It’s a strange time for all amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re living through uncertain times and the message from the Australian Government changes on a daily basis.

As you spend more time at home, you are likely going to need professional tradespeople to help out on renovations and repairs that you have been putting off for a while.

To ensure your own safety, and to ensure your tradesperson can provide their service during this time, there are some precautions you can take.

Ask for remote quotes

As you can appreciate, tradespeople can be wary of the amount of face to face interaction they have with potential clients at this time.

If your tradesperson is willing and able, a video call may be enough to determine the extent of the work that needs to be done, which you can then have quotes provided for. Be clear and try to explain in detail what needs to be repaired or built.

This won’t be possible in all instances; however, it can lessen the amount of time and people required to come into your home for call outs and quotes.

Cashless transactions

As we have been made aware, the virus can live on surfaces for hours, if not days. As cash gets passed from hand to hand, it’s good practice to avoid cash transactions during this time. Be aware that tradespeople will likely prefer electronic payments, so ensure you are set up to oblige through your financial institution.

Greetings have changed

As a society we have become accustomed to greeting people with a handshake. That’s no longer the case during this time, so a simple hello or wave is entirely acceptable.

Before and after a job, provide the tradesperson with handwashing facilities and paper towels to dry their hands.

Maintain distance

Social distancing has become the norm, so remember to stay at least 1.5 metres away when interacting.

While conducting their work, allow them plenty of personal space and only inspect the work once they are finished or if they have any questions for you. Do not hover or look over their shoulder while they are working.

Clean up and sanitise

While tradespeople will do their best to touch as few surfaces as possible, it is understandable you will want to clean up once they have left.

Clean and disinfect all surfaces within the vicinity once they have left for extra peace of mind.

Be upfront and ask questions

If you or someone at home is not feeling 100%, reschedule any appointments and be upfront about it.

Tradespeople are putting themselves on the front line by continuing to provide a service and would be more at ease knowing you aren’t going to compromise their health and safety during this time.

It’s also well within your right to ask all tradespeople to extend the same courtesy should they be feeling unwell before your arrival.

Questions to ask tradesmen prior to their visit

• Have you recently returned from overseas travel?
• Have you been in contact with any person who has tested positive for COVID-19?
• Have you been unwell, are you in self-quarantine?

Be polite and patient

In trying times such as these, it’s important to remember to be polite and patient. Tradespeople, like the rest of us, are feeling stressed and uncertain.

Availability of some building supplies has also been affected due to disrupted supply chains and the importation of building materials.

At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. And together we will get through it.