Ford or Holden? Heineken or Corona? Steak and cheese or potato top?
Life is full of tough choices. While we’re not really in a position to tell you what truck to buy or where to go for lunch, there is one thing we reckon we’re qualified to give advice about: scaffolding.
It goes without saying that scaffolding is a critical part of any construction project. What’s not quite so clear cut is whether or not you should buy or rent your scaffolding equipment.
Still on the fence about buying? This article is for you. As one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of genuine Ringlock scaffolding, we’ve rounded up all the information you’ll need to make a more informed decision.
Top 5 reasons to buy scaffolding
Purchasing your own scaffolding can benefit your business in a variety of ways, including:
1. Guaranteed availability
Perhaps the biggest advantage to buying your own scaffolding is that you know it will always be available whenever you require it.
As you’ve probably experienced firsthand, scaffolding hire companies can occasionally run low on stock, resulting in delays and logistical nightmares. Having your own scaffolding equipment eliminates the risk of scaffolding stock shortages, reduces uncertainty and can help you stay on top of your schedule.
2. You know the scaffolding is safe, strong and compliant
Maintaining worker safety is critical – especially when working at height. When you buy scaffolding from ScaffoldMe, you can be certain that you’re receiving a new, quality product that is built to withstand the tough conditions of New Zealand building sites.
All of our products are manufactured according to ISO9001:2015 and are rigorously tested to ensure they’re fully compliant with local standards. We stand behind the quality of everything we sell, which is exactly why we offer a 10-year warranty on all our products.
3. Avoid unexpected hiring costs
It’s a fact of life that no project goes 100% smoothly from beginning to end. Unexpected events like bad weather, supply chain delays, project scope changes and staffing issues can have a major impact on your schedule and may require you to have your scaffolding set up for longer than initially intended.
If you rent your scaffolding, these delays can result in significant extra hiring costs, which obviously don’t apply if you have your own scaffolding.
4. Cost-effective in the long run
Hiring scaffolding is often touted as the more cost-effective option. While it’s true that there are some significant upfront costs involved with purchasing scaffolding equipment, most people find that it works out to be more cost-effective in the long run – particularly if you use your scaffolding regularly or your project is going to last more than a few months.
In addition, quality scaffolding tends to hold its value well. If you decide to sell your scaffold further down the line, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to recoup a large part of your initial outlay.
5. Allows you to work with more certainty
Hiring scaffolding puts you at the mercy of others. For instance, if your scaffold hire company is busy on another job, they may not be available to dismantle your scaffolding when you need it done, which can lead to delays and extra costs.
Having your own scaffolding reduces some workplace uncertainties, which in turn can help you operate more efficiently.
When to consider hiring
Depending on your circumstances, hiring scaffolding might make more sense. You might want to consider hiring scaffolding equipment if:
- You’re working on a short job
- You’re only going to use the scaffold occasionally
- You have limited storage space
- Your current cash flow makes it tricky to buy new scaffolding
- You don’t feel confident safely erecting your own scaffold
Bottom line
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re working on a big job that’s going to take more than a few months to complete, or if you require the use of a scaffold multiple times a year, buying scaffolding is probably the way to go.
Here at ScaffoldMe, we have a wide range of scaffolding for sale. With a focus on quality products, competitive prices and top-notch customer service, we’re the provider of choice when it comes to scaffolding equipment in New Zealand.