SAFE EQUIPMENT. CLEAR PRICING. BIG-TIME FUN!
Planning a birthday party, school event, church gathering, or backyard celebration? The right bounce house can turn an ordinary afternoon into an incredible event. But before you book, take a few minutes to read the fine print and ask smart questions.
The best bounce house rentals come with more than bright colors and a blower. You want clean equipment, professional setup, proper insurance, state inspections, dependable communication, and a price that means exactly what it says.
Here are seven questions every parent should ask before booking.
Quick tip: A reputable rental company should be happy to answer these questions clearly. If the answers are vague, rushed, or hidden behind confusing terms, keep shopping!
1. Is the Bounce House Inspected and Approved?
ASK FOR PROOF OF INSPECTION!
Rules vary by state, but most states require commercial inflatables to be inspected, and many require rental companies to carry appropriate insurance. Reputable companies should have no problem producing those documents when you ask.
Ask:
- Is this specific inflatable state-inspected?
- When was it last inspected?
- Can you provide inspection documentation or an inspection tag?
- Is the equipment inspected before each rental?
- Does the unit meet applicable safety standards?
A professional provider should be able to explain how the equipment is checked for tears, worn seams, damaged anchor points, blower problems, and other issues.
At Screwy Louie’s, our equipment is state-inspected. We take the safety and condition of every inflatable seriously because your party should be exciting, not stressful.
You can also learn more about inflatable safety standards through ASTM International, which develops widely recognized standards for amusement and recreational equipment.
RED FLAG: A company that refuses to show inspection information or says inspections “aren’t necessary.”
2. Are You Fully Insured?
INSURANCE MATTERS!
Ask whether the rental company carries general liability insurance specifically for inflatable rentals. You can also ask for a certificate of insurance, commonly called a COI.
Why is this important? Accidents are uncommon when equipment is used correctly, but responsible companies plan for unexpected situations. Insurance demonstrates that the business takes professional operations seriously.
Ask:
- Are you fully insured?
- Does your policy cover bounce houses and inflatables?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
- Can you provide additional documentation for my school, church, nonprofit, or event venue?
Screwy Louie’s is fully insured through Cossio Insurance Agency. If your venue needs proof of coverage, ask us what documentation is required. We’re happy to help you keep the booking process simple.
SAFE, INSURED, AND READY TO PARTY!
3. How Do You Set Up and Anchor the Inflatable?
PROFESSIONAL SETUP = PEACE OF MIND!
A bounce house needs more than a flat spot and an electrical outlet. It must be placed correctly, secured properly, and positioned away from hazards.
Ask your rental company:
- Who handles delivery and setup?
- Do trained staff inspect the setup area?
- How is the inflatable anchored?
- How much clearance is needed around and above the unit?
- What surfaces are acceptable?
- What happens if the area is too small or unsafe?
The setup area should be reasonably level and clear of rocks, sticks, pet waste, debris, low branches, fences, and overhead power lines. At Screwy Louie’s, inflatables are not set up on dirt or gravel, and the area must be clear of animal droppings and debris.
We provide free delivery and free setup throughout our service area, including Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. That means professional setup is part of the experience, not a surprise line item added later.
And yes, there are no anchoring or sandbag fees.

4. How Is the Bounce House Cleaned and Maintained?
CLEAN EQUIPMENT. HAPPY KIDS. CONFIDENT PARENTS!
Children will be jumping, crawling, sliding, and playing all over the inflatable. Cleaning and maintenance should be a regular part of every rental company’s process, not something done only when the unit looks dirty.
Ask:
- Is the inflatable cleaned and sanitized between rentals?
- How do you handle mud, grass, food, and spills?
- What products do you use?
- Is the unit inspected for damage after every rental?
- How are the inflatables stored between events?
A dependable company should be able to talk about cleaning, drying, repairs, storage, blowers, seams, and anchor points without hesitation.
Screwy Louie’s provides clean, quality equipment and checks the condition of rentals as part of our professional service. We want your inflatable to arrive party-ready, look great in your yard, and perform properly throughout the event.
RED FLAG: “We clean it if it looks dirty” is not a complete maintenance plan.
