After a scaffolding company but aren’t quite sure how to separate the pros from the charlatans? Here are six things to look out for when making that big decision.

There are so many uses for scaffolding when it comes to construction. From minor works, to major projects, infrastructure to internal access solutions, hiring a scaffolding company is an important solution for buildings, refurbishments and conversions.

But we know it doesn’t come for free. And choosing the right scaffolding agency when the landscape is so full can be a tad confusing.

You want to make sure you get value for your money, right? The last thing you want is a scaffolder who leaves you high and dry. You want to get everything you’re promised. Plus, when safety is such a major factor, you need to know you’re working with a contractor that you can genuinely trust.

Luckily, there are questions you can ask to make sure you aren’t kept in the dark. These questions – and their answers – will help you figure out the right scaffolding company for you, so that you can walk into your project with confidence and clarity.

Question 1 – What services do they actually offer?

Contrary to what you might think, there are endless layers to scaffolding. It really isn’t a “one size fits all” scenario.

Different projects will require different equipment, and so your first stop should be checking that the company that you are considering is stocked and comfortable with the equipment that you need. This could include genie lifts, shrink wrap or scaffold towers (among MANY other things). 

A reputable company would never accept a job without having all the appropriate equipment to hand, but those that are desperate for a job may adopt the “say yes now, think later” mentality. 

Question 2 – Do they have quality, relevant experience?

As well as having all the gear, you want to make sure they’ve got a cracking idea of your specific project.

That means ensuring the company has actually worked on this type of project before. Say you’ve got a large scale, high investment and technically demanding piece of work on your hands: has the scaffolding agency actually delivered something of this magnitude in the past?

You want to know that they haven’t just completed that work… you want to know they’ve done so in the best possible way. 

Which leads us to our next point.

Question 3 – Have they got a portfolio of positive testimonials?

Any respected scaffolding company should have a point of reference full of testimonials and feedback.

Whether that’s their Google my Business account, their Facebook group, across their website or their own secret stash, it’s vital that you see what previous customers have to say about the company before you take the plunge. Afterall, they aren’t going to be sharing their lows, are they? 

But if they’re tough to work with, never deliver on time and lack basic safety standards, you’re sure as hell going to need to know about it.

Question 4 – Are they fully insured?

Although no one really wants to think about the worst case scenario, when you’ve got so much at stake it’s a bit of a priority.

Working with scaffolding is high risk, and even with the most professional, well established company, accidents can happen. You therefore should check that the scaffolding agency has fully comprehensive insurance, with public liability insurance as an absolute minimum.

Never just assume. Confirming that the company has done their due diligence and makes safety and protection a number one priority for their staff and their clients is perhaps the most important step of all.

Question 5 – What training have their staff received?

Particularly if the task at hand sits more on the complicated side, it could be worth touching base with the potential contractors to confirm proof of their employees’ training credentials. 

It’s important to know that everyone on site is prepared and skilled enough to be there, and that they have the right background, experience and qualifications to handle the type of scaffolding your project needs. 

Question 6 – Does the company have the right accreditation?

Whatever industry you’re in, accreditation is a clear sign of a company’s competency and authority within a sector. Scaffolding organisations are no different.

There are some key accreditation standards that you should look out for in a scaffolding company. These include:

• National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC)
• The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS)
• ISO 9001 certification
• Constructionline

While it isn’t a requirement for a scaffolding provider to hold all of these badges (and there are tons more to add to the list) it does show they have an ongoing commitment to staying at the top of their game and delivering an efficient, safe and exceptional service.

At Skill Scaffolding, providing an optimum service is always at the top of our agenda. To find out more about our full range of services, drop a member of our team a line.