Need a tradesman to carry out work in your home? Here’s what you need to know

WITH the Government easing some of the lock down rules – last week saw the first steps to the rejuvenation of the property market and other elements of the UK economy.

And while the Prime Minister has urged those who are able to work from home to continue to do so, those who cannot do their job from home are being encouraged to return to work; while observing the Government’s social distancing rules.

This means that many of our Safe Local Trades members have returned to work; much of it of course which is carried out at customers’ homes.

So – how does this affect you if you require a tradesperson to visit your property?

In simple terms, you ARE permitted to ask a tradesperson to carry out work on your property (inside and out) or in your garden. It is personal choice on the part of the customer, as long as a few simple rules are adhered to.

Here’s what you need to know:

• As of May 4, the Government guidance is that tradespeople can continue to work providing they are well, and they or no-one in their household has COVID-19 symptoms.
• If your neighbour has tradespeople visiting their home; they are NOT flouting the social distancing rules simply by having work carried out at their property.
• As a tradesperson or cleaner, you should maintain a safe distance (at least 2 metres) from any household occupants at all times, and ensure good ventilation in the area where they are working, including opening the window.
• Any households self-isolating due to COVID-19 or anyone with vulnerable occupants cannot re-employ their workers as they risk spread of the virus according to the government guidance.
• Before attending a job, maintenance workers should contact families 20 minutes before they arrive so homeowners can prepare to keep a safe 2 metre distance.
• Once inside, they should wash hands for 20 seconds and adhere to the social distancing rules.

Eileen Le Voi, director of Safe Local Trades said: “While the Government’s announcement is welcome news for our members, we do understand that some customers may still feel a little anxious about allowing visitors into their home – particularly when members of their own family are not able to come and see them and the same applies to the family of the individual traders. 

All our members are aware of the social distancing and other rules around carrying out home improvements at customers’ homes, and the importance of adhering to them.

We would advise customers who are thinking about resuming work in their home – perhaps those who need some home improvements prior to putting their property on the market, or others who have damaged fencing, security issues, blocked guttering or over grown trees and shrubs – to get in touch with the relevant trader through the Safe Local Trades website in the first instance.  They can discuss any concerns they may have directly, and our traders will be more than happy to discuss those with the customer.

It may also be worth noting that many of our traders will now be looking to complete existing jobs booked before the pandemic, so now is a great time to get in touch if you need some decorating, landscaping, tiling or any other home improvement project which requires a professional, as their services will be in high demand.

Please be aware that due to the restrictions being lifted, the police have already seen a big increase in rogue trading so please do not engage with anyone who knocks on your door offering garden, driveway, roofing and any home improvements. For more advice, go to http://bit.ly/Avoid-Rogue-Traders 

For the UK Government’s full guidance on trades visiting the home during the Coronavirus pandemic click here.