How To Choose The Right Portable Building For Your Needs

Portable cabin hire is a cost-effective and convenient way to grow your business or provide temporary extra space for schools or healthcare facilities. Spending some time selecting the right portable or modular building for your needs will help you to get the best use and value out of it. Here are some points to consider.

Define the main purpose of your cabin 

Portable cabins are very versatile buildings and can be used for multiple purposes, so it’s helpful to define what the primary purpose will be. This will ensure that you get the best specs, from floor plans to finish and heating and cooling systems and security. 

Popular uses for modular cabins include marketing suites for new housing developments; construction site offices and welfare facilities; healthcare overflow spaces or modular clinics; extra classroom or nursery space; and logistics or warehouse space. 

Consider the size and layout 

Once you know the purpose, consider the size and layout of the building that you need. They come in a variety of standard sizes, and it’s also possible to order bespoke sizes, adjoin buildings together or even stack them up to three storeys high. 

Consider how many people will be using the building; if you will need separate rooms or an open plan space; if it will be solely for staff use or if you want to host the public; and if you need toilets, kitchenettes or storage rooms. For example, a marketing suite might need a reception area, and a nursery would need toilets and changing facilities. 

New Vs refurbished buildings

Modular buildings are available in new or refurbished options. A refurbished building is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, and it means that it’s ready and available for fast delivery if you are looking for an immediate solution. It’s ideal for short-term use or for back-office or welfare units where functionality is the main priority over finish. 

New units can be fully customised in the latest specs, finishes and materials, and combined with energy saving features for cost efficiency. This option is ideal if you need a customer-facing space such as a marking suite or office where you will be seeing clients. 

Check on-site utility access

Portable buildings will need connecting to utilities in most cases. Consider what connections you will need, such as electricity for lighting, heating and equipment; water and waste systems for toilets; and internet access for offices or marketing suites. 

Make sure that access can be arranged on site, or otherwise speak to the supplier about standalone systems such as generator hook-ups, water tanks, and solar panels. This is a particular consideration if you need the portable building for a remote site such as a fieldwork office or a mobile situation, such as a welfare unit for roadworks. 

Also consider if the site is accessible to delivery vehicles or cranes, and if there is suitable space with hardstanding or foundations. 

Check for sector specific features

Some suppliers offer certain sector-specific features that are tailored to particular needs, such as anti-vandal units for secure storage on construction sites and branded suites for housebuilders. 

Should you hire or buy?

If you need the portable building on a temporary basis, such as for a specific project or season, then hiring will be the most convenient and cost-effective option. Hiring will usually include delivery, installation, and ongoing maintenance services which gives you flexibility to extend or end the lease as required. 

Buying gives you full control over the unit and it can be more cost effective if you need it for long term purposes.