DIY home improvements: what to do yourself and what to hire out

Doing some work yourself can save money and be satisfying. The key is knowing which jobs are safe and sensible for you, and which should be left to licensed trades.

The short version: DIY cosmetic and simple jobs, hire out electrical, gas, structural and other safety-critical work, and check permit and insurance rules before you start.

Good DIY projects

• Painting, caulking and patching drywall.
• Installing shelves, hardware and light fixtures where you replace like for like and are qualified, with the power off.
• Weatherstripping and draft sealing.
• Basic landscaping, mulching and planting.
• Replacing a faucet or showerhead.
• Installing flooring such as laminate or vinyl plank.
• Cleaning gutters and minor yard work, if you are comfortable with ladders.

Leave to the pros

• Gas work: highly regulated and generally requires a licensed gas technician; homeowner exceptions vary by province.
• Electrical: many provinces restrict electrical work to licensed electricians, with limited exceptions for homeowners.
• Plumbing that changes supply or drain lines, depending on provincial rules.
• Structural changes, such as removing walls, which need an engineer's review and permits.
• Roofing at height, if you are not trained.
• Asbestos or lead abatement.

Know your rules

Permits are often required for structural, electrical, plumbing, gas and some other work, and homeowners may be allowed to pull permits for their own home. Unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell, and with insurance. Check with your municipality.

Count the real cost

Include tools, materials, waste, your time, mistakes and the risk of rework. A badly done DIY job can cost more to fix than hiring a pro in the first place. Be honest about your skill and about how long you have.

Safety

Wear protective gear, use proper ladders, turn off power and water before working and follow manufacturers' instructions. Do not work alone on risky tasks.

Learn and plan

Watch reliable tutorials, read the instructions and start small. Plan the sequence, order materials with a little extra and allow for delays. A building supply store can advise on tools.

Insurance

Tell your insurer about major renovations, since coverage may change. Mistakes in work you did yourself may not be covered.

Example

Painting a room is a good DIY job. Rewiring an outlet circuit is usually not, unless you are qualified and permitted.