Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in – NorthJersey.com

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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.

On The Spot Home Improvements has implemented safety measures for its staff, including regular cleanings of the office and trucks and PPE gear(Photo: Courtesy of On The Spot Home Improvements)

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.

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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.

On The Spot Home Improvements has been busy redoing bathrooms, kitchens and more during the pandemic.(Photo: Courtesy of On The Spot Home Improvements)

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.

On The Spot Home Improvements has seen an increase in its revenue, as folks reroute their vacation money to pay for pool installations and more.(Photo: Courtesy of On The Spot Home Improvements)

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.

Rebecca King is a food writer for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, pleasesubscribe todayand sign up forourNorth Jersey Eats newsletter.

Email:kingr@northjersey.comTwitter:@rebeccakingnj Instagram: @northjerseyeats

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Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in - NorthJersey.com