When a construction project gets underway, coordinating contractors, materials, machinery and deadlines is only part of the challenge. In many cases, companies also need to arrange accommodation for the professionals working on site.
Finding accommodation for construction project teams can be particularly challenging for several reasons. Stays may extend over several months, employees arrive at different stages of the project, bookings need to be made under the company's name and, to complicate matters further, accommodation options can be limited in industrial or rural areas.
In this article, we explore the different professionals who travel for construction projects and compare the benefits of Apartool's corporate accommodation with hotels and traditional rentals. We also share some practical advice to help you plan your team's stay.
Who works on a construction site? By job role Every construction project involves professionals from different disciplines who travel to site to carry out their responsibilities:
Site managers and technical teams: On longer projects, they may stay for six months to a year. They need reliable mobile coverage and internet connectivity, as well as a quiet environment and sufficient space to prepare documentation.Building services engineers: Their involvement is usually concentrated around technical project stages, lasting several weeks or months. They prioritise comfort, rest and proximity to the worksite.Installation teams and site operatives: These professionals typically travel for one or several months. As they often work in groups or crews, accommodation with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen and laundry facilities is particularly suitable.Testing and commissioning teams: They join the project when installations are ready for testing, often taking over from other teams. Their stays can range from a few days to several weeks.By industry Companies with the greatest need for workforce mobility are typically those involved in infrastructure installation, technology deployment or specialist activities carried out away from their headquarters.
These companies generally operate in sectors such as:
Construction and infrastructure: Civil engineering works, roads, bridges and large-scale facilities.Energy and renewables: Wind farms, solar power plants and energy infrastructure projects.Industrial and manufacturing: New factories, facility expansions and production line upgrades.Telecommunications: Network rollouts and infrastructure upgrades.Rail: Track construction and refurbishment, signalling and electrification.Oil and gas: Installation and maintenance of energy facilities.Shipyards and shipbuilding: Vessel construction, repair and refurbishment.Data centres: Construction, systems installation and commissioning.Each industry has its own project schedules and key destinations , but they all need accommodation that can adapt to workforce numbers and the actual duration of each project.
Beyond hotels and traditional rentals Accommodation designed for short business trips or permanent relocations does not always meet the specific requirements of construction and engineering projects.
For stays exceeding 30 days, keeping hotel rooms booked can significantly increase accommodation costs , particularly when several rooms are required. Employees also lack access to their own cooking and laundry facilities, which often means paying for additional services.
Before choosing a hotel, it is therefore worth comparing the total cost of the stay , rather than focusing solely on the nightly rate.
Holiday rental apartments may offer more comprehensive facilities, but their availability depends heavily on leisure travel demand , which can be virtually non-existent in some areas where engineering projects take place.
Their pricing and services are also generally designed for guests staying only a few days , making them less suitable for professional assignments lasting several months.
What about traditional residential rentals ? They may be an option for permanent relocations, but they are far less practical when a company only needs accommodation for the duration of a construction project.
Imagine having to manage a five-year tenancy agreement, arrange utility connections, furnish and prepare the property for employees, and then cancel all the services once the project is complete.
For these reasons, it is worth exploring alternative corporate accommodation solutions .
Corporate accommodation for construction project teams Corporate accommodation offers companies a way to organise professional stays in fully equipped properties , with services and management tailored to business requirements .
When selecting an accommodation provider, there are several important factors to consider:
A single, straightforward point of contact. Working with one provider who centralises the accommodation search, bookings and requests makes the entire process significantly easier to manage.Proximity to the construction site. Accommodating employees close to their workplace reduces daily commuting and makes it easier for colleagues to stay together. This is particularly valuable when teams spend extended periods away from home.Facilities for everyday living. Access to a kitchen, washing machine, internet connection and comfortable living space makes longer assignments more convenient and enjoyable.Included services. When utilities and cleaning are included in the price, companies have fewer administrative tasks to manage.Clear practical information. For projects involving several travelling employees, providing individual access instructions, property guidelines and contact details helps ensure a smooth arrival.Ongoing support throughout the stay. An accommodation provider should offer a clear communication channel and be able to resolve any issues that arise, rather than simply handing over the keys.Additional services when required. Depending on the location and the team's requirements, transfer services and other optional extras can provide additional convenience.Consolidated corporate invoicing. Contracts and invoices should accurately reflect the services provided and the company's details, in line with its administrative and tax requirements.These services are not just a wish list. Apartool already provides corporate accommodation solutions with all these features for construction project teams.
How to plan accommodation for a construction project Once you have identified corporate apartments as the most suitable accommodation solution, the next step is to assess your project's specific requirements.
Project Stage
Typical Personnel
Duration
Recommended Accommodation
Preparation and civil works
Site managers, technicians and site operatives
Months
Properties suitable for technical staff and groups
Structural works and installation
Supervisors and installation teams
Months
Fully equipped apartments for extended stays
Building services and systems installation
Engineers and specialists
Months
Individual or shared accommodation
Testing and commissioning
Manufacturer technicians
Days or weeks
Flexible stays aligned with team arrival dates
Every construction project has its own timelines and workforce requirements, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Contact Apartool to discuss your accommodation needs. Our team will recommend tailored options to help you put the first building block of your project in place: comfortable, practical accommodation for your workforce.
FAQs about accommodation for construction project teams Here are some common questions companies may have when arranging accommodation for employees working away from home.
Can accommodation be booked under the company's name? Yes. In fact, Apartool works exclusively with businesses.
In Spain, this allows eligible companies to deduct employee accommodation expenses for corporate income tax purposes and recover the applicable VAT through their tax returns, subject to the relevant requirements.
What happens if the construction project is delayed? This depends on the agreed booking terms.
At Apartool, we recommend flexible accommodation options from the outset and negotiate directly with the property manager on your behalf to extend bookings wherever possible.
If an extension is not available, we will look for alternative suitable accommodation to ensure your project can continue without disruption.
How much VAT will I pay? In Spain, Apartool accommodation includes additional services such as regular cleaning, bed linen and towel changes, customer support and utilities.
As a result, these stays are treated as hotel-type accommodation services and are subject to the reduced VAT rate of 10%, rather than the standard 21% rate.
How can I find accommodation near a remote construction site? Expand your search to nearby towns and compare accommodation costs with the time and expense involved in daily commuting.
Apartool offers access to 300,000 accommodation options across more than 85 countries, making it highly likely that we can find a suitable solution for your project.
What should an accommodation proposal include? At a minimum, a proposal should specify the dates, occupancy capacity, location, price, included services, booking amendment terms and invoicing details.
However, when you choose Apartool as your corporate accommodation provider, you do not have to manage these details on your own.
A dedicated Key Account Manager (KAM) will guide you through the process, helping you prepare a comprehensive brief that reflects your project's specific requirements.
