There’s no doubt navigating life during the pandemic hasn’t been the smoothest. We’ve all had to acclimatise to a new way of living. But the problems aren’t over, I’m sorry to say. Enter: the pingdemic and shortages in trades and materials.

If you haven’t received a ping yourself by the NHS Covid-19 app, you may be wondering what the pingdemic is.  Well, since ‘freedom day’, the app has sent an avalanche of alerts to people in England and Wales. They ask them to automatically self-isolate after being in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid. 

This has caused staff shortages and cancellations, costing industries around the country millions, including the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry. For example, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) surveyed over 5000 kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installers. It showed that 47% have had to cancel jobs due to pings from the NHS Covid-19 app. 

Solutions to the pingdemic problem

Have you had to push your renovation back because of the pingdemic or builder or material shortages? Well, before panicking, make sure you speak to your trades to find out when work can actually begin. Come up with a new timeline for your renovation. 

Communication is absolutely key in this situation. If the pingdemic has affected your builder or installer, ask if they might be able to offer an alternative solution. Also ask if the kitchen or bathroom company could offer other help to get your renovation back on track.  

Organisation is also a very important factor. You’ll need to contact all trades involved in the project to constantly keep them in the loop re what’s going on. You wouldn’t want your plumber or installer to show up to your door without the kitchen being in or delivered yet. Also ensure you have plenty of space available to store your deliveries properly, if needed, until you can fit and install them.

And lastly, but probably most importantly, be patient. Even though things might take a bit longer now, everybody is in the same boat, so remember to be understanding.

Now, once you’ve got that sorted, here is how you can make the most of your time until work kicks off… 

Pingdemic advice: Review your design decisions 

Take this time to have a think about your project and truly analyse the plans, especially if you are building your dream home. You might spot something you’d like to change or improve, and this would be the best time to have a chat with your designer – but make sure to not go into overthinking-mode. 

Roll up your sleeves and get to work

Lucky to be able to live on site until the builders pick up the project? Really keen to begin your renovation? Then you can begin with those steps that don’t need supervision or professional attention. So why not start with any wall reparations, like plastering, painting or panelling? You can also try tiling your bathroom or replacing floorboards.

Focus on a smaller project  

If the weather is on your side, you can do a bit of gardening to improve your landscape by spraying for weeds, cutting branches off trees, planting nice flower beds or even including a cosy seating spot for reading in the afternoon – oh, outdoor heating and waterproof furniture are a must. 

Or why not upgrade old furniture to fit your new space with a fresh coat of paint and statement handles? If you love a good DIY adventure, this will keep you busy until work resumes.  

Find your dream items

Haven’t had time to think about decorating yet? Grab your moodboards, play with virtual decorating tools and have a browse online to find your ideal products. Plus, if you are in need of extra inspo, we’ve got you covered too, from air purifiers, dressing tables and rugs for your bedroom to the best house plants for your kitchen and bathroom. Just get get your shopping cart ready.

Visit your local showrooms  

What a better time to see and try the latest appliances on the market or find clever storage solutions for your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom than now during the ‘pingdemic’? So, put on your shoes and pop by the showrooms close to you to discover what’s new, chat to design experts, have a nice cuppa and get inspired for when your renovation begins.

And don’t forget that you can use our handy Directory to discover design specialist right on your doorstep.

Featured image: iStock/ Rouzes

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