The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting business shutdowns raised a number of questions about home renovations and residential construction. With so many restrictions in place, homeowners were left wondering: which renovations actually count as urgent during a pandemic? And which construction workers were considered "essential" and allowed to keep working?
Generally speaking, urgent renovation work is anything needed to keep a home safe, functional, and habitable. That typically includes things like:
Repairing a leaking or damaged roof
Fixing a broken furnace or heating system, especially in colder months
Addressing plumbing issues, including burst pipes or major leaks
Repairing structural damage that affects the safety of the home
Fixing broken windows or doors that compromise security or let in the elements
Addressing electrical issues that pose a safety risk
Purely cosmetic projects — a kitchen remodel purely for looks, for example, or a bathroom upgrade with no functional issues — generally don't fall under "urgent," even if they were already being planned before restrictions came into effect.
During the pandemic, provincial and local guidelines determined which trades and services were allowed to continue operating. In most cases, workers responding to emergency repairs — plumbers, electricians, and roofers handling urgent safety issues — were considered essential, since leaving those problems unresolved could create a bigger health or safety risk than the renovation work itself.
Non-urgent renovation and construction work, on the other hand, was more likely to be paused or scaled back, depending on the specific guidelines in effect at the time and how quickly they were evolving.
If you're dealing with a home issue and aren't sure whether it qualifies as urgent, it's worth reaching out to a licensed contractor for guidance. A reputable renovation company should be able to tell you honestly whether your situation needs immediate attention or can safely wait, and can help you understand what safety precautions are being taken on the job site in the meantime.
If you're dealing with an urgent repair and aren't sure where to turn, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help you figure out the right next step for your home.