5. What Exactly Is Included in the Price?
GET THE REAL TOTAL, BEFORE YOU BOOK!
This is the question that protects your party budget.
A low advertised rental price can grow quickly if a company adds separate charges for delivery, setup, takedown, anchoring, cleaning, payment processing, weekends, or difficult access. Always ask for a complete total in writing.
Ask whether the quoted price includes:
- Delivery
- Setup
- Anchoring
- Takedown
- Cleaning
- Standard event-day support
- Taxes or other required charges
- Your preferred payment method
Also ask about possible charges for:
- Credit card payments
- Sandbags or anchoring
- Generators
- Cleaning
- Weekend or holiday rentals
- After-hours delivery, setup, or pickup
- Delivery distance or fuel
At Screwy Louie’s, pricing is displayed directly on our website so you can browse your options and understand the cost before submitting your order.
We do not charge:
- Delivery fees within our service area
- Setup or takedown fees
- Anchoring or sandbag fees
- Credit card surcharges
- Generator fees
- Cleaning fees
- Weekend premiums
- After-hours delivery, setup, or pickup charges
TRANSPARENT PRICING! NO SURPRISES! NO GUESSING!
Browse our bounce house rentals to see current selections and pricing, including colorful bounce houses and combos starting at $250.
6. What Happens If the Weather Changes?
KNOW THE WEATHER PLAN!
Ohio Valley weather can change quickly. Rain, strong wind, lightning, and wet surfaces can affect whether an inflatable can be used safely.
Before booking, ask:
- What is your wind policy?
- Who makes the decision to stop use or cancel?
- What happens if a storm arrives during the party?
- Can the rental be rescheduled?
- Is there a weather-related credit or cancellation option?
- How much notice will you receive?
A professional rental company should prioritize safety over keeping an inflatable inflated in unsafe conditions. You should also know what your responsibilities are if rain or storms affect the event.
Read the written policy, not just a text message or verbal promise. The policy should be easy to understand and included in your rental terms.
If the forecast looks questionable, contact the company early. Clear communication makes weather decisions much easier.
7. What Are the Age, Capacity, Space, Power, and Supervision Requirements?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT UNIT FOR YOUR PARTY!
Not every bounce house is right for every yard or every group of children. Ask for the practical details before choosing a unit.
Confirm:
- Recommended age range
- Maximum number of participants
- Weight or height limits
- Required setup dimensions
- Extra clearance requirements
- Electrical outlet requirements
- Whether a generator is needed
- Adult supervision expectations
- Rules about shoes, food, jewelry, rough play, and flips
Children of different ages and sizes may need to use the inflatable separately. Responsible adult supervision should be provided for the entire time children are playing.
You should also measure your available space before booking. Remember to check for fences, trees, utility lines, sheds, pools, and other obstacles, not just the open area on the ground.
Not sure what will fit? Call Screwy Louie’s at 740-537-0235. We’ve set up inflatables in everything from compact backyards to church parking lots, and we can help you choose a great option for your space.

Your Bounce House Rental Checklist
Before you submit your booking, make sure you can answer “yes” to these questions:
- ✅ The equipment is inspected.
- ✅ The company can provide proof of insurance.
- ✅ Setup and anchoring are handled professionally.
- ✅ Cleaning and maintenance procedures are clear.
- ✅ The complete price is written down.
- ✅ Weather and cancellation policies are easy to understand.
- ✅ The inflatable fits your space, guests, and power setup.
- ✅ Supervision and safety rules are provided.
Book With Confidence!
Your party should be full of smiles, jumping, sliding, and great memories, not surprise fees or last-minute confusion.
When you compare bounce house rentals in the Ohio Valley and Tri-State region, look for a company that answers questions directly, provides documentation, communicates clearly, and stands behind its equipment.
Screwy Louie’s offers clean, quality inflatables, state-inspected equipment, full insurance through Cossio Insurance Agency, transparent website pricing, and free delivery and free setup throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Plus, there are no credit card surcharges, no anchoring or sandbag fees, no weekend premiums, and no after-hours charges.
Ready to find the right inflatable for your celebration? Browse our bounce house selection, check your date, or explore all of our party rentals. When you’re ready, we’ll help manage the details so you can focus on the fun!