Parking is a decisive criterion for fitters when choosing their accommodation. Most craftsmen travel with company cars, often packed with tools and materials. Having a safe parking space in the immediate vicinity of the accommodation is therefore not a luxury, but a practical necessity. While hotels often only offer expensive underground parking spaces or limited parking spaces, professional fitter apartments are standard with sufficient parking spaces. The question of parking facilities should already be clarified at the time of booking in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive. This text explains which parking options are common and what tenants should look out for.
Types of parking spaces
The most common form is ground-level pitches directly on the house or on the property. These offer the advantage of short distances and easy access. In the morning the tool can be invited quickly, and in the evening the vehicle is safely at the door. In newer fitter apartments, such parking spaces are usually planned and sufficiently available.
Public parking nearby is an alternative but less comfortable. If you still have to walk several hundred meters to the accommodation after a long day at work, you will quickly find this to be stressful. This may be acceptable for a short overnight stay, for longer stays a private parking space is much better.
Garages or carports are offered less frequently, but are particularly advantageous in winter or with valuable tools in the vehicle. The car is protected from the weather and the tool is not visible. Some landlords also offer lockable garages for an additional charge.
Underground parking spaces are more likely to be found in urban apartment buildings. They offer maximum security, but can be problematic with large vans. The entrance height is often limited, and tight curves make maneuvering difficult.
Is there parking for vans or sprinters?
This question is crucial for many craft businesses. A normal car parking space is often not enough for a sprinter or a loaded transporter. The vehicles are longer, wider and higher than normal cars. Professional landlords of fitter apartments know this and plan accordingly.
Fitter accommodation with parking space should explicitly indicate whether large vehicles can also be accommodated. The parking spaces must be sufficient, ideally at least 3 meters wide and 6 meters long. Parking can be difficult, even with existing parking spaces.
Some landlords have set up special areas for vans, for example on a larger yard or on an asphalted area next to the building. If you are arriving with a team and several vans, you have to clarify in advance whether all vehicles can be accommodated.
Important questions about parking
- How many parking spaces are available?
- Are the places suitable for transporters or sprinters?
- Are the parking spaces right next to the house?
- Are the pitches covered or outdoors?
- Are there any additional parking costs?
safety and tool theft
Safety is an important aspect of parking. Craftsmen often have expensive tools and material in the vehicle that is attractive for thieves. A well-lit, visible parking lot directly at the house deters potential thieves. Even better is a fenced property or a lockable gate.
In some regions, tool theft from vehicles is a serious problem. Professional suppliers of fitters know this concern and pay attention to safe parking. Some even install surveillance cameras or offer separate, lockable storage rooms for particularly valuable tools.
For longer stays, one should not underestimate the importance of a safe feeling about the vehicle. If you want to sleep peacefully at night without having to worry about your tools, you value good safety precautions.
parking costs
For most fitter apartments, parking spaces are included in the rental price. This is an important difference to hotels, which often charge extra parking fees. Between 5 and 15 euros per night can be incurred in the hotel for a parking space, which clearly adds up over several weeks.
Some landlords charge a small surcharge for special parking spaces such as garages or covered parking spaces. This is usually 20 to 50 euros per month and is often justified in view of the additional protection. It is important that these costs are communicated transparently in advance.
Practical tips for booking
Before booking, you should make sure that there is ample parking. This is particularly important for team bookings with several vehicles. A photo of the parking spaces or a detailed description of the landlord will help avoid misunderstandings.
You should know the dimensions of your own vehicle and tell the landlord. A sprinter with a length of 6 meters and a height of 2.50 meters does not fit everywhere. The access to the parking lot is also important – narrow entrances to the gates or steep driveways can become a problem with large vehicles.
When you arrive, you should take a close look at the parking situation. Where exactly can you park? Are there allocated pitches or free choice of seats? Many landlords already clarify these details when the keys are handed over or in the booking confirmation.
If the accommodation itself does not offer sufficient parking spaces, there should be alternatives nearby. However, a fitter’s accommodation with a parking space always remains the most comfortable solution, as it saves time and makes everyday life considerably easier. Good parking is a quality feature of professional landlords.