What to do about scaffolding

CockneyRobbo

Not sure where to post this, but I’m interested in others thoughts and advice. Work started on our house 5 weeks ago. For many reasons (not to di with us) what was quoted as a 2.5 week job is I going. Our current concern is we have a holiday booked and we’re anxious about going away while
scaffolding is still in place around the house. Builder says it can be sorted but he hasn’t always proved reliable
in following up what he says with actions.  So, would you be happy to leave your house empty with scaffolding around it? (We cannot think if anyone we know to house sit) Do you think we should be pressing the builder to get it down and what can we do if he doesn’t? 

Brie

Hopefully you're not paying for it by the week?  That's an even better reason for getting rid sooner rather than later.  

Normally around here it's not the builder that deals with the scaffolding but a separate firm.  Assuming the builder no longer needs it up can you just contact the scaffolder?

Alderbank

Scaffolders like to do this.

Once they have erected it they prefer to just leave it until it is needed for another job, then take it directly there. 

That is cheaper and easier for them than to take it down, unload it at the yard then reload it again for another job.

As well as the security risk there is the risk that kids will climb on it and fall off.

You have to pester the scaffolding company. If you can't get them to remove it, at least make sure there are no ladders left accessible.

ETA: the proper home for this would be In My Home (includes DIY).

CockneyRobbo

Thanks for your answers.  it’s quite possible the scaffolding will be needed after the holiday, given how slow things are going, but with the security concerns we were hoping we could have it taken down and put back up if necessary. I think we’re just going to have to keep our fingers crossed while away. 

littleboo

Check with your home insurance for any exclusion or requirements

user1977

littleboo said:

Check with your home insurance for any exclusion or requirements

I can't recall seeing anything specific in insurance conditions, though I suppose it makes a difference to which windows are "accessible" if they're not all locked.

powerful_Rogue

CockneyRobbo said:

Thanks for your answers.  it’s quite possible the scaffolding will be needed after the holiday, given how slow things are going, but with the security concerns we were hoping we could have it taken down and put back up if necessary. I think we’re just going to have to keep our fingers crossed while away. 

Now that does seem unreasonable, unless you are willing to pay for it to be taken down and then reinstated.

Do you live in a crime ridden area?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

CockneyRobbo said:

So, would you be happy to leave your house empty with scaffolding around it? 

My concern would be the scaffolding might attract attention from someone hoping to find expensive tools in the house. 

Any neighbours that can pop in after dinner and turn a few lights on? 

Is the builder planning on working whilst you are away?

CockneyRobbo said:

 For many reasons (not to di with us) what was quoted as a 2.5 week job is I going. 

How was this worded OP? Anything the trader writes or says (harder to prove said obviously) is a part of the contract and if not fulfilled may entitle you to a price reduction even where you as the consumer receive full benefit under the contract. 

Although that said I wouldn't annoy the builder until they've finished their job and you are completely happy about it, depending on that wording of the 2.5 weeks, I'd be looking for a (small) price reduction for it not being met. 

Jonboy_1984

I would use a couple of timers** with table lamps in rooms that are not immediately obvious to turn on and off a couple of times in the evening to deter people, and ask the builder to ensure the ladders are covered (they can lock boards over them to make them unclimbable, and should be doing so anyway if their risk assessments are in order)..

(**such as https://www.homebase.co.uk/arlec-weekly-digital-timer-socket-white-2-pack/12820824.html? )

TELLIT01

Irrespective of whether the OP can find anything specific in the insurance policy about scaffolding, I would contact the insurer just to be safe.

Okey00001

CockneyRobbo said:

Not sure where to post this, but I’m interested in others thoughts and advice. Work started on our house 5 weeks ago. For many reasons (not to di with us) what was quoted as a 2.5 week job is I going. Our current concern is we have a holiday booked and we’re anxious about going away while
scaffolding is still in place around the house. Builder says it can be sorted but he hasn’t always proved reliable
in following up what he says with actions.  So, would you be happy to leave your house empty with scaffolding around it? (We cannot think if anyone we know to house sit) Do you think we should be pressing the builder to get it down and what can we do if he doesn’t? 

Hi Cockney Robo, seen your post and wondering how did it all go in the end?  

We are in a similar situation and feel uncomfortable about the scaffolding going up and building materials stored/dumped while we are away.