Builder and scaffolding problems

[waltong]

We are having 2 flues fitted at our house. We have had scaffolding up for ~6 weeks however the builder deserted us after 3 weeks having not completed the work on securing the flues beneath the chimneys. We now have another builder lined up to complete the work this weekend but now the scaffolding company keep threatening to come and take the scaffolding away if we don't pay another £250 for an extra week. We had no contract with the scaffolder as it was arranged by our previous builder. My husband is terminally ill and all the stress this is causing on top of his illness is making life even more unbearable. The original cost of the scaffolding was £750 so £250 for 1 week seems excessive. Is there anything we can do? There is a gate between the scaffolding and the road so the scaffolders would have to scale over the gate to retrieve the scaffolding if we weren't here but at the moment I am terrified that they might do this.

[ssparks2003]

Re: Builder and scaffolding problems

1. have you contacted the origional builder?
2. The scaffold is the propperty of the scaffolding company and you do not have any rights over it, so I would guess you would need to pay them the £250, perhaps they have nto been paid by 1st builder so are trying to recoup some costs.
3. What does new builder say? does he need the scaffold?

[IanM]

Re: Builder and scaffolding problems

Sounds like the scaffolder is trying it on so I would ask the new builder if he can fit the flues using a ladder and cat ladder.


Normally, scaffolding is put up for a fixed cost, not weekly!

[ssparks2003]

Re: Builder and scaffolding problems

But equailly a fixed cost is based on the job being of a fixed length,

[des8]

Re: Builder and scaffolding problems

But in any event the builder who did the runner is the party with the contract with the scaffolders.
It is they who would be responsible for any further charges, whilst the scaffolders would be perfectly entitled to reclaim their property (after paying storage charges:tinysmile_twink_t2

Also the scaffolders could be tresassing if they enter the property to retrieve their goods without permission, with criminal damage thrown in for good measure if they damage the gate !