KellyO / Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Level 5 Restrictions Explained – Can Tradesmen Work In Your Home?

Guidance to what level 5 means for homeowners seeking to hire a tradesman or for those who have maintenance or building work scheduled during this period.

As 'Level 5' restrictions come into effect again from Wednesday 30th December until at least 31st January 2021, we provide guidance on what this level means for homeowners seeking to hire a tradesman or for those who have maintenance or building work scheduled during this period.

Level 5 Restrictions Explained.

The announcement of level 5 is hugely disruptive for Irish businesses and citizens alike, but these restrictions are all aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and we all have a role to play.

Within the framework, the government has highlighted specific exceptions which relate to the construction sector. Under the governments definition of 'Essential Services' the following is has been advised:

essential health and related projects including those relevant to preventing, limiting, minimising or slowing the spread of COVID-19
social housing projects, including voids, designated as essential sites by Local Authorities based on set criteria
housing adaptation grants where the homeowner is agreeable to adaptions being undertaken in their home
repair, maintenance and construction of critical transport and utility infrastructure
education facilities sites designated as essential by Department of Education
supply and delivery of essential or emergency maintenance and repair services to businesses and places of residence (including electrical, gas, plumbing, glazing and roofing services) on an emergency call-out basis

Homes Scheduled for Completion by 31 January

The government has instructed the following:

in relation to private homes that are practically complete and scheduled for habitation by 31 January 2021, including where snagging, and essential remediation work, such as pyrite works is nearing completion, works should continue to enable homeowners access their homes. Heating, water, broadband and electricity installation should also continue to enable homes be occupied.

Emergency or Essential Home Repair

During this period, if you require an essential home repair, then a tradesperson will be allowed to enter your home. This includes;

In cases where a tree is deemed dangerous to life or property - emergency tree surgery is also allowed during Level 5.

When construction projects including extensions and refurbishments are permitted it is important that you and your construction or project supervisor follow Health and Safety Construction Guidelines.

How to have work done safely in your home during COVID-19

No maintenance or repair work should be carried out in a household where a person is isolating or shielding
The number of visits to your home should be reduced where possible. Onlinetradesmen has recently introduced Video Calls to discuss your home improvement projects remotely with preferred tradesmen - you can find out more here.
The 2-metre distance rule should be adhered to at all times
Assist room ventilation by keeping windows and doors open where work is taking place
Tradesmen have been advised to follow HSE guidelines at all times – so when trade pros arrive to your home, make sure they know where they can wash their hands and make it super easy for them by keeping your distance.

Useful Links:

Government statement on essential services under level 5 restrictions here.

HSE Covid-19 Guidance here

You can find a tradesperson near you here.