Covid vs Planned Renovation

zzz · 17 Mar 2020

Sorry for yet another virus thread, but I have a specific question. We were getting quotes for our flat renovation when it was only kicking off in China, just now have chosen a builder (haven't signed contract yet) - and yesterday the government tells us "no non-essential contact" and "work from home if possible". It's a fast moving situation and I'll be talking to the builder tonight. But what are your thoughts - both those of you who are tradespeople, and those about to start a big project? Is cancelling it the only sensible thing to do? Are builders really going to down tools for weeks and months? Will materials suppliers shut so builders won't be able to get what we need?

I really want to push through with it because my wife is due in the summer and this window of time is all we have. Need the flat done up or I just know it won't be done for at least a couple of years after the new baby comes! It really needs doing, it's just not nice to live in, we have been waiting and saving for years already for it.

motorbiking · 17 Mar 2020

If your wife wasn't due, I'd say carry on and perhaps introduce a strict cleaning regime. But given her risk, I'd consider delay.

Notch7 · 17 Mar 2020

I would add that this pandemic will cause considerable economic damage. Personally I would delay and keep the money in your bank.

^woody^ · 17 Mar 2020

Notch7 said:
I would add that this pandemic will cause considerable economic damage. Personally I would delay and keep the money in your bank.

**** the builders then, let them starve.

We're all in it togther. FFS

SirGalahad · 17 Mar 2020

^woody^ said:
**** the builders then, let them starve.

We're all in it togther. FFS

Free market. You believe in private enterprise so you are in a downturn.

Bloody scroungers wanting handouts.

Maybe if you voted in a more considerate Gov where people were not so squeezed in their daily lives.

Paulin Latham Tory MP response to a constituents question.

Worried about making ends meet on #StatutorySickPay ?

"Get A Life" says
@Pauline_Latham

^woody^ · 17 Mar 2020

zzz said:
Sorry for yet another virus thread, but I have a specific question. We were getting quotes for our flat renovation when it was only kicking off in China, just now have chosen a builder (haven't signed contract yet) - and yesterday the government tells us "no non-essential contact" and "work from home if possible". It's a fast moving situation and I'll be talking to the builder tonight. But what are your thoughts - both those of you who are tradespeople, and those about to start a big project? Is cancelling it the only sensible thing to do? Are builders really going to down tools for weeks and months? Will materials suppliers shut so builders won't be able to get what we need?

I really want to push through with it because my wife is due in the summer and this window of time is all we have. Need the flat done up or I just know it won't be done for at least a couple of years after the new baby comes! It really needs doing, it's just not nice to live in, we have been waiting and saving for years already for it.

The advice in generality, is to minimise contact to avoid the risk of catching or spreading. You are unlikely to come into close enough contact for the periods required to catch or transmit the virus, and even if that's not the case, the risks can be dealt with with suitable PPE - which builders should be wearing the majority of the time for renovation work anyway.

What you will find is that most of the larger companies will be risk-assessing their work and recommending employees avoid "unnecessary" contact, but mainly they are worried about being sued by employees for not looking after their H&S. The smaller companies and self employed will be (could) carry on as normal whilst taking practical precautions and being mindful of their own condition.

zzz · 17 Mar 2020

Thanks woody. The plan was for us to rent a small flat / studio locally for the 5-6 weeks of the works (prices already seem to have fallen!), so there would be minimal contact with builders anyway. I'm more worried about further Italy/France-style movement lockdown, and suppliers not being able to dispatch orders from warehouses (tiles, bath, kitchen units, flooring, etc.).

^woody^ · 17 Mar 2020

How supply chains react is unknown, but I would suggest that they will continue without significant impact.

IT Minion · 17 Mar 2020

If you'd be out the flat then the main risk won't be infection, it'd be that for some reason the works stop and you're stuck renting as the old place isn't fit/safe to move back in.

Ian H · 17 Mar 2020

Is it something where you can get all the materials on site soon? If you carried on yourself, the builder and suppliers would all benefit from the trade.

Notch7 · 17 Mar 2020

^woody^ said:
the risks can be dealt with with suitable PPE - which builders should be wearing the majority of the time for renovation work anyway

Yes builders are reknowned for their fastidious devotion to cleanliness.

garyo · 17 Mar 2020

I'm just about to start mine. A couple of weeks ago I bought anything easy to store on the basis that I dont know where its made... DPM, wall ties, wall starters, cavity closers etc.

My assumption was that anything heavy is going to be made in the UK, but now who knows what'll shut down for things like child care or isolation reasons. Saw Mills? Cement plants?

I've not got any PIR for the floor so I may be scuppered anyway.

noseall · 17 Mar 2020

Notch7 said:
Yes builders are reknowned for their fastidious devotion to cleanliness.

I rarely wash my hands at work and am hardly likely to start anytime soon. Nowt wrong with a few germs.

garyo · 17 Mar 2020

My skin starts falling off after a few weeks bricklaying. Cv doesn't stand a chance against cement dust.

gasbanni · 17 Mar 2020

Your families health takes absolute priority ........wait. put up with it not being how you like it for the time being.

Covid vs Planned Renovation

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