Remodeling During Covid-19: Pros and Cons (And How to Decide)

Historical article: This post was first published during the Covid-19 lockdowns and describes remodeling guidance in effect at that time. Public-health guidance has changed since then, so treat the operational detail below as a historical snapshot and follow current local requirements. The CDC and the EPA indoor air quality resources are starting points for current information.

Covid-19 or coronavirus seems to be the only thing people seem to be talking about everywhere. It’s uncanny how this tiny virus has completely taken over our lives. Undoubtedly, as a result, many home remodeling projects have been affected by this too.

The original article discussed whether a remodeling project could proceed during pandemic restrictions. Rules, contractor availability and household circumstances varied; this article does not establish that a particular business or project was permitted to continue.

But there are two sides to each coin. You may even be tempted to start the remodeling project now. Or stop it if you have already started. And we don’t blame you for making either call. There are both pros and cons to starting or continuing a home remodel right now. You need to weigh one against the other before you decide.

Questions to Ask Your Remodeling Company During Covid-19 Pandemic

Assuming that you are interested in continuing with your remodeling aspirations, we advise you to ask the remodeling company every relevant question related to the job. Enquire about the different steps taken by the concerned company to contain the infection. After all, you need to be sure that you are in the right hands, and whether it was feasible to proceed with the project under the rules in effect at the time.

At the time, homeowners were advised to ask how the crew handled precautions on site. Will they use plastic barriers for the same? How do they intend to limit the need to visit other parts of your home? How do they plan to equip their crew with sanitization tools? What happens if even one of them falls sick? The article's original advice was to continue only once satisfied with those answers. 

What if you want to visit their showroom to have a look at a particular fitting? Do they have sufficient arrangements to protect their clients? Is the required distance between the client and the staff in the showroom being maintained? Ask everything that comes to your mind. Your safety should be their first priority. Once you are convinced about safety, start thinking about the pros and cons.

Pros of Remodeling During the Covid-19 Outbreak

1. Covid-19 Lockdown = A Lot of Time on Your Hands

You may have been on the verge of calling in your contractor before the Covid-19 outbreak happened. But consider the advantages gained as a result of the pandemic. 

You have much more time to plan the project or even review the blueprint that you had drawn for every room. Check the planned layout once again for any loopholes, for you may not get this opportunity back. Ask yourself if the cost breakdown of different aspects involved in the job actually suits your budget. Do you really need these changes or was it an impulsive decision?

2. You Can Visit the Remodeling Showroom (Virtually)

Take advantage of the unexpected break by visiting your remodeling company’s showroom to look at the product line. As for the safety measures, enquire about their precautions before you plan a visit.

A temperature check cannot establish that someone is free of infection, and cleaning cannot guarantee that transmission will not occur. For present-day planning, follow current public-health guidance and discuss postponement when someone is ill. The CDC’s respiratory-virus precautions address staying away from others when sick and additional precautions when returning to activities.

However, it’s okay if you’re not open to the idea of visiting any home improvement showroom right now. You can request a virtual tour/consultation from your remodeling contractor for your safety. Meetings may be arranged via ZOOM or Facebook or even phone with the concerned designers.

3. Covid-19 Lockdown = Many Discounts on Home Remodel

Although it sounds strange, this is actually a lucrative time for a home remodel. 

During the period discussed in this historical article, a homeowner could ask for an itemized quote and compare any actual offers. There is no evidence here that most remodelers offered discounts, and a claimed promotion should not determine whether work is safe or affordable.

Remember, remodeling can be expensive — and it helps to avail discounts wherever possible. Who wants to turn a blind eye towards attractive discounts, anyway? You may even create room for some extra purchases with the money that you save. Remember that fancy bathroom vanity you thought you couldn’t afford? You might just be able to!

4. Many Remodelers are Free During Covid-19 Lockdown

Maybe you belong to the clan who had already started on with the task before the pandemic broke out. If so, consider yourself super fortunate.

Cancellations do not guarantee exclusive attention or faster completion. Ask the contractor to confirm staffing, material availability and a project-specific schedule rather than inferring availability from wider circumstances.

 

Cons of Remodeling During the Covid-19 Outbreak

1. Covid-19 Lockdown Can Lead to Shortage of Products

Although every effort is being made by the home improvement industry to keep all the popular items in stock, there may be exceptions. For instance, you may have ordered a particular product that may suddenly run short or go out of stock. 

2. You May Have to Pay More for Scarce Items

Since we aren’t too sure of the exact impact Covid-19 outbreak is likely to have on the future events, it is possible that products may become pricier due to scarcity. Higher demand than usual may also contribute to the high cost.

 

3. Remodeling During Covid-19 is Risky

The original article raised concern about committing funds during uncertainty. Compare current financing terms and your own obligations rather than treating any form of borrowing as universally suitable or unsuitable. Related: finance your project.

The scope alone does not establish that a project is risk-free. Weigh the household’s needs, current health circumstances, access arrangements and financial commitments before deciding whether to proceed or postpone. Related: home remodel.

The Bottom Line

Covid-19 has created a vacuum that will take time to fill. Both the people and the government are working alike towards curtailing the problem by doing everything that’s needed in the circumstances.

This is a historical remodeling discussion, not an assurance that precautions eliminate health or financial risk. Use current public-health guidance, current local requirements and a realistic project plan when making a decision today.