Renting a mobile trailer is an excellent solution for a variety of needs, from temporary classrooms to storage or even as a mobile office.
This list also includes field offices for DOT highway construction projects.
However, many overlook the additional costs of these rentals—beyond the upfront rental fee. From delivery and setup fees to insurance, many expenses can significantly impact the overall cost of your rental.
Permits
Before setting up a construction field office, it’s important to consider the cost of obtaining the necessary permits.
The cost of a construction field office permit can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location and the size of the field office itself. We recommend contacting your local building department about permits and costs for the most accurate information.
Insurance/Damage Waivers
In many cases, obtaining a construction field office permit means you’ll need the necessary insurance first.
There are two different types of insurance:
- Liability insurance – This is necessary for any construction field office and protects the state in case of accidents, injuries, or damage on the premises.
- Property insurance – This covers anything owned by the construction business itself.
Property insurance isn’t necessary—though it is certainly an option worth considering. However, if you choose not to obtain property insurance, you must sign and pay a damage waiver.
Delivery & Set-Up
Nearly all construction field office rentals will come with a delivery and/or set-up fee—however, in many cases, this isn’t exactly a hidden fee. Most companies worth renting from will be upfront with their delivery or set up fee to ensure that clients aren’t surprised or taken aback by extra costs that they didn’t know about.
For example, at Triumph Modular, our sales team ensures you have all the facts before delivery. We’ll highlight any delivery or set-up fees in advance to ensure that nothing takes you by surprise.
Knock Down & Pick-Up
Fast forward to the end of the project, and a construction field office rental will often have a knockdown and pick-up fee.
Again, just like with the delivery and set-up fees, the right company should highlight these fees before making an agreement to ensure that clients won’t have buyer’s remorse.
Optional Skirting & Tie Downs
Skirting and tie-downs are optional additions to your construction field office rental package that can add additional costs—however, they’re worth considering since they offer significant benefits.
Skirting around your construction field office provides several benefits, such as better energy efficiency, heat insulation, and protection from potentially damaging debris or animals.
Certain areas may call for tie-downs, such as high-wind areas. If you’re located in such an area, it’s an option you should consider.
These add-ons will tack on additional costs, but the benefits are often worth the extra bill.
Optional Add-ons
You could go with a barebones setup that meets state requirements for your field office. However, there are other optional add-ons to consider, too. They add additional costs, but in certain cases, they’re worth looking into.
Here are a few examples.
- Ramps – Ramps can make field office access convenient and easier—especially when you need to use dollies to wheel equipment into the office itself. They also meet ADA requirements for accessibility.
- Generators – Generators can be rented in situations when the power company can’t do an electrical hookup as soon as you need it. It can be as short as one day or can be rented for several days—it all depends on your needs.
- Canopies – Canopies shield the entrance from bad weather. They also come with a rubber mat and a boot brush or boot scraper to keep the inside of your field office clean. With Triumph’s Business Entry Solutions, the canopy attaches to the steps.
- Air purifiers – Air purifiers can help keep the air clean and fresh inside your field office space. Maintaining interior air quality is crucial, so it’s an option worth considering—even if it adds additional costs.
- Modular walls – Modular walls are interior walls that can help segment space inside your field office. For example, Triumph offers BLOCS™—interior walls that are installed on a track system and create customized interior spaces.
Looking For More Information on Field Office Trailer Specifications?
Before you dive into the leasing process for your field office trailer, you’ll want to know the specifications for your state—every state has different field office requirements for highway construction projects!
Our ebook, Modular Field Offices For DOT Projects, outlines everything you need to know about field office specs for eleven different states—no more internet searches or endless phone calls.
Download our ebook today!
