Can Interior Decorators Now Work In A House?

[barnaclebill58]

I have a decorator lined up to paint the hallway and stairs and then do what we can the spare room which is used sometimes as an office. I'm not sure if he could have come anyway but has Bojo's announcement made things any clearer?

[Neveracrossword]

I wouldn't think that it would be allowed - you're letting someone into your home, and there's been no change there, no easing of the current restrictions.

[Cloverjo]

I think he can come and do the work. Just make sure you stay 2 metres apart and don’t give him a cup of tea.

[jno]

it's one of those vague areas. This is what it was before but I don't think he made any specific changes

https://www.fmb.org.uk/media/54289/fmb-guidance-for-members-and-consumers_building-during-coronavirus_23-3-2020.pdf

I'd say yes, just keep out of each other's way.

[JimF]

Does that not apply only to emergencies? Replacement boilers, gas leaks, burst pipes, that sort of thing?

[Cloverjo]

Boris said ‘Go to work if you can’t work from home.’ Obviously a decorator can’t work from home, so he should go to work in people’s houses.

[Neveracrossword]

Would painting be classed as 'building work'? If someone's allowed in to paint, it seems madness that a grandmother wouldn't be allowed to set foot over the doorstep.

[alavahalf]

Neveracrossword .. please .. please confirm that you do not let your grandmother do your painting ?

[fiction-factory]

Some people have continued working on extensions, fitting windows etc. I'm not sure there was ever a ban, especially if the owner was out and left a key

[lankeela]

It is work that cannot be done at home so therefore providing social distancing can be maintained there is no reason not to do it.

[Neveracrossword]

No, but she'd turn up with a white boilersuit on and a paintbrush in her hand if she thought it'd make her visit allowable. I'd have to fit her in after the oven-cleaner man (my brother), the woman measuring for blinds (my friend), the tiler, the carpet-fitter...

[alavahalf]

You could always get her a chimney brush, blacken her face and let her climb down the chimney .. 8-)

[barnaclebill58]

I've found https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance#working-in-peoples-homes-as-a-tradesperson-cleaner-or-nanny

that says "You are a tradesperson carrying out essential repairs and maintenance in people’s homes, or are carrying out other work in a home such as cleaning or paid-for childcare in a child’s home. You can continue work, providing that you are well and have no symptoms. No work should be carried out by a tradesperson, cleaner or nanny who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, or when someone in their own household has symptoms." Now does essential refer only to repairs or do you read through to "essential maintenance" -however I can't think of any maintenance that is essential. If cleaners can work and hoovering the carpets doesn't sound essential , then I reckon it is ok for the decorator. Wishful thinking on my part or for once in my life being correct?

[Neveracrossword]

Barnaclebill, I still think it's a bit iffy. My annual boiler inspection/check, which could be classed as essential maintenance, has been put back until the 'crisis is over'.

[barnaclebill58]

Vague enough for me to green light him. I want the work done and he wants the work.

[fiction-factory]

Neveracrossword- was the annual boiler maintenance check done by a national company such as British Gas as they may have agree to furlough such staff and/or agreed not to put them at potential risk, whereas sole traders/plumbers may want to keep earning a living (to supplement their Covid grant)

[Maydup]

I agree with you. He is no longer obliged to stay at home, all you have to do is to maintain social distancing.

[Neveracrossword]

FF, yes - it was a national company.

[New Judge]

//it's one of those vague areas.//

There's nothing vague about it at all and the PM's announcement tonight has made no difference. The decorator can leave home to go to work because the work cannot reasonably be done from his home. It doesn't have to be an emergency. I've had builders in since last Thursday and they will be here for another couple of days. There is nothing in the restrictions preventing him from entering your home. There never has been.

[NickorWan]

I read those Gov regs as saying that only essential work should be carried out in the home, and if it can be postponed it should be.

[Davemano]

So let a friend into your house for a chat and say that he's a builder/decorator and that is OK. I don't think so.