When the oil boom expanded across North America in the late 19th century, workforce housing was about as rudimentary as it could get. Workers pitched tents in remote fields near their oil derricks. If they were lucky, they got a makeshift shack to sleep in and shelter from the elements. 

Oilfield housing has certainly improved with the times, but its reputation remains lackluster. Uncomfortable conditions, shoddy structures, lack of amenities, and lengthy commutes are a few common complaints among the workers who travel to remote corners of the country for weeks at a time. Let’s take a closer look at the typical oilfield housing options and the benefits and pitfalls to consider for each. 

Hotels

In some cases, hotels are an option for oil field housing. If the jobsite isn’t too far from an established infrastructure, like the west Texas towns in the Permian Basin, oil companies might rent out a group of rooms or the entire hotel. 

Hotel Oilfield Housing Pros & Cons

Pro:

• Convenience - The pre-existing infrastructure makes it easier to coordinate, as management, housekeeping, and utilities are all handled by someone else. 
• Comfort - Amenities like housekeeping, centralized air conditioning, and the occasional continental breakfast contribute to employee comfort.

Con:

• Expense - The cost to book dozens of rooms for multiple weeks at a time adds up. 
• Reliability - Unless these companies have an agreement with the hotels, they risk being unable to reserve rooms if the lodgings are already booked. 
• Commute - The closest hotel to an oilfield could easily be an hour’s commute or more. Weary workers driving long distances after lengthy shifts are a serious concern in the oil and gas industry. Consider US-285 in west Texas, otherwise known as “Death Highway” for its alarming number of oil-industry related collisions. 

Mobile Homes & Skid Homes

Mobile homes and skid homes are similar portable living structures. The former is often mounted to a chassis, while the latter is built on rails or beams. These are a common sight at budding man camps across North America. 

Mobile Homes & Skid Homes Oilfield Housing Pros & Cons

Pro:

• Inexpensive - Mobile homes are the affordable option many companies turn to. Short of creating a village of tents, “trailers” like these can be acquired en masse to create a man camp. 
• Relocatable - When it’s time to relocate a man camp, mobile homes and skid homes can be loaded up and driven to a new location. 

Con:

• Longevity - Mobile homes are designed to be lightweight enough to be transported via vehicle. These lighter materials make mobile homes less sturdy, and regular wear and tear from transportation cause more structural stress. 
• Maintenance – These structures require frequent repairs to remain usable. And the more they’re moved, the more attention they need.
• Poor ROI - When you need workers onsite ASAP, sure, mobile homes can get the job done. But mobile homes are not known for their high return on investment. They are usually tied to high interest rates and limited financing options, and the fast rate at which they wear down equally depreciates their resale value. 

Modified Shipping Containers

Container living spaces aren’t the norm for oilfield housing - yet. More and more companies are starting to recognize them as a solution to many of the challenges traditional oilfield housing brings. 

Modified Container Oilfield Housing Pros & Cons

Pro:

• Relocatable - Shipping containers are designed to move, and move well. Even when modified to be livable, their built-in logistic handling points make them easy to lift, move, and stack as needed.
• Durable - Containers are made of durable Corten steel, which is designed to withstand trans-oceanic voyages without compromising the interior contents. Once modified into a living space, this steel continues to do its job. A modified container can last several decades.
• Customizable - Here at Falcon Structures, we’ve created a library of modified shipping container floor plans that can be modified for virtually any need. Container living spaces we’ve manufactured in the past have included customizations like windows, full showers, exterior lighting, kitchenettes, and more.
• Secure - Have you ever tried to break into heavy-duty, 16-gauge steel? Good luck. Shipping containers are inherently secure. Depending on your situation, you can add security modifications like motion-sensor lighting and barred windows.  

Con:

• Up-front investment - Modified container living spaces are not as cheap as an option like mobile homes. However, their durability, customizability, and overall longevity make them a wise investment.
• Unfamiliar - Some decision makers may not be familiar with modified container living spaces. Fortunately, we are! Our team can guide yours through what’s possible with Falcon’s manufacturing process. 

Companies choose different types of oilfield housing for many reasons, but the desire to attract and retain quality employees is growing as an industry value. Based on our experience, modified container living spaces serve this purpose well. Consider this testimonial from a recent customer that implemented container workforce housing on their site.

"Falcon had the perfect container layout options to choose from. The living units we ordered were cost efficient and helped our employees feel comfortable during the 3-month fishing season." 

- OBI Seafoods

To learn more about upgrading your company’s oilfield housing to container living spaces, give us a call at 512-231-1010 or email us at Sales@FalconStructures.com. We’ll advise on how containers can help meet your oil field housing needs.