No matter what project you have in mind, it’s vital you ensure you’ve got the appropriate scaffolding and have hired the right contractors for the job. It important that your scaffolding is of the highest quality and that you know you can trust the contractors you choose, to prioritise your safety.
In the event of you hiring the wrong contractors, a number of issues could potentially be caused both in the short and long term. From injury to structural issues, the list of problems that could occur is endless if you don’t find the right company which fits your requirements. So, next time you’re on the hunt for a scaffolding contractor to help you with a construction project, make sure you do your research and take a look at our top 10 tips.
Do Your Research – Which Type of Scaffolding Do You Need?
You may not have realised, but there are many different types of scaffolding structures. Some will be better suited to different land types, for example, soft ground rather than hard ground. So, before you arrange to hire a structure, speak to a company about their previous work on projects similar to yours and make sure that they can provide the exact scaffolding you need. A professional company will never agree to work on your project if they can’t provide safe scaffolding, so be careful if a company is overly eager to work with you if you aren’t confident in the services they provide.
Before you agree to hire a company, it is also important to take a look through their website and browse the services they offer. Be sure to give them a call and ask them what type of scaffolding they recommend for your project. A professional company will have the expertise to know exactly what frame you need and will even be able to provide you with a bespoke design if your project is more complex.
Also, if a company provides a good selection of services this is a good sign of experience. Though, if they only have a limited supply of scaffolding they can provide, this could be a problem and a sign that they don’t have much experience in the trade.
Does the Company Have Good Experience and Training?
When looking for a scaffolding company to hire, it is vitally important to make sure your chosen company has relevant experience to complete your planned project to the highest standard. If they don’t have the correct experience, it is very likely that they won’t have the right expertise to safely erect, dismantle and inspect the structure with the key attention to detail that is needed.
Erecting scaffolding is a process which requires a huge amount of expertise and professionalism. Without the right experience, you can’t guarantee that the structure is safe to use and it could potentially cause a lot of damage.
Working on scaffolding also requires training. Any reputable scaffolding company in the UK must be fully licenced by relevant training bodies and all their staff should be completely trained to a high standard of industry regulations.
Make sure to do a lot of research into both company experience and training before agreeing to hire any contractor.
Does the Company Have Insurance?
Unfortunately, sometimes when erecting or dismantling scaffolding, accidents can happen. So, you need to make sure that the scaffolding company you’re hiring has the right insurance to cover you in such an unfortunate circumstance. Working on a scaffolding structure can be a high-risk task, so any company should have the right insurance coverage to protect those working on the structure, in case of an accident. A variety of problems could occur on a scaffolding structure, including the theft of expensive materials, falling from a height or dropping equipment and endangering those below the structure.
Does the Company Have Realistic Prices?
As with anything, it is always a good idea to check how much the company will expect you to pay before agreeing to hire them. The last thing you want to run into on a construction project is to be surprised with a bill that exceeds your expectations by a mile. Before you even begin searching for a scaffolding company, you should work out your budget and what you are happy to pay. Then, call up a few local companies and ask for a quote. Make sure to get a quote from at least 3 different companies, so you can compare prices and turn down any that seem too expensive.
Though, remember sometimes it’s not the right idea to just simply opt for the cheapest quote you receive. If one company has quoted you a much lower price, this may be a bad sign. The company may not have the needed level of experience or could even cut corners when it comes to safety, which could potentially end up costing you more in the long run.
Does the Company Have Good Customer Reviews?
A good scaffolding company will have lots of positive reviews and testimonials. One of the best ways to find a scaffolding company you can trust is simply through word of mouth, so make sure to ask friends, family and even work colleagues if they have had any positive experiences with local scaffolding companies and if there are any they would recommend for your construction project.
If you don’t know anyone who has recently used a scaffolding company, then online reviews are the next best thing. Take a look at reputable reviews, such as those on social media and Google reviews and see what people are saying about the company. If there are more negative reviews than positive – it’s probably a good idea to have another think about who you hire! Poor reviews are never a good sign.
What’s more, don’t be afraid to give a few companies a ring and ask if they have any case studies or reviews they’d be happy to share with you. This is an excellent way to see what feedback customers give the company and which side of their services they are most proud of. Keep in mind though, any company will only share their best testimonials.
Make sure to fully consider all the points above and do extra research before you choose a scaffolding company. Failing to do so could potentially cost you a lot of money, so it is important to choose a contractor who can provide high-quality materials and service, all at a price that suits you.
Local companies such as ASC Edinburgh Ltd, leading Scaffolding Erectors Glasgow, will be able to provide you with the expert information you need on a range of scaffolding solutions and make sure you’re confident in the service you are paying for.
