“Builders and tradies remain open for business and are complying with the social distancing and hygiene rules, in line with the latest advice from government,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“The Prime Minister has confirmed that building is an essential industry and is being kept open but there is some confusion in the community about how this is applied to the home and we want to clear that up,” she said.

“Safe Work Australia advice confirms that a workplace includes a private home or dwelling, which means building workers and tradies will do everything to follow social distancing and strict hygiene practices, so any risks are eliminated or minimized,” Denita Wawn said.

“This means that the public can have confidence that they are doing the right thing in helping stop the spread of COVID-19, while still going ahead with their residential building projects,” she said.

“For home and property owners it is important to know that you don’t need to pull the plug on current work,” Denita Wawn said.

"Whether you’ve been planning a new build, a renovation job or you’ve been planning to talk to your builder about getting the ball rolling for this kind of project, you can still have your builder on your premises for purposes of work and be confident that they are complying with their obligations and that you are doing the right thing by the community,” Denita Wawn said.

“Whether its indoors or outdoors there is absolutely no problem with your project going ahead. There is no need to put kitchen or bathroom renovations, plumbing or electrical work or landscaping on hold,” she said.

“It’s also important for home and property owners and the community to know that Safe Work Australia has produced information for in-home workers and tradies, containing a range of practical information about client interactions, householder checks and other ways to reduce or eliminate risk,” Denita Wawn said.

“Our message to clients is that it’s your home and our members workplace so they will do everything necessary to comply with all safety laws,” she said.

“It is still also more than ok to go and inspect a Display Home providing that you make an appointment. Our members are telling us that appointments are being made and now is a great time to do this,” Denita Wawn said.

“Builders and tradies care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of their communities and they are complying with the latest government advice so they can provide building services to their communities,” she said.

“There are nearly 370,000 residential building businesses in Australia, including thousands of mum and dad businesses. The survival of these businesses is essential to the livelihoods of builders and their families but also the state economy which is also under huge pressure from the COVID-19 crisis,” Denita Wawn said.

“We are encouraging the public to make the time now to book an appointment with their builder to plan their new project, to inspect a Display Home and continue on with their building project or renovation,” Denita Wawn said.

More information is available from Safe Work Australia: safeworkaustralia.gov.au