For UK scaffolding contractors

Scaffolding quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a scaffolding quote that keeps the erect and dismantle price apart from the ongoing hire, sets out standing time and VAT, and tells the customer exactly what they are paying for and for how long.

What a scaffolding quote should include

Scaffolding quotes go wrong in one predictable place: the customer thinks the price is a one off, then the invoices keep coming while the scaffold stands. A good scaffolding quote prices the erect and dismantle as a single job, shows the hire as a separate ongoing charge, and pins down who pays when the scaffold stands longer than planned. Set that out on paper and you avoid most disputes.

• Your business. Trading name, address, contact and your VAT number if registered.
• The customer and the site. Their name and the property address, plus a note of ground conditions and access from your site survey.
• A specific scope. The elevations covered, the working height and lifts, the loading class (light, general or heavy duty) and whether any design and drawings are needed for a higher or bridged scaffold.
• Erect and dismantle, priced apart from hire. One figure to put it up and take it down, then a separate weekly or monthly hire charge for the time it stands.
• Standing time. The hire period the price assumes, and the rate that applies if the scaffold stands beyond it.
• Compliance. Erection to the applicable standards, an inspection and a scaffold tag and handover on completion.
• Pavement licence or road closure. Where the scaffold sits on the public highway, state whether the licence or road closure and its cost are included or fall to the customer.
• VAT. If registered, subtotal, 20% VAT and total. If not, say so.
• Timeline, payment and exclusions. Days to erect, payment terms, any deposit, and what is not covered.
• Validity period. "Valid for 30 days" so a hire rate does not follow you around after material and labour costs move.

A scaffolding quote example

The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own material, labour and hire costs.

Scope note: "Supply, erect, inspect and tag access scaffold to the front and rear elevations, general duty loading, erected and handed over to the applicable standards. Includes four weeks hire. Excludes pavement licence and any road closure." Terms note: "Erect and dismantle is a fixed price. Hire is charged per week beyond the included period until the scaffold is taken down. Extended standing time caused by the customer or the main works is charged at the weekly rate above. Valid for 30 days."

The mistakes that cost scaffolders money on a quote

• Not separating hire from erect. Rolling it all into one number is how a job that stands for months quietly loses you the hire income. Show erect and dismantle apart from a clear weekly or monthly hire.
• Saying nothing about extended standing time. The scaffold stands while the roofer, the builder or the customer takes longer than planned. State the included period and the rate beyond it, and who pays.
• Ignoring the pavement licence and highway. If the scaffold sits over the public highway a licence is usually needed. Say whether that cost is yours or the customer's before you start.
• Leaving out the loading class. Light, general and heavy duty are not the same scaffold. Name the class you are pricing so nobody assumes a heavier one.
• No clause for alterations mid job. A raised lift, a bridge or an added elevation is a variation. Say alterations are quoted and agreed in writing before you carry them out.

Should a scaffolder send a quote or an estimate?

For a defined job, an agreed scaffold to set elevations and a known loading class, quote it firmly. Where the true extent is unclear, difficult ground, a complex bridged run or an access you cannot fully assess until you are on site, an estimate with a firm quote to follow is the honest approach. Either way, keep the erect and dismantle apart from the hire, and put standing time in writing. Our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades explains when each is fairer.

This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice. A scaffold over the public highway needs a licence from the council, and the work should be carried out to the applicable standards. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.

Scaffolding quote FAQ

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