Home builders are ready

by Brent Forsberg

Heading into the summer months homeowners are generally thinking about their upcoming projects. New kitchen? Update the master bath? Time for a new roof? Is this the year we build our dream home? Many, if not all these questions came to a screeching halt due to the health crisis.

Home builders and remodelers across the state resumed construction on May 7 and we can assure you our industry is prepared, trained and ready to help you get that project done.

New COVID-19 safety measures are in place to ensure the safety of builders, their employees and homeowners. As President of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Lansing, I am encouraging consumers to take an extra step in ensuring they hire safe contractors. HBA members have developed COVID-19 safety plans, have the necessary personal protection equipment onsite, and have completed online training sessions to ensure they are working safely.

The purpose of the COVID-19 Exposure Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Plan for Construction is to outline the steps that every employer and employee can take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

The plan describes how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to be taken on the job site, personal protective equipment and work practice controls to be used, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and what to do if a worker becomes sick.

Consumers should know not every builder or contractor is an HBA member and may not have gone through the safety training our members have received. We are proud of our members for working hard to adjust their work practices to meet new health safety guidelines. Safety is our top priority and consumers should feel confident in hiring a local, licensed HBA member.

Even more important is working with a local company. For every $100 spent locally approximately $73 stays to be recycled in the community. Now more than ever, as a community, we need to support all small businesses.

For a complete list of HBA of Greater Lansing members, visit hbalansing.com or call (517) 323-3254