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Common sense will be key to ensuring builders’ safety on self build and renovation sites, and adhere to new workplace guidelines, according to homebuilding firms. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the construction sector in England to “go to work” this week, with construction workers among those being actively encouraged to return to work on Wednesday. 

By extension, those involved in the supply chain and manufacturing of self build and renovation services and cannot work from home (such as oak frame manufacturers), are too being encouraged to return to work providing it’s safe to do so.

To ensure builders’ safety, the government released its new workplace safety guidelines this week, with a specific set of recommendations for the construction sector.

Among the recommendations:

• Construction firms must consider which staff they need on site, and support staff should be told to work from home where possible
• Building site access should be restricted to encourage social distancing, while jobs and equipment rotation should be reduced
• Break times, arrival times and shift patterns should be staggered
• Hand sanitiser and cleaning should be available, especially for cleaning shared tools or vehicles, such as forklift trucks and pallet trucks.

Ben Albright, sales director of oak frame self build specialist Border Oak, said of the guidelines: “To try and write a one-size-fits-all document is not easy, but the guidelines mostly reiterate what we already know. If firms use common sense then it shouldn’t be difficult to implement and for workers to feel safe.”

Ian McCarthy, sales director at timber frame manufacturers Timber Innovations, believes that the onus is now on homebuilding and construction companies to abide by the guidelines.

“The guidelines try to address the major concerns,” McCarthy told Homebuilding & Renovating. “The guidance is still fairly clear, keep a safe distance and make it safe to operate, and think about the individuals involved in the task. While this makes things more complicated, firms need to consider what can and can’t be done in regards to meeting the guidelines.”

(MORE: New Construction Guidelines Welcomed by NaCSBA, Providing Workers are Safe)

Implementing Safety Measures

Albright added that for construction workers to feel safe, firms need to assess whether they can effectively implement the safety measures. If not, then firms should deliberate on whether it’s safe for workers to be on building sites, in offices or in manufacturing factories. 

“If you can’t do things safely then you have to assess whether it’s critical that your company continues to operate. If it is critical then you need to do a further risk assessment and work out how you can do it within an acceptable level of risk. It’s like all health and safety, we need to be sensible.”

The government this week urged that face-covering masks should be worn in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible, and Albright stresses that common sense again needs to prevail in case of doubt on building sites. 

“If you’re outside fitting some boarding and you’re the only person on site, then you probably don’t need to wear a mask; if you’re in the property and there are 10 other people working then you should probably wear one. But, ultimately, if it makes you feel more comfortable then firms should supply masks. It’s just common sense.”

(MORE: How is the Covid-19 Pandemic Affecting Building Projects?)

Furlough Scheme Extended

Many construction workers and manufacturers have been working during lockdown, while some will be returning on Wednesday, but for those furloughed workers the government on Tuesday confirmed that the state will continue to pay their wages until October.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed that employees will continue to receive 80% of their monthly wages up to £2,500, but added that the government will ask companies to start sharing the cost of the scheme from August.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) had called for the scheme to be extended – it was set to expire at the end of the month – and stressed that it should phased out rather than completely stopped.

The CLC says that more than eight out of 10 firms in the construction industry have used the scheme, which now covers around 7.5 million workers.

The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) has welcomed the government’s easing of lockdown restrictions which could see increased construction work on self build sites in England, but insists the priority remains workers’ and homeowners’ safety.

The government published a 50-page document on Monday seeking to clarify comments made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday evening, who said that workers unable to work from home, such as construction workers, should go back to work.

Initially it was believed that this recommendation would apply from Monday, but foreign secretary Dominic Raab confirmed on Monday morning that these measures will apply from Wednesday. Mr Raab added that workplaces will receive guidance on how to become “Covid secure” in a document that will be released on Tuesday. 

Andrew Baddeley-Chapell, chief executive of NaCSBA, told Homebuilding & Renovating: “The priority on any self or custom build site is people’s safety. This should guide all activity that is undertaken (as was the case before Covid-19). With this in mind NaCSBA believes that work can continue on many custom and self build sites, and we are keen to see this happen where it is safe to do so.”

The government’s guidelines apply only in England, with the devolved governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all sticking with their existing lockdown guidance. In Scotland, all non-essential construction work has been stopped since April. 

