Who is Responsible for Scaffolding?

Homeowners want to know, who is responsible for ordering scaffolding for the project.

Should the roofer, decorator, solar panel installer, painter, gutter / chimney repair company arrange scaffolding? Or would it be better if the homeowner arranges scaffolding too the home / job site.

What is the cheaper option? Is it cheaper to have the contractor order scaffolding, or is the price cheaper when the property owner orders scaffolding?

Save Money & Time Getting Scaffolding

There are no rules when it comes to who orders the scaffolding. It is safe to say that generally speaking, the company performing the works will order scaffolding.

Standard Scenario:

A homeowner has a roof leak, so they call a roofer. A roofer needs scaffolding erected so they can access the roof, and determine the cause of the leak. What happens next?

The roofer tells the homeowner, I called my scaffolder and they can erect the scaffold in 3 weeks, and it will cost £900.

The homeowner pays the roofer £900 for the scaffolding hire and proceeds to wait 3 weeks for their roof to be diagnosed.

Alternative Scenario:

A homeowner has a roof leak and knows the roofer will need scaffolding to access the roof.

The homeowners makes a few phone calls to scaffolding firms, and finds a firm that can erect the scaffolding tomorrow for the same £900.

Homeowner calls the roofer and says scaffolding is up, can you come by and fix the roof?

Roofer comes and inspects the roof, and repairs it the same day.

Result: By spending a few minutes ordering scaffolding, the homeowner solved the problem in 3 days. Instead of waiting 3 weeks for the roofers scaffolding company.

Scaffolding Company Weak Point – Scheduling

The biggest headache for a scaffolding company is scheduling. Their materials are spread out of many different sites, and need to be erected and dismantled at varying times.

On a typical day, they are erecting scaffolding in 5 locations, and taking down scaffolding from 5 other sites.

To fit into their schedule occasionally requires waiting 3 weeks, and other times you can find the scaffolding company that has 3 days of no work, and are just waiting for your call.

Tradesmen deal with one, maybe two different companies for scaffolding. It is not worth their headache to run around dealing with twenty different companies. They are not in any rush to get to your job, because there are other clients already on the schedule.

Contractors / Tradespeople do not make money from scaffolding. It is a necessary evil they need to do their job. The cost is paid for by the homeowner.

So when a property owner wants to expedite the project, and arrange for scaffolding to be there already, they are helping the tradesperson and themselves!

Estimate Scaffolding Cost in London

Estimate Scaffolding Cost in London

Scaffolding is the Homeowners Liability

A few things to remember when getting scaffolding erected on your property.

1. The homeowner is liable for anything that happens on their property, and therefore has a homeowners insurance policy to protect them.
2. Council laws require the homeowner to ensure that a scaffolding permit is obtained if required according to council laws. (In cases of scaffolding on the pavement, a permit is required).

Therefore, when ordering scaffolding, it is smart for the homeowner to verify that the company erecting the scaffolding is insured, and has obtained any necessary permits.