Why You Should Choose an Experienced Scaffolding Services Company

Scaffolding is an essential component when it comes to the construction, repair and maintenance of buildings; covering everything from a residential house to a multi-storey office block. Scaffolding allows construction workers to work safely and easily at great height, so it’s essential that the scaffolding structure itself is sturdy and secure.

If you’re in need of scaffolding for a building or maintenance project, then the first step will involve choosing a scaffolding services company. If you’re not experienced in the building industry then it can be difficult to know where to start, or what qualities to look for when choosing a scaffolding company. Choosing an experienced scaffolding company is essential if you want to make sure all workers are safe, and the project is carried out to the highest specifications, so if you’re having trouble knowing where to start, then read on for our guide to choosing an experienced scaffolding contractor.

What services can a scaffolding company provide?

A scaffolding company is on hand to erect and dismantle the scaffolding first and foremost, but they can provide many more services than simply putting up and taking down the scaffolding. We will examine the main services a scaffolding company can provide in more detail below.

Domestic and commercial scaffolding

Scaffolding firms have a wealth of experience erecting scaffolding for a full range of building projects, both domestic and commercial. Domestic scaffolding can be used for anything from roof repairs to painting, adding a loft extension and more. Commercial scaffolding is used in a wide variety of industries, from shops to schools, office blocks, flats and for local authority projects.

It can be used to erect new builds or for maintenance and repairs, and a large part of a scaffolding company’s revenue comes from building and dismantling these scaffolding structures. Putting together a scaffolding tower requires knowledge and expertise to ensure the structure is safe, and it’s both time and cost effective if you choose a company who can provide the materials and erect the scaffolding for you. A professional company can also be on hand to dismantle the structure once it’s no longer required, saving your own construction workers from having to dismantle it once the project is complete.

Safety inspections

Safety is paramount for both workers and the public when it comes to working with scaffolding, so many experienced companies offer safety inspection and risk assessment services to make sure your site is as safe as possible. Even if they haven’t erected the scaffolding themselves, a local scaffolding company will be able to assess your structure and ensure it’s been built to the correct safety standards. They can also carry out a hazard assessment, and may suggest an alternative scaffolding design if they think that would serve the project more effectively.

Bespoke design

Each scaffolding project is unique, which is why it’s important to work with an experienced company who can come up with a bespoke scaffolding design to suit your needs. A design package begins with some drawings and calculations, taking into account your project’s specific needs. Planning out a scaffolding design before you start to build will ensure each step of the project is running smoothly and safely.

Professional companies also have experience adjusting a design if things don’t go to plan, and alterations can always be made if your project encounters any unexpected errors.

Quotes and surveys

Obtaining a quote and survey before a project begins is a great way to manage budgets and assess the situation before making any big commitments. A survey will be able to determine how feasible your project is, the amount of scaffolding required and a rough price and timeframe for how long the scaffolding would need to be up.

A site survey will assess every aspect to ensure your project gets safe, secure scaffolding that fits all the requirements. A survey will also be able to assess which type of scaffolding would be best for the project; for example fixed or mobile scaffolding, or a lightweight or indoor model.

Why is the company you choose so important?

The company you choose for any project, from building to events management or catering, is naturally important as you want to make sure you’re getting the best service possible. However, when it comes to an area like scaffolding or construction, choosing an experienced company becomes even more crucial, as you want to make sure you’re getting a good service that is also safe and reliable. Below, we  will run through just a few reasons why it’s so important to select a professional and experienced scaffolding company.

Safety

Experienced companies will be comfortable performing a thorough risk assessment, and will know how to erect scaffolding around awkwardly shaped buildings or structures to ensure that everything is safe and secure. A risk assessment covers the chances of all potential hazards, including slips, trips, falling equipment, fragile scaffolding and so on, alongside a detailed plan of how to counteract these risks and take preventative measures.

Training and qualifications

There are no formal qualifications needed to become a scaffolder, but all scaffolders working on site are required to register and carry a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) safety card in order to work. These cards range from a trainee scaffolder up to an advanced scaffold inspector or supervisor, so it’s worth checking which qualifications a company holds prior to hiring.

It’s important for everyone’s safety that the scaffolders carrying out the work are properly trained, so feel free to ask the company exactly who will be working on the project, and ask for proof of training or experience if necessary.

Insurance

Any legitimate and reliable company should have public liability insurance just in case something goes wrong. You should never hire a scaffolding company without checking they have the suitable insurance in place first, but an experienced and established company is extremely unlikely to not have this precaution ready.

Reviews and reputation

An experienced, established company is far more likely to have a portfolio of reviews from previous customers which can help you make an informed decision. A backlog of reviews can also give you an insight into the kind of services they provide, as well as information about the quality of service, how reliable the company was and whether the project was completed to a high standard. Contractors with limited experience simply may not have the relevant experience and equipment you need, so it’s important to research and find a company that has already built a solid reputation.

Range of equipment

To an outsider, a lot of scaffolding might look ‘all the same’, but it can be much more complex than it looks, with a wide range of different equipment needed depending on the project’s requirements. Every project is different, so it’s important to establish that the company you choose has all the equipment and apparatus you need. An experienced company is likely to have a wider range of equipment, and more practice at constructing several different types of scaffolding for a variety of buildings and projects.

If you’re looking for experienced design consultants for your next scaffolding project, get in touch with DH Scaffold Services Limited. Our professional team offer a range of scaffolding services, from quotes and surveys to bespoke design packages, scaffolding rental and scaffold safety inspection. Our scaffolding solutions are designed to fit your needs; from a small residential house to large city development, we have the right scaffolding design and equipment for you. For more information, don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit our website today.