Scaffolders won't take it down!

RoNZ

Yorkie1 wrote: »

Don't just phone. Make sure that you have communicated in writing with them - otherwise it's just word against word.

Oh yes - I have records of everything, even though some of it is just text messages.
I'll write to them formally today and email them a pdf letter and also send it to them in the mail.

RoNZ

fabricator1 wrote: »

They are obviously being some what awkward,given their attitude from the start.
I use scaffold companies on a regular basis ,what you will find,they will not commit their labour to take down scaffold,only to take back to their yard,unless you agreed before hand,and they would charge a premium to do so.
They go from job to job removing then erecting,rarely ever taking back to the yard,it's more efficient that way.

Yes, so I've discovered. I have also been told that it's pointless trying to get another scaff company to remove it as they won't go against another company - they are all mates.

fabricator1 wrote: »

Are you on a main road,is the scaffold on a pavement ?

On a reasonably busy road; but no, the scaff is not on the pavement - a permit is needed for that where I live. The original quote was for a month. so we expected it to be removed after that.
It's blocking access for other work we need to do, and means that we can't lock off our back garden and we've had several cases of disreputables wondering in and also had stuff stolen. So it's causing us real problems.

RoNZ

glasgowdan wrote: »

I'd advise them it's being removed and stored on the pavement in 7 days as their property is on your property without permission.

We can't store it on the pavement - that would be illegal

RoNZ

stator wrote: »

Send them a formal letter giving them a reasonable time, say 7 days to remove the scaffold.
Say what you are going to do if they don't. Eg you are going to take it down and leave it on the ground.
You must take all rasonable steps to secure it, so maybe throw a few chains and a padlock around it.
If they still refuse, or they object to what you say you are going to do, then you need some legal advice.
Read the terms and conditions of the contract, it may say they can leave it with you as long as they want, but the courts would usually take a reasonable approach to what is considered fair or not, even if it's in a contract. So that's why you need legal advice.

I think this is roughly what we are going to do. No written contract (yes, I know that's stupid, but I'm not used to having to deal with this sort of thing - Tradies in NZ (where I'm from) don't do this!). I think we are going to say that we will sell it to defray the costs of removal and they will be entitled to anything left over. We cannot store it securely, and I will say that. And offer them the option of paying for the removal.

Moto2

Call them first thing Monday morning and tell them that something has fallen off it and narrowly missed a passer-by.
You now need to contact the relevant HSE department for advice so could they please let you have their full company details.

buglawton

Ironically there was mention on the radio news yesterday morning that the UK has a shortage of scaffolding. The presenter even quipped, not enough poles.

RoNZ

Moto2 wrote: »

Call them first thing Monday morning and tell them that something has fallen off it and narrowly missed a passer-by.
You now need to contact the relevant HSE department for advice so could they please let you have their full company details.

That has actually happened! One of the scaff joiner link things fell off when a heavy truck went past. I have their full company details so that's not an issue. But I don't want to play games with them, I'd rather just be straight and say what I mean and mean what I say.

DRP

RoNZ wrote: »

That has actually happened! One of the scaff joiner link things fell off when a heavy truck went past. I have their full company details so that's not an issue. But I don't want to play games with them, I'd rather just be straight and say what I mean and mean what I say.

Why? That approach doesn't seem to have worked so far.

Isn't it time to escalate things?

RoNZ

DRP wrote: »

Why? That approach doesn't seem to have worked so far.
Isn't it time to escalate things?

Absolutely it's time to escalate things! But I don't think threatening things that I'm not going to follow through on is a good idea. They obviously already think I'm a pushover, now it's time to show I'm not. I don't want this to turn into a game of bluff. I've already lined up some competent people to take the scaff down. Drafting a letter now; will deliver it today.

DRP

RoNZ wrote: »

Absolutely it's time to escalate things! But I don't think threatening things that I'm not going to follow through on is a good idea. They obviously already think I'm a pushover, now it's time to show I'm not. I don't want this to turn into a game of bluff. I've already lined up some competent people to take the scaff down. Drafting a letter now; will deliver it today.

Thats sounds like a good approach.