Part of our scaffolding guide.
What are you asking the scaffold to do?
Start with the work area, not just the building’s floor area. A repaint along one wall is a different brief from a reroof with access around the house. The number of working levels, changes in roofline, access routes and the needs of each trade can change the proposed setup.
For homes, our residential scaffolding team considers the site and household access. For an active workplace, discuss the operating hours and separation of work areas with our commercial scaffolding team.
A quote comparison worksheet
Ask each quotation to describe the same job and dates. Use this list to identify what is included and what needs a separate allowance.
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Access layout | Elevations, working levels, access points and areas excluded. |
| Site work | Delivery access, installation and dismantling scope. |
| Hire period | Start and end assumptions, extension arrangements and how extra time is charged. |
| Changes | Who arranges alterations when trades or work areas change. |
| Protection | Any separately specified edge protection, safety nets or weather protection. |
| Total | GST treatment, exclusions and the conditions attached to the price. |
Match the hire period to the work sequence
Write down when each trade expects to start and finish. Include preparation, inspections by the people responsible for the work, drying or curing time where relevant, and any gap between trades. Share uncertainties before accepting a quote so the team can explain the extension arrangements.
For example, a home repaint may use the scaffold for washing, repairs, preparation and coating. Pricing only the coating days gives an incomplete picture. Our painting access guide helps you map that sequence.
Show the conditions that affect the setup
Photograph the building from several sides, the approach from the road and the ground beside the work. Point out decks, retaining walls, narrow passages, neighbouring boundaries and routes that need to stay open. Use our ground-condition checklist if the site slopes or changes level.
Discuss any change in the work area before comparing revised prices. An added elevation or a different trade requirement is a scope change, even when the address stays the same.
Send a brief that is ready to quote
- Project address and the best person to contact.
- Work to be done on each elevation or roofline.
- Photos or plans showing the work and the access route.
- Trade start dates, likely duration and sequencing.
- Household, public or workplace routes to maintain.
- Any separate protection requirements to discuss.
If you are pricing a movable tower for smaller work areas, use our mobile scaffold hire cost checklist. It focuses on tower configuration and movement rather than an erected building-access installation.
Your questions
Can you give a price from photos?
Photos and plans help us understand the scope before quoting. Send the address, work areas and timing as well so we can identify what else we need to assess.
Should I compare only the total price?
Compare the total alongside the layout, hire period and inclusions. Ask about any unclear exclusions or changes before you agree to the scope.