Photo from Pexels.
How to book contractor accommodation: start with the site postcode, crew size, vehicles and dates. Then shortlist whole homes within 15 minutes of site, check parking, bedrooms and invoicing in writing, and book direct for the full project. With that brief, we can usually send a price the same day.
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How do you book contractor accommodation?
You book contractor accommodation in six steps, from setting the brief to sending the crew their arrival details.
- Set the brief. Write down the site postcode, crew size, vehicles, start date and expected end date.
- Shortlist homes near site. Aim for a drive of 15 minutes or less, and look at whole homes rather than single rooms.
- Check the details in writing. Confirm bedrooms, bathrooms, parking for each vehicle and what the price includes.
- Agree the rate and terms. Ask for a weekly or monthly price, and the rules on extending or ending early.
- Book and pay the company way. Get an invoice in the company’s name, with dates and the property address.
- Brief the crew. Send them the address, check-in time, parking plan, house rules and one contact number.
What information do you need before booking contractor accommodation?
You need five things before booking contractor accommodation: the site location, the number of people, their vehicles, the dates and who is paying. With those, a host can give you a firm answer in one call.
Site postcode
The town is not enough. A home on the wrong side of a city can add 30 minutes each way at rush hour.
Crew and rooms
How many people, and how many need a room to themselves. Mention anyone who needs a ground-floor room.
Vehicles
Number, size and roof height. A high-roof van rules out many car parks. See our guide to contractor accommodation with van parking.
Dates and flexibility
The start date, the expected end date, and how likely the job is to overrun.
What should you check before you confirm a booking?
Before you confirm, check that the parking, bedrooms, inclusions and invoicing are all in writing. Verbal promises are easy to forget by week three.
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Get the accommodation sorted before the first day on site. Photo from Pexels.
Is it better to book contractor accommodation direct?
Booking contractor accommodation direct with the host is usually better for project work. You avoid platform service fees, get one contact for changes, and can arrange company invoicing and long-stay rates.
| Booking route | Fees | Changes and extensions | Invoicing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday rental platform | Guest service fee often added | Through the platform, can be slow | Platform receipt, limited detail |
| Accommodation agent | Agent margin built into the rate | Through the agent | Agent invoice |
| Direct with the host | No platform fee | One call or WhatsApp message | Company invoice set up as you need |
With Esho Stays, you can book direct by phone, email or WhatsApp. If you refer another contractor or crew who books with us, you get £50 credit.
What are the red flags when booking contractor accommodation?
The main red flags are a host who will not give a full address and a request to pay a personal bank account. A price far below everything else in the area is another.
No address until you payA genuine host can tell you the street, at least, before payment. Check that the property exists on a map.
Payment off the recordBe wary of requests for cash or transfers to a personal account with no invoice. If you think you have been targeted, report it to Action Fraud.
“Sleeps 10” in three bedroomsHigh headline numbers often mean sofa beds in the living room. Ask for the bedroom list.
Where to stay: Esho Stays homes for contractors
Esho Stays has 14 homes in Gloucester, Cirencester, Coventry and near Malmesbury, from £80 a night. Each one includes Wi-Fi, bills, linen, a kitchen and laundry.
£120 / night2-bed refurbished apartment, Gloucester
- 2 bedrooms
- 3 beds
- 1 free on-site space
- Ground floor
A short walk to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and the city centre, with code entry and lockbox keys.
See the apartmentCosting up options? Read contractor accommodation versus hotels, or see all our contractor and trade stays.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book contractor accommodation?
Book as soon as the contract and start date are confirmed. Two to four weeks ahead gives a good choice in most towns, and longer for big crews or busy event weeks. Last-minute bookings are often possible with us, so call or message on WhatsApp if the job starts this week.
Can the crew check in late at night?
Yes. All Esho Stays homes use self check-in, with a door code or lockbox, from 3pm on the arrival day. Crew members can arrive late after a long drive without waiting for anyone. We send the arrival instructions before the stay, along with the parking details.
Can I hold a booking before the contract is signed?
Talk to us about it. Whether we can hold a home depends on the dates and how busy the area is. If you have a likely start date, send it with the crew size and we will tell you what is available and how long we can keep it for you.
What does the No Fuss First Night Guarantee cover?
The No Fuss First Night Guarantee covers cleanliness, heating and Wi-Fi on the first night. If any of them is not as promised, we refund that night. Contact us straight away by phone or WhatsApp so we can put it right, ideally the same evening.
Next step
Send us your brief
Site postcode, crew size, vehicles and dates. We will reply with the best-fit home and a price.