Phase 1 — Bid
At bid stage, get a realistic accommodation cost line in the estimate. Sample nightly rates + expected headcount + duration = a defensible number. Guessing costs bids.
Phase 2 — Mobilisation
Lock housing 8–12 weeks before mobilisation. On big Scottish programmes, availability tightens fast — especially north of Inverness and around Aberdeen during turnaround season.
Phase 3 — Peak works
During peak works, cluster crews by discipline and shift. Maintain weekly cleans and a live room-list. Escalate any welfare issues immediately — they compound fast on tired crews.
Phase 4 — Close-out
As trades demobilise, hand back properties in a staged way. Avoid holding every property to the last day — costs pile up and welfare turns.