Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in – New Jersey Herald

Many businesses have faced financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The home improvement industry, much of which is considered essential business, is faring far better.

Michael DeMarco, owner of On The Spot Home Improvements in Saddle Brook,said his sales have increased about 25% since the pandemic hit. On The Spot does emergency home repairs, as well as roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, deck installation, power washing and gutter installation, repair and cleaning.

"Theres a lot of people staying home," said DeMarco. "People have called us saying their home is going to be their office for the foreseeable future, and they want to make it nice."

According to DeMarco, many of his clients rerouted the money from their canceled vacations to finance repairs andadditions to their homes.

Real estate: NJ could see increase in people moving from the cities to the suburbs after coronavirus

Social distancing rules have made homethe safest place to be. With parks packed, backyards and front porches have becomethe ideal place to get some sun and let the kids burn off some energy which means On The Spot Home Improvements and other landscaping, contracting and home improvement businesses are experiencing a rise in sales.

Swing Set & Toy Warehouse, which has locations in Upper Saddle River, Freehold, Fleming and East Hanover, has seen a 50% increase in business, said Sue Williams, a sales representative for the company for the past 30 years.

"Ive never seen anything like it," said Williams. Trampolines, basketball hoops and swing sets, specifically, are being ordered nonstop.

"Usually families decide to buy swing sets when their children are age-appropriate. But now, Im seeing even people with very young kids buying this year," she added. Why? Because being outside eases stress, said Williams, especially in a time when entire families are cooped up at home.

The phones at Jacobsen Landscape Design in Midland Park, which designs landscaping for pools and patios andinstalls irrigation systems and outdoor landscape lighting, have been ringing off the hook, as customers yearn for more put-together homes.

Of course, things in the home improvement industry have changed since the pandemic. DeMarco says his staff members wear masks and get their temperatures taken at the door. They keep 6 feet apart from each other and clients. The office building and trucks are constantly being sanitized.

DeMarco predicts the home improvement boomwill continue for the next year, even as businesses and entertainment venues open up. As expensive vacations will likely have to be canceled for the rest of the year, he thinks that money will instead go to building a new cabana in the backyard, installing a pool, or finally building that dream deck.

5 easy home improvement ideas

Cleanhard-to-reach places, such as vents and the tops of fans. This is the perfect time to take care ofspots that usually get neglected. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum or a microfiber cloth to wipe away grime. Add a fresh coat of paint to a room. Yes, this task may seem a bit daunting, but repainting even one accent wall can completely transform a room. We've never had more time to tape, tarp and paint. When's the last time you power washed your house? The weather is getting warm, which means the time is right to impress your neighbors by giving the exterior of your home a scrub. Create a gallery wall with your favorite photos. Gallery wallsare very trendy right now, and printing out and framing pictures of friends and family can make the days in quarantine seem less lonely, while also adding a striking element to your home. Outdoor furniture can get grubby over the years. Perhaps set aside some time to give them a scrub -- Lysol wipes and soapy water work great.

Rebecca King is a food writer for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up forour North Jersey Eats newsletter.

Email: kingr@northjersey.com Twitter: @rebeccakingnj Instagram: @northjerseyeats

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in

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Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in - New Jersey Herald