Choosing a mobile office

It's common to find a mobile offices in a vendors' fleets that is ten or more years old. While vendors do clean and repair their units between rentals, older mobile offices may have more wear and tear, so ask how old the unit you're considering is. If it's more than ten years old, ask if it's been refurbished or had any major repairs recently.

If you're working with a dealer in your local area, you should visit them and check out the mobile office: there's no better way to get a sense of the condition of the trailer than taking a look yourself. Some dealers will email you digital pictures of the units, as well, which is great if you're not able visit the dealership.

Because their use is almost always temporary, it's best to emphasize features and price when choosing a mobile office, as opposed to appearance or durability. Let BuyerZone's network of dealers help you find the best office trailer features at the right price for your business.

Basic mobile office configuration
Mobile offices are all wired for basic electricity, usually including overhead fluorescent lights. Newer models may also include some basic telephone wiring, but you won't find computer networking cable built-in.

In most cases, mobile offices have built-in two-drawer file cabinets and desks for each workstation. A plan table for holding and reviewing blueprints is a common addition.

You'll usually have several options for interior configurations. So many construction sites have a need for both a small mobile office and extra storage space for tools and equipment that the "office/storage combination" is a popular option at many office trailer dealerships. These are typically smaller trailers that provide an office at one end and storage space at the other.

Other options include private offices with interior doors and walls and conference tables. Keep in mind that the more specific your configuration needs are, the fewer models you'll be able to choose from - try to go in with a general idea of the setup you want, but be flexible.

If your mobile office is going to be open to the public, you may have significant additional work to do to satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This will include ramps to all entrances, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and more. Make sure to talk to a general contractor or civil engineer about these types of concerns.

Climate control
Almost all mobile offices include heat and air conditioning - but what kind? Smaller models often have electric baseboard heating and through-wall air conditioning. Some vendors will give you the option of propane heat, which is much cheaper than electric heat found in most trailers.

Larger and/or newer models more commonly include central HVAC systems that do a much better job of climate control while reducing your utility bills. Mobile offices are usually insulated to some degree, but not as well as more permanent structures, so your heating and cooling costs are important to consider.

Restrooms
If you're getting a model larger than 8' x 30', you'll probably have the option to include a bathroom. This can be "nice" or essential, depending on your usage plans. Keep in mind that restrooms in most mobile offices can be easily connected to water and sewage lines, giving you a bathroom with running water instead of the standalone chemical toilet found at most construction sites.

Some smaller mobile offices may only have the option for a chemical toilet, which is less desirable in most cases but can still be better than a separate facility.

Security
Project managers and general contractors know that construction sites are tempting targets for thieves and vandals. Depending on your location and situation, you may want to investigate available security features. Ask if the doors include deadbolt locks or security bars and if the windows include security screens to prevent break-ins. For additional security, you might want to look into closed circuit television systems, as well.

Exterior
If you're setting up a sales office or classroom, the appearance of your mobile office is more of a concern. While "construction grade" trailers are typically plain boxes, some suppliers also offer more upscale trailers with such improvements as vinyl siding, louvered windows, and shingle roofs. If you don't want your trailer to look like a construction office, be sure to ask about these options.

You can improve the look of any mobile office with a skirt - a strip of material that covers the gap between the bottom of the trailer and the ground, covering the wheels and anchors underneath the trailer. In most cases you'll also want to rent a set of stairs for each door.