Home Remodeling During Covid-19: What You Need To Know

Like many people, you’ve probably been spending lots of time at home during the past several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, you’ve probably seen flaws in your home, including outdated kitchen cabinets, frayed carpets, peeling wall paint and maybe even a room that needs to be converted into a dedicated office. 

Maybe the thought of renovation and remodeling has crossed your mind. But this couldn’t possibly be the right time, could it? The truth is: it depends, because whether or not you should move forward with your project depends on many factors. It’s important to consider all of your options before making a decision. Some factors to consider include:

1. Project type: What type of project are you working on? Are there safety concerns that need to be rectified? Is the project a must-complete job or can it wait for another time?
2. Scope: How big is the project? Is it a smaller renovation like kitchen remodeling or a large-scale construction project? Does it require one contractor or a large team of construction professionals? Can it be completed in a relatively short period of time or is it a long-term project?
3. Work timeframe: Is the work you are doing time-sensitive? Does it need to be completed immediately? Can it wait until a later date? 
4. Where you are in the project: What phase of the project are you in? Are you still planning? Have you already invested in supplies and materials? Is the work underway? Are you close to project completion?
5. Risk tolerance: What is your level of risk tolerance? Does the work being completed on your property put you or others at risk? What measures will you need to put into place to limit risk for all parties involved?

Once you know the answers to these questions, proceed with familiarizing yourself with the safety guidelines. These will protect you and your family with your builder’s plan and what the remodeler is allowed to do in your home.

Here are some of the key elements:

• Sanitation and hygiene. All workers on the job site are required to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds; handwashing stations must be installed at each job site so running water is available for all workers. Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for running water.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE). Masks must be worn at all times by every person on the job site. Masks can be cloth coverings depending on the job being performed and must be accompanied by both gloves and eye protection. Depending on the size and scope of work, more stringent PPE may be required.
• Social distancing. All workers on the job site must maintain six feet of distance at all times. If they cannot perform their work at this distance, the project will not be considered low-risk and must wait. The number of workers on any job site should be limited to prevent the gathering and spreading of germs. Workers are required to keep a distance of 10 feet from any occupants of the home.

Other safety requirements include monitoring of employee health, which includes taking temperatures of all workers; safety signage and training; frequent cleaning and disinfection; and a daily sign-in sheet to track all visitors.

Continue with the project ONLY once you’re convinced that you’re on the right track. Remember, your safety should be their first priority.

Hire Knockout Renovation for your home improvement project today! Call us at (212) 599-5060 to set up your free design consultation, or fill out our contact request form. We serve clients in New York, including Manhattan and Brooklyn, NYC.