Arranging roof work?
Ask the roofer which roof, chimney, gutter or fascia areas they need to reach and share their likely programme. See our roofing scaffolding guide.
Planning a quote
Scaffolding costs explained.
The price depends on what access the job needs and what is included in the proposed scope. Use this guide to prepare a clearer enquiry and compare quotes for the same work, rather than relying on a generic figure.
Scope first
Describe the access the work needs
Height and extent. A repair at one roof area, gutter work along a frontage and work across several sides of a building describe different access needs. Say which areas the contractor must reach and whether other trades will need the same or different areas.
Ground and approach. The space beside the building, side routes, entrances and neighbouring boundaries may affect how the job is assessed. Photos from a little distance can show the full work area and the route to it; tell the supplier about constraints the photos may miss.
Period and changes. Share the likely start window, how long each trade expects access and whether the programme has separate stages. If the work area or dates change, ask how that would affect the proposed scope and price.
A useful starting brief
Send the postcode, building type, work areas, approximate dates and photos showing each relevant side and the ground around it. Add your contractor's access brief if you have one.
Compare like with like
Questions to ask about each quote
- Which work areas and sides of the building does the proposal cover? Are any parts you discussed excluded?
- What period of use does the quote assume, and how would a longer or shorter programme be handled?
- What does the written price cover for putting up, changing and taking down the scaffold? Ask the supplier to identify any separate charges and whether VAT is included.
- What assumptions has the supplier made about access to the property, available ground, entrances or neighbouring space?
- What scaffold inspections are included, who is responsible for arranging them, and how will they be documented?
- If highway permissions are needed for the proposed position, who arranges them and how are their costs handled?
- How would a change in the roofer's, builder's or painter's scope be discussed and priced?
Ask for unclear items to be explained in writing. A lower figure is hard to compare when the work areas or assumptions differ.
Related planning
Match the quote to the job
Working around a business?
Describe entrances, deliveries and the times the premises are used. Our commercial scaffolding guide covers the questions worth raising.
Where can I enquire?
Arkley covers North London, Hertfordshire and further afield. If your project is in Barnet, the local page includes trade and quote planning context.
Discuss your project
Tell us what you need access for.
Share the postcode, work areas, approximate dates and photos to start a project-specific conversation.