Anyone want some scaffolding?

[Pale Rider]

I have a problem with some possibly abandoned scaffolding.

Late last year I had the roof replaced on Pale Rider Towers, which in reality is a terraced house.

I dealt only with the roofer who said he would arrange for the scaffolding, front and back, via a sub-contractor.

The roofer quoted me an inclusive price.

The job was done to my satisfaction, and I paid the roofer.

The scaffolder returned after a week or so and removed the scaffolding at the front of the house.

I've not seen him since, meaning his scaffolding is still erected at the back of my house.

I've contacted the roofer three times, who each time said he will chase the scaffolder, but nothing has happened despite a couple of relayed promises.

There is no means currently for me to contact the scaffolder directly.

What do I do next?

The scaffolding is not causing any real inconvenience, and it looks solid enough.

But without getting all elf'n'safety about it, it's a temporary structure and should not be left in situ for any longer than it needs to be.

I'm tempted to find another scaffolder who would dismantle it in exchange for keeping it, but of course, it's not mine to give away.

Another point is the scaffolders were, er, robust gentlemen, typical of their ilk.

I would be to wise to think carefully before getting involved in a dispute with them.

Put another way, such a dispute could easily end in a prolonged wait for me in A&E.

Any ideas?

 

[roadrash]

have you not asked the roofer for the scaffolders contact details, then you can tell him how much he owes you for storing his scaffolding

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Depending on where you are I can get it removed for you

 

[Slick]

Typical of their ilk.

cheers

 

[Slick]

Exactly how long has it been sitting for?

 

[Slick]

Remember the trades shut down for a full 2 weeks at least at Christmas.

 

[Pale Rider]

It's been sitting for two months or so, although the roofing job wasn't finally finished until early December.

Trades shutting down is a point, although I formed the impression the scaffolders were casual, competent enough, but they didn't have a signwritten lorry or company overalls.

Local accents, so the chances are they are still knocking around somewhere.

I do suspect my back yard is being used by them for free scaffold storage.

If they get another job that needs it, I bet they will be around sharpish.

I could probably get a number for the scaffolders from the roofer, but I was rather hoping his leverage - future work for them - would be greater than mine.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Scaffolders lose so much tube over the year from theft they probably can't be bothered to collect if its a terrace and a bit of a ball ache to park and remove.

Edit 2months isnt unreasonable for a busy firm but kep pushing
Tell the builder you'll have to bill him for removal as you cant contact the firm.
He contracted the scaffold.
Also it has to be insured for everything even a burglar iirc
Give him a few weeks to sort it, he will move it himself if he cant find a solution

 

[Slick]

They are only now raising from their slumber during the festivities.

More than likely, they will be round next week for it.

As an aside, plain trucks and no overalls are not always signs of casual labour.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I do suspect my back yard is being used by them for free scaffold storage.

So do I, but advise your roofer preferably in writing email will do that it is now causing an obstruction & you need it removed by the end of the month at the latest or you will be making arrangements to have it removed & he will be billed for the cost of dispersal.

 

[Pale Rider]

Scaffolders lose so much tube over the year from theft they probably can't be bothered to collect if its a terrace and a bit of a ball ache to park and remove.

Edit 2months isnt unreasonable for a busy firm but kep pushing
Tell the builder you'll have to bill him for removal as you cant contact the firm.
He contracted the scaffold.
Also it has to be insured for everything even a burglar iirc
Give him a few weeks to sort it, he will move it himself if he cant find a solution

This makes much sense to my limited understanding of how scaffolders work.

Thanks.

As an aside, plain trucks and no overalls are not always signs of casual labour.

Once again, that is informative.

So do I, but advise your roofer preferably in writing email will do that it is now causing an obstruction & you need it removed by the end of the month at the latest or you will be making arrangements to have it removed & he will be billed for the cost of dispersal.

Sounds like a way forward.

I wouldn't have any realistic way of enforcing the bill if he refused to pay, so I would only go down that route if I was prepared, reluctantly, to swallow the financial pain.

I doubt it would take an hour to dismantle it, a hundred quid sounds reasonable to me.

Although that still leaves the problem of reuniting the scaffolding with its rightful owner.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Could you get word to them that you came home yesterday and found two ne’er-do-wells starting to dismantle it and they legged it in a manky flatbed truck when challenged? Might focus their minds a bit.

 

[Sharky]

A team of builders attempted to climb Mount Everest, but stopped 6ft from the summit.

They ran out of scaffolding - they forgot they had left some at your house.

 

[I like Skol]

As you say, not yours to dispose of at this point.
As has also already been said, the way to go is to serve notice on your contractor giving him reasonable time to right the wrongs of HIS subcontractors.

 

[classic33]

Could it legally be classed as abandoned, thereby making it yours to dispose off?

Failing that, get in touch with @fossyant, he might know someone who'll take it off your hands.