While 2020 has put many of our lives on pause, life is undoubtedly still happening. Our homes have needs, arguably more now than ever as we are all more house-bound due to the pandemic. If there’s a plumbing emergency or the ac unit is giving trouble and you need assistance, how do you get yourself the professional help necessary while social distancing? We’ve outlined 5 precautions you can take to protect yourself, your family, house and pro when you require home services:
1) Use technology to cover as much groundwork prior to home service as possible.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) avoiding exposure to the virus is the most important protective measure you can take for both yourself and the community. Contact with your home expert can be minimized by connecting with contractors via phone, video or email to discuss details as much as possible. This will minimize the time spent communicating in person when the issue is being resolved.
2) Sanitize according to the CDC guidelines.
The CDC offers cleaning guidance specific to protecting against COVID-19. Be sure to follow these guidelines. In particular, be sure to clean and disinfect the work area. Don’t forget frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, faucet handles, and light switches.
3) Communicate Precautions (Both yours and theirs)
While we all have a general understand of the ‘new normal’, each individual may have particular approaches they are employing to ensure their safety. It is important to state the measures you are taking and would like to be respected as well as to listen to the measures the contractors request during their visit. You can also request that they walk with their own cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer if you prefer. The use of protective wear such as masks should be mandatory.
4) Maintain the recommended 6-foot separation
The CDC recommends keeping a distance of 6 feet from others to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, never invite a pro into your home if you’re feeling ill or have been ill.
5) Combine multiple projects into one visit
Although there may be one pressing issue you’re interested in tending to, consider looking into related pending issues they may be able to resolve as well. This reduces the overall number of interactions you will be having overall.
For example, if one air conditioning unit is giving trouble, request for all the ac units in the household to be serviced in the same visit if possible.
Be sure to make these requests ahead of time for both your convenience as well as the contractors.