Key Features And Considerations When Hiring A Modular Cabin

Modular cabins are a cost-effective and versatile choice for businesses and organisations that need to expand their space. They are often used for temporary classroom space, offices, welfare facilities, or even hospital and clinical treatment rooms. If you have decided to hire a modular cabin in the UK, here are some key considerations.

Decide on the size and configuration of the cabin

Modular cabins are available in a range of sizes and configurations, so it’s important to consider what best fits your needs. For example, the smallest sizes tend to be 7ft square kiosks that are used for gatehouses or ticket kiosks at large events. The larger cabins can be up to 40 ft in length with variable widths.

Consider the available space to locate the cabin: you will need a level firm area of ground where access to surrounding buildings, entrances, etc will not be obstructed. If a preexisting level area is not available, it may be necessary to construct a concrete base to site the cabin on.

The purpose and number of people who will be using the cabin is a further consideration. For example, if it is to be used as a classroom, then you might need to be able to fit in a minimum amount of desks that will allow staff and students to move comfortably around them.

The configuration of the cabin is another important consideration. For example, do you want an open-plan layout or separate partitioned rooms for meetings, storage, kitchenettes, and so on? The cabins can be stacked up to three or four storeys high in most cases, if you do have a large space to locate the cabin in, but require multiple units.

Individual cabins can also be linked together horizontally to create an unlimited amount of space.

Assess the site access

The proposed site for the cabin will need to have sufficient vehicular access to allow for the safe delivery of the structure, which is likely to be an abnormal wide load. Consider any narrow gateways, overhanging cables or tree branches, or steep gradients that could hinder access.

In some cases if access might prove difficult, it may be possible to lift the cabin into place, so discuss any concerns with your supplier rather than assuming that the structure would be impossible to install.

Key features and customisation

The cabins can be customised so they are suitable for your particular needs, so consider what features may be required. For example, if the cabin will be located in a remote area or in a crime-prone area and the site is not well secured, you may require a cabin with anti vandal features such as reinforced steel doors and windows and multiple locking systems.

If you require a kitchen, toilets or washroom in the cabin, then the necessary fixtures and plumbing will need to be arranged. Most cabins will be equipped with basic fittings such as lighting and a heating system, but consider if the pre-existing fittings will be adequate to meet your requirements, or if extra modifications may be required.

It may be possible to integrate the cabin with extra energy efficient systems, such as solar panels and ground or air source pumps for heating and cooling systems. Modern cabins provide high standards of insulation and are cheap and efficient to heat all year round.

Accessibility to the cabin is a further issue to consider: for example, it may be necessary to provide step-free access, wider doorways, and wheelchair-friendly flooring if it will be used by disabled people or if you intend the cabin to be accessed by the general public.

Duration of use

If the cabin is intended for a short-term purpose with a definite time-frame, then hiring is obviously the best option. However if the use is open ended or you know that it will be needed for more than two years, then buying a cabin can be more financially prudent in the long term.

If you hire a cabin, the rental company will usually take care of all the maintenance and upkeep of the cabin, and they may provide additional services such as furniture rental. There may also be hire-purchase options, where you have the option to pay a monthly sum towards the ultimate purchase of the cabin, or return it at the end of the lease.

For more information on Key Features And Considerations When Hiring A Modular Cabin talk to Cabinlocator Ltd