Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about our healthcare buildings. If you'd like to find out more, please call us on 01 808 5055 or click here to contact us.

How durable are your buildings, inside and out?

The structure, roof, walls and floors of Portakabin buildings are made from steel. This ensures they are robust and meet all permanent building regulations*. A structural design life of up to 60 years is independently confirmed by British Board of Agrément certification. Are your buildings able to accommodate specialist equipment such as Patientline, Kings Fund Beds and patient hoists over each bed? Yes. We have significant experience of providing specialist healthcare facilities. Portakabin buildings can be designed to accommodate all the specialist equipment and services you may need. (Allspace to confirm if relevant to Ireland).

When there is an emergency, we have no time to lose. Can I be sure that the doors, corridors and wall corners of your buildings will take the knocks they'll get?

Yes. All Portakabin buildings use high-quality components, which can be supplemented with other features, such as door kick plates and wall-protection rails to ensure buildings stand up to even the roughest treatment.

Can you construct operating theatres?

Yes, Portakabin buildings can be designed to provide operating theatres. The steelwork within the Portakabin building system can be adapted to carry all theatre lights, air-handling systems and other ceiling-mounted equipment above the operating suite. Floors can be specially reinforced to offer a completely stable environment for delicate surgical procedures.

We are very short of land at our hospital, can you build up on the roof or within internal courtyards?

Yes, subject to individual site surveys. Portakabin buildings have been installed on rooftops using structural steelwork, and modular building methods mean that buildings can be easily craned into position in courtyards. The multi-storey capability of Portakabin buildings means they can be created on small footprints or small parcels of land.

I need a new facility but have no capital budget left.

For short-term accommodation, hiring a building from us ensures no capital outlay and easy monthly payments.

What are your typical timescales for delivery/handover?

Depending upon specification, hired buildings can be delivered in a few days, while purchased buildings can take from as little as a few weeks from order to handover.

Can you act as main contractor?

Yes - we can offer a design and build service. We are also happy to work with other contractors, as required.

Hospital mechanical and electrical (M&E) work is a large percentage of the contract value. What assurances do I get that the M&E design will meet the standards required?

We have two methods of designing M&E work. We have in-house M&E designers for straightforward, standard buildings, while for more complex applications, we use external M&E consultants. Detailed M&E performance specifications can be submitted for consideration or you can inspect work carried out on other projects.

How much are design fees?

We are prepared to do some indicative work to advise you on cost, layout, specification and programme. This service is free of charge and forms a simplified feasibility study. If you wish to go further, by moving towards planning permission without going to contract, a small charge will be made for further work. However, this is only paid if the project does not proceed. The cost of our buildings includes all relevant professional fees to carry out the design and construction of the building.

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. (Allspace to confirm if relevant to Ireland).

* Buildings on hire met the requirements of all Building Regulations at the date of manufacture.