FAQs
Our goal at Johnson Playfair Scaffold is to not only provide high quality services and equipment, but also to make the process easy for all involved.
If you have other questions not listed here, please email us!
General & Service
What area does Johnson Playfair Scaffold serve?
We are based in East York, Toronto and most of our current projects are in the Greater Toronto Area, but we are fully equipped to handle residential, commercial, and industrial projects throughout Ontario. When providing an estimate for our services, we will include travel costs. Please contact us with your project location for a specific assessment.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we provide scaffolding and access solutions for projects of all sizes, ranging from small residential repairs and painting to large-scale commercial builds, high-rise restorations, and specialized industrial maintenance. Check out the Our Work page to see examples of our scaffold systems in action.
What types of scaffolding do you rent?
We offer a full range of systems, including: System Scaffolding (Ringlock), Tube and Clamp Scaffolding for complex shapes, Shoring, and Mobile Scaffolds. Visit our services page to learn more about the types of scaffold equipment available.
Is installation and dismantling included in the rental price?
Installation (erection) and dismantling are offered in our service package in addition to the equipment rental. We recommend hiring us for installation and dismantlement to ensure the scaffold is installed by our certified personnel and that it meets all provincial safety regulations, but it is not obligatory.
How does your pricing work?
Our estimates are broken down depending on the needs of the project. This includes design, rental of gear (per day rate, depends on the amount and type of equipment), cost of erection and dismantlement (labor, transportation), and cost of any additional consumable materials (wood, netting, tarps). Every project is unique, please contact us and we can provide consultation to get you the best scaffold system set-up and value.
Can homeowners hire scaffolding services directly, or do you only work with contractors?
We are flexible! Johnson Playfair is happy to provide estimates and schedule coordination directly with property owners, but we are also often sub-contracted under other builders or service providers. If you would like to recommend us for a project, please email us to discuss workflow options.
Safety, Compliance, & Training
Are your equipment and processes compliant with Ontario regulations?
Absolutely. All our equipment, assembly procedures, and personnel training strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the regulations governed by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario. Ultimately, whoever installs the scaffold system (whether our Johnson Playfair crew or others) are responsible for inspections and certifying safety.
Who is responsible for inspecting the scaffolding?
If Johnson Playfair provides the installation service, we ensure that the scaffold meets professional standards in terms of safety and usability.
During the rental period, the on-site contractor is responsible for ensuring the scaffold is inspected by a competent person periodically, especially after any event that could affect its integrity (e.g., strong wind, heavy rain). Johnson Playfair Scaffold is not responsible for any modifications to scaffold configuration not completed by our crews.
Do you provide Working at Heights training?
We do not offer certification training directly, but we ensure our erection and dismantling crews are fully certified. We can, however, recommend certified training providers in Ontario to help your crew meet their safety requirements.
How do you handle scaffolding on uneven or difficult terrain?
Our engineers and design team conduct a full site assessment prior to installation. We use specialized equipment like adjustable screw jacks, base plates, and mud sills to level the scaffold and ensure a safe, stable foundation regardless of ground condition. For particularly complex projects, we work with engineers to create the safest and most efficient solution possible.
We are part way through our project, and have a concern about the scaffold layout and/or stability. Can you make revisions and/or repairs?
Safety and efficiency are our top priorities. If you have any concern about the scaffolding system at any time during the duration of rental, we will send our crews to make necessary corrections. Please contact us as soon as possible.
If our equipment or installation methods are the cause of safety concerns, adjustments are provided free of charge. Reconfigurations or modifications due to contractors’ site preparation may be subject to additional hourly fees for our crew members’ time.
LOGISTICS
Do I need to obtain a permit for the scaffolding?
Sometimes. Permits may be required by the municipality if the scaffolding extends over public property (e.g., sidewalks, streets) or exceeds a certain height. We can advise you on the necessary permits for your specific location and project.
What is the typical lead time required to book a scaffold rental?
We recommend contacting us as early as possible—ideally at least 1-4 weeks before your required start date—especially during peak construction season (Spring through Fall). This ensures we can complete the site visit, estimate, design, and reserve the necessary inventory and crew.
What happens if I need to extend or shorten the rental period?
We offer flexible rental agreements. Please notify us as soon as possible if your timeline changes. We typically rent our scaffold at daily rates.
Please provide minimum 48 hours notice for any changes to installation or dismantlement schedules; last-minute rescheduling may be subject to fees.
Ready to discuss your project in Ontario?
Contact Johnson Playfair Scaffold today for a complimentary project consultation.
