A donga’s only as good as the ground it lands on, and installs can go sideways if the basics aren’t ticked off early.
We’ve put this guide together so you know what to get sorted before your donga arrives. A bit of planning upfront means install day goes to plan and you’re not stuck dealing with access issues, soft ground, or missing service connections.
At Instant Transportable Offices, we’ve delivered to just about every kind of site in WA. This is what we look for, what we ask before we show up, and what’ll save you time, money, and headaches on the day.
The Cost of Skipping Site Preparation
When a site’s not ready, things can get complicated fast. If the pad isn’t level or the ground can’t take the weight, we might have to place the donga somewhere else entirely, which isn’t always where you planned. That can throw out your whole layout, slow down setup, or force extra workers to fix it after the fact.
It’s the same with access and services. If there’s no way to get the truck or crane in safely, or if power and water aren’t sorted, the install gets pushed or held up. Getting these basics right doesn’t take much, but it saves a heap of stress, time, and cost once it all arrives.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Site for Donga Installation
1. Ground Levelling and Compaction
Before any transportable building is installed, the site must have a level, compacted surface capable of bearing the unit’s weight. A stable base ensures proper structural support, prevents movement over time, and allows for compliant tie-down installation.
We recommend preparing a compacted gravel pad that extends beyond the full footprint of the donga. This base should be graded flat and compacted to a suitable bearing capacity, depending on the unit size and site conditions. If the soil is loose, sandy, or previously disturbed, additional compaction or engineered remediation may be required.
In most cases, we will recommend installing concrete footings or piers to anchor the donga properly, regardless of wind region. It provides a more reliable foundation, especially for long-term or permanent setups. These are typically designed by a structural engineer and installed prior to delivery, allowing the building to be fixed directly to compliant anchor points. Our team can advise on footing specifications and provide tie-down certifications as needed.
2. Service Connections (Power, Water, Sewer, Data)
If your donga needs power, water, sewer, or data, those service points need to be in place before install. We recommend planning this with your trades early, as the last thing you want is a fully installed building with nowhere to plug in.
We can assist with service connections as part of our full install offering. If you have site plans showing service locations, we’ll quote the work directly. If not, we can organise a contractor visit to scope what’s needed.
We’ll also provide you with all the necessary connection specs for your unit upfront, so your team knows exactly where to run conduits, pits or pipework before we arrive.
3. Site Access for Transport Vehicles or Cranes
Clear site access is critical for a smooth delivery. Our dongas are typically transported by tilt-tray or Hiab, and in some cases craned into position. All of these require space, clearance, and stable ground.
We recommend checking that your site has a clear path for delivery vehicles, with enough room to manoeuvre and unload safely. This includes gate widths, turning areas, overhead clearance (no trees or powerlines), and a firm surface capable of handling heavy trucks. If the access track becomes soft after rain, it’s worth considering gravel reinforcement or an alternative route.
If craning is required, we’ll confirm lifting points and advise on minimum clearance needed. Our team can also assess access during a site visit and help plan the best delivery method based on your layout.
4. Tie-Downs and Footings Compliance
We strongly recommend installing engineered concrete footings for all buildings, including temporary or short-term setups. For regions with higher wind ratings (particularly Cyclone Region D) this becomes mandatory. In these areas, footings and tie-downs must be designed and certified by a structural engineer, based on your exact site and building configuration.
A generic solution won’t pass council approval. Each site requires specific engineering documentation with original ink-signed drawings (usually three copies for submission). Without this, your building won’t be signed off and, more importantly, won’t meet the safety standards required for cyclonic conditions.
Instant Transportable Offices can coordinate this process for you, including site-specific footing designs and certification. Our team works with experienced structural engineers to ensure the system is compliant and ready for council lodgement if required.
For a full breakdown of what’s required in cyclonic zones, check out our guide to Cyclonic Ratings for Buildings.
5. Council and Safety Clearances
Depending on the location and use of your donga, council approval may be required before installation. This is especially common for long-term buildings, structures in high-risk zones, or anything connected to permanent services. Missing this step can delay occupancy or result in fines if the building is placed without permission.
We recommend confirming early if your project needs a Development Application (DA), Building Permit, or any other form of council sign-off. If you’re unsure, we can guide you through the process or manage it on your behalf, including engineering, documentation, and follow-ups.
You’ll also need to allow for the required safety clearances around the building. This includes:
- Setbacks from boundaries and fences
- Separation from other structures
- Safe zones for access ramps or emergency egress
- Clearance from overhead power lines or underground services
We can assist with layout planning and ensure your building is positioned to meet compliance and practical access standards.
6. On-the-Day Delivery Checklist
When delivery day comes, your site should be fully prepped to avoid any delays or rework. Here’s what needs to be locked in before the truck arrives:
- Ground is compacted and level, or footings are in place and cured
- Access is clear for tilt-tray, Hiab, or crane (check for overhead power lines, tight turns, or soft ground)
- Service connections are in position and marked
- Council approvals and paperwork are completed (if required)
- Site contact is available to direct delivery and confirm placement
- Weather conditions are suitable for transport and lifting
Our delivery and installation team will take care of positioning, levelling, tie-downs, and any other scope of works we’ve agreed on.
7. Post-Installation Inspection
Once your donga is positioned and fixed down, a final inspection should be carried out before sign-off. This ensures everything is safe, compliant, and ready to use.
We recommend checking:
- The building is level, stable, and correctly tied down
- Doors and windows open and close freely
- All internal fittings (lighting, power, plumbing) are functional
- Service connections are secure and live
- Access points, ramps, and handrails (if applicable) are properly installed
If we’ve handled the install, we’ll complete this inspection with you on site. Any outstanding works or finishing items will be flagged and resolved before handover. From there, your donga is good to go.
How Instant Transportable Offices Supports You
At Instant Transportable Offices, we support clients through every step to make sure the install goes to plan and the building performs from day one.
We offer:
- Site planning advice and install briefings
- Footing design, engineering and tie-down certification
- Service connection coordination and quoting
- Full delivery, positioning, levelling and compliance setup
- Support with council approvals where needed
By managing the entire process in-house, Instant Transportable Offices ensures clear communication, full accountability, and a high-quality result from start to finish. Every project is delivered in line with our ISO-certified systems for quality (ISO 9001), safety (ISO 45001), and environmental management (ISO 14001).
Ready to Lock in Your Donga Setup?
With the right preparation and experienced delivery support, setup becomes one less thing to worry about.
Instant Transportable Offices supplies dongas for hire and sale, with full delivery, footings, service connections, and compliance support available across WA. Speak to our team on 1300 315 950 or get in touch online to organise your installation.
Managing Director at Instant Transportable Offices
Scott Rawson is the Managing Director of Instant Products Group, a specialist group of companies that offer portable building solutions, including sea containers, transportable offices, and portable sanitation products. With more than 20 years of experience in various management positions and a finalist in the WA Business News 40 under 40 awards in 2013, Scott is a highly motivated entrepreneur that has a passion for designing products to suit the needs of individual markets. From the creation of Instant Products Group over 20 years ago, he has successfully grown the group into a multi-million dollar corporation and his success is widely recognised in Western Australia. Scott is dedicated to expanding Instant Products Group nationally and providing high-quality products to a range of sectors, including mining, engineering, property development, and government.