By Plant Hire Directory · Editorial approach
Brief the people and the programme
Explain expected occupancy, the facility's intended use, working hours and hire duration. Ask the project team to determine the facilities required for the workforce and site conditions. Give the supplier the resulting brief, including furniture, storage or amenities expectations. Avoid treating a floor area or stock photograph as confirmation of the unit's internal layout and included equipment.
Plan a place that stays accessible
Mark the proposed location, delivery route and room required for unloading. Ask the supplier to identify transport and placement requirements for the specific unit. Have the site team confirm ground preparation and access arrangements. Consider how the wider construction programme changes the site: a shed that is easy to place early may be difficult to remove after fencing, stockpiles or permanent works are installed.
Allocate every connection
Record who arranges electricity, water, wastewater, communications and any required installation work. Have appropriately qualified providers establish the connection details. Ask which steps must be complete before delivery and which happen afterwards. Itemise stairs, ramps, furniture and servicing where relevant rather than assuming they are part of the standard weekly hire.
Price the full occupancy period
Compare delivery, placement, setup, ongoing services, cleaning, disconnection and collection. Ask how extensions, damage and changes in the collection route are handled. Maintain a handover inventory for keys and fitted equipment. Before off-hire, organise access and authorised disconnections, and obtain the supplier's acknowledgement of the collection arrangements.
Put it into a practical brief
For a site office beside a temporary access road, ask the facility supplier and delivery provider to review the same placement drawing. Mark future fencing and permanent work that could obstruct collection. List which connections will be ready on arrival and which need separate contractors afterwards. Confirm when the office is expected to become usable rather than equating delivery with completion. Before the project closes, revisit the original removal route and book disconnections in the right order so the collection vehicle does not arrive at an unprepared unit.
Find relevant equipment
General guidance only. Confirm project-specific requirements with competent people and the proposed supplier.