We asked members to share their thoughts on designating Remodeling as an Essential Service. If you would like to share your thoughts send an email to info@narimn.org and we will post it here. As we receive more responses we will update this post. Check back regularly for your fellow members comments.

Member writes,
"I am of the belief that “elective, residential remodeling” is truly an elective and should be included in the stop order.
After  reviewing the “scientific “ facts and scenarios that could occur by this virus, continuing to work and send our staff and  subcontractors into peoples homes is a huge risk which  can be mitigated by the stay at home order. We are just kicking the can further down the road if we don’t do something now. I think it is all of our intent to get through this, as soon as possible and get on the other side. The less social contact we have , the better."

Member writes,
"I think we would want the Municipalities Building Inspections to adopt the same interpretation of the clarifications and legal analysis & conclusions done by Housing First MN Legall Team?
What is NARI Nationals Position at this time? See email from BATC- Housing First from 8pm last night. I am hoping that this would be how things get interpreted across the board."

Member writes,
"I am proceeding as if remodeling is no different than any other construction.  I would not use the term elective."

Member writes,
"Thanks to the group's focusing in on prioritizing when it might be necessary to work on customer's projects and when it wouldn't be prudent.  I was schedule to start a job April 1 and a week ago we were uncertain as to whether we should start the job or not. It is now very clear that especially since the job is in several parts of the house that we will not start the job until it is safe to do so. 
A  thought was that if a job was isolated that it might be ok to start. An outside project like a deck would have very limited exposure to the homeowner and with same couple workers on the job from start to finish (practicing social distancing and other safety protocol) the risk would be pretty low in today's world though maybe not tomorrow's.  A basement remodel would have many trades cycling through and while customer isolation could be assured,  the managing safety for the trades would require scheduling to ensure one trade at a time.  Additional cleaning and safety protocols would need to be developed and followed by all workers.  This type of job would be riskier to our trades and more difficult to manage in today's world and a more uncertain in the future.
It will be interesting to see what other's say and what the coming weeks bring."

Member writes,
"I have close friends on the front line in the healthcare industry including researchers looking for a vaccine and/or cure. They are petrified. Most of them are staying in the hospital or sending their families away so they don't contaminate them.  We have to take any measure we can to stay-in-place and give our health care workers and manufacturers a chance to get ahead of the curve on space and supplies. Unless you are in the process of creating health care space/equipment it is imperative that you do not go to work.  
The estimate of 78,000 people dying if we don't abide by the order is a LOW estimate.  We have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our family, and our clients.  Going into their homes is irresponsible. I'm very serious about this."

Member writes,
"I feel that sometimes those elective remodels can certain displace a family and especially in the time of food preparation, home schooling, etc….those remodels should be deemed necessary.  Our homes are now becoming offices, schools, dining halls, and sanctuaries. NOW is the most important time to be mindful of that for the MN residents.  Besides we need something that is still generating income and revenue for our residents & business owners of this state!"