When you’re planning a building or construction project, it’s tempting to try and cut costs wherever possible. Materials, manpower and equipment all cost a substantial amount of money and scaffolding hire is often one of the first areas people consider attempting some savings.
But when it comes to scaffolding, cheap isn’t cheerful. Low-cost or poorly installed scaffolding can turn out to be among the most expensive errors you’ll ever make.
At Bridgend Scaffolding, we’ve seen the dangers of the cheapest price with our own eyes. Here’s what you should know about the dangers of low-cost scaffolding – and how to avoid them.
Worker and homeowner safety risks
Cut-price scaffolding companies can use worn and broken materials, second-hand fittings, or take short-cuts when installing it. This unbalances the scaffold and gives it a high chance of falling over.
Even if it does not entirely collapse, cheap scaffolding is more likely to give way to unstable footing. That puts builders, roofers, decorators and homeowners in serious jeopardy. A fall from scaffolding can lead to life-changing injury, and the legal consequences for the property owner can be devastating.
Non-compliance
UK scaffolding also needs to comply with strict Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards. This includes proper design, safe erection, inspection and safe access. Cost-saving providers may leave out vital safety inspections or fail to issue risk assessments and handover certificates.
If HSE inspectors are on your premises and find the scaffolding to be non-compliant, your project will stop with immediate effect. You may also face fines or be prosecuted if someone gets injured. A few pounds saved on hire costs isn’t worth the financial and legal costs of non-compliance.
Hidden costs of delays
What often starts as a “cheap deal” can quickly turn into an expensive headache. Poor-quality scaffolding is more likely to require adjustments and repairs, or even complete replacement during your project. Each time scaffolding has to be taken down and re-erected, you’re paying in lost time and extra labour costs.
Contractors understand that delays kill profits. Homeowners understand that delays extend inconvenience and stress. Paying a little extra up-front for a quality scaffolding company generally saves money in the long run.
Property damage
Cheap scaffolding companies may lack the equipment or training necessary to protect the property they’re working on. Sloppy installation, loose ties or inadequate bracing can destroy walls, roofs, gutters or driveways. In most cases, the cost of repairing damaged property far outweighs any saving made on the scaffolding hire.
How to avoid scaffolding hire pitfalls
You can avoid the risk of hiring the wrong company with a few simple checks:
- Check accreditations – Make sure your scaffolding contractor employs HSE guidelines and is able to provide inspection reports.
- Ask about insurance – A reputable company should have complete public liability cover.
- Look for experience – Established local firms with sound reputations are far less likely to cut corners.
- Read reviews – Feedback from the local area is amongst the best signs of reliability.
Getting a quotation
We erect and maintain scaffolding throughout South Wales, including Bridgend, Swansea and Cardiff.
To get a free quotation, contact us today.
