Why is it that my husband who is an interior trim carpenter, in residential new construction, who lives in North Carolina ...how is it that he would be considered essential?? I don’t understand why he would be considered essential?
1 reply
Mar 30, 2020
Construction services are being deemed "essential" by most states, particularly when that work relates to healthcare, public works, and keeping residential construction needed for the safety of the occupants or the operation of the residence. And, you can keep up with state-by-state work and compare North Carolina to other states here: Can I do Construction Work In my State?
Should new home construction be considered "essential" in North Carolina?
You can read the North Carolina stay at home order here: Executive Order No. 121. Arguably, new home construction shouldn't be considered "essential" under those guidelines. However, Governor Cooper's stay at home order and exceptions don't seem to put that limitation in place - most trades and most projects will fall under the sweeping exceptions for construction work. What's more, any business which can successfully implement social distancing requirements will be considered essential. So, there's a lot of grey area and those in the North Carolina construction industry will arguably be allowed to work.
As for why - that can be a harder question to answer. It makes sense that totally shutting down construction is off the table. Construction on critical infrastructure, on public works, and on individual's residences will be needed for everyone to remain safe. Further, it also makes sense to allow businesses to continue their work if they can do so safely. But, as always, some businesses may push the limits as to what's allowed, and they may not always practice good safety. Still - the fact that some bad actors might abuse the system isn't enough to stop everyone from going to work.
You're hardly the only one worried about this, though, and I would hardly be surprised to see some clawback restricting some types of construction - potentially non-essential new home construction - going forward. I think you'll find this article valuable: Governor, please declare my construction worker dad nonessential. For his own sake.