But You’re In The Midst Of Renovation Work…

Construction work has been the ‘grey area’ this week; a debate we had been anticipating for a while. With two build and one consultancy project, we have had to have our finger on the pulse. Builders and tradesmen cannot work from home – nope it does not count if it is ‘someone’s’ home. Meanwhile they are self-employed; even the builders who seem to be working for a company are most often CIS subcontractors, which is considered self-employed. This is why many construction sites had continued to work, albeit unsafe - but now that the government has offered some reassurance for them, they will stop and rightfully so. 

N + B project

Needless to say, we truly feel for everyone in these times for a wealth of reasons, with health being top of that list. However perhaps we can comfort those who are freaking out with building work panic. It’s never nice to inform or be informed of delays, whatever the size or reason. There is so much emotion tied into a home. So clearly it has been disappointing to not be able to pass on steadfast answers to clients.  

Our Wimbledon project currently has one builder working, and he lives in a close walking distance of the site. If in the unlikely circumstance that you too, have a builder who is wanting to work and you feel that it is possible to make it safe, then clearly there is a lot to consider. If the property in question is in a block of flats, there is even more attentiveness necessary than normal – such as the lift button, and whether the noise restrictions are viable now that people work from home. Also getting materials is difficult to impossible right now. 

N + B Project

Unlike Wimbledon where our client lives in LA, other clients and friends have been living at the property whilst undergoing work – clearly this is traumatic at the best of times but understandable when the job is small, or the project is well managed. We had advised that items were ordered urgently, and essential rooms were carpeted early for example. Sadly, ‘enough’ foresight was never a possibility and equally irritating if it’s too late for that now. Therefore, the advice is to accept it and invest time to make your home nice where you can (post on this to follow). Whilst you have to be at home, be present at home – there is more time to contemplate your design direction and choices. By the time the builder is back with you, you should be filled with more confidence than ever. And please feel free to pick up the phone in case we can help.  

N + B Project