“The position on construction is clearly different in Scotland and we respect the right of all regional governments to do what they believe to be right, but would welcome a return work on smaller sites, in particular, when they consider that appropriate,” said Baddeley-Chappell.

New Safety Guidelines

Safety concerns were a paramount reason behind some construction firms closing, and builders and trades putting a pause on jobs, once lockdown was announced in March. But major builders’ merchants have begun reopening stores in recent weeks, and self build projects, as well as those renovating a house, are able to continue providing safety measures are implemented.

While some construction firms have remained operational during lockdown, those returning to work on Wednesday are now being encouraged by the government not to travel by public transport, and to wear a face-covering mask when social distancing is not possible. 

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “Builders have been calling for clear direction from the government and the Prime Minister has now made it plain that he wants a return to work. However, the virus remains a very real risk that needs to be effectively managed. More clarity is needed about the provision of PPE to ensure that all workers that need it can get it. 

“The forthcoming government workplace guidance needs to address this issue as soon as possible because builders who work inside people’s homes face a more tricky situation than those who work outside.”

Fighting for the Future

Construction is among the industries which has endured perilous challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, with some firms reportedly facing going bust.  

NaCSBA hopes the easing of lockdown measures will be able to kick-start growing activity in the homebuilding sector. “This is important as the sector has a big role to play in the economic recovery, in particular if the government delivers the commitments it made in its manifesto about supporting custom and self build,” said Baddeley-Chappell. 

NaCSBA has compiled guidance for workers on self build sites which it is updating regularly to reflect the latest government and industry guidance, and hopes to see the self build and custom build sector recover following a challenging few months. 

Furthermore, the FMB has created a guide for people deciding whether to undertake building work during the Covid-19 pandemic, while these essential resources will help you plan your project during lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the construction industry to return to work today, although lockdown measures will continue until July at the earliest.

Mr Johnson addressed the nation live on Sunday night to unveil the government’s new guidance on the coronavirus pandemic, and “actively encouraged” those who cannot work from home to return to work.

But Mr Johnson said that construction workers should avoid using public transport to get to build sites if possible. 

Workplaces will receive guidance on how to become “Covid secure”, the Prime Minister confirmed, but it is unclear as to when this will be, and what this guidance will contain. 

A notable impact of this announcement is that it could help to remove barriers facing those in the midst of, or planning, self build or renovation projects.

(MORE: How is the Covid-19 Pandemic Affecting Building Projects?)

Mr Johnson mentioned construction and manufacturing as examples of the types of industries where getting back to work will be explicitly encouraged. 

“We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must. We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work.”

“We want it to be safe for you to get to work so you should avoid public transport if at all possible – because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited.”

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— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) May 10, 2020

No Clear Plan for Safety

Construction was declared an essential service when lockdown was announced on 23 March, but some construction firms closed to protect the safety of its workers and customers. 

In the week prior to Mr Johnson’s speech on Sunday, new data released by Housing Today showed that a further 237 sites opened in the week to 6 May, despite lockdown measures.

Construction work has reportedly now restarted on nearly one in five of all residential construction projects, or nearly 600 sites, which were previously closed following lockdown. 

This new government announcement illustrates the government’s ambitions for the construction industry to return to a position resembling normalcy, even in these most abnormal times. 

But the statement has come under fire from Labour leader Keir Starmer, who says not enough detail has been provided on how construction workers can return to build sites safely. 

“The prime minister appears to be effectively telling millions of people to go back to work without a clear plan for safety or clear guidance as to how to get there without using public transport.”

Scotland has banned all non-essential construction, and extended its lockdown measures on Friday. Mr Starmer added: “This statement raises more questions than it answers, and we see the prospect of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland pulling in different directions.”

(MORE: Construction Firms Face Bankruptcy Because of Coronavirus Pandemic)

A 50-page document outlining the government’s easing of the lockdown restrictions is expected to be published on Monday at 2pm.

92% of homeowners are happy for building work to continue in their homes or on their building sites providing social distancing can be adhered to, Homebuilding.co.uk research shows.

Self build and renovation work in England is generally being interpreted as acceptable under current government regulations, as long as social distancing is implemented and work sites are safe.

