Not all investments last for years. Many construction and industrial projects are carried out in a short period of time – from a few weeks to a few months. In such situations, companies look for solutions that allow them to operate efficiently, cost-effectively and flexibly.

This is where used scaffolding gives a huge advantage . They combine a lower price, off-the-shelf availability and the possibility of resale, which in short-term projects translates into a quick return on investment.

In this article, we’ll take a look at why the secondary market is the ideal solution for short projects and the opportunities it offers construction and industrial companies.

Why do short–term projects require a different approach?

Short lead time means greater importance of every day and every penny. In such projects, equipment is needed intensively, but only for a limited period of time. That’s why it’s important that the investment in scaffolding pays off quickly and doesn’t put unnecessary strain on the budget.

By using used scaffolding, the company can avoid freezing capital in expensive equipment that will not be needed later. Aftermarket equipment allows projects to be carried out more efficiently and economically, and this translates into a more competitive offer.

Used scaffolding vs. investment costs

The biggest advantage is the price – used scaffolding costs on average 40-60% less than new structures. This means that a company can start a project with a much lower starting budget.

A lower entry threshold also means a faster return on investment – the equipment starts working for itself immediately after delivery. What’s more, once the project is completed, it is possible to resell the scaffolding, thus recovering some of the capital. This makes the real cost of using the structure in a short-term project even lower.

Quick availability as an advantage

Short-term projects require immediate action. Instead of waiting for new sets to be produced, companies can take advantage of used scaffolding that is available off-the-shelf.

Such availability is a guarantee that the schedule will be met and work will begin exactly when it is scheduled. This ensures that the investment goes smoothly and the company can use its full performance potential.

Renting or buying? Which is more profitable

For many companies, the natural alternative in short projects is to rent. However, in practice, buying used scaffolding offers more advantages.

For projects lasting several months, renting can be costly, and there is no value left when finished. Buying used equipment means that the company has full control over the structures, can reuse them on other projects or resell them, recouping some of the capital.

It’s a model that in many cases proves to be more cost-effective and offers more flexibility than renting.

Industries that gain the most from used scaffolding

The advantages of used scaffolding in short-term projects are experienced by many sectors:

• Renovation and modernization construction – where a quick start and limited budget are important.
• Industry – for plant modernization, where scaffolding is needed intensively but only for a short time.
• Events and temporary installations – stage structures or grandstands are ideal examples of projects where used scaffolding works best.

As a result, the aftermarket opens up wider prospects for construction companies – not only in construction, but also in sectors that require high mobility and flexibility.

You can read more about used scaffolding in our article ‘‘Used scaffolding – a complete guide’’.

Summary

Used scaffolding is a solution made for short-term projects as well. They are cheaper, depreciate faster and are available immediately, which helps keep schedules flowing.

Thanks to them, construction and industrial companies can carry out investments more efficiently, without undue strain on the budget, and recover some of the invested funds at the end of the project.

It’s an approach that offers a double benefit – financial savings and greater operational flexibility. That’s why more and more contractors are treating used scaffolding as a natural choice for short projects.