If you are looking to rent a temporary building, there are some important tips to consider to make sure you get the right building for your needs. Of course, due to the nature of temporary buildings, there is flexibility to correct the situation if you make the wrong choice. But no one needs the delay or extra cost for this, even though it can be done physically quite easily.
Any wrong decision can affect business continuity and overall success.
The right decision comes from an informed decision, and this is where these tips can help
Planning – Temporary buildings, like permanent buildings, are likely to require planning permission if they are used for more than 28 days. There are some exceptions to this rule, but it’s best to seek professional help. A temporary building contractor who can provide this service directly or through a third party is probably the best option to avoid delays.
Rent or buy? – Even if your need is temporary, look at the business side of both options.
Each has a lot of flexibility, so you should consider what makes the most financial sense for your business. And remember, if you decide to buy, you still own the building as an asset and can resell it once it’s occupied. Or return to the supplier or other party.
Structural safety – Check that the temporary building you choose meets UK structural safety standards. You are looking for evidence of compliance with BS 6399, which means the structure can withstand the UK’s highest snow and wind loads. For this, ask your supplier for a copy of the construction calculations for your building. Anything that doesn’t comply with BS 6399 isn’t strong enough for long-term use and you’re opening yourself up to a potential safety hazard and the risk of being asked to remove it by your local building inspector.
Evidence and references – Although the price is not the same as the price of a permanent building,
a temporary building is a big purchase. Therefore, you should obtain from the supplier of your choice: the opportunity to visit a fully functional building, case studies, written and oral presentations, photographs of previous jobs.
Soil conditions – Ask about the suitability of your soil conditions for what you intend to use the building for.
Most temporary buildings can be placed directly on an existing hard surface. Uneven terrain can be overcome by adjusting the building’s legs. But if you want to use the building as a workshop or use heavy equipment at home and your surface is uneven, you can level it with a concrete pad. Your temporary building supplier should tell you the correct size and depth if this is the case.
Avoid buyer’s remorse – ask if your chosen supplier has a service commitment document and something that tells you how the project will progress once you’ve signed the dotted line, contact details and timeline.
Ongoing support – also ask if your temporary building supplier,supplier can offer temporary or one-off maintenance programs to ensure the longevity and safe operation of your building. Most people do, but it’s worth checking their policies.
And finally, there’s something that applies to all purchases, even if we probably don’t want to admit it. We all buy from people, so you need to work with someone you feel comfortable with, like and most importantly trust.