The government has published guidelines for tradespeople working in homes or building sites, and all construction workers need to adhere to these hygiene and safety measures..

(MORE: How is the Covid-19 Pandemic Affecting Building Projects?)

In a survey sent out to people who had registered to attend a Homebuilding & Renovating Show, just over nine in 10 said they were content for their building work to continue.

Additionally, 94% of the 651 respondents said that despite the disruption caused by Covid-19 lockdown, they are still planning to start or continue a homebuilding project within the next 12 months. Around 85% said they are still doing research for their project in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis.

There are several ways you can maximise planning your project during lockdown, and these essential resources will help you prepare as best as possible for when you break ground on your project.

Which Companies Are Available?

One of the notable problems respondents have faced is contacting companies, which could be explained by fewer staff being available and more staff working from home.

A total of 59% said they found it difficult to connect with companies they require for their project, while 79% said they would like a central platform to get informed.

(MORE: Introducing Home School)

Finding companies can indeed be hard during lockdown, so Homebuilding & Renovating has been compiling a list of all the companies offering special services to customers during lockdown. 

Another important finding from the survey was that 74% said their budgets for their next projects had been largely unaffected thus far by the Covid-19 crisis.

These respondents were largely content to continue planning during lockdown and ride out the as yet unknown economic impact of the pandemic on the homebuilding sector. 

Follow live updates regarding lockdown, merchants, government updates and other important information relating to planning your next project.

Annual house price growth increased by 3.7% in April, indicating a strong market prior to Covid-19 lockdown, but the impact this will have on the housing market remains unknown. 

Nationwide reports in its new House Price Index that this increase is up from 3% in March, meaning the average house price in the UK is now £222,915.

Nationwide’s data is based on mortgages approved in April but submitted earlier, which could explain the apparent growth during lockdown. 

It has been forecasted that the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to a decline in house prices by the end of 2020, although experts disagree on by how much. 

Robert Gardner, chief economist at Nationwide, says the government’s economic intervention could be crucial in limiting the economic damage once the pandemic passes.

“The raft of policies adopted to support the economy, including to protect businesses and jobs, to support peoples’ incomes and keep borrowing costs down, should set the stage for a rebound once the shock passes, and help limit long-term damage to the economy,” he said.

“These same measures should also help ensure the impact on the housing market will ultimately be much less than would normally be associated with an economic shock of this magnitude.”

A Turbulent Year for House Prices

The year began exceptionally well for the housing sector, with asking prices close to an all-time high, and house prices increasing by an average of 11% since Britain officially left the European Union. 

But the government’s lockdown restrictions have ground the market to a halt. Few homes have been put up for sale and site visits are extremely difficult; many buyers can’t buy and vendors can’t sell. This led Rightmove to cancel its April report on asking prices, citing the lack of data would render the report meaningless.

Last week, however, Zoopla said there was evidence to suggest that the housing sector could be rebounding, and that demand for housing is increasing.

The new Nationwide data appears to reinforce this optimism but Gardner advises caution of the interpretation of the data, stressing that uncertain times lie ahead for months to come.  

He said: “The medium-term outlook for the housing market is highly uncertain, where much will depend on the performance of the wider economy. 

“Economic activity is set to contract significantly in the near term as a direct result of the necessary measures adopted to suppress the spread of the virus.”

With major retailers such as B&Q and Homebase reopening some stores, homeowners now have greater access to DIY materials than they have had since lockdown began. But Government restrictions limit purchases from these stores to those needed for essential DIY, it can be a little unclear as to what constitutes an ‘essential’ DIY task. 

The government announced in March that DIY and hardware stores were classed as “essential retailers” during lockdown, yet some retailers including Selco and Huws Gray suspended trading with immediate effect. Meanwhile, Jewson and Travis Perkins were among the builders’ merchants that began offering only essential services (defined as infrastructure and services helping to combat the Covid-19 pandemic).

Now that B&Q, Wickes, Homebase and Selco have reopened their stores in some capacity, consumers can, in certain instances, enter stores again  – here’s the important caveat, however – providing it is for essential materials.

(MORE: The Most Cost-Effective Home Improvements to Plan While on Lockdown)

What the Guidelines Say

The Government subsequently sought to clarify that the essential designation relates to the type of retailer that can be open and does not specify what products can and can’t be sold. 

