If you want to carry out a construction or renovation project, then you should think about a number of aspects of planning, prior to actually starting work. Every building project involves working above ground and scaffolding is an essential requirement to ensure worker safety and as every project is unique, the scaffolding needs to be designed specifically for the project. It is vital that construction workers have a safe and stable platform on which to work and by calling in a local scaffolding contractor at the start of the project, you can rest assured that the project will be completed according to the timeline.
As a building developer, you know how critical it is to ensure smooth operations and the scaffolding needs to be in place at the right time in order that various tradesmen can complete their work. Here are some of the aspects of scaffolding that you need to consider when looking for a local contractor.
1. Choose the right scaffolding
One of the most important factors to take into account when you are looking for scaffolding is the type; The most common is steel tubing that is held together with clamps and wooden scaffold boards are laid onto the frame, which provides a solid working platform, while there is also aluminium scaffolding, which is much lighter than the steel system and with interchangeable sections, you can create the prefect design that offers the essential support.
While many people assume that scaffolding is a one size fits all solution, it is important to understand that scaffolding falls into a number of different categories. One of the most commonly used types of scaffolding is the supported platform system which comes with a number of innovative platforms made from wood or metal while the actual scaffolding is held together by the poles and frames. You should also be aware that suspended scaffolding systems are available and this particular type of scaffolding does not use the ground for support.
Instead, this particular type of scaffolding is supported by ropes or chains that hang from the upper parts of the building. Tower scaffolding is very popular, especially for high rise buildings and thanks to a modular design, the units can be built to the required specifications, plus these units have lockable wheels and can easily be moved from one location to another.
Finally, you should understand that an adjustable scaffolding platform can also be used on a construction site, which allows you to raise or lower or a particular platform using a system of pulleys. As a result, you should take your time before contacting a company providing scaffolding hire in your local area to ensure you know what you are looking for.
2. Find the right company
As you would expect, there are many scaffold hire contractors and you need one that services your area and also has the necessary resources to ensure a smooth installation. Of course, you should ask for several references and any established scaffolding contractor should be able to furnish you with this sort of information.
Moreover, you should also attempt to find a company that can provide the right type of equipment for your requirements at a price that would be suitable for your budget. Furthermore, you should be aware that a scaffolding company should be able to show you their credentials, qualifications and evidence of correct training. They will also be able to demonstrate that they are appropriately insured to carry out work on a particular construction site.
3. Ensure safety
Another important aspect of carrying out a construction project is that you should make sure safety is prominent at all times. Indeed, construction sites can often be dangerous, meaning you should ensure you create a high level of safety for the workers at all times. This is especially pertinent as you should check whether any scaffolding hire company has the relevant paperwork and insurance coverage to carry out work on your construction site. Moreover, you should check whether a particular hire company meets the national safety requirements that are in operation in your area. As a result, you should identify a number of safety features on a particular type of scaffolding while guard rails and hand rails should be present. In addition, you should be aware that slip resistant and stable platforms should be available for workers to carry out their daily tasks. By taking the time to determine the safety level of a particular type of scaffolding you can ensure your workers are safe at all times.
4. Consider the needs of your construction project
Furthermore, when you are choosing a particular type of scaffolding for your construction project, you should think about whether it would be appropriate for the building you want to construct or renovate. Indeed, different stages of the construction process will require different types of scaffolding to make sure the workers can carry out their tasks in a safe way. As a result, if you are working on a very tall building, you should be aware to use suspended or adjustable scaffolding platforms while if you are working on a bungalow, then you may only need a supported type of scaffolding platform for your workers as they will not be working at a considerable height. You should also consider the dimensions of your building project in order to determine how much scaffolding you will require for a particular project. This is especially pertinent if your building site has limited space as you may need to adjust your scaffolding needs to create a high level of safety on your construction site. This might also be a health & safety issue; all boundaries need to be clear and scaffolding must remain within these limits.
5. Make sure the ground is stable
If you will be using a supported platform system of scaffolding you should ensure that the terrain of your construction site is as stable as possible. Indeed, making sure the ground is stable is an important part of ensuring any scaffolding system is reliable and strong. It is also important to note that if you want to use a supported platform for your scaffolding you should make sure you prepare the ground before carrying out work on the building.
6. Determine the height you require
Furthermore, it is imperative to note that if you require a particular type of scaffolding you should determine how high you will need to build a particular platform so that the workers can carry out work on your construction project. As a result, you should consider the dimensions of the scaffolding system you want before contacting a specialist company. By taking the time to carry out a high level of planning before you start a construction project, you can ensure a high level of safety as well as make sure you meet your budgetary requirements.
7. Pick a budget
It is imperative to be aware that pricing will also play an important role in choosing a scaffolding hire company. This is especially pertinent if a number of scaffolding companies are available in your local area as you should think about contacting them and asking for a quote for a particular project. Moreover, you should take some time to visit a number of companies to identify which particular type of scaffolding system would be appropriate for your project. In addition, you should consider contacting an architect or a project manager, so that they can assist you throughout the process while they will also be able to help you stick to your budget throughout the entire construction project.
8. Seek expert advice
Lastly, if you are worried about which particular scaffolding system would be appropriate for your construction project, you should think about asking for expert advice as soon as possible. Indeed, you could talk to a particular building company or even a local scaffolding company which will be able to give you advice about which particular types of scaffolding would suit your construction project, as well as meet your requirements. As a result, you should take some time to carry out research about the various scaffolding hire companies that are available in your area before making an informed decision about which one would be appropriate for your needs.
- Choose the right type of scaffolding for your construction project
- Find the right company
- Ensure safety at all times
- Consider the needs of your construction project
- Make sure the ground is stable to support a platform
- Determine the height you require
- Pick a budget
- Seek expert advice
Therefore, in conclusion, if you will be carrying out a construction or renovation project in the near future, you can implement a number of planning tasks, so that you can determine how much scaffolding you will need to complete a particular project while you can also ensure that your workers remain safe at all times as a result of hiring a scaffolding system that is suitable for your project.
