16/04/2020
If you are thinking of using tradespeople during this ISO period here are a few pointers to think about & help both parties out. It's a bit of a read but we all seem to have extra time on our hands these days.
Please remember you may only see 1 tradesperson but we can see up to 20+ people in a day.
Stay Safe
*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 or a detailed email with photos 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.
*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 supplies has also been affected due to disrupted supply chains and the importation of materials.
At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. And together we will get through it.
MK Upholstery
