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In this section you'll find information and updates related to coronavirus that are relevant to the law on building work.
The UK's response to coronavirus is changing regularly and often very quickly. While we'll continue to make every effort to keep this page up to date, there may be short periods where what you read here is not the latest information available. Where possible we've tried to provide links to official sources, so you can check the current situation.
In Scotland, tradespeople should not enter your home unless it's for something essential such as a safety check or an urgent repair.
Elsewhere in the UK, tradespeople can work in your home provided everyone takes appropriate safety precautions. However, if your household is isolating, tradespeople should not enter your home unless the work is an emergency repair – that means something that poses a risk to the household if left unfixed (e.g. a water leak or an unsafe structure).
You and the tradesperson should remain at least 2 metres apart during the visit. However, if a distance of 2 metres is not possible then 1 metre will do if you and the tradesperson take additional protective actions, such as wearing face coverings and using hand sanitiser.
They should follow all the standard hygiene advice (e.g. regular handwashing for at least 20 seconds, and/or use of gloves). For more information, see government guidance on working safely in other people's homes. In particular, tradespeople should:
Coronavirus won't necessarily give you or the builder the right to cancel any agreement that you have in place. See our section on Before building work starts for more on building contracts, and our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Complaints and disputes section for information on your consumer rights.
Due to the pandemic and its effects on the ability to complete building work in the normal way and within the normal timescales, there will potentially be many disputes. Contractual obligations that are likely to come under pressure include:
The government has issued guidance that aims to encourage responsible and fair contractual behaviour.