Scaffolders | Local Services | Classifieds.co.uk :

Scaffolders, as you might expect, are responsible for putting up scaffolding! This may be erected as part of a major building project or it may be put up outside your house for smaller, less complex projects. So, for example, your house painter may use scaffolding for easier and safer access when he/she paints the outside of your house, or your builder may use some scaffolding when he/she converts your loft. In some cases the trades person you use may have their own scaffolding specialists on hand to erect the scaffolding for them, or they may sub-contract the job to a specialist scaffolding firm. Sometimes, you may need to organise scaffolding for yourself -- either so that you can work on a specific project, or so that another trades person can fulfil a project for you. So, if you need to find a scaffolder, what should you be looking for (apart from someone who has a good head for heights!)?

How to find a scaffolder
You may find that the easiest way to find a scaffolder is by personal recommendation; it's always easier to work with someone who has done the job (and done it well!) for somebody else who can give you an impartial recommendation. So, if you know someone that has used this kind of service recently, then they may be able to recommend a specialist for you. Asking the simplest of questions such as 'Would you use them again?' can make it a lot easier to make a decision!

Alternatively, your other trades person (such as a builder or painter and decorator) may have contacts that could be useful. Don't be too worried that your builder or decorator may just be recommending a mate here, you can always cost compare to make sure that you aren't being charged too much. And remember that the safety of your builder or decorator (or even your own!) will depend on the skills and experience of the scaffolder, so a recommendation here could mean a lot!

If you cannot get a recommendation for a specific scaffolder or scaffolding company, then your best bet may be to look in a directory such as Yellow Pages or to go online and look for Internet directories for your area that list building and trade specialists.

How to choose the right scaffolder for your needs
It's important to make sure that you hire a scaffolder that has experience in erecting scaffolding that is suitable for the job you need doing. As with many specialist trades, it may prove worthwhile to find a scaffolder who has been doing the job for a good few years. Bad scaffolders are unlikely to last a long time if they don't do a good job!

Scaffolders may not have to have any form of industry qualification but there are useful qualifications that you can look out for. Although many scaffolders will learn their trade on the job as apprentices, they can also take up qualifications specific to scaffolding as they go along. So, a scaffolder with some form of Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) card may be worth looking at.

This scheme has various levels of qualification and it tells you that the scaffolder has enough practical experience and formal training to be able to do their job correctly. So, for example, they may have completed a NVQ or SVQ and had on the job experience that spans a specific number of years.

For example, if a scaffolder has a Basic Scaffolder (Level 1 or Level 2) card then they will have at least six months on the job experience as well as formal training in erecting and dismantling scaffolding. They will have to have sat either Level 1 and/or Level 2 training courses, will hold a relevant qualification (i.e. an NVQ) and will have been through an assessment programme. More experienced scaffolders may hold an Advanced Scaffolder card.

Do take the time to make sure that the scaffolder that you choose has the correct public liability insurance in place to cover you and your property in case an accident occurs. For example, if they manage to stick a scaffolding pipe through your window then their insurance will cover the cost. If they don't have insurance then you will have to pay for the damage!

Also, don't choose a scaffolder without getting a few quotes for cost comparison purposes. You may not opt for the cheapest quote in this instance as there are serious safety issues to consider here. Bear in mind that scaffolders can be in short supply in the building trade, and it may be hard to find a scaffolder that can fit into your schedule exactly, so you may need to be flexible.