With the ongoing pandemic having turned many industries upside down, the construction sector has suffered greatly, and as a homeowner with plans to remodel or have a new home constructed, you may be wondering whether it’s safe, or even possible, to go ahead with the project. Thankfully, restrictions have eased in many parts of the country, and work has been able to recommence as vaccination programs are accelerated. However, if you still have concerns as to whether your construction project can go ahead, the following information should help put your mind at ease:
Safety is still the number one concern
Whatever the world throws at the construction industry, safety will always be a priority, and COVID-19 and everything that’s come with it, have served only to highlight this. Reputable construction companies will do everything they can to keep their customers and employees safe from exposure to the virus, and while delays are possible due to a backlog of work, a project will only recommence if it’s safe to do so.
Many companies have adopted a series of enhanced techniques to keep customers, employees, and worksites safe and hygienically clean, and below are just a few of them:
Virtual consultations
Thanks to technology and the availability of internet connectivity, you can still meet with your chosen general contractor to discuss your construction project, but from the safety of your home, via an online consultation. With last-minute bookings often available and the service typically provided for free, there’s no reason why you can’t discuss your building needs with your contractor, just as you would outside of pandemic conditions.
Physical distancing
Mask wearing and maintaining a safe physical distance is now standard for all good construction companies, and is usually closely monitored by the project manager or general contractor.
Toilets and handwashing
Portable toilets and handwashing stations are being used by construction companies to prevent the workers from having to enter your home, and if the project is for a newly constructed building, this will prevent the local area from becoming unsanitary and unhygienic.
PPE
While PPE was once in short supply the world over, thankfully supply has caught up with demand, and all construction workers are instructed to wear an appropriate face mask at all times. Oftentimes a standard N95 respirator will need to be worn anyway, along with industry standard hard hats, Hi-Vis construction vests, leather work gloves and ear plugs. On the majority of work sites, teams are also kitted out with hand sanitizers and disposable gloves.
All in all, now is probably the safest time to begin a construction project, and provided you work with a reputable general contractor who guarantees to adhere to strict health and safety protocol, your home should be in the very best of hands