Short answer: Eight questions. The most important: is scaffold included in the fixed price (erection, hire and dismantle)? Get the rest in writing too.
Key Takeaways
- Scaffolding is ~13% of total solar install cost — worth asking about specifically.
- Always ask: is erection, hire and dismantle all in the fixed price?
- Ask for the scaffolding company's name and CISRS certification.
- Get the extension rate in writing — flat weekly (£40-£80) beats per-day.
- Ask whether a pavement licence is needed and who applies — 10 working days minimum.
- Request a RAMS document for the scaffold.
The 8 questions every solar buyer should ask about scaffolding
1. Is scaffold included in the fixed price — erection, hire, and dismantle?
Ask for a yes/no for each element. Some installers include erection but price hire or dismantle separately. You want all three in the fixed price to compare quotes meaningfully.
2. What is the included hire period?
A standard domestic install needs scaffold for 3-5 days; most include one week's hire. Ask what happens if the install runs to two weeks.
3. What is the extension rate if the install overruns?
This is the question most homeowners forget. Ask explicitly — flat weekly or per-day. At £35/day, a two-week overrun costs £490. At £80/week flat, it's £80. Get it in writing.
4. Which scaffolding company will you use — are they CISRS-certified?
Ask for the company's name and whether operatives hold current CISRS cards. Without CISRS certification the scaffold may not comply with TG20:21 and your MCS-certified installer may refuse to use it.
5. Will you need a pavement licence, and who applies?
For terraced or town-centre properties, ask. The scaffolder should apply — allow 10 working days for approval. See our pavement licence guide.
6. Can I see your scaffolding company's public liability insurance certificate?
Minimum £5m, ideally £10m for domestic work. The certificate should be current.
7. Will you provide a RAMS document for the scaffold?
A RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) sets out how the scaffold will be erected safely. Any reputable scaffolding company should have a standard RAMS for solar scaffold jobs.
8. How and when will the scaffold be dismantled?
Ask how quickly the scaffold comes down after sign-off, and who coordinates with the scaffolding company to book the dismantle. Leaving scaffold up longer than needed is a security risk and unnecessary cost.
Good answers vs red flags
| Question | Good answer | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Is scaffold in the fixed price? | Yes — erection, hire and dismantle all included | Hire or dismantle listed as extras |
| Extension rate? | Flat weekly rate (£40-£80) | Per-day pricing |
| CISRS certified? | Yes, can provide card copies on request | Cannot confirm or name scaffolder |
| Pavement licence? | Assessed at quote, applied for if needed | No mention, or says homeowner must arrange |
| RAMS available? | Yes, standard RAMS on request | What is RAMS? |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important question to ask about scaffolding in a solar quote?
The most important is: Is scaffold included in the fixed price, and does that include erection, hire, and dismantle? If any of those three elements is missing from the fixed price, ask what it costs and get it in writing before signing.
Should I ask the solar installer who their scaffold company is?
Yes. Ask for the scaffold company's name and confirm they hold CISRS certification. An installer who cannot name their scaffold company or provide their CISRS credentials is a risk — uncertified scaffolding can delay the install and may not be covered by your home insurance.
What is a RAMS document for scaffolding?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is a document prepared by the scaffolding company outlining how the scaffold will be erected and the safety measures in place. Any reputable scaffolder should provide RAMS on request; your solar installer should be asking for it as a matter of course.
What should I ask about scaffolding hire extensions in a solar quote?
Ask: What is the extension rate if the install overruns? Is it a flat weekly rate or per-day? Who is responsible for extension costs caused by DNO delays vs installer delays? Get the rate and responsibility clause in writing.
Is it my responsibility to get a pavement licence for scaffolding?
The scaffolding company applies for the licence on your behalf, but as the homeowner it is your legal responsibility to ensure the licence is in place before erection. Ask your scaffolder: Will you need a pavement licence? If so, when will you apply and can I see the approval before erection day?
What is a scaffold sign-tag and why does it matter for solar installation?
A Scafftag is a tag attached to the scaffold certifying it has been inspected and is safe to use. Your MCS-certified solar installer should not start roof work without a valid Scafftag in place. Ask whether the scaffold will be sign-tagged on erection day.