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  4. Social Distancing: Can You Still Employ A Tradesperson?

Homeowner Advice

General tips and advice for homeowners covering maintenance, seasonal tips and everyday property care.

Homeowner Advice

Social Distancing: Can You Still Employ A Tradesperson?

At this extraordinary time, it can be hard to know what is ok and safe, and what isn’t. One thing is for certain: we need to adhere to the guidelines in order to ensure that this situation is controlled and over as soon as possible. However, we also want to support local traders, many of whom are being hardest hit through loss of earnings. And, finally, we NEED our tradespeople – we can’t function indefinitely without a working boiler, safe electricity, or with leaking plumbing.

At this extraordinary time, it can be hard to know what is ok and safe, and what isn’t. One thing is for certain: we need to adhere to the guidelines in order to ensure that this situation is controlled and over as soon as possible. However, we also want to support local traders, many of whom are being hardest hit through loss of earnings. And, finally, we NEED our tradespeople – we can’t function indefinitely without a working boiler, safe electricity, or with leaking plumbing.

So, in these confusing and trying times, we take a look at how we can stay safe and healthy while maintaining our homes and supporting local tradespeople.

How to hire a trader during lockdown

  • Minimise face to face contact by organising a video call instead of a visit to your home. A good local trader will be able to get a good idea of what needs to be done and can ask you to zoom in on certain elements.
  • Be more flexible with the budget. While camera footage is useful, it won’t necessarily show the whole picture. A trader will probably be able to give you a quote based on video footage and photos, but you need to accept that there will be more leeway in the quote than normal.
  • Allow for delays or missed appointments due to illness. It is more important than ever to be careful about who you come into contact with. If you do need to employ a trader, let them know that you understand if they need to self-isolate in order to comply with government advice.
  • Keep your distance. When you meet, don’t be tempted to shake hands. Whether you are inside or outside your home, make sure that you maintain at least 2 metres between you and any traders. If that’s not possible due to the size of the room, don’t go in the room at the same time! Let the trader in, and stand outside the room to answer any questions.
  • Consider the trader. If you or anyone in your household becomes ill, you MUST let the trader know. If someone is isolating in a separate part of the house, the trader might still be happy to fulfil the work but their safety comes first and they have every right to postpone the appointment until everyone in your household has completed their recommended self-isolation.
  • When a trader arrives, if possible, set aside a specific room for them to wash their hands and show them where to wash as soon as they arrive.
  • Ventilate – if possible, keep as many windows open as you can to help circulate clean air throughout your home.

Traders are frontline workers – at Trust A Trader, we have long considered them to be our heroes! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for next week’s blog, when we will be talking about how you can prepare for traders to help protect them, you and your household.

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Looking for more homeowner advice advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common homeowner advice questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

  • What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

    Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.

  • Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

    Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.

  • Should I renovate my home or move house?

    There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.

  • What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

    A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.

  • What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

    Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.

  • What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

    If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

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