value kit.
• Asset Refinance / Sale & Leaseback — convert owned equipment into cash while retaining use via lease payments; frees working capital.
• Asset-backed business loans — where multiple asset types or fleets are packaged to secure a commercial loan facility.

Each product has pros and cons (ownership, tax treatment, balance sheet impact). Our role is to match you with partners who specialise in the structure you prefer.

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Typical terms, deposit & costs you can expect

Below are typical ranges to set expectations — actual offers vary by lender, asset type and the business profile.

• Loan / finance amounts: commonly from around £10,000 upwards for asset finance arranged through our panel. Smaller handheld tools are sometimes included in broader packages, but most partners focus on £10k+ facilities.
• Terms: 1–5 years for small to medium tools; 3–7 years for larger rigs, vehicle fit‑outs or bundled fleets.
• Deposits: 0–30% depending on lender, asset age and credit profile. Many providers offer 0% deposit deals for well‑qualified businesses.
• Rates & costs: vary widely — from competitive, low single‑digit rates on secured asset finance to higher costs for higher risk profiles. Always compare total cost and monthly payments.
• VAT: some lenders finance the gross (including VAT), others finance net of VAT. Check VAT treatment and reclaim rules with your accountant or HMRC guidance: gov.uk VAT guidance.

The best way to know is a personalised quote — Get Quote Now.

Who can apply? Eligibility for building services businesses

Our matching service is aimed at limited companies and partnerships operating in the building services sector. We do not arrange finance for professions‑only products (professional loans) and we do not serve sole traders through our standard asset finance channels.

Common lender checks and typical documents:

• Trading history (some lenders accept businesses under 12 months; others require longer).
• Turnover and profitability metrics, recent bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Management accounts or filed accounts, VAT registration where applicable.
• Quotes or invoices for the equipment to be financed, and ID for company directors.

Because lender criteria differ, UK Business Loans matches your enquiry to partners most likely to accept your profile — saving time and improving your chance of a helpful quote.

For tailored options for contractors working across projects see our industry page on building services business loans.

Benefits of asset finance for tools & testing equipment (building services)

• Protect cashflow: avoid large upfront capital expenditure and preserve working capital for labour and materials.
• Win work: access specialist testing kit or van fit‑outs required by contracts without delay.
• Tax planning: monthly payments can be more tax‑efficient than outright purchases — discuss capital allowances with your accountant.
• Predictable costs: fixed monthly payments make pricing and budgeting easier for bidding and contract management.
• Upgrade flexibility: leasing and operating leases let you refresh tech frequently (valuable for rapidly evolving diagnostic equipment).

Risks & things to consider

• Depreciation & obsolescence: specialist test equipment can lose value quickly — ensure term matches useful life.
• Early exit costs: leases or contracts may carry penalties for termination.
• Security: many asset finance deals take a charge over the financed equipment (and may require director support for higher sums).
• Cost vs cash: finance spreads the cost but can be more expensive overall than an outright purchase — evaluate total cost of credit.
• Read the terms: check maintenance, insurance and end‑of‑term options (buyout, return, or upgrade).

Always compare offers and check the full terms before signing.

How UK Business Loans helps — quick process

We make finding equipment finance fast and simple:

1. Complete our short enquiry form (takes around 2 minutes) — this is not an application, just information to match you.
2. We match your business to selected lenders and brokers who specialise in building services asset finance.
3. Receive quotes or a call from partners; compare options and choose the best fit. You decide whether to proceed.

Our service is free to use and no obligation. We are an introducer — we do not lend or give regulated financial advice. If you’d like a quick, personalised match, Get My Free Quote.

Two short building services case studies

Frequently asked questions

Do your partners fund small tools like multimeters and handheld testers?

Yes — many providers will include small tools within an asset finance package or offer short‑term equipment finance. The approach depends on value and the lender’s policy.

Can newly formed building services companies apply?

Some lenders specialise in newer businesses; eligibility depends on contracts, turnover and director support. We match enquiries to partners experienced with younger firms.

Is VAT included in the finance?

It varies — some lenders fund the gross amount (including VAT), others finance net of VAT. Talk to your accountant about VAT reclaim and check the lender’s quoting method.

How quickly will I hear back?

Many partners respond within hours during business hours. Complex or high‑value requests may need more time for valuation and underwriting.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an initial enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform credit checks later if you progress an application.

What minimum finance amount do you arrange?

We typically arrange asset and equipment finance from around £10,000 upwards. If your requirement is significantly below this, we can still discuss options but most partners focus on higher value facilities.

Start your enquiry

Ready to explore finance for tools, thermal cameras, PAT kits, vehicle fit‑outs or commissioning rigs? Complete a short, free enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who can provide tailored quotes. This is not an application — it simply helps us identify suitable partners for your needs.

Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check

UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Completing the enquiry is free and no obligation. Offers are provided by lenders and brokers and are subject to their checks and terms.