When you think of modular buildings, such as mobile office trailers, off-site construction and preparation immediately come to mind.
However, do you know what work needs to be done on-site before a mobile trailer is delivered and installed?
Site preparation is just as important as the work that is done off-site. As you plan for space on your site for a mobile office trailer, consider maximizing potential mobile office space for your project. Are you choosing the right size for your crew and the length of the project? Is a single wide big enough? Triumph Modular has options for double wide and larger temporary building configurations if a single wide doesn’t fulfill all of your space needs.
Here’s what you need to know about preparing the site for a mobile office trailer.
Obtaining Permits
Before any work can be done and before you purchase or lease a mobile office trailer, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits at your local Building Department. These permits (and how you obtain them) will vary depending on your area, and different municipalities have different laws concerning site permits for mobile office trailers.
Be sure to check the laws and regulations for your area before going through the process of buying or leasing your new mobile office trailer.
Clearing the Area
The size of your mobile office trailer needs to be taken into consideration. For example, you’ll need a much larger site for a 44’ trailer than a 24’ trailer. You’ll also need to consider a little extra space to allow a truck to deliver the trailer itself and allow the workers enough room to set the trailer or temporary building.
Preparing the site for a mobile office trailer means that the site must be cleared of any objects that can interfere with the building, such as debris or excess vegetation. You’ll need to choose a site that doesn’t have tree branches or wiring that will get in the way of the mobile office trailer as well.
Accessibility to the site should also be a top consideration. Tight turns or small roadways may require additional equipment to get the trailer into position. Office Trailers are transported with the entry doors on the passenger side of the delivery truck, and knowing this in advance will help you plan the placement of the mobile office.
Suppose the delivery of the trailer requires going over a street curb. In that case, you may also want to consider having scrap wood, dunnage, or cribbing available to assist with the elevation and distribute the weight of the items being delivered.
Leveling the Ground
Level ground is a must for a mobile office trailer site. Office trailers work best on a paved stone surface, gravel, asphalt, or cement. However, a dirt surface will work as well, provided that the dirt is firm.
If softer terrain is the only option, you’ll need to put something underneath the office trailer to prevent the structure from sinking. This could be anything from a small asphalt patch to a group of ABS foundation pads.
If the office trailer is needed for long-term usage, your local building inspector may require in-ground footings.
Connecting Utilities
What is your mobile office trailer being used for? Chances are you’ll need utility hookups, such as electricity and water.
The customer is responsible for bringing the utilities to the trailer and organizing the needed connections. The electrical connections will need to be completed by a licensed electrician.
These utilities will be hooked up after the mobile office trailer is delivered. However, you’ll need to make sure that your site is close to all of your necessary utility sources.
Triumph Modular will call Dig Safe and coordinate with utility companies to mark their lines if tie-downs are needed. The customer is responsible for pre-marking the lines to create visual boundaries.
The bathrooms in the office trailer are not self-contained. Connections to either existing water and sewer or a portable restroom system will be needed.
Other Site Considerations
Depending on what your mobile office trailer is being used for, there are a few other factors to consider.
For example, site space for a small parking lot may be necessary if a larger team will occupy the trailer.
Companies expecting deliveries to a mobile office trailer need to ensure enough space for a truck to pull in and deliver goods.
Site Prep is Crucial for Success with a Mobile Office Trailer
The bottom line is that a mobile office trailer requires a certain amount of site work to function successfully. This site work includes everything from the permit process to choosing a suitable site with level ground and access to utilities.
Before you purchase or lease your mobile office trailer, be sure to take care of all of these site preparations.
Questions About Mobile Office Trailers?
The Triumph team is here to answer any questions you have about mobile office trailers, from purchasing options to site preparation. Reach out to us; we’re here to help.
