There is no question that any home remodeling will take time and energy, even during normal times. Maybe you were thinking of undertaking a bathroom remodeling job before the onset of the pandemic and decided to hold off, maybe you were in the middle and things got postponed.
You may have many questions about whether or not it is wise to undertake or continue a remodeling project amid Covid-19. The decision on whether or not to move forward with a bathroom remodeling project depends in large part on your personal preferences as well as the stage of the remodeling project you find yourself in.
Starting a new project with the planning stage is far different than the considerations necessary for a project that has already started. The pros at Columbus Bath Design can help guide you through all the necessary decisions so that you can rest assured that your bathroom remodeling project is as safe as possible.
What are some of the pros and cons I should consider for a bathroom remodeling project during Covid-19?
As mentioned above, the pros and cons of undertaking a bathroom remodeling project during Covid-19 are dependent on the stage of your project. We’ll first consider projects that are in the planning phase.
You may also find it easier to locate and book a highly rated contractor. Many design and construction teams saw a rash of cancellations, which means that you could potentially find not only good deals but also highly experienced teams that have the time and availability to focus exclusively on your project.
Consider also that you likely have more time that can be spent at home, especially if you have transitioned to a home office. Working from home means you don’t have to take time off to supervise contractors. You could also benefit during the design stage from the new technologies companies like Columbus Bath Design have put in place to facilitate virtual consultations and online showrooms.
If your project was already underway or has started since the beginning of the pandemic, that means you likely already have all the necessary permits and have procured all of the materials needed for your bathroom remodeling project.
Hopefully, you’ve established a good relationship with your contractor and are on the same wavelength about expectations from the project. Since everything is in place, it makes sense for you to continue the project, provided you and your contractors observe the proper precautions.
However, because of delays in the supply chain, you may face problems with materials that take extra time to arrive, or may not be available at all. When it comes to a bathroom project, you may not want to have to make compromises with your choices.
What precautions should I take if I’m about to start construction or if my project is already underway?
As mentioned above, if you are about to start a new project or your project is already underway, you are almost guaranteed special attention due to other cancellations. You should check in with your contractor to see if there may be extra costs incurred due to special precautionary measures that may be necessary.
Many of the precautions you should take are similar to those you are likely already exercising in your daily life. The key to success is to make sure that everything is well arranged, providing you and your family protection from potential infection.
For instance, if you visit a showroom, make sure that the company has protocols in place that include regular handwashing by employees. You should watch to make sure they:
- frequently sanitize high-touch surfaces like the coffee station, phones, doorknobs
- use wipes to clean product samples between customers
- conduct a thorough cleaning multiple times during the day
Companies that are doing the right thing should have hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes available for their customers. When it comes to the job site, expect the contractors to provide plastic barriers to separate the work site from the rest of the house.
Keep a close eye that workers are regularly disinfecting surfaces that they have come into contact with, and if a non-shared bathroom is not available for workers, strongly consider a port-a-john to ensure the worksite is kept completely separate from your living space.
Most contractors will have protocols in place for their crews to regularly sanitize their hands and tools, but it’s recommended that you set expectations with the crew leaders before construction commences.
I’m ready to start my project, what do I do next?
If you have the time and budget, there has never been a better time to start a bathroom remodeling project.
Give us a call today to start the process. We’ll not only guide you through the design decisions you’ll need to make, but we’ll walk you through the stringent protocols we’ve put in place to make sure your project is successful and your family is safe.
We look forward to helping you build a great new bathroom!
