What to do if you need a tradie urgently during the COVID-19 crisis

But what if the toilet blocks-up or floods (hopefully not because of excess use of toilet paper), the roof starts leaking, the oven dies or a window gets broken?

At the moment tradies are still able to come to your home to carry out urgent repairs but naturally many people, who are doing the right thing and socially distancing, are concerned about letting people get too close.

According to Jeremy Levitt, chief executive of the find-a-tradie website ServiceSeeking.com.au, there are some simple steps and precautions people can take to protect themselves from the coronavirus COVID-19 if they need a tradie.

1. Sort out the details remotely

Many tradespeople offer free on-site quotes, but if you want to limit who comes to your home, try a video call instead (think Skype or Zoom). Sometimes getting a look at the area through photos or video is enough to give you a solid price.

2. Ditch the handshakes

Greet people with a wave, and let workers know where to find soap & water to wash their hands before and after the job's done.

3. Spend less time face-to-face

Got a tendency to "hover" while the work's getting done? Dial that back a bit by just letting workers know where you'll be if they need you.

4. Pay online where you can, to minimise passing notes back and forth

Most small businesses can give you a bank account for direct deposit, or a way to pay via card like PayPal. If cash is the only option, try to prepare the exact amount.

5. Don't be afraid to reschedule

If you're feeling ill or have had contact recently with someone positive for COVID-19, let your tradie know as early as you can that you need to reschedule.

"And of course all the usual precautions still apply, like checking online reviews and getting a range of quotes before you decide who to hire," said Jeremy.

For information about the coronavirus COVID-19 call 1800-020-080. Information for seniors can be found here