Which New Vans Are Best For My Construction Business?

As a construction worker, no matter your specialism or trade, a van plays a massive role in facilitating your work. The vehicle you drive does far more than get you from A to B, it transports materials, protects tools, removes debris and is a visual demonstration of your professionality. The van you drive says a lot about your business.

Of course, when contemplating buying a new van, above all else should be the practicality and suitability of the vehicle for the task at hand. Vans come in a vast range of shapes and specifications, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

It is crucial when choosing a new van that fits the purpose. Different tradespeople will need different things from a van and the specific area of construction that you work in will be a deciding factor in the different characteristics you look for in a vehicle.

There can be a lot to think about, and it’s important to ask the right questions to reach the correct conclusion.

Here is Van Sales UK’s guide to choosing a new van for your construction business.

Where To Start

As with any important purchase, it can be tricky knowing where to start and what to look for. There are so many functional and cost-effective vans out there, so it is important to narrow them down. Obviously, the type of construction work you do will dictate your specific needs, but let’s start with some more generalised considerations.

Space

First and foremost, arguably the most important aspect when choosing a van for your business is the amount of space it has. Both up in the cab and in the cargo area, the capacity of your vehicle needs to match your workload and equipment.

Consider what will be stored in the van such as tools, machinery, building materials and supplies. Of course, if you are a trader transporting large pieces of equipment such as generators, you will need more room than a decorator whose supplies use less space.

Additionally, consider whether or not you will need rooftop storage for equipment such as ladders. This is often overlooked when choosing a vehicle, but a roof rack is an incredibly useful asset for extra storage.

Weight capacity

Following on from the need for adequate storage and space, it is crucial to think about the weight capacity of a van also. While most commercial vans can facilitate a heavy load, it is important to consider this. A small panel van, for example, will be able to carry less than a single cab dropside van.

Vehicle size

When choosing a van for your business, it is important to consider not only what it will be carrying, but where you’ll be driving. The overall size of the vehicle dictates the ease with which you can park and enter sites.

If you are a painter or decorator, you may need to park close to the house in which you are working, to gain easy access to your materials and tools. Whereas a scaffolder may be able to unload on-site before moving the van for the day.

There will always be an element of compromise with this; don’t buy a small van just because it makes parking easy!

Fuel economy And Mileage

Another important consideration should be the cost-effectiveness of your new van. Aside from the upfront cost and occasional maintenance, this will largely be determined by its fuel economy.

Moreover, the distance of your journeys will have a large impact on the running costs of your van. For businesses working more locally, the mileage of a van will be less of a worry. However, for construction workers carrying out jobs up and down the country, or travelling to collect materials, it needs to be cost-efficient.

Emissions

Nowadays, with the increasing awareness of our environmental impact, the carbon emissions of your vehicle should also be considered. Many urban areas such as city centres have introduced low emission zones. For those working in and around cities, this is an important consideration as it can save you money and time when driving through these areas.

In addition to the large stock of efficient petrol and diesel vans we stock, Van Sales UK also has a selection of new electric vehicles available for purchase.

Aesthetics

As with any tool or vehicle that is a part of your construction business, practicality and functionality are the most important factors. However, the appearance and aesthetics of a van also matter.

In many instances, your van will be the first thing a customer sees when you arrive for a job. It may have your company branding or logo on it and will represent you as a professional.

Which Van Is Right For You?

The type of van that is right for you wholly depends on the type of construction work that you carry out. From bricklayers and scaffolders to electricians and decorators, every job has different needs.

Choosing the right van can make your life a lot easier, maximising efficiency, saving time and keeping your equipment safe.

However, deciding can be difficult so we’ve put together a few professions and vans that are fit for the job.

Roofers

For those in the roofing trade, there are a few essentials to look out for when buying a new van. Firstly, it needs to be large enough to store a large amount of equipment and tools. From wheelbarrows and shovels to crowbars and drills, ample storage is a must. What’s more, a roof rack is a must for ladders.

Consider a medium panel van such as a Ford Transit Custom or Vauxhall Vivaro Dynamic. Both of these vans offer excellent storage, and efficient mileage and can be fitted with vehicle accessories and extras.

Painters & Decorators

If you are a painter or decorator looking for a van, your needs may vary and the scale of your business will dictate the specific requirements of a vehicle.

For smaller businesses, consisting of one or two people and working largely on domestic jobs, a smaller van such as a Volkswagen Caddy Cargo may be the perfect fit. This small car derived van has enough space for paints, tools and step ladders, but is compact enough to park in tight residential areas and narrow streets.

Alternatively, for larger decorating businesses working on commercial properties or more demanding jobs, a more sizeable vehicle would be needed. Consider a bigger van such as a large panel van. A Fiat Ducato would be a suitable starting point as they are large enough to hold multiple ladders and a team of decorators’ equipment.

Electricians

For electricians, the size of the van needed depends greatly on the type of electrical work being carried out. For smaller domestic work, perhaps locally, an electric van could be a viable option. A vehicle such as the Renault e-Trafic is a great balance of size and efficiency, boasting a spacious cargo area as well as a fully electric transmission.

Carpenters

If your profession is carpentry, it is likely that the work you carry out will be of a varied nature. Customers may range from small internal jobs to larger commercial projects, needing more materials and equipment.

Similarly to a roofer’s vehicle, a suitable van for this type of work would be a medium-sized panel van such as a Peugeot Expert Professional or a Ford Transit Custom L2. Both of these vans boast ample space for tools and materials. As well as rear-facing double doors for loading and unloading, these vans also feature sliding doors for side access in tighter situations.

Buy A Van For Your Business

Choosing a van that not only facilitates your needs but feels right for your business is important. Therefore it is crucial to use a trusted and experienced van supply company to find the right vehicle for you.

Here at Van Sales UK, we are more than your average van dealer. Our friendly and experienced team have a wealth of experience supplying businesses with vehicles up and down the country.

With a wide selection of new and used vans for sale, we can help you find what you’re looking for. Don’t hesitate, get in touch today.

Call our team on 0117 428 7721 or send an email to sales@vansalesuk.co.uk.