Waterfords plan to get you moving safely

News at Waterfords | 13/05/2020

There is no doubt that you will have heard the Government’s announcement to restart England’s housing market. Since this sudden development on 12 May, our senior management team have been working around the clock to reflect changing Government guidance relating to Covid-19. We now have a safe and practical plan in place to allow sellers, landlords, buyers and tenants a safe way to move forward with Waterfords.

Brendan Cox, our Managing Director, comments; “We are immensely proud of our dedicated staff, who have been providing our customers with the same high standard of service from their homes during this crisis. Our staff who have been furloughed have also shown resilience and support and I am deeply grateful to them all. Our passionate team are eager to get back to as normal a working environment as safely possible over the coming weeks and months.”

The guidance outlines that estate agents can now open, viewings can be carried out and removal firms and conveyancers can restart operations. However, these changes must be carried out under strict social distancing and safety rules. Our priority is the safety of our staff and customers. With that mind, here is our plan get you moving again.

STEP 1: All our premises will be undergoing a deep clean and safety audit

From 13 – 17 May, all our offices will be undergoing a deep clean, including disinfecting all work areas, staff kitchen and bathroom facilities. We will also be installing floor markers like you see in the supermarkets to ensure a 2-metre distance is maintained. Hand sanitiser stations will be available throughout branches, with customers being encouraged to use this on entry and exit. Screens will also be installed at desks to keep both staff and customers as safe as possible.

We are still working from home this week, so if you require any assistance call our Customer Contact Centre on 01252 235348.

STEP 2: Waterfords Estate Agents will re-open its branches on Monday 18 May 2020

While our branches will be open from Monday 18 May for all your property needs, we encourage you to contact us online or by phone if at all possible. Most of our staff will be working from the safety of their homes to provide you with the same excellent service you are used to. However, we do understand that sometimes you have to visit us in branch and you will receive the warm Waterfords welcome that you are used to.

Viewings, market appraisals and property visits:

We will be able to offer viewings, property visits and in-person valuations as we did before lockdown while following strict hygiene procedures.

We kindly ask that if you or anyone in your household feels unwell that you notify us immediately so we can rearrange your appointment. If you are feeling unwell, we can still offer video calls and virtual viewings until you are no longer contagious and can attend an appointment in person.

We will be trialling a separate entrance and exit system on our premises where possible. Please follow instructions from our staff who will be happy to assist you.

STEP 3: Phased return of staff to branches between 1 June and 1 July 2020

Dependent on further Government advice, we will safely and gradually be inviting staff working from home or on furlough back to the office during this period.

As we are sure you will understand, this is a very unpredictable time and we will strictly be following any changes in guidelines to keep our customers and staff as safe as possible. We will keep you notified as soon as possible if there are any changes.