On 16 April, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) published a three-page document called What constitutes a reasonable excuse to leave the place where you live.

The guidelines (which apply in England only) stated these key points relating to DIY:

• You ARE permitted to collect essential DIY supplies to fix any faulty homeware, such as fences damaged by bad weather
• You are NOT permitted to leave your home to buy paint and brushes and other supplies to redecorate a kitchen, for example 
• The regulations specify maintenance and upkeep. This does not extend to renovation and improvements (unfortunately this advice doesn’t refer to specific examples)

The guidance provides police officers with more clarity on interpreting lockdown restrictions, and for home improvers it is vital to be aware of these points. 

Since lockdown measures were implemented, police have been observed fining shoppers outside The Range for not buying “essential” resources, while this week Cumbria police issued a warning to shoppers of the rules regarding travelling to DIY outlets.

The warning said: “We are seeing an increasing amount of traffic on Cumbria’s roads, especially around DIY outlets. Travelling to such outlets should be for tools and supplies for essential home and garden repairs, not for compost, plants and soft furnishings.”

Which Materials Are Retailers Selling?

This is where it’s easy to become confused by the situation, because retailers have very few, if any, restrictions on DIY materials they are selling in store. 

B&Q, Homebase, Wickes and Selco all published statements addressing store guidelines and advice on purchasing orders following their decisions to reopen, but they are still selling items that would be described as “non-essential” products.

B&Q

On Friday, B&Q confirmed that it had reopened all its 288 UK stores, and stated that products that you can normally buy and takeaway in store on the day are available to customers. 

With regards to restrictions, a B&Q spokesperson said: “At our reopened stores, you can shop for a broad range of items that are available at the store to take away on the day. Currently, services such as kitchen and bathroom design, Valspar paint mixing, timber cutting and key cutting are not available.”

While B&Q is selling paint and paintbrushes and items the NPCC deems to be non-essential, it urges consumers to shop responsibly only for what is necessary.

Homebase

Homebase revealed on 29 April that it would reopen an additional 50 stores, having previously reopened 20 stores in a recent trial. These stores reopened on Saturday, and like B&Q, Homebase has applied similar restrictions regarding which products are available in store.

While it is not able to offer kitchen design appointments, services such as Rug Doctor and Key Cutting or concessions, including Bathstore, there are otherwise no apparent restrictions on DIY materials.

Wickes

Wickes announced last week that from April 30th, six of its stores would reopen as part of a new trial. Its kitchen and bathroom showrooms have closed, but there don’t appear to be any other restrictions. 

Selco

Selco Builders Warehouse will reopen 42 of its 68 stores on Wednesday 6 May, the company has announced, however the stores will be Click & Collect and Click & Deliver only.

Selco is unable to offer its sheet material cutting, paint mixing, brick matching and kitchen design services until further notice, it says on its website, but also does not appear to have any product restrictions on delivery or collection. 

(MORE: These Merchants Are Still Providing Essential DIY Products)

What Should I Do?

If you require a tool or material to fix a problem at home that poses a danger to you and your family, then there shouldn’t be an issue with you travelling to a DIY store or home retailer to purchase this.

The rules regarding major home improvement work are less clear. Generally, self build and renovation work in England is being interpreted as acceptable under current regulations as long as sites are safe. If you are in the midst of a building, renovating or extending your home then consult with your tradespeople about the materials required and how best to obtain them. 

Otherwise, if you are looking take on smaller tasks, such as redecorating your kitchen, then it’s best to order the necessary materials online and have them delivered. 

If you have any doubt about whether or not you think an item you need is essential then contact your local store or builders’ merchant for their advice. 

(MORE: How is the Covid-19 Pandemic Affecting Building Projects?)

The construction industry has undergone a challenging period since the government announced Covid-19 lockdown measures on 23 March. Financial pressures remain an existential threat to some companies, which could yet face bankruptcy, and construction workers continue to balance risking their safety with the financial implications of staying at home.

With six weeks passed since lockdown measures were introduced, we investigate how the construction industry is faring in the wake of the coronavirus, and what the implications of the pandemic could mean for its survival. 

