Scaffolding
When having a loft conversion the scaffolding normally goes across the front of the property for access and storage of materials and to the rear of the property for protection and safety when building the dormer / mansard. When having just a Velux conversion it is standard practice just to have scaffolding to the front because nothing apart from Veluxs will be going into the rear and would just be a waste of money (your money).
The front scaffolding is erected so the builders can work in and out of a hole in the roof without having to come through the house with major construction materials such as steel RSJ’s and heavy timbers. Going in and out of the roof should last at least 3/4 of the total build time as the stairs are the last part to go in as part of the first fix process. This means that until the stairs are in you shouldn’t have anyone coming in and out of your front door or through your house.
Scaffolding Dimensions
The scaffolding at the front is around 5-6 ft from the front wall so most of the heavy materials will fit on there in one crane lift. The scaffolding should also be built timber blocks to protect the path or drive way.
If your house is a semi detached or a end of terrace you will need scaffolding down the side to protect the tradesmen when building the loft. It should only be around 1ft or 3 planks wide though so you don’t need to much width between houses.
If you don’t own the land down the side of the property or you live in a flat and worried about the freeholder or neighbours there should be a clause in your lease or contract to state that any roofing or structural works to be done on your property allow you access the their land to access your roof i.e scaffolding use. Please check with your solicitor for further details and legal advise before going round to your neighbours demanding access. Or you could just try asking them nicely!!!
Also if down the side of your house there is an alley, small drive or access point to yours or other neighbours garages the scaffolding company will be able to bridge the alley with reinforced scaffolding so everyone will still be able to use the access point. This would cost roughly £800 extra on top of the normal scaffolding costs and is based on an 8 week build time.
If you have a conservatory, this should be boarded over by the scaffolders with some sort of ply board or chip board so if any debres falls from the loft onto your extension or conservatory it will be fully protected. It is always good to check your company or builders liability insurance policy just to make sure that the outside of you house is completely covered by the insurance company or have in writing that your builder will put right any damages that could potentially be made.
If you live on the main road or red route (in London) the council will have to be informed, and the scaffolding will have to be netted and a shoot will need to be used to get the rubbish into the skip. If you are concerned about security an alarm can be fitted to the scaffolding at an extra cost of around £200.
If you are on a red route the council will need to be informed as they may need to close the road in order for a crane to lift the materials onto the scaffolding. This is so all the emergency services can be informed and usally takes around 1 months waiting time. Also if your road is not a red route but it is less than 20 ft wide, it will also need to be closed for the crane. Both of these examples cost around £1500 depending on what local authority you are in but please do check.