Construction Projects & Coronavirus
Getting Back on Track for the Home Improvement Industry
Without a doubt, the coronavirus pandemic has touched every region and every industry throughout our country. For this reason, people who were planning construction projects prior to the Covid-19 lockdowns may feel unsure of how to continue now that many states are beginning to reopen. Notwithstanding the risk of a home renovation project in the middle of a global pandemic, there are ways to get things rolling safely if you are willing to make some changes and be flexible in your approach.
Remodeling Contractors See an Uptick in Calls
Believe it or not, many home construction contractors have experienced a surge in calls since some stay-at-home orders went into effect. Clearly, many people are using the hiatus from normal work schedules to focus on improvements to a space where they will be spending much more of their time.
Make the Downtime Work for You
Take Advantage of the Early Stages
Maybe you have already completed the design phase and are ready to start construction. Because the early stages of a project are simpler to manage, this is also good time to get started. In other words, you won’t have to wait just because the country is still easing back into things.
For example, if you are about to start demolition, your project manager can begin coordinating the project while working from home. Then your subcontractors can start to work on-site as long as they follow up-to-date safety guidelines and wear personal protective equipment.
Restart a Renovation Project That Was Put on Hold
If construction of your infinity pool was interrupted due to Covid-19 restrictions, you’ve already faced a few home renovation challenges these last few months. Unquestionably, starting and stopping projects like these is difficult for everyone involved.
By the time you break ground, however, you have made most of the difficult decisions. At this point, you probably have your materials, or at least they have been ordered. Now it’s more a matter of getting your team back on track. Naturally, they will have to be extra careful as they return to work. But social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment add up to a minimal amount of extra work for construction crews.
Greater Emphasis on Exterior Home Projects
Outside remodeling projects will make the most sense as we adjust to a new normal. Projects like exterior painting are perfect because there’s no worries about interfering with the homeowner’s space. Social distancing becomes much easier when a project takes place outside the home.
Furthermore, people are now more inclined to pursue exterior living projects such as an outdoor entertainment center because they want to be able to enjoy their backyard if they’re going to be stuck at home.
Questions to Ask Your Home Contractor Before Work Resumes
If you decide to start or continue with construction at your home, you should check with your remodeling company to make sure they are taking the right precautions to be as safe as possible while working on site. Are they going to limit their visits to other parts of your home? Do they equip their crew with the appropriate personal protective gear? How do they plan to deal with a crew member if one of them gets sick? If they are replacing windows around a home, will they use plastic sheeting to wall off workers from homeowners?
If you need to visit their showroom, have they made the right arrangements there to protect their clients? These are the kinds of questions you should ask before you start any construction. Because of what we’ve learned during the pandemic, you can’t be too careful where you family’s health and safety is concerned.
Home Improvement Industry Weathers the Storm
While Covid-19 is the topic that will continue to occupy everyone’s mind for the foreseeable future, home remodeling companies have not suffered quite as much as other businesses, partly because many states listed them as essential services. Even though many other businesses had no choice but to remain closed during the lockdown, the home improvement industry used the time to adapt to the changing conditions. As a result, many of them have leapt ahead of the curve by innovating their business model to suit homeowners’ requirements.
Although there is no doubt that the pandemic has added uncertainty to the housing market, many people are still eager to make changes to their residences. If the right precautions are put in place, you have every reason to believe that your home renovation project can proceed safely. However, as always, the choice is up to you. Nowadays, it’s more important than ever to weigh a remodeling project’s pros and cons ahead of time, so you are comfortable with your decision.