Thinking of renovating during COVID-19 restrictions? Here Vanessa Walker, Houzz Australia and New Zealand editor, shares her top five tips to consider when improving your home now.
An online platform for home renovation and design, Houzz has collected insights from its community of home improvement professionals to see how professionals are helping homeowners progress with their renovation projects. And, in turn, keeping local professionals in business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When renovations take place, it’s usually because the homeowner wants to improve the design and make the home more liveable. Check out Vanessa’s tips for how you can still undertake home improvements, safely, in the current climate:
1 – Set up a virtual consultation
Many professionals have more time on their hands than they normally would – no commutes, site visits, show houses or markets are keeping them from working on your project. Fill that time with a virtual consultation. You can answer their style and function questions, share inspiring photos and learn from them how to take accurate measurements without them needing to do it in person.
2 – Improve the most open areas
If social distancing will be difficult to maintain on site because of your home size, turn your attention to areas of the home where a breach of space is less likely. The backyard or exterior of the home are likely to be safer options. Consider commissioning a landscape architect or landscape designer to draw up a master plan for you now.
3 – Plan everything now
Houzz research indicates that for most homeowners, the time between realising you need a renovation and actually executing it is usually six months or more. Use some of this stuck-at-home time to save your inspiring photos and research home professionals, then reach out to start planning future projects.
4 – Write reviews
If you’re not ready to start a project right now, there are other ways to support the professionals in your community. If a design or renovation pro has improved your life in the past but you haven’t yet got around to writing them a glowing review, do it now. A positive review is immensely helpful to a business.
5 – Follow local and national authorities
While construction may still be allowed in your area, it’s a good idea to continue following advice from local and national authorities to check which services are still permitted.
More stories like this:
