How Builders are Responding to These Corona Times
Builders are looking on the bright side and looking ahead, despite the current challenges of coronavirus
Rebecca Gross
6 April 2020
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
Coronavirus is impacting all areas of industry in Australia, including architecture, design and construction. While some homeowners are putting projects on hold due to uncertain and changing times, there is also an opportunity for many: now could be the perfect time to start a renovation or undertake a small house or garden project as the building industry is keen to secure work. We spoke to three builders about the challenges presented by Covid19 as well as the opportunities for homeowners considering a build, renovation or small home project.
Black Door Building
“If you’re thinking about a small home project now is a good time as you’re going to get a good deal,” says Rob Insoll, director of Black Door Building.
Insoll foresees a lull in home building in about two or three months as homeowners postpone new building. For people with projects in design and documentation, Insoll says now is a good time to continue with planning and building permits, so projects are ready to go once circumstances improve. It is also a good time to do small home projects that don’t require permits, such as bathroom or kitchen renovations, building decking, doing landscaping, laying new floorboards. Black Door Building does alterations and additions, and home projects, of any size or scale, will help keep staff employed.
“If you’re thinking about a small home project now is a good time as you’re going to get a good deal,” says Rob Insoll, director of Black Door Building.
Insoll foresees a lull in home building in about two or three months as homeowners postpone new building. For people with projects in design and documentation, Insoll says now is a good time to continue with planning and building permits, so projects are ready to go once circumstances improve. It is also a good time to do small home projects that don’t require permits, such as bathroom or kitchen renovations, building decking, doing landscaping, laying new floorboards. Black Door Building does alterations and additions, and home projects, of any size or scale, will help keep staff employed.
Black Door Building has adopted on-site work practices in line with industry guidelines to ensure social distancing and hygiene: Builders and trade contractors on domestic building sites need to adopt the 1.5-metre social distancing requirement at all times, and apply the 1 person per 4 square metre rule for work being undertaken in enclosed or internal spaces. They should also manage project scheduling with no more than six workers on a house at one time.
Insoll holds regular meetings with this team, ensures high hygiene levels across the site and questions all subcontractors regarding their health and potential contact with Covid-19.
Insoll holds regular meetings with this team, ensures high hygiene levels across the site and questions all subcontractors regarding their health and potential contact with Covid-19.
Insoll is starting to see more changes happening across the industry. His main timber and hardware supplier has closed its shop to the public and advised that all materials must be preordered and delivered to the site or picked up at the door. Insoll is also liaising with all architects, designers, suppliers and clients via the phone, although some on-site meetings are taking place with social distancing.
Need a builder who can keep your project on track and navigate the new guidelines? Find one near you on Houzz
Need a builder who can keep your project on track and navigate the new guidelines? Find one near you on Houzz
Sargant Construction
“Now is a good time to commence or proceed with a project as prices may be more competitive with the industry wanting to secure future work.” That’s the advice from Ben Sargant, director of Sargant Construction, as he foresees the industry slowing in the medium-to-long term, due to renovations and builds being postponed and enquiries slowing.
“Some of the architects and designers I have been speaking to say their enquiry rates have dropped off and their current projects in design have been put on hold. This affects them immediately, and tends to affect us in six to nine months’ time, when projects aren’t passing through the planning process,” Sargant says.
Built by Sargant Construction
“Now is a good time to commence or proceed with a project as prices may be more competitive with the industry wanting to secure future work.” That’s the advice from Ben Sargant, director of Sargant Construction, as he foresees the industry slowing in the medium-to-long term, due to renovations and builds being postponed and enquiries slowing.
“Some of the architects and designers I have been speaking to say their enquiry rates have dropped off and their current projects in design have been put on hold. This affects them immediately, and tends to affect us in six to nine months’ time, when projects aren’t passing through the planning process,” Sargant says.
Built by Sargant Construction
Sargent is currently managing three projects, with a fourth put on hold due to circumstances surrounding Covid19. Those projects currently underway will be able to continue with a marginal slowing in the process due to social distancing guidelines. “Apart from changes in method on-site, we are able to continue working within the government and industry guidelines with all due care,” says Sargant.
Built by Sargant Construction
Built by Sargant Construction
Multiple hand-washing stations have been installed on-site, and all workers must regularly wash their hands and clean amenities. There are only ever two staff members on-site at a time, and trades are limited to one on-site at any time to ensure social distancing. Sargant says these restrictions shouldn’t slow the duration of a project for the most part, except when multiple trades are typically required on site at the end.
Built by Sargant Construction
Built by Sargant Construction
Images by Tatjana Plitt. Talina Edwards Architecture.
Craftsmen Quality Builders
“There is no reason to delay a project if homeowners have the money and are comfortable where they are. Construction is an essential service and we need to keep going,” says Stuart Lee, director of Craftsmen Quality Builders.
Lee is conscious of the precarious financial position that homeowners and consequently builders may find themselves in due to Covid19 and is planning ahead to ensure projects run smoothly and to schedule. Delays in receiving imported materials have the potential to hold up a project, and he is therefore ordering materials in advance to ensure they are on-site when needed, and purchasing items already stocked in Australia.
Craftsmen Quality Builders
“There is no reason to delay a project if homeowners have the money and are comfortable where they are. Construction is an essential service and we need to keep going,” says Stuart Lee, director of Craftsmen Quality Builders.
Lee is conscious of the precarious financial position that homeowners and consequently builders may find themselves in due to Covid19 and is planning ahead to ensure projects run smoothly and to schedule. Delays in receiving imported materials have the potential to hold up a project, and he is therefore ordering materials in advance to ensure they are on-site when needed, and purchasing items already stocked in Australia.
All people on-site are social distancing while working and during their breaks. There is a solid supply of hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes, as well as all workers practising high hygiene standards.
Lee is receiving daily updates from Master Builders regarding new government announces and on-site work practices. Master Builders is keen to see construction continue to be an essential service, with all sites implementing safe work practices to ensure the health and wellbeing of those on-site.
Your turn
How are you navigating these unprecedented times? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Keen for more Covid-19 care? Read up on Cleaning Routines to Keep Your Home Virus-Free
Your turn
How are you navigating these unprecedented times? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Keen for more Covid-19 care? Read up on Cleaning Routines to Keep Your Home Virus-Free
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I don't agree with projects for Architects and Interior designers dropping. I have had no projects cancelled or put on hold and is still securing new projects at the same rate as before. Most clients have adapted to the new changes and have faith in me always looking after their best interest. The Architects and Builders I work with are experiencing the same thing. We are all resilient. I do understand that people whom have most of their projects in the commercial market could face a lot of projects put on hold. It is about working with the times. You do not need to drop your prices to secure work. Just do a little more and have empathy for all adjusting to how things are to be handled in this time.
This article is very useful for understanding the benefits of home builder when you looking forward to designing, renovating, and building your dream home. We build a home that suits your specific home needs