Crew Housing Planning Checklist | Corporate Hospitality Services

Ensuring your work crews have safe, comfortable, and convenient housing is more than just a logistical task—it’s a critical component of project success. For large-scale operations in oil and gas, construction, or energy, the right lodging strategy can directly impact crew morale, productivity, and your bottom line. Poor planning, on the other hand, can lead to budget overruns, project delays, and exhausted employees.

At Corporate Hospitality Services (CHS), we specialize in simplifying these complex housing needs. As an expert in construction, oilfield, and remote crew housing solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed housing plan can make all the difference. This crew housing checklist serves as a practical resource for project managers, foremen, and supervisors responsible for keeping their teams happy, rested, and ready for work.

Pre-Planning Essentials

Before you book the first room, lay a solid foundation by defining the core parameters of your housing needs.

Budgeting: Align your crew housing costs with the overall project timeline and budget. Factor in not just nightly rates but also potential costs for meals, laundry, and transportation. A clear budget helps narrow down options and prevents surprise expenses down the line.
Location: Proximity to the worksite is paramount. Long commutes increase fuel costs and contribute to crew fatigue. Prioritize housing options that minimize travel time, whether you’re operating in the Permian Basin, rural New Mexico, or any other remote location.
Duration: Determine whether you need short-term accommodations for a few nights or extended stays for projects lasting weeks or months. The duration will heavily influence the most cost-effective and comfortable type of housing for your team.

Compliance & Safety

A safe crew is a productive crew. Never overlook the regulatory and safety aspects of workforce housing.

Regulations: Ensure any potential lodging meets all relevant safety standards, including local housing codes, industry-specific requirements, and OSHA guidelines.
Emergency Protocols: A comprehensive safety plan is non-negotiable. Verify that your chosen housing has on-site security, clear fire safety measures, and well-defined emergency evacuation plans. At CHS-owned man camps, for example, we utilize over 45 security cameras and have on-site staff to ensure a secure environment.
Insurance: Confirm that the housing provider has adequate liability insurance to protect your company and your employees in case of an incident.

Amenities & Comfort Factors

The right amenities transform a simple room into a temporary home, helping to reduce burnout and improve employee retention.

Housing Types: Consider the best fit for your crew. Construction, utility, and oilfield housing options can range from extended-stay hotels and furnished apartments to dedicated lodges and man camps designed specifically for large workforces.
Must-Have Amenities: Look for facilities that support your crew’s well-being. High-speed Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facilities, and regular housekeeping services are essential. For longer projects, amenities like hot meals prepared by an on-site chef, 24-hour gyms, and recreation areas can significantly boost morale.
Privacy Options: Depending on your budget and crew structure, you may need a mix of private rooms for supervisors and shared accommodations for other team members. Flexible housing partners can accommodate these varied needs.

Logistics & Operations

Managing the administrative side of crew housing can quickly become a full-time job. Streamlining these processes is key to operational efficiency.

Reservation Management: Look for a centralized booking system. Having a single point of contact who can manage reservations, handle changes, and adapt to shifting crew sizes saves invaluable time and eliminates confusion.
Billing: Juggling invoices from dozens of hotels and properties is an accounting nightmare. A partner that offers consolidated billing across all crews and projects simplifies your administrative workload and provides clear insight into your total lodging spend.
Support: Issues can arise at any time. Ensure you have access to 24/7 support to resolve any on-site problems quickly, from maintenance requests to check-in difficulties.

The Ultimate Crew Housing Checklist

Use this quick-reference checklist to evaluate potential housing solutions for your next project.

Location: Is it within a reasonable commute to the worksite?
Safety & Security: Does it meet all safety regulations and have robust security measures?
Accommodations: Are there options for private and shared rooms?
Connectivity: Is reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi available for work and personal use?
Meals: Are there on-site dining options, kitchenettes, or nearby restaurants?
Amenities: Are laundry, housekeeping, fitness, and recreation facilities available?
Parking: Is there sufficient and secure parking for work trucks and personal vehicles?
Flexibility: Can the provider accommodate both short-term and extended stays with flexible terms?
Billing: Is consolidated invoicing an option to simplify administration?
Support: Is there a dedicated support contact available 24/7?

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a crew housing checklist include?

A comprehensive crew housing checklist should cover location, safety standards, accommodation types, essential amenities (like Wi-Fi, meals, and laundry), logistical considerations like parking, and the provider’s billing and support services.

Why is crew housing planning important for oilfield and construction projects?

Proper planning is critical because it directly impacts project budgets, operational efficiency, and crew well-being. Good housing reduces employee turnover, minimizes fatigue-related safety risks, and ensures your team is rested and focused on the job.

What types of housing options are available for crews?

Crews can be housed in a variety of accommodations, including lodges/man camps, extended-stay hotels, furnished corporate apartments, and even single-family homes. The best option depends on the crew size, project duration, location, and budget.

How does CHS simplify workforce housing logistics?

CHS acts as your single point of contact for all housing needs. With just one call, we handle everything from finding and negotiating the best rates to managing reservations and providing one consolidated invoice for all your crews. We work for you, not the hotels, ensuring your needs are always the top priority.

Why Partner with CHS for Your Crew Housing Needs?

Workforce lodging doesn’t have to be a burden. With deep expertise in the oilfield, energy, and construction industries, Corporate Hospitality Services is built to handle the details so you can focus on your core operations.

Our broad network and significant buying power allow us to secure the best rates across Texas, New Mexico, and the rest of the U.S. and Canada. We offer rapid deployment, consolidated billing, and the flexibility of no long-term binding contracts or hidden fees. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Ready to streamline your crew housing logistics? Contact us today to discuss your project needs.