Factors that Impact Cost of Scaffolding Hire in Brisbane, QLD

In this article we examine the various factors that impact scaffolding hire cost in Brisbane, QLD.

We summarised the key factors that affect the cost of scaffolding hire in Brisbane

Scaffold hire cost can range widely depending on a number of factors as below:

· Type of project: Industrial, commercial and residential scaffolding can come with significant price differences primarily due to different scale of the jobs, which may also dictate the type of scaffolding required. Various systems may also be used concurrently across a construction site.

· Type of scaffolding: Some factors to consider include how flexible and accessible the scaffolding needs to be, whether platforms and walkways are required (and how many levels are required). Temporary Kwikstage scaffolding can vary between $200 and $600 per week. Mobile scaffolding towers can range between $175 and $750 per week. Larger systems will cost more, up to as much as $550 per day. Therefore, the hire cost for the system itself can range anywhere between $175 and over $3,850 per week. Research across Australia has shown the average cost to be roughly $700 per week for residential scaffolding hire (excluding any services such as labour costs to install/dismantle). The type of scaffolding needs to be determined at the outset.

· Dimensions (reach height, deck height, length, width): The higher scaffolding is required, the more material components (hardwood boards, metal poles, fixtures, joints) are required, and not necessarily in direct proportion to height. Scaffolding at significant heights likely require increased support in terms of stability and safety requirements. Further, a licensed assembler is required when a scaffold platform is four metres or more in height, or an object or person could fall from four metres or more in height. The dimensions of the scaffolding needs to be determined at the outset.   

· Length of hire: It goes without saying that the longer the period of hire, the higher the overall cost. It is generally lower cost to hire on a weekly basis rather than daily. Most scaffolding companies do charge by the week, although others can charge by the day or month, depending on the nature of your project. If your hire period is expected to be quite long (say a month or more), consideration should be given as to whether outright purchase is cheaper.

· Site terrain: Whether the site is easy to access is a significant cost factor, and is often overlooked. Certain systems, such as traditional mobile scaffolds, cannot be used on uneven surfaces, which may require for example suspended cantilever scaffolds. Increased site risks increase the time required for proper installation.

· Location: Hiring in Brisbane CBD is likely more costly than hiring in say Victoria Point, due to reasons such as required approvals, site accessibility, and pedestrian access. In order to minimise costs, it’s also important to hire a company that services the area where your site is located.

· Related services: These can include delivery and pick-up, setup and dismantle, any other types of labour where relevant (such as to count, pack, unpack, load, unload, etc.), guardrails installation, safety net installation, other safety equipment, stair access, engineer fees (particularly for larger projects), to name a few. For residential scaffolding across Australia as an example, it can take anywhere from 5 to 45 hours to assemble. 

The impact of site accessibility on overall hire cost

When focusing on things such as the type and height of scaffolding, and how long you need it for, it is easy to overlook an assessment of the accessibility of the work site, which can have a significant impact on pricing. 

If your project only requires scaffolding to be erected on flat ground outside of a private building, the cost can be low, as the frame can be installed quickly. However, if the building or structure is on a slope, or involves narrow pathways or difficult manoeuvres to access, the costs can stack up. 

Further, if your project requires scaffolding that needs to be installed near or alongside public walkways and footpaths, extra time (and costs) will need to be allocated to obtaining required permissions, for example from the local council or residential compounds.

Hire vs purchase of scaffolding

If you are in the construction business moving from one project site to another, a common consideration is whether the scaffolding you use should be hired or purchased. We have in the past performed hire vs. purchase assessments for clients based on assumptions of project type and cash flow projections. However, these are very tailored estimations, and changes in assumptions can significantly affect overall cost, due to the many factors discussed above.

Hiring scaffolds can be cost-effective compared to outright purchase. The added advantages are that you do away with the need to maintain and store your own equipment, and you can be sure to always access the latest and most suitable equipment appropriate to your construction project type and duration, if choosing from a scaffolding company that provides the range of options.

On the other hand, if a scaffold is required on a site for over a month, or there are frequent projects on the horizon, it may be cheaper to purchase instead, except noting that the purchased equipment may not be suitable for all future project types. A cost comparison should always be carried out prior to project commencement, giving consideration to not only the specific needs of the current project, but the long-term plans of the user.

Conclusion

Scaffolding is one of the most crucial pieces of the construction puzzle. The cost of scaffold hire can vary widely depending on the various factors discussed above. While it can seem expensive, it is often necessary to ensure safety and enhance productivity, which ultimately benefits the project bottom line.

When you have a good grasp of the various factors involved at the time of planning for the construction project, it can help with setting overall budget and preventing surprises. The right type of scaffolding can help your team get the job done on time by allowing multiple people to simultaneously access different parts of the site, and efficient movement of tools and materials throughout the site, aiding in overall project management and adherence to deadlines.