How to Estimate the Costs of Scaffolding | Bizfluent

How to Estimate the Costs of Scaffolding

Written By
Ray Damon
Ray Damon
Nov 29, 2010
2 minute read

Scaffolding is a vital piece of equipment needed when working above ground on buildings. It works as a temporary support structure for construction workers. A majority of scaffolding is built in semi-assembled units that can be assembled easily. Scaffolding rental cost is easy to estimate.

Things You Will Need
  • Tape measure

  • Calculator

Using the tape measure, measure the total length of the area where you plan to place the scaffolding, either in feet or meters. The distance will take into consideration building corners.

Use the tape measure to measure the maximum height the scaffolding will be erected to in feet or meters.

Contact your local construction equipment rental or building supply center. Explain to the company the measurements you have taken and request a quote. Ask the price of the rental rate per scaffold unit, the sizes (both length and height) of each unit and the length of time (daily, weekly or monthly). A majority of the scaffold units are 8 feet long and 6 feet high, but this can vary by the manufacturer and type.

Divide the entire length of the working area you measured by the actual length of the scaffolding units. This calculation will give you the total number of units needed to cover the span of the project. Now divide the height of the working area by the height of the scaffolding units. This calculation will give you the total number of units needed to cover the height span. Combine the two calculations and this will tell you the total number of scaffolding units needed to complete the job.

Take the total number of scaffolding units needed and multiply it by the daily rental costs quoted to find out the total amount to be spent on a daily basis.

Determine how many days you will need to use the scaffolding units and multiply this number by the daily rate. This will give you the total cost of the job.

Ray Damon

Ray Damon has been writing for newspapers and sportscasting since 1990. He has covered the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA and NCAA. His recent work can be found in "The Sun Herald" and he also writes for the Regional Indoor Football League and the…

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