Every penny saved on lodging is profit added to your bottom line. Yet for many construction and contracting projects, on-site accommodation quietly consumes 20-30% of the total budget. What if you could slash project accommodation costs by nearly a third without sacrificing comfort, convenience or team morale?
Enter Trade Stays, we are a specialist housing partner built just for construction teams. We provide:
- Serviced Accommodation homes across the UK and Ireland
- Flexible, project-aligned booking structures
- Competitive long-term rates
- Amenities engineered for trade professionals (secure parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, self-catering facilities)
Here are 5 Ways To Drive Down Project Accommodation Expenses
1. Unlock Significant Savings with Bulk Booking Discounts
Accommodating large teams unlocks tiered pricing unavailable at traditional hotels. By securing multi-room, long-duration bookings, projects gain flexible rates that directly lower accommodation overhead with bulk booking discounts.
For example, we helped our client save £24,000 over standard hotel costs over a six-month booking for a team of 20.
Locking in these rates at the project’s outset immediately drives down your accommodation line, helping you slash project accommodation costs right off the bat.
2. Optimise Logistics & Reduce Travel Time (and Costs!)
Cutting travel time isn’t just about worker happiness; it’s about hard pounds saved. By situating your team within a short drive of your site, you can:
- Reduce daily fuel expenses by up to 40%
- Non-productive travel time
- Parking risks for commercial vehicles
Result: Fresher, more punctual teams.
Those labour-hour savings and lowered vehicle maintenance costs further slash project accommodation costs when tallied across a multi-month assignment.
3. Purpose-Built Amenities for Peak Performance & Comfort
Knowing what construction workers need, Trade Stays accommodations have features that make it easy to work and relax. Some common traits are:
- High-speed internet: Essential for remote work, communication, and entertainment.
- On-site laundry: Saves money on outside washing costs and keeps uniforms clean.
- Full kitchen facilities: Teams can prepare their own meals, which saves a significant amount of money on hotel meals and per diems.
- Common areas for team meetings: Encourage working together, and can be used as casual meeting places.
These amenity-driven efficiencies directly cut external service fees and meal expenses, another way to slash project accommodation costs without cutting corners on quality.
4. Adaptive Booking for Dynamic Projects
Project schedules don’t stay the same for long. Traditional hotel services often have strict rules regarding cancellations and charging fees for last-minute changes. Trade Stays has flexible booking rules designed to accommodate the changing needs of building projects.
- Upsize or downsize rooms with minimal notice
- Avoid hefty change-fee charges
- Redeploy unused nights to follow-on projects
This freedom to change leads to big savings throughout a fluid project.
5. Enhanced Wellbeing Drives Productivity
Beyond saving money directly, having comfortable, purpose-built accommodations makes workers much happier, which in turn:
- Higher productivity: Well-rested crews work faster.
- Lower absenteeism: Healthy living spaces mean fewer sick days.
- Reduced turnover: Satisfied contractors stick around longer, lowering recruitment and training expenses.
Housing your team in a single, specialised space also makes it easier for them to work together and communicate with each other, which could help the project be completed faster, an indirect but effective way to lower the overall project cost.
Quantifying the Impact: A Practical Scenario
Project Profile:
- Team of 20
- 6-month duration
- Traditional hotel: £100 PN
Cost Comparison:
- Traditional Hotel – £120,000
- Serviced Accommodation with Trade Stays (20% reduction) – £96,000
- Savings – £24,000
Note: Actual savings vary on project scale and duration.
Conclusion: Elevate Value Without Compromise
To slash project accommodation costs by up to 30%, align your lodging strategy with project economics:
- Leverage bulk-booking tiers.
- Choose locations near your site.
- Optimise with trade-focused amenities.
- Embrace flexible adjustments.
- Prioritise team well-being for productivity gains.
Ready to transform accommodation from a cost centre into a strategic advantage? Contact Trade Stays today for a bespoke proposal and start saving on your next build.
Addressing Common Concerns
Q: Are Trade Stays only for large teams, or can smaller groups benefit?
A: Large teams can benefit by booking in bulk, but many Trade Stays providers also work with smaller groups or even individual contractors, and they often have better rates and more personalised services than traditional hotels.
Q: How do Trade Stays differ from extended-stay hotels?
A: While extended-stay hotels offer some similar features (kitchenettes), Trade Stays are specifically designed with the construction and trade professional in mind, often offering features like secure parking for large vehicles, proximity to worksites, and more flexible booking terms tailored to project needs.
Q: Do Trade Stays provide catering or meal options?
A: While most provide kitchen facilities for self-catering, some larger Trade Stays facilities might offer communal dining options or partnerships with local caterers, depending on the provider and location.
Q: How far in advance should I book Trade Stays for a project?
A: It’s best to book as early as possible to get the best rates and make sure you can use the space, especially in places that are in high demand and for longer projects or larger groups.
Q: Can Trade Stays accommodate specific team requirements, like single rooms versus shared?
A: Yes, most Trade Stays providers do offer different room layouts so that different team structures and personal needs can be met. It’s best to discuss your needs directly with the provider.