Most home renovations have been halted due to the global crisis, even the the most organized and best-laid plans are on hold – and this might include your home renovation projects. Perhaps, your home was in mid-renovation when COVID-19 hit and stay-at-home measures were declared by the government.

Now that the government is enabling a few projects to re-start again, it pays to still be safe. If you are planning to resume renovations, real estate development professionals and home renovators recommend keeping the following in mind:

Proper Hygiene and Sanitation

All workers on the site should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Install handwashing stations at each corner of the renovation site so that running water is available for all the workers. Also, provide them with hand sanitizer and/or alcohol.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Masks, in accordance with the Department of Health’s guidelines, must be work at all times by all workers. Workers can use cloth coverings depending on their job. They must also use eye protection and gloves. The type of gloves used depends on the task being completed. If the task to be finished doesn’t need gloves, workers can use latex or nitrile gloves.

Build a Temporary Plastic Wall

Restricting airflow is one of the best ways to keep dust (aka the real enemy) away from your home. Don’t settle for loose plastic curtains; create airtight barriers made from plastic and seal them with tape. You can also use a heavy plastic with an adhesive-backed zipper for easy exit and entry when the project resumes.

Social Distancing

Workers on the site must maintain at least six feet of distance at all times. If they can’t perform social distancing, they increase the risk of transmission. You might have to reduce the number of workers reporting to the site if this is the case.

Also, a COVID-19 safety supervisor should be present to ensure everyone is practicing social distancing and proper safety precautions.

Close Air Vents and Replace the Filters

Maintain air quality by getting a handle on the workings of your cooling and heating system. If your renovation area has return vents, shut down the system in favor of portable air-conditioning units and heaters to prevent transferring dust and debris in the area. Otherwise, keep your area’s air vents closed and replace your filters regularly to keep the clean air flowing.

Other Things to Consider during Home renovations at this time…

See your contractor’s COVID-19 plan. Make sure that the workers follow the plan and are aware of the protocols. Most professional contractors already have safety protocols even before the pandemic.

If you are planning a new project, clear it with the local government first to ensure that you have the permit to start a new renovation.

Continuing your home renovations during COVID-19 is possible – as long as you maintain and practice safety protocols. Work closely with your contractor to ensure all workers follow safety measures and still keep your project deadlines on time. Maintain regular communication too so that you are always in the know on your project’s development.