Do Contractors Need Holiday Lets?
The UK has 2.0–2.1 million constructionworkers. A significant portion work on temporary, project-based jobs that often require travel. This creates a mobile workforce, not tied to one location.
Industry guidance shows contractor accommodation is mainly used when:
- Jobs last several days to months
- Workers are away from home or working across regions
- Teams move between sites regularly
One UK workforce accommodation study found:
- On large projects, hundreds to over 1,500 workers may need accommodation at peak
On those types of projects, that can represent:
- 30% to 80%+ of the on-site workforce needing accommodation (depending on local labour availability)
Contractors (builders, engineers, tradespeople, etc.) tend to care less about luxury and more about practical, reliable, and cost-effective stays—especially when booking through platforms like Airbnb or similar.
Here’s what they typically want:
1. Simple, durable sleeping setup
- Separate beds (not shared doubles) for team members
- Enough space so everyone isn’t cramped
- Sturdy furniture (nothing fragile or high-end)
Think “functional over fancy”
2. Clean, reliable essentials
- Strong hot water & good showers
- Clean bedding and towels
- Heating that actually works (very important in the UK)
3. Practical kitchen facilities
- Fridge/freezer (for meal prep)
- Microwave, kettle, toaster
- Basic cookware (they often cook to save money)
4. Parking (this is huge)
- Free, nearby, or private parking is often a dealbreaker
- Space for vans or larger vehicles is a big plus
5. Fast Wi-Fi
- Needed for work updates, plans, communication
- Doesn’t need to be ultra-premium—just reliable
6. Laundry facilities
- Washing machine (essential for longer stays)
- Drying rack or dryer
7. Location convenience
- Close to the job site
- Easy access to main roads / motorways
- Nearby supermarkets or takeaways
8. Flexible, hassle-free check-in
- Self check-in (lockbox or keypad)
- Late check-in options (contractors often arrive after work)
9. Good value for longer stays
- Weekly/monthly discounts
- Straightforward pricing (no surprise fees)
10. Contractor-friendly policies
- No overly strict rules
- Okay with work boots, early starts, etc.
- Space to store tools safely (even better if there’s a secure area)
What they DON’T care much about
- Fancy décor or “Instagrammable” interiors
- Luxury toiletries
- High-end finishes (often seen as risky for damage claims)
If you’re a tradesman working in Keighley/Haworth/Skipton and need a place to stay, then look no further than our 2-bedroom cottage in Keighley with a spacious garden patio and free parking – Hermit Cottage