Residential and light commercial scaffolding

Builders, roofers, painters, renovators and some homeowners and property managers.

A quoted price per job based on the size of the scaffold, plus extra charges for hire time beyond the agreed period, alterations and re-visits.

• Scaffolding licence and site experience
• Measuring up and quoting accurately
• Managing a crew safely
• Building relationships with builders

• High-risk work licences are required for scaffolding in Australia, check the class you need and that your crew's licences are current
• Public liability and workers compensation insurance, plus tools and equipment cover, check what your state requires
• Work at height risks: you will likely need safe work method statements and inspection records, check your regulator's rules
• Large upfront spend on stock, and slow-paying clients can hurt cash flow
• Scaffolding must meet Australian Standards and be handed over safely, check with your regulator

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on how much scaffold stock you buy and the truck or tipper you use. It is a large upfront spend, and slow-paying clients can hurt cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your stock, crew size and how much work you win from builders, roofers and painters. That is revenue before costs. Expect to start at around 35 hours a week.

Check which high-risk work licence class you need and that your crew's licences are current. Also check insurance requirements in your state, safe work method statements and inspection records for work at height, and that scaffolding meets Australian Standards.