When a business needs accommodation or facilities on-site, it usually means one thing: people need to live, work, rest, or handle day-to-day needs where there’s no convenient building nearby. In Western Australia, that can mean remote mining areas, civil construction sites, regional projects, or temporary work zones where time is tight and building something permanent makes no sense.
That’s where a donga fits. For many businesses, it’s not a “nice extra”. It’s infrastructure. It helps projects run smoothly, keeps teams comfortable, and gives you control over your site setup without waiting months for a traditional build.
This guide is written for Perth and WA buyers who are thinking about site accommodation for real commercial use. It is not about pickup trucks. It is about practical planning, what to check before purchase, and how to choose a unit that will actually hold up in Australian conditions.
For general background on the term and how it is used in Australia, Wikipedia has a helpful overview here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donga
What businesses use dongas for in WA
Dongas are common wherever projects are temporary, remote, or expanding quickly. They can be used as:
- Worker accommodation for regional and remote sites
- Site offices and admin spaces
- Lunch rooms and amenities blocks
- Change rooms and crib rooms
- First aid rooms and secure storage
- Temporary accommodation during building or renovation projects
For many industries, the ability to deliver a ready-to-use unit to site can be the difference between starting on time and losing weeks.
See also: Why Landlords Should Switch to Property-Focused Making Tax Digital Software
Why buying site accommodation is different from buying other assets
A donga is a business asset, but the decision is not only about price. It is about usability. If the unit is uncomfortable, poorly insulated, or unreliable, it becomes a constant headache. And if it cannot be transported and installed easily, your project timeline can take a hit.
Businesses usually care about:
- Fast deployment and minimal setup time
- Durability in heat, dust, and heavy use
- Layout that suits the number of people and purpose
- Safety and compliance considerations
- Ease of relocation when the project changes
- Practical running costs for power and comfort
The best purchase is the one that works quietly in the background and does not become “another problem” to manage.
How to approach a donga for sale purchase with a business mindset
A lot of buyers focus on the inside fitout first, because it’s what you can see. A smarter approach is to start with the basics: structure, transportability, and how the unit will perform in real WA conditions.
1) Start with the purpose, not the look
Write down what you need the unit to do:
- Accommodation for how many people?
- Office space for how many desks and what equipment?
- Amenities: shower, toilet, laundry, kitchenette?
- Short-term use or long-term use?
- Remote site or metro use?
This quickly shapes the layout requirements and helps you avoid buying a unit that looks good but does not function well for your team.
2) Think about transport and installation early
A donga needs to get to site and be positioned safely. Consider:
- Access to the site for delivery
- Crane requirements or lifting points
- Site preparation (pads, supports, drainage)
- How services will connect: power, water, sewerage
- Whether the unit will be moved again later
A good unit that cannot be installed efficiently can still become a costly problem.
3) Comfort is not a luxury on remote sites
In WA, heat and long workdays are real. Comfort is directly tied to fatigue and morale.
Practical comfort factors include:
- Insulation quality
- Air conditioning capacity
- Ventilation and airflow
- Noise control
- Window placement and shading
- Durable flooring and easy cleaning surfaces
Comfort affects productivity. It also affects retention, especially when people are working away from home.
Common donga types and layouts used by businesses
Different projects need different setups. Common categories include:
- Single room accommodation units
- Multi-room accommodation blocks
- Office dongas and meeting rooms
- Kitchen and mess units
- Toilet and shower blocks
- Combined accommodation with kitchenette and ensuite
- Storage and workshop-style units
A good layout reduces foot traffic issues and keeps the site running smoother.
Donga vs container accommodation: what’s the difference in practice?
People often use the term “donga” broadly. Container accommodation is a common style of modular unit used for similar purposes.
In practical terms, the difference usually comes down to:
- Construction style and structural design
- Transport and stacking capability
- Fitout options and layout flexibility
- Insulation and comfort performance
- How the unit integrates with other site buildings
Some businesses choose container-style accommodation because it can be modular and easier to relocate. Others choose traditional donga-style buildings based on layout preferences and comfort needs.
If you live in Perth and you’re looking for options, you can start here:
https://westerntrucksales.com.au/heavy-equipment/container-accommodation/
New vs used dongas: what makes sense
Both can work well. The right choice depends on timeline, budget, and how long you need the unit.
When new units can make sense
- You need specific fitout requirements
- You want predictable condition and fewer repairs early on
- You plan to keep the unit long-term
- You need a consistent standard across multiple units
When used units can make sense
- You need fast availability
- Budget is tighter
- The unit will be used short-term or seasonally
- You can inspect properly and verify condition
Used units can be great value, but inspection matters. A cheap unit can become expensive if it needs major repairs or has poor insulation.
What to inspect before purchase
A checklist helps you avoid surprises.
Structure and exterior
- Signs of rust, damage, or water ingress
- Door and window sealing
- Roof condition and drainage
- Structural integrity and lifting points
Interior condition
- Flooring wear and damage
- Wall and ceiling condition
- Signs of mould or moisture issues
- Functionality of doors, locks, and windows
Services and fitout
- Air conditioning performance
- Electrical condition and outlets
- Plumbing condition if applicable
- Hot water system functionality (if fitted)
- Kitchenette and bathroom fitout quality
Transport readiness
- Whether the unit is suitable for relocation
- Tie-down points and lifting capacity
- Any damage that would complicate delivery
Mistakes businesses make when buying site accommodation
These are common ones:
- Buying based on price alone
- Ignoring insulation and AC capacity
- Not planning for service connections on-site
- Underestimating site preparation requirements
- Buying a layout that doesn’t match how people actually use the space
- Skipping inspection for leaks and structural issues
Avoiding these mistakes usually saves far more than negotiating a cheaper price.
How to choose the right unit with confidence
Before you commit, confirm:
- The layout fits your daily use, not just what looks good in photos
- The unit will be comfortable in WA conditions
- Transport and installation requirements are realistic
- The fitout is durable and easy to maintain
- The unit supports your business timeline and project schedule
A good unit should reduce stress by making the site more functional, not add stress through repairs and complaints.
FAQs
1. What is a donga used for in WA?
Dongas are commonly used as site accommodation, offices, crib rooms, and amenities blocks for mining, civil, construction, and remote projects.
2. Is it better to buy a new or used donga?
It depends on budget, availability, and how long you need it. New units can offer predictable condition and tailored fitouts. Used units can offer value if inspected properly.
3. What should I check first when inspecting a used unit?
Look for structural issues, water ingress, rust, mould, and the condition of insulation and air conditioning. These issues can be expensive to fix later.
4. What makes a donga comfortable in WA conditions?
Good insulation, reliable air conditioning, ventilation, and durable interior finishes. Comfort affects fatigue and morale on long projects.
5. What are common hidden costs with site accommodation?
Transport, crane or placement costs, site preparation, and connecting services like power, water, and sewerage. Planning these early prevents budget surprises.
