The question being asked here is should and can you hire a handyman during the COVID-19 global pandemic. This article is based on the response to this in the UK at the time of writing the article. These are unprecedented times and government guidance is being regularly updated so that should be your main point of reference. This article is just intended to provide a general guide in relation to social distancing and hiring a handyman.

The following are some factors to consider when making this decision.

Sanitation And Cleanliness

Washing hands, sanitising surfaces and wearing face masks or other forms of face covering and perhaps gloves, and of course keeping a reasonable distance (2 metres) known as social distancing, are all recommendations to help mitigate the risks involved in contracting and spreading COVID-19. The first question should be is – can you be in another room or even not in the house a tall when the handyman visits. Realistically we’re not meant to have anyone who doesn’t live in our household, in our home. The other issue is it you, anyone in your home, or who you’ve come into contact with recently or the handyman and anyone they’ve been in contact with, should self-isolate if they have symptoms or if anyone they’ve been in contact with recently shows signs of having symptoms. One of the best things you can do is contact your handyman and ask what sanitation measures and controls they have in place and what their process is for implementing them. Know what to expect when they visit and agree the particulars of how he job or project will be carried out in a safe, aware and socially distanced way.

DIY And Can The Job Wait?

The next thing to consider is whether you can do the job yourself or not. Can you learn how to do it? You need to weigh up the pros and cons of whether work needs to be carried out. If it’s just a bit of painting and decorating can it wait? Are you able to do it yourself? But a leaky toilet or sink really need sorting out right away doesn’t it. But do you have these skills and what impact is it having on you and your family. So assess the urgency of the job or project and decide from there. If you’re pretty good at home repairs then maybe give it a go but if you’re really not confident in doing so, then consider the risks in your property being damaged by your DIY attempts and ending up having to pay out for than the original job would have cost, to fix your mistakes. Another thing is can you fix the issue temporarily. There’s also the safety aspect to consider. Don’t take unnecessary risks and always make sure you know what you’re doing before you make a start on a DIY project.

If you do decide you need a handyman sooner rather than later, then do give them a call to check their current COVID-19 sanitisation and social distancing process.