COVID-19 has enforced some rather strict limitations on visitors and out-of-home excursions. For homeowners, this has led to many DIY and home renovation projects. From decluttering to remodelling.
As COVID-19 continues to limit our activities in the outside world, we know many Montrealers are taking this time to update their homes. To keep you safe during these endeavours, we’ve created a list of 6 mistakes to avoid. Here is what you should know about renovations during the pandemic:
1. Having multiple workers in your home at one time
During a home renovation you will have to have a team on site to create your home renovation. However, you can ask your contractor to limit the amount of people coming in, in order to reduce the spreading of the virus.
Your contractor should already be using a smaller amount of workers on each of his sites to reduce the spreading of the disease.
By limiting the amont of people on site, you have to be prepared that your project will take longer, but you will be contributing to reducing the spread of COVID-19.
2. Enforcing safety restrictions
Your contractor should be have provided gloves, masks and a way for his team members to wash their hands. Make sure you can see all these being used on your project.
If you plan on living in the home when the project occurs, (which we don't recommend), make sure you sanitize before touching surfaces. No matter how many precautions they will take, there is still a possibility of spreading the virus. So don't take any chances and sanitize door handles, light switches and any other items that anyone can touch several times during the course of a day.
3. Forgetting to check supply limitations before beginning a project
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has limited some of the materials that homeowners are looking for to update and renovate their homes. Not all stores are open, and some regular suppliers are unable to ship across borders. Before you begin tearing apart the spare bedroom to extend your closet and add a guest bathroom, be sure to check what materials are needed and order ahead of time.
4. Checking for liability insurance before hiring workers
Any construction crew or contractor should be able to provide you with proof of liability insurance. This is important to protect both you and them from accidents on the job site. During a time like this, when hospitals are at maximum capacity and stress is running high, knowing your workers are insured should anything happen is a relief.
5. Argument with your neighbours
Since everyone is in the same boat, starting a re novation project has to be planned. It is also important to mention to your neighbours that you will be taking on a project that might make more noise. Since they are most likely working from home, make sure you take the necessary precautions not to create an unfriendly atmosphere between yourself, the renovation team and your neighbours. Taking them into account will get them on your side. Giving them a "heads up" will create a more pleasant atmosphere.
6. Not checking for Price increase on Materials Before starting
Since the start of this pandemic, some of the prices of renovation materials have gone up. This might affect the budgetary estimate you will have gotten from your contractor, months ago.
The availability and the accessibility have had a cause on the prices. The demande has been increase 10 fold that it also has caused the prices to climb. Make sure you ask your contractor to give you an idea of this part of your project before you start. Otherwise you might get caught with an increase in budget you hadn't planned for.
Finding the right contractor, for your dream project is crucial.
Lineaire General Contractor has a team with over 20 years of experience and thrives in making dreams into reality.
Floor Addition, Home Extensions and Home Remodel are their specialty.
They work by these 3 words: Quality, Passion and Honesty.
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