It’s fair to say that the difference between our plans at the beginning of 2020, and those that we currently have in place, is stark in most cases. If this was going to be the year that you made a big change, then it’s fair to say that although a change happened, it probably wasn’t the one you were counting on.
Most of us can agree that the greater part of this year has been about survival – but with that said, we’re now mostly used to living with the changed reality, and looking for ways to live as normal a life as possible.
Among the kinds of plan that took a real knock earlier in the year, one of the most prominent was the decision to do work on our homes. Home renovations are a staple of domestic life, with hardware stores and showrooms – in most years – becoming hives of activity every public holiday.
With lockdown having put paid to most people’s chances of getting work done for most of this year, a lot of remodelling plans have gone on hold. The question now, as we tick into the final third of the year, is: should they stay on hold?
Can you get the work done?
One of the key questions that needs to be answered before you pull the trigger on a renovation is quite simple: does the law allow it in your area? Different towns and cities have different levels of lockdown, and if you’re currently living somewhere with more stringent restrictions, you may be breaking restrictions by having outside workers come into your house. If you’re planning on doing all the work yourself, then – as long as you can responsibly source the materials – this is not a problem.
Bear in mind, too, that there are overall restrictions on having tradespeople come to your home. If anyone in your household is currently self-isolating or showing virus symptoms, you should not admit anyone into your home who does not live there.
Equally, no work should be done on your home by anyone experiencing symptoms. And regardless of the health status of all concerned, it’s still essential to practice distancing as far as possible; don’t linger in any room where work is being done; and everyone in the house should wash their hands on a regular basis.
Is now a good time?
Assuming that you have the funds available and the ability to abide by regulations, there is an argument that now is possibly the best time to have renovation work done. We can’t be sure whether or not there will be a significant second wave in the UK, but most experts agree it’s more likely than not.
If that does occur, it’s likely to hit hard this autumn and necessitate another lockdown. If you have work that needs to be done, this could be the window you’re looking for, and if you need tradespeople to do the work, it might be the last chance in 2020.
Whether the work is essential repair, or a remodel of your kitchen surfaces by experts such as Granite Transformations, you’ll be able to have the necessary conversations with dedicated professionals. Conscientious tradespeople are fully aware of the necessary Covid safety protocols and will be more than happy to discuss your needs in a way that keeps everyone safe.
Be conscientious about your neighbours
One underappreciated aspect of the pandemic and lockdown has been that – although we’re not for the most part crammed into offices and other enclosed workspaces – there is still an issue of people being concentrated into small areas.
If everyone, or even most people, in an area stays home, then whole neighbourhoods are having to get used to more people being at home during the day. This means you need to be respectful of people’s space; all the more so given the risk of transmission.
If you are going to be having work done in your home, be aware of the potential for noise as a result of this work, and raise the issue with your neighbours. If they’re working from home, they’ll appreciate the warning and be able to make arrangements.
If they’re vulnerable and shielding – and as a result can’t simply go for a walk or a day trip to get away from the noise – then knowing about the work in advance will allow them to prepare. Additionally, if the tradespeople would usually use your front or back garden for access while working, prior warning will allow them to respect your neighbours’ privacy and needs.
Keep an eye on priorities
There may well be a few pieces of work you want to have done during this time, but it is worth being aware that – given how quickly the picture can change – there is a lot to be said for prioritising sensibly. If you want to have a lot of work done, it’s worth bearing in mind that thanks to Coronavirus protocol, not all work can be as quick as would normally be the case.
This isn’t the only question of priority either. For example, if you are looking to choose between some outdoor work, such as landscaping, and an indoor job of similar duration, pick the outdoor job; it can be done more safely.
For the most part, it is possible through consultation with your contractors to preserve the safety of everyone concerned while having work done. That’s a picture that might change, so make sure you’re always aware of the latest developments where you are. If there is a job that you can undertake yourself, then do so – it’s safer all around. But if you do need to call in contractors, there will usually be a way to get things done without undue hassle.
If you’ve been planning renovations for a while,
It might be time to bite the bullet and get the work booked in. Your contractors will welcome the bookings, and if you’re going to be working from home then you’re sure to appreciate the improved surroundings.
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