Financial Pressure

The coronavirus pandemic has still plunged construction activity to its lowest level in 11 years, the recent construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) revealed. 

Around three quarters of on-site residential projects have reportedly halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, and there are legitimate concerns that local homebuilding firms risk going bankrupt.

Worrying statistics from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) reveal that 31% of small to medium-sized (SME) housebuilders have new homes standing empty due to customers pulling out or delaying purchases.

This equates to, on average, seven homes per company standing empty with a cost of £629 per month in empty homes council tax.

Moreover, the FMB reports that these SME firms are not receiving financial support from the government. Not one of the FMB’s SME members has been able to acquire a loan from their bank via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), and only 3% have received a cash grant via Small Business Rates Relief from their local authority.

In a bid to help those falling through the cracks, chancellor Rishi Sunak has launched the Bounce Back Loans scheme, which will be 100% state-backed, and begin this week, offering firms loans up to £50,000 within days of applying. This will run alongside the CBILS.

It is vital that these schemes work for SME workers because for many not working simply isn’t an option. 

As trade union Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail explained: “There are financial pressures bearing down on workers to go back to work as more than 50% of all construction workers are self-employed.”

For major housebuilders, the situation is more encouraging. Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Vistry Group will reopen construction sites within the next week, and building activity is set to resume as builders’ merchants and DIY stores also reopen their doors. 

What is ‘Essential’ Construction?

When the UK entered lockdown, the government instructed general construction work to continue where possible providing social distancing was maintained. 

Some construction firms closed their sites, others allowed their contracted projects to continue, while Scotland closed all non-essential construction (defined as projects supporting crucial work during the coronavirus pandemic) on 7 April. 

(MORE: How is the Covid-19 Pandemic Affecting Building Projects?)

As reports multiplied indicating social distancing was “almost impossible” to maintain on build sites, construction groups urged the UK government to follow the Scottish government’s example and close non-essential sites. 

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “It is almost impossible to follow Public Health England’s social distancing advice on many sites, and it would therefore be safer to close them”.

The UK government’s desire to keep Britain building is understandable because it serves a vital economic purpose. But the lack of clarity has caused problems, namely for construction workers in the line of duty. 

Among the construction workers still going to build sites, some have reportedly faced abuse, either online or face-to-face, for continuing to do their jobs. The Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum on Thursday reported an increasing number of tradespeople being intimidated and verbally abused by the public.

Earlier this month, it was reported that industry leaders wrote a letter to construction minister Nadim Zahawi calling for the government to deem construction workers as essential staff. And in the absence of this distinction, some construction firms have allegedly told staff to say they are essential workers when confronted by members of the public. 

Ultimately, self build and renovation work in England is being interpreted as acceptable under current regulations as long as sites are safe. Therefore it is up to construction firms or self-employed workers whether they continue to work on building sites.

Ensuring Construction Workers’ Safety

Keeping construction workers protected from Covid-19 has been a foremost concern since lockdown was implemented. 

When images circulated on social media in March showing workers packed on London Tubes, it illustrated the difficulty in establishing construction workers’ safety. These images and subsequent reports of social distancing being unachievable were central in calls for non-essential construction work to cease.

Since then, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has been updating its guidance on site operating procedures, with its most recent iteration stating, “When construction workers working closely together cannot be avoided, this should be limited to less than 15 minutes and workers should be side by side rather than face to face.”

Last week there was some welcome news for these workers. Health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that construction workers in England showing symptoms of Covid-19 would be eligible for official government testing from 29 April (while the government last week announced that essential workers and members of their households could be tested for the coronavirus, construction workers were not initially included).

The Department of Health and Social Care has since updated its eligibility guidance, stating “anyone who goes into work because they cannot work from home (for example, construction workers) and has symptoms” can be tested.

Site workers showing symptoms can refer themselves for individual test appointments or request home-testing kits, while construction firms can also apply by email to arrange testing for employees. 

If you are working on an operational building site then be sure to follow government guidelines for tradespeople working in homes, and ensure you adhere to hygiene and safety measures. 

Ultimately, the Covid-19 situation remains as perilous for the construction sector as it does for the rest of us. There are positive signs emerging from major homebuilders, but times could be hard for many months to come.