As scaffolding experts, we’ve worked on a wide variety of projects across Cambridge. Alongside the ancient architecture that makes this city so special, there are all sorts of commercial buildings, used to house the many businesses that call Cambridge home. It is imperative that these buildings stay open and accessible throughout any renovation or restorative project, and there are a number of other considerations that need to be made when carrying out this type of work.
Building types
Commercial buildings come in all manner of shapes and sizes, sometimes they are purpose-built, often they are adapted from older buildings that had different functions in the past. The UK’s architecture is its pride and joy and scaffolding companies need to be aware of the delicate nature of our prized buildings. Not all scaffolding companies are created equal, after all, and some may not take adequate care.
Older buildings can also come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Scaffolding will need to be flexible and innovative to provide adequate support to a construction team - especially if they need to hoist heavy equipment to working height.
Public right of way
Since many businesses are street-facing, scaffolding will often require special permits before it can be erected. In fact, there are many regulations to follow when members of the public have to walk underneath scaffolding that’s currently in use.
There are even situations, particularly in more rural areas, where scaffolding may necessitate closing the road entirely. Consult the experts to find out how to go about achieving this since it will require a permit and some time spent liaising with the local council.
Many councils will request a completed site plan as part of your application for scaffolding that interferes with a public highway. Get in touch with your own local authority to find out more.
Open for business
For most commercial renovations, it will be necessary to preserve day-to-day operations as much as possible. That means scaffolding won’t be able to obstruct driveways or entrances, doorways or gates. If it’s a store or shop, business owners will want to make sure it’s clear to the public that they’re still open. This may involve extra signage, since scaffolding may cover the shop’s entire street-facing presence.
Occasionally, there will only be a limited timeframe in which to complete work, and scaffolding will need to be erected and then dismantled again to a tight schedule. This might apply for buildings like schools or university buildings, where renovation works would take place over holiday periods to reduce disruption as much as possible.
Indoors
Commercial renovations can entail an interior facelift too, and the type of scaffolding used will reflect the nature of the job. For the most part, indoor jobs will use towers more than traditional scaffolds. They’re much more mobile and can be moved from day to day depending on where work is taking place.
If you interested in learning more about what type of scaffolding you need for your commercial renovation, or already have a project in mind, get in touch with a member of our friendly team. Alternatively, take a look around our site at past projects.
Photo by John Salmon / /