If you’re having any work done on your property, you may need scaffolding.
While it has multiple definitions, scaffolding most likely refers to a temporary structure that is built in the construction industry to provide workers with a stable platform which they can work from.
In particular, scaffolding can usually be seen on high-rise buildings or skyscrapers where the work is hard to reach. In addition to being used to construct new buildings, they may also be used during the maintenance or repair of structures.
If you wander into any city centre in the UK, you will likely see scaffolding being used on numerous buildings, but it may also be needed at your home – especially if you’re having work on the roof or the upper part of the property.
One of the main factors you will inevitably consider when hiring scaffolding is cost.
In this article, we’ll explain how much scaffolding costs and the considerations that may impact the price.
How Much Does Scaffolding Cost?
Scaffolding prices can vary significantly depending on the company you’re using, and will range from around £40 a day to up to £150 a day.
On average, you can also expect to pay around £625 a week for a single scaffold that is up to 10m high.
This price will vary depending on the type of scaffolding you want to hire and some of the average prices for common jobs include:
- Two storey semi-detached house – £875 per week
- A single scaffolding (up to 10m) – £625 per week
- A single tower of a conservatory – £420 per week
- High level chimney scaffolding – £660 per week
- A bridge over a conservatory – £650 per week
- Single scaffolding for gutters – £250 per week
- A scaffold tower – £250 per week
- Wall work for a terraced house – £310 per week
General scaffolding hire costs an average of £22.50 per m2.
All of the figures above are averages to give you a rough idea of the costs you can expect, but they will vary from company to company.
Factors That Impact Scaffolding Cost
There are a whole host of factors that will influence the cost of scaffolding. Sometimes, roofers or construction workers may be able to bring their own equipment which minimises cost, but in most instances, they will look to hire it and add the cost to your bill.
This is why it is worth shopping around to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Some of the main things that influence the cost of scaffolding include:
Length Of Hire
This is probably the factor that is most likely to determine how much the scaffolding is going to cost. As most scaffolding companies charge by days or weeks, you will need to think carefully about how long you expect the work to take.
Usually, the company will ask you how many weeks you need the scaffolding for and provide you with a quote based on your circumstances. If the project becomes delayed or ends up taking longer than first anticipated, you will likely need to pay in weekly instalments after this initial set cost.
Location
As the saying goes ‘location location location’.
After the duration, the location of your project is likely to determine how much the scaffolding costs.
For example, cities tend to be more expensive than rural settings. This is because urban companies will likely have higher costs that they need to manage, and the logistics of doing work in a city environment may be more complex than in a rural one where there is more space.
And if you’re in London, you can expect the average scaffolding cost to be higher because, well, it’s London.
Height
Another factor to consider is the height of your project.
The higher you need to go, the more poles and wooden boards you will need. And the more equipment you need, the higher the price. While it may seem obvious, this is often the factor that sees the price quickly begin to climb, so it’s something you should think about from the very start.
Number Of Levels
Similar to height, the number of levels you need can impact cost.
You may not need levels throughout the scaffolding, for instance, if you’re working on the roof the height may be big but you may not need several levels. But if you’re painting a house or working across a wall, you may need more levels and walkways to carry out the work in various places, therefore increasing the price.
Special Requirements
While many scaffolding jobs are quite straightforward, there may be some instances in which special requirements will increase the cost of the equipment.
For instance, if non-conventional walkways need to be built or gaps bridged over, specialist equipment might be required which can add to the cost.
Furthermore, if the project requires scaffolding to be put on a public road or footpath, special permission may be needed from the local authority which can add to the cost.
Do I Need Scaffolding?
Currently, British law states that scaffolding ( or other suitable platforms) must be used when working at a height. While ladders may be used for small, quick jobs, they are generally not deemed safe for more significant work.
This means that by not using scaffolding, you may be breaking the law depending on the type of job you’re working on.
Some examples of where scaffolding is likely to be needed include:
- Building a new structure: For instance a multi-storey building or high-rise apartments.
- Renovations or maintenance: Scaffolding will be needed to fix roofs or conduct maintenance at the top of buildings.
- Painting or cleaning tall buildings: Scaffolding should be erected to allow workers to safely clean or paint all parts of a building’s exterior.
- Repairing a roof: If a roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Installing external facades: In order to ensure workers can safely install new facades and materials.
- Constructing bridges: To support the bridge’s structure and allow workers to be safe when laying concrete or installing beams.
