One access plan for builders, roofers and finishing trades
On a building or refurbishment project, scaffolding may be needed by several trades at different stages. Bricklayers, roofers, window installers and decorators may all need access, but their requirements are not necessarily the same. A clear programme helps the scaffolder understand what is needed now and what may need to change later.
DCF Scaffolding Southwest Limited works with builders, contractors and businesses across Devon, including Newton Abbot, Torbay and Exeter. When you enquire about a multi-trade project, a useful starting point is the sequence of work rather than the overall completion date alone.
List the trades and the work they need to reach
Provide an outline of the project and explain which elevations are involved at each stage. Include drawings where available and ask your contractors to identify their access requirements. Work at eaves level, around a chimney or beside an extension may call for different arrangements.
A single scaffold should not be assumed suitable for every task simply because it is already on site. Tell us who intends to use it and what they plan to do so suitability can be assessed.
Identify likely changes before the first installation
Scaffolding requirements can change as a job moves from one trade to another. Tell us about planned roof works, external finishes or access that must be released later in the programme. This allows expected alterations to be discussed with the original scope instead of appearing as unexpected requests.
Keep changes coordinated through an agreed site contact and the scaffolding contractor. Trades should raise access issues before starting the affected work rather than making their own adjustments to the scaffold.
Discuss materials and delivery arrangements
Explain what materials will be used, how deliveries will arrive and whether any specific loading or lifting arrangements are being proposed. Do not assume a working platform can be used to store a delivery. Requirements need to be assessed and agreed for the particular scaffold and project.
Include information about delivery vehicles, restricted entrances, shared driveways and areas that must remain available to the client or other contractors.
Match the hire period to the programme
Allow for the time between trades as well as the days when somebody is actively working. If a roofer finishes on Friday but the external finishing contractor cannot start for another fortnight, that gap still matters to the scaffold programme.
Discuss the expected hire duration, any phased dismantling and how extensions would be charged. If dates change, contact the scaffolder early. Installation, alterations and dismantling each need arrangements; they should not be treated as automatically available at short notice.
Give one person responsibility for communication
A named contact helps prevent conflicting instructions from different trades. That person should keep an up-to-date programme, communicate changes and confirm when access is no longer required. Before requesting dismantling, check that all agreed users have finished and that the next stage of work has been considered.
A useful briefing checklist for your scaffolder
- Site address, drawings and the overall scope.
- Trades involved and their access requirements.
- The sequence of work and anticipated alterations.
- Materials, proposed loading arrangements and deliveries.
- Hire duration, programme gaps and dismantling stages.
- A named site contact for agreed instructions.
For independent guidance on planning information, suitability and alterations, see the HSE scaffolding guidance. Project-specific requirements still need to be assessed for your site.
Discuss your Devon building project with DCF
We erect, adapt and dismantle scaffolding for homeowners, builders and businesses. Explore our commercial and specialist scaffolding services, then request a free, no-obligation quote. Call 07947 969625 to speak directly to DCF about the access your programme needs.