Scaffolding advice

householder7

Hi all, looking for some advice around this subject - have done an internet search but can't seem to phrase it so that what I'm trying to get at comes up.

I need roof repairs some time next year and have a quote in hand including scaffolding, what I'm wondering is this; I also fairly urgently need my oldish upstairs timber windows puttying/painting and basically just given a facelift while I decide what to do with them longer term. 

It seems sensible to think about what other jobs I could get done while scaffolding is up - who in this sort of case is actually hiring the scaffolding, me via the roofer or the roofers themselves (as it is a 3rd party)? Either way what are my options technically/legally or whatever if I do want some other work done? discuss with roofer presumably at some point, but background knowledge always helpful first. Thanks.

kimwp

Will the roofer do the windows? Worth an ask.

householder7

I think he is reasonably specialist, roofs chimneys pointing &c but he does work with other family his son/s etc, so you never know, interesting idea thanks. With any trader I am going to have to start with 'yes I know they should just come out, but..' because they really are not good - ideally I'd like to move and let someone else worry about it    (and the roofing repairs for that matter but can't duck those unfortunately). 

FreeBear

Had scaffolding up a couple of years back to do some work on the roof. I specified having a "lift" at ~2.5m above ground as well as a second lift for the roof works. This was all arranged and paid for by the roofer. One of the jobs I was doing included having a couple of new windows fitted on the first floor. The window guy was quite happy using scaffolding but only needed to do the external sealing.

Render & painting, I did myself. The scaffolding was up for 3-4 weeks after the roofer finished his bit, and I just needed to chase the scaffolders to remove their gear when I was done.

twopenny

Have a chat with the roofer as what is the best way to go about this.

A lot will depend on if the scaffolder needs the equipment for another job after yours, whether they know someone who will come and do the other jobs and get prices for that so that you can make a decision.

Better that you work together.

I was lucky (eventually) that it was a scaffolder I asked about a house painter and they worked together. The opposite way around what I was trying to do but took some pressure off me.

If you are thinking of lots more jobs at the same time (don't get carried away ) make a list now in order of necessity. Make a copy. Start the discussion about the windows first and then maybe present the list if you are sure that's what you need done. Having it clearly in writing with a copy for anyone offering the work makes things clear to both parties.

See if you can get it done for a more comfortable and worry free winter and give you time to plan

stuart45

It might not be cost effective to pay someone to repair your timber windows, as opposed to having new ones. I've always done ours, and treat it as a hobby. If I had to pay a decent tradesmen to rub them down, find any rot, add wood hardener and 2 part filler. Scarf in wood where needed, prime, undercoat and gloss, and repair the putty I'm sure it wouldn't be far off the cost of a new window. And when it's finished, it's still a old window. In 5 years time you'll be doing the same again. Even after a year, it won't be looking as good.

householder7

Thanks all for the useful input.

"A worry-free winter", that'll be the day  unfortunately (long story) I have ended up in this property which needs a lot of work, the idea was to sell up before any significant work needed doing but have not been able to bring that about in the timeframe. Therefore there is increasingly this choice between spending money shoring it up, money largely down the drain as has been commented, or spending even more money on a property I have no real attachment to. Am no stranger to wood hardener and 2-part filler as you can imagine. The windows are big things the width of the semi-detached property, another downside.

Anyway yes will certainly chew it over with the roofer, it will not be til Spring at any rate - would need good weather for any repairs & painting which is another consideration, eg I might have the extra scaffolding lift put in and then be faced with weeks of rain knowing my luck. I was interested as a start to know what the scaffolding position was as I had no idea if once up, any old person would be allowed to use it, or only under agreement, or what - insurance wise and so on. It's the sort of thing I would usually only think of after the scaffolding had been & gone so for once yes planning ahead definitely the way to go.