Mobile office trailers are the go-to option for a range of needs from temporary space during a construction project to a faster, more affordable alternative to building new office space. But with a world of office trailer options out there, there’s a lot to consider to make sure you’re finding the right one for you. We’ve broken these considerations across two steps. 

Step 1

• Location + Budget + Timing

• Purpose

• Climate

Location and Budget and Timing

You likely have the location, budget, and deadline already set in stone. But while the location will dictate the size of the trailer, there are a number of factors that can impact the budget and deadline. The biggest factor that can impact the budget and timeline is customizations. Customizations can add costs and time to a project through increased supply times for different components and the additional work time needed to install them. You can help preserve your budget and timeline by staying focused on the purpose of the space and how it will be used. With the wide range of customization today’s office trailers offer, have your list of “need to haves” and “want to haves”. You can then work with a knowledgeable rep to prioritize them according to your budget so you end up with what you need, when you need it, for the price you require.  

Purpose

Staying focused on the purpose of the trailer will help you make sure you get the right office trailer that fits how you’ll be using the space while also staying on time and budget. 

Common purposes range across: 

• Job site offices for contractors and subcontractors

• Temporary office space during construction or renovations

• Hiring, sales, and training offices

• The team’s data and electrical requirements

Drill into how the space will be used day-in, day-out. Have the people or roles that will be using the space to do a verbal walk through of their day. Doing so will help you identify a number of needs that will determine customizations, which tie to the budget and timeline. For example, how much filling space will be needed? Will there need to be private office space? Will ADA compliant restrooms be required and how many people will they need to serve? What kind of security will be required? 

Climate

It’s too easy to not think of the location’s climate, especially during the various seasons the trailer will be in use. Specific heating and air conditioning requirements will need to be added if the trailer will face extremes on either side of the thermometer. Both need to be addressed through customizations that may impact the budget and timeline, or the trailer’s use could be negatively impacted. 

Step 2

• Availability and age

• Knowledgeable provider

• Customization needs

Availability and Age

The availability of the trailer that meets your needs is a key consideration, especially when dealing with a tight timeline. Make sure your provider has trailers ready to go or can get the right one for your deadline. It’s also helpful to know the age of the offices. Too often, the trailers have been subject to hard use for years, sometimes decades. The result is a less than satisfactory real life experience versus what was presented on paper. Newer trailers will make everyone a lot happier and more productive. 

Knowledgeable Provider

The success in procuring a trailer that meets or exceeds your purpose, timeline, and budget ultimately hinges on the knowledge of the provider’s sales representatives. Only by working with someone who knows their stuff, they will be able to guide you through the process to make sure you’re outfitting the trailer appropriately across all of those considerations. 

Customization Needs

While many office trailer providers can provide a standard list of customizations, it’s important to understand the full list of customization possibilities. Working with a provider that has a wide range of customization capabilities and knowledgeable representatives will ensure you’re dialing in the optimal space for your purpose, budget, and timeline. 

ABOUT SMM OFFICE TRAILERS

SMM’s team of experienced professionals are ready to deliver the knowledge, inventory, and capabilities you need to make sure your office trailer space is right for you. Our office trailers are some of the newest in the country and we only use quality construction elements built above typical industry standards. We have standard floor plans readily available and are an award-winning provider of customized solutions. We also know timeliness is key in our industry. Our simplified leasing contracts eliminate red tape for quicker turnaround and our experienced teams are ready to get your space delivered right on time. 

To find out more about SMM and how we can help your mobile office trailer, click here to email Blake Sabadie.