Should you renovate in the age of Covid-19?

It has been a few weeks of the world completely turning upside down now, as we all adjust to working from home and trying to navigate the unknown. Stuck in our homes and with Instagram and Pinterest at our fingertips, the abundance of beautiful interiors may inspire some of us to take on a home project. Not to mention with spring coming and the weather warming up, Canadians are used to tackling construction projects.

Are you contemplating whether or not to tackle a home reno right now but not sure if you can?

New laws come into play daily by our governments, and construction projects are becoming more limiting. As of April 4^th, Ontario announced a new list for essential services that put further restrictions on construction projects. Any new residential renovations or construction cannot start after April 4^th.

This article will take you through the dos and don’ts, and what is safe to tackle during a pandemic.

We are here to answer your questions and give you our opinion as interior designers. Keep in mind our recommendations are based on the current restrictions announced in Ontario, however the following points can also be relevant outside the province. Here are our thoughts on what is and is not possible to tackle during this time.

Yes, do plan & budget!

Whether you were intending to start a small or large renovation, this is the perfect time to plan it. Usually the planning stage is a considerable one that takes weeks or months, so now is the perfect time to take it on. It is a good opportunity to reach out to your designer and contractor to start planning ahead. The design can be developed and quoting can be done so that you can start budgeting. It will also provide you a realistic guideline on whether or not you should tackle the project in phases based on your financials. Not only does it help you to plan ahead, we find that keeping our minds busy and having a goal set for the future keeps the spirits up. Who else wants a break from the non-stop panic inducing news?

I recently started planning my own bathroom renovation and while I have no idea when the actual reno will happen now, it gives me the time to have everything ready for when that time comes. It is also a perfect opportunity for me to go over the little details that may have been otherwise not included in a shorter planning stage.

No, do not demo!

It is safe to say that we do not recommend in any way for anyone to start a demo right now. Unless you have passed the planning stage, you have all materials accounted for and you planned on doing it yourself, tackling something this big is to be avoided. Even in that case we would advise you to press pause. Here is why!

The demolition stage of every project is the one riddled with the most unknowns and surprises. No matter how well things are planned, sometimes until you open up walls or rip off materials, there is no way of knowing what lays ahead. So you may find yourself in the position where you need a trades person, or you need materials that you cannot easily get.

During my own kitchen renovation changing the subfloor was not in the plan, yet it was something that was necessary. This not only delayed the process, but it also involved material that was not planned for. I would not want to deal with that scenario right now. See the realities of living through a demo.

Yes, do organize!

You may say, well this is not renovation, it’s just cleaning! In a way it is, you may be surprised how much it can transform a space. If a room feels cluttered, it is often because there are simply too many things in it. Go through your items and take away any of them that are not essential. That extra side table that holds all your junk? Get rid of it or give it a new home.

Is your kitchen driving you nuts? Start organizing your drawers and cabinets to create a more functional space. Here is how I organized my own kitchen and some extra tips that helped me during the process.

No, do not start anything that requires a trades person!

As previously mentioned, Ontario announced that all new residential renovations are deemed unessential. How does that affect a renovation? Well, in simple terms, you cannot sta rt a new renovation. Do not start anything that will involve you having to bring a trades person into your home. It is not only unsafe at this moment, but it is also illegal.

I would like to point out that if you are in an emergency situation you are still able to get trades help, however do not use this as a loophole. Safety first for everyone, any renovation can wait.

Yes, do shop your home!

The amount of stuff most of us accumulate is actually crazy. It is a very good possibility you have décor items that you have stashed away and have forgotten about. Maybe it is time to pull some of them out, see if you can integrate them into your current home to give yourself a fresh look without having to shop. It is also a great opportunity for the DIYer to refinish or get creative with existing pieces.

Tip! You can Google or Pinterest the items you have and see how others have styled those pieces. It may help you see them in a different light.

No, do not engage in anything that will require medical attention!

If you know you are on the clumsy side, maybe handling that hammer right now is not a good idea. I know everyone is trying to find ways to keep busy at home and pretty much stay sane, so am I. However, with our healthcare system being stretched and pushed to limits, this is not the time to end up at the hospital for a silly injury. Take the extra precautions, and be extra safe when doing things around the house.

Yes, do paint!

Painting is an easy thing to tackle, and most paint companies out there will deliver or do curb side pickup for the paint and supplies you may require. Paint can really transform a space and it is something anyone can tackle with relatively little effort. I truly believe that you can completely revamp your home with the right paint, without having to change much else. Light walls can really brighten your space if you do not have a lot of natural light. Just make sure you have some contrast in your space.

Want a pop of colour but do not want to commit to an entire room? How about a feature wall, coloured ceiling or coloured doors? They will add a punch of drama to your space without being overwhelming.

No, do not expect custom built-ins to be executed!

That is not to say you cannot plan this stage. Again it is the perfect time to talk to your designer or millwork company and plan every aspect of your dream built-in. When it comes to ordering though during this time, business are limited to what services they can provide. Custom millwork requires very specific dimensions and site analysis, and while you may be a pro with the measuring tape, some things are best to be done by the actual millwork company.

Yes, do order ready-made furniture or standalone custom pieces!

While retail spaces are closed, some furniture and décor retailers are still offering their products online. Keep in mind large pieces that usually have the white-glove delivery service will most likely be dropped off in front of your house only. We would also advice to keep any deliveries in your garage for a few days, prior to bringing them into your home. Even then, take the extra step to sanitize things.

What is first priority, and most important, is that everyone is staying safe and healthy. In staying home, we are doing our part to help our frontline workers, and help flatten the curve. By doing this, we can all return to normal sooner and tackle all those projects we put on hold.

We hope this offers you clarity on home renovations, and if there is anything we did not tackle in this article we are more than happy to provide insight. One last piece of advice. Be creative! Channel your inner creativity, and if you do decide to tackle a project, choose one that brings you calm and joy. Renovations are known for bringing some level of stress, so put on hold those projects that you think will affect you.