Planned building works- advice

[MirandaS]

Hello, i am seeking advice from people who are having house extensions or about to start an extension. I am curious to know what builders are saying about working through the social distancing measures. We are due to start works in April and think we should postpone until the situation is under control. The builder is keen to start the work. Builders need to work. However we worried about the work will start then need to stop for an indefinite period. We plan to rent another property and cannot afford to rent and pay a mortgage over a long period of time.

Any advice is much appreciated

Keep safe

[DulwichFox]

Personally I would postpone the work.

Having Builders in your home will normally need you to be there at least part of the time to oversee progress.

Also the builders may make a start and then be forced to stop work.

Perhaps after taking a large deposit from you.

I urge you to reconsider having any work done.

DulwichFox.

[TheCat]

We just moved back into out place after 4 months out due to major works.

Of course the builder wants to carry on. Theoretically,for the most part would probably be fine as long as you can socially-distance. But a major build never goes theoretically, and is stressful at the best of times. Sh!t will go wrong, even without a global pandemic thrown in. I would prob try to postpone if possible. We had to move back in for financial reasons (as you say) despite it not all being done, even though the 'plan' (with contingency) was that everything would be done well ahead of our 4 month timeframe.

I would think things will be delayed, even if there's not an imposed lockdown. Also, the added stress of worrying that there might be is something you don't need I would suggest.

Not what you want to hear I'm sure, as I know it's a big step to make the call, but I'd postpone if possible....

[Renata Hamvas]

I would suggest postponing it. As the situation worsens, IMO it is likely that all shops that sell non-urgent items such as building supplies have to close, so your builder would struggle to purchase materials for the project.

Renata

[MirandaS]

Thank you all for your views. We have decided to postpone until the situation has improved. I know the govt is currently allowing construction work however this does not appear to be in the public's best interest.

[mac4]

We finally signed a 4 month building contract on Mon morning after many months of architects, planning and preparation. Work was to start on site the following morning but when we heard the latest advice on Mon evening we decided to postpone the start. We were supported by the architect and the builder accepted this without a problem. We'll review it depending on how things develop over the following weeks.