Melbourne builders know: Kwikstage scaffolding’s speed and adaptability make it a go-to for everything from heritage renos to high-rises. But not all suppliers deliver equal quality. After 42% of scaffolding incidents traced back to dodgy installations (WorkSafe Victoria 2024), asking these 7 questions could save your project from budget blowouts or worse.
1. “Can I See Your AS/NZS 1576:2020 Certification?”
Why it’s non-negotiable:
Uncertified systems often fail WorkSafe inspections – and that $150K fine lands on you. One Fitzroy renovator learned this hard way when their uncertified scaffold led to a full site shutdown.
What good looks like:
- Physical compliance tags on all equipment
- $20M+ public liability insurance proof
2. “What’s Not Included in This Quote?”
Why Melbourne sites get stung:
Hidden fees lurk in:
- Council permits (especially tricky in heritage zones like Richmond)
- “Reconfiguration fees” if plans change
- Storm damage waivers
Smart move: Get it in writing. Always.
3. “How’s Your Gear Handle Sloping Blocks?”
Real talk for Melbourne’s terrain:
Richmond’s 4m gradients or Dandenong’s hills demand:
✅ Adjustable base plates (15°+ capacity)
✅ Cantilevered decks for severe slopes
✅ Soft-ground stabilisers (no sinking!)
Red flag: “Our standard gear handles slopes fine.”
4. “Got Site-Specific Engineering Plans?”
Why generic blueprints fail:
CBD high-rises ≠ South Yarra period homes. WorkSafe requires:
- Load calc sheets (min. 225kg/m²)
- Wind ratings for coastal sites (Port Melbourne gusts hit 80km/h!)
- Anchor diagrams for unique facades
5. “What’s Your Emergency Fix Time?”
Melbourne’s weather reality:
When storms rip through Footscray at 3am, you need:
- ≤3-hour response for critical bracing
- 24/7 hotline (not a voicemail!)
- Live monitoring (IoT tilt sensors help)
6. “Who Handles Install/Dismantling?”
The DIY trap:
A Hawthorn tradie saved $1K installing himself… then paid $12K when improper assembly caused a collapse.
Demand:
- VIC-certified crews (HRWL licences visible)
- Debris removal included
7. “Show Me Local Projects Like Mine”
Why suburb expertise matters:
Scaffolding for a Collingwood warehouse ≠ a heritage cottage in Brighton. Ask for:
- Photos/videos of similar jobs
- Client contacts (real ones!)
- Council permit experience in your area
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Solutions.
Hey, it’s Sam from R&R Scaffoldings. We’ve been fielding these exact questions from Melbourne builders since 2016. Here’s how we tackle them:
Don’t Roll the Dice on Scaffolding
Got a project brewing? Let’s chat safety and savings:
📞 Call Sam’s team: 0420 890 433
🌐 See our Kwikstage solutions: rrscaffoldings.com
