A Complete Buyer’s Guide to Construction Office Trailers
Mobile office trailers have become popular in several industries. However, with expenditure for construction projects reaching as much as 1,231 billion in the United States, the construction industry is one of the largest consumers of office trailers.
If you decide that you need a mobile office trailer for your construction site, then you have made a decision that will increase your productivity. However, buying one for the first time can be a bit intimidating.
If you are not sure what you need to consider when choosing a mobile office trailer, then you will need some guidance. US Construction Trailers put together a guide to selecting the right trailer for your needs.
1. Space is Important
You need to take a serious look at the landscape you will be using when deciding where to put your trailer. You must also ensure that the area where you want to set up the trailer is easily accessible. This can make a big difference in how quickly and efficiently the trailer is put up.
The best way to ensure that there are no problems is to inform the trailer company of any slopes or uneven ground at the set-up site. This will allow them to bring the right equipment and supplies to put up the trailer.
Ideally, the company that will do the set-up should view the location ahead of time. They can then decide if it is an appropriate location and make alternative suggestions if necessary.
Consider how you are going to get power to the trailer. If you are going to hard wire it, make sure the power company will be readily available.
It is wise to let the power company look at the set-up site ahead of time. In this way, they will tell you if it is possible to get electricity to the spot you have chosen. However, to avoid all of that, you can buy a generator then you will have a bit more flexibility.
2. Decide on The Size of Your Mobile Office Trailer
The size of the office trailer you will need is dependent on a few things. These include:
- Usage
- The Number of People
- Duration of use
Usage
There are several things you can do in your portable office. The most popular use is administrative work. However, on a construction site, you may want to have a section of your office trailer being used for shelter and rest by workmen.
You may also use your trailer as an area for workers to place their gear and small equipment. All these usage factors will have to go into choosing the size of the trailer.
The Number of People
When choosing the size, you should also carefully consider the number of people who will be using the space. The general rule of thumb is that you should allow at least 100 square feet for each person.
This means that you should multiply the number of workers by 100 square feet. This will help you to determine how much square feet is necessary. You may choose to add more square feet to your trailer to make it roomier, and that is perfectly acceptable.
Duration of Use
You will want to get the best amenities and size possible for your trailer. However, it may not be worth it to get too many fancy amenities if the trailer will only be in use for a short period.
If you will be moving from site to site, then a trailer that needs regular pulling down and assembling is not a good choice. You may also want to consider buying a used trailer in a case like this to save money. However, if you are planning long-term usage, then it is worth it to get a big trailer and the best amenities.
3. Types of Mobile Trailers
There are two main types of trailers that you should consider. These are single-wide office trailers and multi-wide office trailers.
Single-wide office trailers are the most popular trailers. They do not require much assembling, and there is a wide variety. They also have several amenities to choose from. You will find features such as restrooms, closets, and even built-in cabinets.
Multi-wide office trailers will give you more width in the trailer. They also have more features than single-wide office trailers.
These versions can include several restrooms, greater variety in flooring options and several closets for storage. You can also get multiple partitions and built-in cabinets.
Due to the large width of the trailer, there will be a lot of on-site assembling which can run up the costs of installation due to the variety of equipment needed.
4. Consider Security
If you are going to be using the trailer as your office and for storage, then you will need to consider security. Make sure you get a trailer with doors that can be locked. Ensure that there are enough keys for those who will have access.
Some trailers include interior window bars, steel doors, and locks that have deadbolts. If you need a higher level of security, then you should think about getting a trailer that is made entirely of steel. You should also consider getting a tri-cam locking system.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking about getting a mobile office trailer for your construction site, then there is a lot to consider. If you carefully do a needs assessment based on the space you have, how you will use the trailer and the type of security that is necessary, you should be well on your way to making the right choice.
Remember to take into consideration how long you will need the trailer. It is better not to spend a lot of money on fancy amenities if you will only need the trailer for a short time. In this way, you can keep your costs down.
If you would like more information on trailers or if you would like some help in selecting the right trailer, please visit our website. We are always willing and able to help you choose the right trailer for your needs.
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