Remodeling: Common Sense Design Changes during a Pandemic

“Together” has taken on entirely new meanings for many of us.  The pandemic which we all share – often not too equally – has demanded that we look at many aspects of our daily life and make creative adjustments on all levels.
 
In previous articles in this COVID19 series, we have taken a hard look at how the pandemic has impacted our Interior spaces – both domestic and workplace.  We have long since accepted eclipse!  Where feasible, our business, career and/or workplace environments have experienced closer proximity than we might choose – if our communities and our country were not under attack by a persistent intruder. 
​ 
Like it or not, we have made changes intrusive to our previous patterns and choices.  We have quickly remodeled our Interior living space, as best we could, to seek the implied safety of distancing, modified isolation and very limited contact outside our immediate, essential connections.

Moving over at home or at work to squeeze in Pandemic adjustments can wreak havoc on serenity! Gotta be creative

It is reasonable to assume that most folks, in the stream of life occurrences, have experienced emergencies or “altered circumstances” of one kind or another.  Most usually consisting of defined timelines, even the situations with continuation adjustments.  So, we accommodate the issue, the accident, the storm or the fire somewhat with a beginning and an end, then, a specific follow-up plan.
 
We all know, by now, that this pandemic and all its ripples, is here to stay for the foreseeable future.  It also means that our hasty reorganizing and remodeling of our Interior space may not work for extended time!  It is fine to “make do” when we have to, in a hurry; we know how to manage in a pinch.  But, kitchen table workspace with the lunchtime fruit bowl right where your calculator, cell phone, etc., need to be, close at hand, gets old in a hurry.
 
Those fortunate enough to have had rooms to spare, are ahead of the game – but only in the sense of a door to close.  The overall adjustments permeate one’s entire household base procedures.  Everything from timing, noise levels, traffic patterns and concentration factors qualify for a look at situational remodeling.
 
Residential needs vary, of course, depending upon the family construct.  With or without children is an importantly qualifying point.  When parents must move their work and business operations to home base, their performance disciplines must be maintained – perhaps by simple soundproofing to soften the thundering herd returning from school!
 
Businesses able to remain offsite may only be able to do so with radical changes in floor plans, ventilation systems, shielded workstations – to name just a few issues.  In the beginning, you did what you had to do, quickly, to minimize loss on all levels.   You have been extemporaneously rearranging workstations, substituting and utilizing essential furniture, creating “safe zones” and altering hospitality facilities for both employees and outside visitors. 
 
You may have discovered that some of your initial accommodations are proving quite workable for an indefinite timeline.  However, some of you have wondered just how long you can patiently continue with “make do!”   It has become clear that your domestic or work circumstances must be seriously revised for the long run. 
 
Domestically, it’s OK to fit in an additional family member or two – temporarily.  But as a permanent change, you may need to consider some equally serious remodeling.  It is time to take a look at possibilities and budget considerations.  You may be on target with estimating what can be done and what it may cost.  But maybe not.  Get some input from your general contractor and Interior design professionals.  They have solutions you may not think of!
 
In your off-site Interior work environment, changes require some different disciplines.  When in doubt, just ask.  Most initial conversations are possible without cost.  Commercial property – yours or your landlord’s – is subject to guidelines that differ from residential property.  Beware of do-it-yourself remodeling on commercial property without some professional guidance!
 
Remodeling to accommodate what the pandemic has dropped in our laps requires common sense, know-how, health maintenance disciplines and expediency!