Everyone has seen scaffold in and around their city, it's practically a staple of big city landscapes.  Broadly speaking, scaffolding is a temporary structure constructed of steel poles that can be flexibly put together to provide access for tradesmen to carry out their work at heights within and around buildings. The steel pole structure will incorporate ladders and boards to walk on, along with guardrails and toe boards for safety where necessary.

Scaffolding is often necessary for residential or commercial building projects for repairs or installations that need to be carried out at heights. If you have never had to use scaffolding before, you may be at a loss as to where to start.

This blog post seeks to lay out some of the critical considerations and why specialised equipment may be needed for working at heights on your property. It explains why scaffolding comes at a cost – but why that is very much an essential one. And finally, we give some guidance on the importance of finding the best scaffolder for your job.

Scaffolding companies can also provide specialized solutions for working in tight or difficult to access areas such as narrow alleyways or over a gap that needs to be bridged, such as a conservatory or walkway. But why use scaffolding when a ladder might do the job? A ladder is only an appropriate solution if the task at hand is both expected to last for a short period and / or is low risk; where the work is taking place at relatively low heights, for example. Longer jobs done at heights, like those carried out by roofers, are better done with a scaffold.

What To Look For When Hiring A Scaffolding Company

How To Assess What You Need
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There is no doubt that hiring a scaffolding company can be expensive. You can expect to lay out hundreds of dollars for the service, and that’s even before you pay for materials and labor. However, it's important to note that working at height is one of the most dangerous aspects of the building industry. Safely accessing higher vantage points is, therefore, of paramount importance and will no doubt be reflected in the cost. It’s always worth taking your scaffolding contractor’s advice when they recommend what is needed for the job at hand. For instance, a roofing job on a semi-detached home will probably need full scaffolding erected on the three clear sides of the house. If the work is restricted to just a chimney repair, scaffolding may only be necessary on one side, and scaffolding for gutter repairs may be possible with a single, moveable tower. The best way to ensure competitive costs is to secure at least three quotes from reliable scaffolding companies, and then compare them apples to apples. Skimping on your budget when it comes to scaffolding is dangerous and can cost you more in the longer term.

What Determines The Cost Of Scaffolding?

So what other factors affect the price you pay for scaffolding? One factor is the length of time the equipment will be needed. You may be asked to pay a fixed amount for a certain number of weeks, and then incur additional costs for any time above and beyond that.  Ask your building contractor how long he anticipates the work will take to help you budget for this.

Another factor is the height of scaffolding needed for the job.  The higher the platform, the higher the price.  Additionally, if multiple walkways are required, then this too will add to the expense. Complicated projects such as bridging a conservatory or driveway will require specialized equipment and manpower, and will no doubt cost more. You may also have to apply for permits in order to use scaffolding on your property, so be sure to ask your scaffolder if that's included in the cost. Last factor:  If access to the scaffolding around the property is impeding traffic in any way, you may be responsible for the additional cost of police presence.

Making Sure Scaffolding Is Safe
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So now that you have an idea of what's required to obtain the proper scaffolding for your project (and at what cost), it's time to think about safety.  For the entire time the scaffolding is on site, it must be checked and re-checked to ensure it remains safe to use. This is generally done as soon as the equipment is erected and before it is used by workmen for the first time. Thereafter, it is a legal requirement for scaffolding to be inspected at least every seven days; as well as after any bout of bad weather (such as high winds). 

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All of the above emphasizes the high importance that is placed on ensuring that scaffolding contractor you hire is safe for those who work on it; and for those who come into contact with it, whether that is others on site or members of the public. You are well advised to seek out responsible and reputable scaffolding companies that have the experience and expertise with working on projects similar to yours. 
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