The coronavirus outbreak has impacted almost all facets of our lives. The new normal has forced millions of employers around the world to implement remote working across their organization. In fact, nearly half of HR leaders globally have instructed 81% or more of their employees to work from home amid the current health crisis, according to a recent Gartner survey.
Experts argue that such a working arrangement will continue to prevail even after the pandemic subsides. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter started allowing a portion of their workforce to work from home permanently moving forward.
On top of this, the current health crisis has also transformed the future of education. Thousands of schools globally have closed to limit the spread of the virus, especially among children. In the U.S., around 50,000 K-12 schools have been closed since March, putting over 26 million students on distance learning temporarily.
Similar to work, experts believe that online education will remain in the future. More schools will continue to incorporate online modules in their curriculum even after the pandemic.
As most of us try to cope with such drastic changes, having a dedicated area for remote work and online classes has never been more essential.
While some people were able to put up their own workspace just by tweaking a few things at home, other individuals might need a widescale renovation.
Setting up your home office or study area with construction professionals’ help can be quite risky, especially during a pandemic. However, here are some ways you can do to ensure your family’s safety and of your contractors when renovating your home amid this health crisis:
1. Validate the credentials of your contractors.
Most homeowners rely heavily on referrals from their neighbors and loved ones in hiring renovation contractors. While they offer trusted opinions, it is best that you still do a quick background check of the companies that they referred to you.
Try to check their previous clients and read up on customer reviews online. You can also validate their legal credentials and history by running a check through your local government’s court system. Such a practice could give you a sense of relief that you are hiring a certified and compliant contractor, especially during these times of crisis.
2. Ask questions regarding the health and safety protocols of the company.
When there’s a deadly virus lurking around, letting other people into your home might sound like the worst idea. However, you can keep your family members safe while the professionals take over your home renovation. Don’t hesitate to interrogate the construction company on their health and safety protocols, especially for in-house projects during the pandemic.
Ask the company if they provide personal protective equipment as well as cleaning and sanitation tools. This will allow you to prepare if they do not include such safety equipment in their services. However, you should pick a company that provides the necessary safety and cleaning tools to their employees before beginning a project.
You may also require the contractors to submit medical certificates and job permits from your local authorities. You can include a negligence clause in your contract with the construction company. This will give you legal protection if a family member gets infected from one of the sick workers who failed to disclose his real health condition. You can seek the advice of a wrongful death lawyer in case things escalate and turn out for the worst.
3. Limit your interaction with the workers.
Ask the company if they offer cashless payment options to limit physical contact. Require the contractors to wear a mask before entering the house. If you need to go over the remodeling plan with the workers, keep your distance, at least six feet apart. It is also best to have your family members, especially your children, stay in another room while the construction is ongoing.
4. Always clean, disinfect, and sanitize the work area after every construction work.
Despite the safety protocols among the contractors, make sure to disinfect the work area or any surfaces that the workers may have touched. Dispose of all used gloves, masks, or any other disposable equipment utilized during the renovation. Lastly, always wash your hands with soap and water, or apply hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol content.
Remodeling your home in the middle of a pandemic can be quite challenging but still possible. Applying these tips in your future renovation project can help keep you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and free of legal consequences.
