Technically, yes — a scaffolding company can subcontract your job to another crew, and this is fairly common practice in the New Zealand construction industry. However, whether they're required to tell you depends on your contract, and there are important safety and quality considerations you should be aware of before work begins.
Why Scaffolding Companies Subcontract
Subcontracting is a normal part of how many trade businesses operate in New Zealand. A scaffolding company might subcontract work because:
- They have more jobs booked than their own crew can handle
- The job requires a specialist type of scaffolding (e.g. suspended or tube-and-coupler systems)
- They operate as a labour hire or project management business rather than employing their own scaffolders directly
- Seasonal demand spikes mean they need extra capacity
This doesn't automatically mean you'll get a worse result — many subcontracted crews are highly experienced. But it does mean you need to ask the right questions upfront.
What Your Contract Should Say
Your contract (even a simple written quote) is the key document here. Before signing anything, check whether it:
- Names the company or crew who will actually carry out the work
- Includes a clause about subcontracting — some contracts explicitly allow it, others require your consent
- Identifies who is responsible for the scaffold's safety once erected
- Specifies what standard the scaffold will be built to
If the contract is silent on subcontracting, the company you hired generally remains legally responsible for the work — but disputes can get complicated. It's always better to clarify in writing before work starts.
Your Rights as a Homeowner
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 (as amended), services provided to consumers in New Zealand must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, regardless of whether the work is done by the company you hired or a subcontractor. The company you contracted with remains liable to you if the work is defective or unsafe.
That said, you are entirely within your rights to:
- Ask upfront whether the work will be subcontracted
- Request the name and credentials of the crew who will be on site
- Decline if you're not comfortable with the arrangement
- Require written confirmation of who is responsible for the scaffold's safety
If a company refuses to answer these questions clearly, that's a red flag worth taking seriously.
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
This is where subcontracting in scaffolding really matters. Scaffolding is high-risk work under New Zealand health and safety law. WorkSafe NZ classifies scaffolding as a notifiable hazard in many situations, and there are strict requirements around how scaffolds must be designed, erected, and inspected.
Key safety points to know:
- Scaffolds above certain heights must be erected, altered, or dismantled by a competent person — in practice, this typically means someone with recognised scaffolding training or a relevant qualification
- A handover certificate (sometimes called a scaffold tag) should be provided when the scaffold is ready for use, confirming it's safe
- The scaffold must comply with AS/NZS 4576 (Guidelines for Scaffolding) and relevant WorkSafe guidance
- Someone must be clearly identified as responsible for ongoing inspections while the scaffold is in use
Whether the crew is the original company or a subcontractor, these obligations don't change. Make sure you know who to contact if you spot a problem.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Here's a practical checklist to run through with any scaffolding company:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Will your own crew do this job? | Confirms who's actually on site |
| If subcontracted, who is the crew? | Lets you check their credentials |
| Who provides the handover certificate? | Confirms safety accountability |
| Who do I call if there's a problem? | Establishes your point of contact |
| Is the subcontractor covered by your insurance? | Protects you if something goes wrong |
| What scaffolding standard will be followed? | Ensures compliance with NZ requirements |
When to Call a Professional
Scaffolding is not a DIY job. Erecting scaffolding — especially anything above a single storey — carries serious fall and collapse risks. WorkSafe NZ is clear that scaffolding work must be carried out by people who are competent to do so safely.
If you're unsure whether the crew turning up at your property is qualified, ask to see their training records or tickets before they start. A reputable company — whether the principal contractor or a subcontractor — will have no problem providing this.
For your next scaffolding job, you can find qualified local scaffolding companies on tradedirectory.co.nz and compare them before committing.
