In multi-family residential construction, there are usually duplexes, triplexes, and quadruple apartments, townhouses, and many types of residence types that can be designed and built. The construction process can be complex and multi-faceted, from a high-rise apartment building to a low-rise residential community. Scaffolding is a critical construction tool in the construction process, scaffolding aims to enhance the safety of the construction process, promote efficiency, and guarantee construction product quality.
Scaffold in multi-family residential construction is applied in different ways, and this blog emphasizes the common scaffolding types used in multi-family residential construction, key considerations for selecting the correct scaffolding, example project use-cases, and scaffolding cost considerations, aiming to provide useful references for multi-family construction projects.
The correct choice of scaffolding in multi-story residential construction is essential not only in relation to efficiency and quality but also directly in relation to the safety of workers and the costs of the project. So, when choosing and using scaffolding, the main factors that need to be considered are as follows:
Through the display of specific project cases, we can more intuitively understand the application of different types of scaffolding in multi-family residential construction. These cases not only show the use of scaffolding in complex environments, but also reflect how our products and services can help customers achieve efficient, safe and economical construction goals.
Project Name: High-Rise Apartment Building Construction Project in Lusaka, Zambia
Project Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Project time: May 2022 - January 2023
Project size: 20-story apartment building with 100 residential units
Project Details:
In this project, the main challenge faced by the client was the construction safety and efficiency of high-rise buildings. To this end, we provided fixed scaffolding and suspended scaffolding to ensure the safety and efficiency of high-altitude operations.
Type of scaffolding used: modular scaffolding, suspended scaffolding
Application scenarios: exterior wall construction, window installation, rooftop work
Project Challenges and Solutions:
Project outcome:
Project Name: Nairobi, Kenya Low-Rise Residential Community Construction Project
Project Duration: February 2023 to October 2023
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Project Size: 50 units of three-story residential buildings
Project Brief:
The project was a low-rise residential development, and the client required a scaffold solution that would deliver safe access and an efficient construction process. Our team decided to use a modular scaffold solution and also explored the use of mobile scaffolding to enable the project to be more flexible and safe to build.
Different types of scaffolds: modular scaffolds, wheeled scaffolds
The project uses the project to build: infrastructure construction, frame construction, exterior wall construction
The challenges and solutions faced in the project
Outcomes of the project
The project was completed successfully and the quality and efficiency of the project met the expected goals. As compared to the original construction plan, the working platform reduced the construction time by around 15%. Compared to the original construction cost, the project reduced the cost by around 10%.
It is an important issue to decide whether to purchase or lease scaffolding when it comes to scaffolding cost of multifamily residential construction. Cost control on a reasonable level benefits not only to ensuring the economic nature of the project but also to having a more efficient overall construction. There are some key points that need to be taken into account within the scaffolding costs.
• Purchase: If you have to use scaffolding for multiple long term projects or it will be used frequently, it may be more economically feasible to purchase scaffolding. The initial cost is higher, but the overall cost may be lower over time.
• Lease: If it is a one-time project or a project with a shorter duration, it may be cost effective to lease scaffolding because it reduces the initial cost and storage and maintenance concerns. Leasing also may allow you to be flexible with the amount and type of scaffolding you use based on the project.
• Module scaffolding: it usually used in high-rise buildings, and in complex constructions, which lies a high level of bearing capacity and stability. The cost of the assembly and disassembly of the module scaffold is relatively high, so the process will also need more time and labor.
• Mobile scaffold: it is relatively used for the construct of a one or two-story building, or interior decoration. The feature of the mobile scaffold is moveable and easy to adjust. The rental and purchase cost of mobile scaffold are relatively low. Also, mobile scaffolds are easy to install and dismantle, unskilled workers can do it.
• Suspension scaffold: it is used in the construction of exterior walls, or suspended aerial works, etc. Suspended scaffolds are more complex to install than other scaffolding, hence, its cost is medium. For some special conditions, if several other scaffolding types are not possible, we use a suspension scaffold.
• Labor costs: Professional installation and removal services require labor costs. Complex scaffolding systems require more professional skills and time, which is more expensive.
• Time cost: The time required to install and dismantle the scaffolding will affect the construction period of the entire project. Choosing a scaffolding system that is easy to install and dismantle can reduce time costs and improve construction efficiency.
• Transportation costs: Depending on the type and amount of scaffolding, as well as the location of the construction site, transportation costs may vary. Long-distance transportation and frequent transportation requirements will increase costs.
• Storage costs: If you choose to purchase scaffolding, you will also need to consider storage costs. Scaffolding requires a safe, dry storage environment to prevent corrosion and damage.
• Regular inspection: Regularly inspect the structure and connection parts of the scaffolding to ensure that they are not loose, corroded or damaged, and repair them if necessary.
• Repair costs: Scaffolding may be worn and damaged during long-term use, and parts need to be repaired and replaced in a timely manner to ensure safety and service life.
• Safety equipment: including safety nets, guardrails, anti-skid plates and personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of workers when working at height.
• Training costs: Provide workers with training on scaffolding erection, use and maintenance to ensure they have the necessary safety knowledge and skills to reduce accidents.
As a leading supplier of scaffolding in China, we have many years of experience in the industry, our main advantage is:
Multi-family: The Latest Architecture and News
10 Q&A’s about Multi Family Construction Projects
Q: What is multi-family housing design?
Multi-family housing (also known as multi-dwelling units (MDUs)) is a type of housing in which a single building or a cluster of buildings contains multiple individual dwelling units.
Q: How do I get started in multifamily housing?
1.Determine if you are eligible to purchase a multi-family dwelling.
2.Find the right multi-family residential property.
3.Choose the right loan option.
4.Make an offer to purchase.
5.Make necessary repairs and renovations.
6.Develop a property management plan.
Q: Why Invest in Multifamily Housing?
Investing in multi-family dwellings can generate passive rental income, increase portfolio diversification, and in some cases, receive special tax breaks. In short, if you are looking to diversify your 60/40 portfolio, multi-family residential investing is an ideal option.