Fitting-out criteria for staff accommodation
A well-equipped staff accommodation makes all the difference between a tolerable stay and a truly pleasant one. Anyone who is away on business for weeks or months at a time needs more than just a bed and four walls. The right facilities ensure that you can relax after a long day’s work, remain productive and feel at home despite being far from your own home. But which criteria are really important? What should workers look out for when choosing accommodation, and what do landlords need to consider to make their accommodation attractive?
In this article, we look at the key features that a tradesmen’s accommodation should have. We’ll be looking not only at the basic amenities, but also at the details that turn an average place to stay into truly good workers’ accommodation.
Essentials: What a tradesman’s flat needs
A temporary accommodation for workers differs from a standard rental flat in that it must be fully furnished and ready to move into. Nobody who is working away from home for several weeks on a project wants to bring their own furniture or go shopping before they can finally relax.
Sleeping area and sleep quality
The sleeping area is the heart of any accommodation for construction workers. After a physically demanding day’s work, a good night’s sleep is essential. That is why accommodation for construction workers should be fitted exclusively with high-quality single beds. Single beds have the advantage that each occupant has their own sleeping area and is not disturbed by the movements of others.
The mattresses must be of good quality – sagging or overly soft mattresses can lead to back problems and poor sleep. A medium-firm mattress measuring approximately 90×200 cm is standard. Bed linen, duvets and pillows should, of course, be provided, as should sufficient storage space in the form of wardrobes or chests of drawers.
The importance of being able to block out light is often underestimated. Anyone who works shifts and needs to sleep during the day needs curtains or blinds that can properly darken the room.
Kitchen: Self-catering as a cost factor
After the bedroom, the kitchen is the most important room in a workers’ flat. Anyone who eats out every day for weeks on end ends up spending a small fortune. Being able to cook for oneself is therefore not just a matter of convenience, but also a financial necessity.
A fully equipped kitchen must include the following items:
- Cooking facilities: hob with at least four hotplates, oven
- Refrigeration: fridge-freezer, large enough for several people
- Kitchen appliances: microwave, coffee machine, kettle, toaster
- Cooking utensils: pots, pans, chopping boards, knives, wooden spoons
- Crockery and cutlery: plates, cups, glasses and cutlery in sufficient quantities
- Cleaning: sink, washing-up liquid, ideally a dishwasher
A dining table with enough chairs is also a must – not just for meals, but also for working on documents or simply for socialising after work.
Bathroom and sanitary facilities
The bathroom must be functional and clean. A shower is standard. It is important that the water pressure is strong enough and that there is plenty of hot water – even if several people are showering one after the other.
Towels should be provided, as well as a basic supply of toilet paper and soap. Ample storage space and hooks for towels and clothes complete the bathroom.
A washing machine is essential for longer stays. Nobody wants to have to go to the launderette every few days or take dirty work clothes home with them. A clothes horse or tumble dryer should also be provided.
Technical facilities: Modern and up-to-date
Nowadays, the technical facilities in a technician’s accommodation are more important than ever. Many technicians have to write reports, reply to emails or make video calls to family and friends in the evenings.
Internet and Wi-Fi
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi is now an absolute must. Guests nowadays expect speeds of at least 50 Mbps, or better still 100 Mbps or more. The Wi-Fi signal should be strong throughout the entire flat.
The password should be displayed clearly or given to guests on arrival. Some landlords also provide a QR code that allows guests to connect to the network quickly.
Consumer electronics
A television is a standard feature. After a tiring day, many people just want to relax and watch TV. A smart TV with access to streaming services such as Netflix or YouTube is particularly appealing, as guests can then use their own profile.
If you don’t have a smart TV, you should at least have a set-top box installed to receive the main channels.
Comfort and additional features
Beyond the basic amenities, there are numerous features that elevate a workers’ flat from average to truly excellent. It is often these details that determine whether guests return or recommend the accommodation to others.
Heating and air conditioning
A properly functioning heating system is a given, but being able to control it is important. It should be possible to heat each room individually so that every resident can set their own comfortable temperature. In summer, good ventilation is essential, particularly in top-floor flats.
Outdoor area and car park
A balcony or terrace is a big plus. Getting some fresh air, sitting in the sun or having a beer in the evening – an outdoor area significantly enhances the quality of life. Garden furniture should, of course, be provided.
Free parking spaces right next to the building or in the immediate vicinity are essential for fitters. Most of them travel in their own cars or company vehicles and often carry tools or materials that need to be stored safely.
Additional amenities
The following extras make accommodation for construction workers particularly attractive:
- Ironing board and iron: essential for business travellers
- Vacuum cleaners and cleaning products: to keep the flat clean
- First-aid kit: For minor emergencies
- Bicycle parking: For guests travelling by bike
Cleanliness and maintenance
Even the best furnishings are of no use if the flat isn’t clean and well-maintained. When you hand over the keys, everything must be spotlessly clean – from the floors to the kitchen and the bathroom. Bed linen and towels must be freshly laundered.
A cleaning service should also be provided during the stay, at least for longer bookings. Vacuuming the flat, mopping the floors and cleaning the bathroom once a week is a service that many guests greatly appreciate.
Faults need to be fixed quickly. If the washing machine breaks down, the heating stops working or the Wi-Fi isn’t working, you need someone to contact who can sort it out promptly. An emergency telephone number should be displayed clearly in the flat.
Location and accessibility
The facilities in the accommodation are one thing; the location is another. Accommodation for tradespeople should be conveniently located, ideally with good links to motorways or main roads. Tradespeople often have to travel to the site early in the morning and return in the evening – long journeys cost time and cause stress.
At the same time, a quiet location is important. Living right next to a main road, where traffic noise carries on at night, is anything but relaxing. A good balance between accessibility and peace and quiet is ideal.
There should be shops nearby. A supermarket within walking distance or a short drive away makes it much easier to stock up on essentials. A bakery or restaurant in the neighbourhood is also handy for those days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Fitting out a staff flat properly is an investment that pays off. Satisfied guests will return, recommend the accommodation to others and ensure high occupancy rates.
