When assessing the impact of the coronavirus on contractors, there are many areas to consider. Just like the rest of the world, individuals in the home renovation industry have been staying mindful of health and safety above all other concerns. In many areas, construction has been permitted to continue throughout the pandemic but it hasn’t been without additional constraints. Factors such as transportation, access to materials and commitment from clients have all added to the difficulties many contractors have been facing.

However, with proper protocol and procedure, businesses are still up and running. To what degree have they been affected? Read below to get the inside scoop.

Health and Safety

First and foremost, leaders of contracting companies want to ensure that their employees are kept from situations where their health could be compromised. In cities like Seattle, an area significantly impacted by the coronavirus, groups have been put together to provide information on current statistics as well as hygiene. The Construction Association, ACG, has added a page to their website where information about COVID-19 is easily accessible. From surveys to daily updates, they are ensuring that members stay well informed.

On May 29th, 2020, OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, updated their enforcement guidelines to incorporate regulations regarding COVID-19. They have mandated that employers report all cases of employee illness related to the coronavirus. OSHA will prioritize worksites where there are high amounts of cases reported when conducting onsite inspections. In areas where case numbers have not been as high, coronavirus related cases will still be prioritized.

One of the main concerns is the mental health of contractors due to stressors induced by the pandemic. In a Construction Dive survey, 70% of respondents reported “employee anxiety”. This is why keeping the workforce informed is deemed so essential. An increase in actual facts given to employees results in a decrease in hysteria brought about by misinformation.

Worker Restrictions

Another concern at the moment is the closure of public transportation, a vital resource for many construction workers. This is especially important in areas of craftsmanship where a license is required to complete the job. This decreases the number of potential candidates for a job, thus making it even more essential for current contractors to be guaranteed reliable transportation. Luckily, aside from areas that have been hotspots for the virus, transportation has still been available for those who need it.

In addition to transportation, there were restrictions regarding employees with children that were no longer in school due to the transition to virtual learning.

Material Delays

With restrictions on imports, supplying workers with the materials they need has become a challenge. From plumbing and electrical fixtures to flooring tiles, Americans are heavily reliant on Chinese production companies. When COVID-19 hit China, there were nationwide shutdowns, halting the production of these goods. According to Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics, this can result in a rise in material cost as well as a production delay.

Since many construction supply orders are placed and enter the distribution network months in advance, the decrease in materials was not seen immediately. With a rise in prices, home remodeling companies have begun to look elsewhere when sourcing their materials.

When searching for a company to supply materials for your bathroom or kitchen remodel, it is wise to research those with products from various companies. A showroom that carries products like Robern, an American brand, will be more reliable in these uncertain times. Be sure to communicate with the business so that you are properly informed on what can be made readily available.

Reluctant Clients and Lenders

During a time of insecurity, many prospective clients have backed out of remodeling projects. Although this is understandable, right now is actually one of the best times to go forward with a home remodeling project. Interest rates are at a low, making it more affordable to pursue the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams.

Aside from interest rates, many businesses that have seen a decline in work have a greater number of workers available than usual. This could benefit homeowners anywhere from reduced rates to quicker availability or more assistance working through renovation plans.

If you are hesitant to initiate a kitchen or bathroom renovation, keep mindful of the following statistics. Experts say that kitchen and bathroom renovations are among the highest yielding renovation projects. According to Remodeling magazine, kitchens recouped 62.1 percent and bathrooms 67.2 percent. Regardless of your plans for the future, this is an investment that will pay off!

Lenders are also hesitant to provide financing due to material limitations and other factors. With that said, additional protection such as the construction company’s insurance, are acting as reassurance for lenders. Companies properly insured with travel insurance, trade interruption insurance and business interruption coverage will find it a lot easier to continue operating as close to normal as possible.

Florida News

Luckily in Florida, construction has been deemed an essential business. Preservation of current infrastructure is a major supporting argument for maintaining construction work. If a project was currently underway prior to the impact of the coronavirus, it could potentially be dangerous for construction to cease mid-project. Other factors, such as certification of buildings, have supported the need for workers.

As the country begins to reopen, goods and contractors are becoming more accessible. There are fewer restrictions on what construction practices are deemed essential. This is creating an opportunity for more home renovation projects to go underway. As always, builders are practicing safety when entering a job site. Masks and gloves are worn and sanitation is done often. A majority of job sites are consistently testing employees for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to prevent the spread amongst coworkers and occupants of the home.

Your Bathroom and Kitchen Renovation

Although there are a lot of factors to consider when planning a home renovation during COVID-19, this may be a better time than any to get in touch with a contractor. Through extra precautions and alterations to typical work procedures, contractors are ready to safely build your perfect bathroom or kitchen.

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