Reply to: Residence while working away

[BackupBoy]

I’ve used SpareRoom for my last three live-away gigs. £100/week and I’m choosy.

[Hobosapien]

It's call a camper van. I've been tempted by this route to live away accommodation too. Never quite got round to working out the pay back time on the cost of the campervan vs hotel rate.

Campervans are way more expensive than a normal van (more so if you don't already have a van and folding bed ), though motorhomes tend to hold their value well so the cost to purchase is not lost, unlike the cost of hotels.

As for claiming as an expense, it's a moot point when under the IR35 'no travel expenses' ban, which many contractors will be or soon will be.

It is a more hardcore choice so unless adventurous then seek more traditional easier options as mentioned by others. Though at least in your own bed you know how clean the sheets and pillows really are.

[WTFH]

Wow! Flying into work sounds incredible. The question is mainly from the point of view of understanding the best practice rather a specific instance. I am mentally preparing myself to work away so establishing some knowledge-base regarding the factors involved. Residence is one such major factor.

I'd suggest if it's your first time staying away, go for a reasonable hotel for the first few weeks.

...oh and the word you want is accommodation, not residence.

[darmstadt]

This. And don't forget parking. If you're in any city centre location, you could well be shelling out £20 a day for that alone. If the hotel includes parking, you're saving.

How many hotels have free parking anymore? I think ever since they started givng free wi-fi, they hiked up the parking costs.

I tend to use hotels and those which have a customer package, i.e. so you can collect all those bonus points so you gradually get upgraded and all the other extras. I did 5 years in one particular hotel, got the same room each week, they had a parking space just for me in the underground garage (and had the lift to the garage ready and open for me as they saw me drive up to it), got discounted and so on. Then with all the bonus points, it pays for all those dirty weekends away with the mistress and doesn't show up on your credit card, sorted...

[Mordac]

Ditto. If I'm away from home I want a nice hotel with nice eating places nearby and close to the office so I can walk in. I often try a few around to find which one I like best then arrange a rate for myself as a long staying regular guest.

I did my first couple of contracts away staying above grotty pubs to save some pennies. Now I make sure the rate covers a decent hotel otherwise I don't take the contract.

This. And don't forget parking. If you're in any city centre location, you could well be shelling out £20 a day for that alone. If the hotel includes parking, you're saving.

[Mordac]

It's call a camper van. I've been tempted by this route to live away accommodation too. Never quite got round to working out the pay back time on the cost of the campervan vs hotel rate.

Try claiming the cost of a camper-van back from Hector. Then try claiming back a hotel receipt. I know which I'd choose.

[Batcher]

It's been a long time, but I prefer a reasonable hotel in a fairly central location. You can usually get a good rate for being a regular. It's just more convenient than renting.

At one place I used to enjoy a whiskey with the chef, once the restaurant was closed.

Ditto. If I'm away from home I want a nice hotel with nice eating places nearby and close to the office so I can walk in. I often try a few around to find which one I like best then arrange a rate for myself as a long staying regular guest.

I did my first couple of contracts away staying above grotty pubs to save some pennies. Now I make sure the rate covers a decent hotel otherwise I don't take the contract.

[Wilmslow]

I’ve been lucky with Spare Rooms before.

Download the app, and search to include En-Suite.

I stayed with a family - mother was a uni lecturer and her two kids were polite and well behaved. No regrets.

[CoolCat]

Wow! Flying into work sounds incredible. The question is mainly from the point of view of understanding the best practice rather a specific instance. I am mentally preparing myself to work away so establishing some knowledge-base regarding the factors involved. Residence is one such major factor.

join all the hotel brand loyalty schemes, will get you better rates, allocated better rooms, and they throw in perks like free rooms or meals when you get enough points. even if you just use hotels now and again it can soon add up.

[Yorkie62]

Just done a rough calculation

Assuming (for simplicity) a 2nd hand campervan for £16K

Hotels at £80 and having to be on site 5 days per week

You would need approximately 40 week to recover the initial outlay on the van (1 year contract) assuming you can park for free at the client site.

[northernladuk]

Wow! Flying into work sounds incredible. The question is mainly from the point of view of understanding the best practice rather a specific instance. I am mentally preparing myself to work away so establishing some knowledge-base regarding the factors involved. Residence is one such major factor.

There is no best practice. It's the best option that suits your individual requirements, some of which are personal so it's something for you to work out what suits you (sir).

[siphr]

we have had this discussion before

I mentioned I had worked alongside a contractor who parked his camper van up in the clients car park for the duration of the contract. Happily the client didnt mind, and it all worked out fine. He seemed to enjoy it.

I have also worked alongside a contractor who would commute in his private plane, he lived near an airport at one side of the country, and we were working near an airport at the other side of the country, and he simply flew from one side of the country to the other like most people drive to work. That worked out fine too. Great lad, would love to know where he is now.

But in my own case I mostly use cheap hotels... whatever the best deal is at the time..

If you give us a clue where you are working we may be able to help recommend.

Wow! Flying into work sounds incredible. The question is mainly from the point of view of understanding the best practice rather a specific instance. I am mentally preparing myself to work away so establishing some knowledge-base regarding the factors involved. Residence is one such major factor.

[CoolCat]

we have had this discussion before

I mentioned I had worked alongside a contractor who parked his camper van up in the clients car park for the duration of the contract. Happily the client didnt mind, and it all worked out fine. He seemed to enjoy it.

I have also worked alongside a contractor who would commute in his private plane, he lived near an airport at one side of the country, and we were working near an airport at the other side of the country, and he simply flew from one side of the country to the other like most people drive to work. That worked out fine too. Great lad, would love to know where he is now.

But in my own case I mostly use cheap hotels... whatever the best deal is at the time..

If you give us a clue where you are working we may be able to help recommend.

[Yorkie62]

Van with folding bed in the back.

The number of times I've paid for a hotel room and only really needed a bed due to working long hours (particularly if squeezing the working week so can leave early on Friday and arrive late on Monday) or socialising after hours most evenings with fellow contractors ...

Just need to ensure client has shower facilities and park discretely either at client site or on a residential street.

[Never actually done this but have been tempted, and have done it the odd night away when too drunk to drive home until morning]

It's call a camper van. I've been tempted by this route to live away accommodation too. Never quite got round to working out the pay back time on the cost of the campervan vs hotel rate.

[Paddy]

It's been a long time, but I prefer a reasonable hotel in a fairly central location. You can usually get a good rate for being a regular. It's just more convenient than renting.

At one place I used to enjoy a whiskey with the chef, once the restaurant was closed.

I always go for hotels.
1. No paperwork.
2. No contract.
3. If your contract location changes and finishes early you are not left with a usless rented property. eg: I was working in the IOM office and then with a days notice I was in the Gibralter office.