Whether you’re converting an old bus, a horse box, Volkswagen Transporter or any large vehicle, these projects take time. Refurbishment work and complete rebuilds also need space that you might not have in a standard garage. 

If your client wants the conversion completed in time for the peak summer season, then you can’t wait for good weather to get the work done. 

In this instance, a temporary refurbishment shelter or pop-up workshop could be the solution. It can provide instant garage space when you need it and then be dismantled when no longer required. 

Temporary shelters, sometimes called pop-up shelters, come in many different formats and sizes for a broad range of uses. Essentially, it is a sturdy, tent-like structure that provides a waterproof and windproof work environment. 

They are constructed of a steel framework secured to the floor, other buildings or containers. A heavy-duty PVC covering is then stretched over the frame, and panels for the front, back, and doors are added. 

A temporary workshop space can protect you from rain, wind and the worst of the British winter while your project takes shape. 

Shells of old vehicles are not always watertight and can sometimes be fragile during the rebuild process. Keeping the vehicle under cover while you seal up a roof or install windows can prevent damp and damage to the project. 

Converting a trailer truck for a new purpose might require extra space. According to government regulations, trailers in the UK can be up to 12 metres in length, although buses and some agricultural vehicles can be longer.

If your project involves stripping down a double-decker bus or horsebox, it might not fit through the doorway of your garage space. The height and length of a temporary workshop can be tailored to fit those particular needs.

The process of stripping down and rebuilding can kick up a lot of dust and shavings from sanding and trimming of materials. Keeping them contained in a shelter will prevent extra mess to clean up when the wind picks up. 

The reverse is true when painting, spraying, sealing or pouring resin. To get a perfect shine on the vehicle’s finish, the workshop needs to be free from dust and dirt getting stuck to wet surfaces.

Regulations for temporary buildings differ from those for permanent structures. Planning permission is not usually needed for a temporary shelter or workshop as it falls under Class A of the Town & Country Planning General Permitted Development Order (GDPO 2015). 

However, if in doubt about land-use permissions or development, it is best to contact your local council for advice. 

As it is temporary, it doesn’t need foundations or the laying of bricks or concrete. It can be laid on asphalt, concrete or paved surfaces. Depending on whether it is freestanding or a canopy, it can be simply clamped to the adjacent permanent structures. 

That means your workspace can be kept tidy and not turn your yard into a construction site. Installation of smaller shelters can be completed by you and your staff, although an installation supervisor can be arranged.