Q. I have workmen coming to repair my basement from a water leakage. While they should finish before the Nine Days, we have heard stories of work taking much longer. As I need the basement finished before I can access for extra shower, bathroom, playroom, and storage of items for camp this year, can they continue into the Nine Days? Otherwise I may not get access for a further month.

A. Shulchan Oruch (O.H. 551: 2) rules that from Rosh Chodesh (Av) we lessen the renovation or building of a joyful abode or redecorating, and painting. Mishnah Berurah (ibid. 12) explains that this refers to a residence one does not need now. Mishnah Berurah adds that if a Gentile was hired prior to Rosh Chodesh and he is paid for the complete job and works on his own timetable, he is permitted to work even on Tisha B’av itself. (As far as Mareis Ayn is concerned, see Nitey Gavriel – Ben Hametzorim 28: 7). However it is preferable if he could be compensated with a small sum to stay the repairs for after the nine days.

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that basic repairs that just permit you using the damaged basement area are permitted, unessential, area expanding and decorative improvements should wait until after the Nine Days.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a