How to work with tradesmen during the lockdown
Wanting to kick start your home renovations but not sure where you stand with the current lockdown restrictions? Here is some advice from Checkatrade.
Image: Pixabay
Following this weekend’s update from the government that restrictions around construction and manufacturing are beginning to ease, Checkatrade, one of the UK’s leading tradesperson directories, has worked closely with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy to produce guidance for homeowners looking to carry out work in homes.
1. Keep in touch
Regular contact with your tradesperson in advance of any home visit is important – talk through details of the work being carried out and agree how risks can be reduced before anyone comes into your house.
2. Be honest
If you have symptoms of the virus, or if you have been advised to shield yourself, then only emergency or essential repairs should go ahead. Ensure you are taking additional safety measures – for instance, by avoiding face-to-face contact or by staying in another room.
3. Go digital
Image: Pixabay
Checkatrade has introduced a video calling option on its website and is encouraging trade members to accept video calls through WhatsApp in order to carry out quotes. This minimises any risk but homeowners can still benefit from getting a range of quotes from different tradesman.
4. Take sensible precautions
Clean surfaces around the working area and in ‘high traffic’ areas such as door handles with disinfectant before, during and after work is carried out. It is also advised to keep internal doors open to minimise touching of door handles and make sure any shared facilities, like toilets or kitchens, are thoroughly cleaned after each shift. Where possible, keep children or pets in other rooms while work is carried out.
5. Be mindful of your space
Image: Pixabay
Clean surfaces around the working area and in ‘high traffic’ areas such as door handles with disinfectant before, during and after work is carried out. It is also advised to keep internal doors open to minimise touching of door handles and make sure any shared facilities, like toilets or kitchens, are thoroughly cleaned after each shift. Where possible, keep children or pets in other rooms while work is carried out.
6. Keep in contact
We recommend that you keep in contact with suppliers for assurances that your deliveries will arrive as planned. As always, it’s sensible to wait for materials to arrive before commencing a project.
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