As the impacts of COVID-19 continues to be a concern, businesses across the country have paused operations for the time being, including those in the home improvement industry. The good news is that home service pros specializing in essential repairs are standing by to help. That said, it’s more important than ever to know which home essential repairs need to be addressed right away and which ones can wait. Here’s how Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia define essential repairs and what that means for you and your home.
Ontario
Premier Ford’s most recent announcement included a detailed list of essential businesses that can continue to operate despite the province’s state of emergency.
The list provides insight into the kind of home improvement projects that are permitted at this time. While you can’t start a new home project, projects that are already underway to ensure the safety and sanitation of your home are allowed. The list further specifies that emergency maintenance and essential repairs strictly necessary to maintain the safety, security and sanitation of your home can be carried out at any time. In other words, now isn’t the time to start a kitchen renovation, but you can go ahead with roof repairs, pest removal and other urgent projects.
British Columbia
Like Ontario, British Columbia’s provincial government has released a detailed list of essential businesses that will remain open. These businesses are those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning.
When it comes to home projects, they’ve specified that plumbers, electricians, maintenance and repair technicians, as well as any service providers necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of your home, can still operate. Essentially, if you’re living in British Columbia, now is not the time for cosmetic updates. But if any of you appliances or structures are putting your home at risk, have them repaired right away.
Alberta
As of right now, Alberta’s provincial guidelines on essential business and services are broader than Ontario or British Columbia. Alberta’s most recent list of essential businesses includes residential construction work and services without any exceptions. At face value, this means you can continue any and all home improvement projects.
Examples of Essential Repairs
If you’re looking for some more insight, HomeStars has put together a list of some repairs that, based on our experience, are essential to the health of your home:
- Shingle damage, leaks and other roof repairs
- Waterproofing
- Minor and major electrical fixes
- Repairs to ensure your heating and cooling systems are operational and efficient
- Repairs to appliances essential to the sanitation and health of your home
- Pest Control
- Tree removal
- Plumbing fixes
At the end of the day, your comfort and safety are the number one priority during this time. Remember that we’re always here to keep your home running smoothly and that pros are standing by right now, ready to help.
Article Updated June 2022.
