Some Key Considerations in the Procurement of Site Accommodation

Staff Retention 

Staff retention is a key issue for building contractors and providing an attractive, efficient and comfortable working environment for all staff and subcontractors based on a building site is an important factor in attracting and retaining both office-based staff and a skilled site workforce. 

The accommodation can be on site for a number of years and contractors are recognising the need to provide the best facilities possible - from canteens and changing rooms to offices with a high standard of finishes.  It is no longer adequate just to provide a watertight cabin.

The site accommodation should be:

• sustainable and energy efficient
• robust and secure
• designed to discourage vandalism. 

The Move Away from Site Cabins

There is now a clear preference among building contractors to procure modular buildings rather than individual site cabins, so open plan offices can be created and staff can move between departments and different floors without having to go outside.  This provides a more efficient working environment and facilitates internal communications.

Client Image and Corporate Identity 

Client image and corporate identity are also increasing in importance. 

Site accommodation is now often painted in the contractor's corporate colours and fitted with the appropriate corporate signage or branding to achieve uniform standards across different sites and permanent offices.

Service Provision 

Building contractors generally require a complete package of services for their site accommodation. 

Groundworks and services are typically provided by the site team but the site facilities are supplied including delivery, installation and pre-fitted out - and often to short lead times so the construction work can begin at the earliest stage.

Hire versus Purchase 

Contractors are also recognising that it can be as cost effective to purchase site accommodation as to hire it, for both short and long-term building projects. 

If there is a buyback option in place, the contractor has an exit strategy for the removal of the building on completion of the contract, if they do not have another site to relocate the site offices to.