Your questions answered

Here are some answers to many of the questions you may have about our buildings. If you'd like to find out more, please call us on 0845 355 0350 (Hire) or 0845 200 1111 (Sales) or click here to contact us/request a brochure.

How many people can a Portakabin building accommodate?
The buildings in the Portakabin range can be configured to house from one to more than 1,000 people, depending on the type of building required. Our team of specialists is happy to advise you on the most suitable type and size of building for the number of people you need to accommodate and the building's intended use.

Do Portakabin buildings comply with Building Regulations?
Yes. Our buildings offer ready-to-use working environments that meet the requirements of The Building Regulations, The Building Standards (Scotland), and other permanent building regulations - including Part M (2004).*

Will I need planning permission?
Yes. Planning permission is required for all Portakabin buildings. For more information, contact the Portakabin sales team on 0845 200 1111 or your local Hire Centre on 0845 355 0350.

What is the standard building specification?
Portakabin buildings can be designed to suit your exact requirements, providing you with tailor-made accommodation. We can advise you on the best interior layout and suggest how you could benefit from climate control, office furniture, floor coverings, sanitary facilities and all the other options we offer.

What preparations do I need to make before delivery?
Access to the site needs to be kept completely clear of obstructions, allowing enough space for the vehicle delivering the building. Suitable foundations or a level hard-standing area must be available to accommodate the building. We will advise you on these matters during a site inspection.

What type of foundations will my Portakabin building require?
This depends on the surface the building will be standing on, and the type of building. Relocatable buildings that will be on hard standing will only require shims. For other surfaces or for modular buildings, only pad foundations are necessary. The foundations required will depend on site conditions, building weight and floor loads, so we will always advise you on your individual foundation requirements.

How are Portakabin buildings delivered?
We can arrange the delivery of your building. Modular and relocatable buildings are transported by road on a flat-bed lorry or trailer platform and positioned with a lorry-mounted or standard crane. Modular buildings are then mechanically positioned using lifting eyes.

How do I connect the building to electricity, telephone and data cables?
All Portakabin buildings are fitted with a consumer unit, tested to BS7671. A qualified electrician must connect the consumer unit to a mains supply. We advise you to contact your communications systems provider to arrange connection to computer and telephone systems.

What happens if I have a problem with my building?
You should contact our Sales Customer Services team on 0845 200 9999 or your local Hire Centre on 0845 355 0350, who will provide ongoing support once your building is delivered. They will act quickly to remedy any problems you may have with your building. Remember that all our new buildings purchased are covered by a unique and comprehensive warranty package to provide you with complete peace of mind.

Do Portakabin buildings meet the DDA, SENDA and Part M of the Building Regulations?
Portakabin buildings can meet the requirements of these regulations and the obligations of the DDA. However, your precise requirements will be project specific. You should seek clarification of these requirements from your local Building Control department before finalising your accommodation solution.

* Hire fleet buildings met the requirements of all Building Regulations at the date of manufacture.