Doing renovations during a pandemic?
Staying safe is the first priority
Maybe it’s the result of watching hours of HGTV during the pandemic or a desire to freshen up our homes after spending so much time in them — whatever the reason, plumbers and technicians are getting more calls as lockdown restrictions loosen.
Michael Shaw, who runs a plumbing and heating business, says that when restrictions on businesses were imposed, he took quick action to get his business ready to operate in the new COVID-19 world.
His staff were instructed in ways to minimize contact with clients and ensure their safety.
He says the most important thing is to make sure clients feel comfortable and safe while the technician is in their home.
If you’re planning a renovation during the pandemic, Shaw has several suggestions.
“It would be good advice to spend a lot of time on Pinterest and a lot time on Houzz (a website platform dedicated to interior design) and really hone in on the vision of what you’re looking for before you start,” he says. Knowing what you want without having to visit a dozen different stores will reduce your risk of coming in contact with someone who’s sick.
Virtual consultations can walk designers through your space and reduce contact. But it’s really up to the clients and what they are comfortable with.
“We can do a lot of the legwork (virtually) and that’s a lot of the stress beforehand. We can do so much of that online and not in person,” Shaw says.
The second piece of advice is to ask a lot of questions — especially on what precautions the renovation team will take to keep you and your family safe during the pandemic.
“You really need to trust the company that you’re going to work with. You don’t want the company who you’re not sure who’s going to be in and out of your house, or whether they’re following safety protocols,” he says.
He also suggests, if possible, to section off the part of home that’s being renovated so there is little contact between residents and workers during the renovation. With a little creativity creating a beautiful new look for your home is possible, even in these unprecedented times.