More often I think A frame ladders are used. I believe it's a 2 person job especially in a finished home, but some have set up a 14' by themselves.
12' is too short for 2 story homes. Some have stood on the top and had to reach for the cieling.
14' is ok for your standard 2 story homes
16' will work when the cieling slopes up a bit, the floor drops down a few steps, as well as your standard 2 story homes. The 16' is a double sided which is good because one can hold a fixture while the other wires it.
If you want to borrow a 16' let me know.
Scaffolding can be heavy and use 2 to set it up safely.
I would guess on spending around $1000 to get what your looking for in steel. It is also another thing to store.
