The last seven weeks have been a tough time for everyone in so many different ways, from being unable to work to home schooling to the challenge of shopping for food and tracking down loo roll and pasta – such has been the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
And then there are the many thousands of people who, sadly, have died despite the best efforts of the NHS and an army of dedicated healthcare workers – that many will have lost loved ones to this awful virus is just awful. This is a time that we will all remember vividly, a time that is likely to define much of our future lives.
Property market moving again
But finally, the property market, along with other business sectors, is able to get moving once again and establish a new normal for the foreseeable future.
Estate agents are allowed to market properties, sales can proceed, removals firms can operate – the process of buying and selling properties is just going to look and feel a bit different and you may have to be a bit more patient if things don’t happen quite as quickly or smoothly as you might expect.
Returning to some semblance of normality feels like such a relief and, here at home-approved, we’re delighted to be able to declare that we’re back to business as usual. Of course, we can’t be quite that cavalier, but we are at least able to start offering our building survey services again in a slightly different manner.
How we’re providing our services
Social distancing remains crucial in minimising the risk of spread of Covid-19 and we are intent on providing our surveying services in a responsible way. So, if you ask us to carry out a building survey we will do so on the following basis:
- That the current occupants of the property to be inspected are not self-isolating, being shielded or displaying any known symptoms of the virus. Confirmation of this will be required in advance of our visit.
- That the owners of the property are willing to give Home-Approved access to their property.
- That the property is vacated for the duration of the inspection and that all doors and windows are left open. As long as a safe distance of two metres can be maintained, there is no reason why the owners/occupants can’t be in the garden area (assuming there is one).
- If, during our visit, any of the above are breached we will, unfortunately, have to leave the property regardless of how far in the inspection we’ve progressed.
Safety measures
When we conduct a building survey, face masks, gloves and foot protection will be worn. We will also carry hand sanitiser for frequent hand cleaning. Naturally, no surveyor who has symptoms of Covid-19 will be allowed to work or enter a property. These measures have been established in line with Government-issued guidelines to the industry and are designed to protect the health of our staff and the occupants of the properties we are inspecting.
So when you’re ready to proceed with a full building survey on the home of your dreams, we won’t let Covid-19 be an obstacle. Just get in touch and we’ll check the diary!
Image credit: © Copyright Colin Smith and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence