Size Options for Portable Construction Offices: A Guide
Did you know that in 2019 the construction industry was worth $1.3 trillion?
Construction on any project can take a long time. If you’re constructing a commercial building or developing a neighborhood, you could benefit from having an office onsite.
However, if you’ve never owned a construction trailer, you may not know which size is best. Well, you’ve come to the right place. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about construction offices.
COMPARE QUOTESMake a Plan
Before you purchase or rent your office, you need to make a plan. This will help you figure out exactly what you need and when you need it.
Before choosing the size, you need to know what you’ll be using the trailer for. Is it for workers to each lunch in or will you be hosting meetings with your employees?
Knowing this information will help you decide if you need more space for offices or if you want more open common areas. You’ll also need to decide if you want add-ons included.
Creating a timeline will also be helpful. You will need to decide how long you’ll need it and if you’ll have to move it to a new site.
Office Sizes
There are several office sizes that you can choose from based on your needs. If you have a smaller construction site, an 8’x20′ may be a perfect size.
It has an open space that can accommodate one or two people. You’ll be able to fit a desk and a table.
You may need a larger space that can hold two to four people. In that case, you should opt for a 10′ x 40′ construction trailer.
It has two offices that each hold a desk and shelves. There is also enough room for a planning table in the common area.
For larger projects, you may want some extra space, and if you plan on spending a lot of time there, you may also want a bathroom close by. The 12′ x 56′ trailers have two offices, a closet, and a bathroom.
If you have a large construction site or if your developing a community and plan to be in one area for a while, a 24′ x 60′ may be your best option. It can hold up to eight people comfortably.
You can install a bathroom or a small kitchen. It will also have four offices and space for a large table.
Single-Wide
Typically a single wide trailer is going to hold one to three people or one office and a small common area. Having a range of sizes to choose from can come in handy if you want to have a little more space but don’t want to upgrade to a larger size. There are many sizes that single-wides come in.
- 8’x20’ (160 sq ft)
- 8’x28’ (224 sq ft)
- 8’x32’ (256 sq ft)
- 8’x36’ (288 sq ft)
- 10’x40’ (400 sq ft)
- 10’x50’ (500 sq ft)
Double-Wide
Double wides also come in a range of sizes. They are typically two singles welded together and have space for multiple offices and a kitchen. These sizes are going to be great for long-term projects that aren’t permanent.
- 24’x44’ (1,056 sq ft)
- 24’x56’ (1,344 sq ft)
- 24’x60’ (1,440 sq ft)
- 28’x70’ (1,960 sq ft)
- 28’x74’ (2,072 sq ft)
Triple-Wide
Triple wides are not as common as the other two options. They are large in size, and the majority of the time, they have to be put together onsite.
If you’re planning on putting a construction office in place for a short amount of time, a triple-wide may not be the best option. The size is 42’x76′ (3,192 sq ft) and can hold about 20 people.
COMPARE QUOTESSurvey the Area
When you’re choosing between construction offices, it’s important that you survey the land you’re going to be putting the trailer on. You need to make sure that you have enough land for the office.
You’ll also need to consider where the location is and ask yourself if it’s accessible. A vehicle will need to be able to access the land to drop off and pick up the portable construction office.
The ground needs to be even, and the trailer should be put on a solid foundation. You might also need to prep the ground. Are you going to be placing the trailer on an existing concert slab, gravel, grass, or another foundation?
Depending on the area, you might have to have a drainage system installed too. If water doesn’t drain naturally, putting in a system is your best option to avoid issues in the future. You’ll need to create a space for that as well.
You need to consider the future of the project. Where will construction be moved? You probably don’t want to have to move the trailer halfway through the project.
When you’re measuring the land, you’ll need to consider the height of the trailer as well as the width and length. You might have to trim some trees overhead. Low-hanging power lines could also prove to be a problem.
Choosing the Right Size
It can be difficult to know what is the right size trailer for your construction site. If you choose one that is too small, then it won’t be as functional and you may even have to purchase a different one.
Ordering one that is too big won’t be as cost-efficient. There are a few things that you should be concerned about that will help you determine the right size.
Number of People
You need to know how many people will be using the trailer at one time. If one or two people are coming in and out at a time, a smaller one might work. However, if you plan on having meetings with your employees, a bigger one may be worth the extra money. You will need about 100 or 150 square feet per person.
Interior vs Exterior Size
When you’re considering what size your construction office trailer should be, take note of the interior and exterior sizes. The measurements for the interior will help you determine how many people you can fit in it. The exterior measurements are important when you’re choosing a location to place it.
Furnishings
If you are adding furnishings such as desks and chairs, don’t forget to measure and consider the amount of space the items will occupy. You may pick a construction office that can fit three or four people, but once you add in the furniture, it may only fit one or two. You’ll also need to calculate the space for appliances such as refrigerators, sinks, and bathrooms.
Cost
Cost can be a big factor when you’re choosing the size of your portable office. It’s important to stay within your budget. There are also a few fees that people tend to forget about, but they can add up quickly.
Besides the cost of the trailer, you’ll have to pay a delivery and set-up fee. If you want to have it moved or relocated later, that will also cost you. The vendor may offer all these services in a bundle, so you don’t have to worry about it.
If you don’t choose the right size the first time, you’ll have to pay to have the old one shipped back and wait for the bigger one to arrive. This will not only cost you a lot of money but a lot of time, and your construction project will likely be delayed.
You’ll also need to consider the cost of the furnishings. You may want to purchase a trailer if you plan on using it for an extended amount of time or you might want to consider renting it.
Talk To a Professional
Contacting a company that rents and sells mobile offices is a great idea if you’re struggling to decide how much space you need. They will be able to give you recommendations and help you design the inside space. They will also be able to tell you exactly how much you can fit inside the unit.
Construction Offices
Having an office on your construction site is a game changer. It will allow you to conduct business without leaving the project.
You can host meetings and also give your workers a place to rest on their lunch breaks. Construction offices are convenient for all parties involved.
If you’re considering purchasing or renting a trailer, contact us. If you’re having trouble choosing between construction office sizes, don’t worry, we can help. We have worked with many construction teams, and we are confident you’ll find what you’re looking for with us.
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