Are your DIY renovations breaking the law? | Renovation Quotes

By Editorial Team

Updated on November 7, 2023

Regardless of the scale or size of a home renovation project, before getting started, it’s common to ask yourself how much you’re actually capable of doing. Of course, you’re going to come with your own set of skills and previous renovation experience and thus, you’ll know how much you can do. But have you ever thought about the legal repercussions of renovation projects?

When it comes to specific types of renovations, they will need to be completed by a professional in order for you to remain out of legal trouble. Not only do you have to make sure that the project you’re working on is safe to complete but checking the specific rules and regulations of your municipality is crucial!

Of course, this article won’t cover every single area in North America, but will instead offer a general guideline of projects that will definitely need to be completed by a professional.

Here’s how to know if your DIY renovations are breaking the law? 

Getting started

As with all renovations, your project should start with a plan. Don’t rush into anything until you’ve taken care of some of the more serious measures. As mentioned in our introduction, the rules for different cities as well as municipalities will likely dictate the renovations you’re allowed to undertake on your own. Make sure to carefully research the rules and regulations regarding the various types of home renovations and whether you need to apply for a permit or work with a professional.

Another important step to take is allocating a thorough budget for the project itself as well as considering the time it will take. If the project does end up requiring a professional, you’ll need to consider not only costs of materials but labour costs as well.

Timeline plays into cost factors too, as the longer the job, the more money the contractor will charge. Therefore, we’d recommend mapping out a clear picture of the size and scale of your project, including a breakdown of phases that will take place as well as possible strategies for getting it completed.

Lastly, for very large scale renovations, you’ll likely need an inspector to check major systems within your home as well as any structural damage. If you’re taking on an addition, it might be your best bet to work with an architect. Remember, although taking on renovations yourself might save you money upfront, you want your home to maintain longevity as well as being safe and comfortable for family and loved ones.

We’re going to cover some of the jobs you can definitely perform on your own and following, will offer a list of jobs that should definitely be left for the professionals.

Renovation projects that are safe as DIY

Material and appliance preparation

If you’re looking for a place to cut corners on budget and a job that is always DIY, purchasing materials, appliances or anything you might need for your renovation project won’t involve applying for a permit or checking in with a professional. Depending on the job, you might even consider gathering some of these materials from a thrift or antique store, adding an element of individuality to your home decor.  

Further, there is the option of working with recycled materials, such as tile, wood or glass. If in Canada, you might check out your local Habitat for Humanity for both recycled building as well as painting materials.

Of course, it’s still important to check in with an architect or contractor regarding the number of materials you’ll need, which includes both the size of things and quantity. For a novice, these details can often be overlooked and mistakes are common. As a result, you may end up prolonging the renovation process and adding some additional dollars to your budget as well.

Cosmetic renovations

interior_renoquotes.com

source: unsplash

This is a fairly flexible area of home renovations, and when it comes to painting, staining, patching or other small jobs, you should probably look to complete them on your own. The majority of cosmetic changes will not require a permit or pend approval from an alternative source, and thus you can choose when and how they happen.

Even if you’ve never painted a wall or used a hammer, there are plenty of resources both online and off for you to consult. Applying plasterwork, patching tiles to a floor or backsplash, fixing trim and moulding or replacing knobs and handles on doors are small jobs that make a big impact. These projects are fairly simple to complete over a weekend or within a few days.

If you’re not interested in working alone, consider asking a friend or family member to get involved. Small cosmetic fixes won’t take care of larger, more pressing home renovations and shouldn’t be used in place of them. However, if you’re looking to simply spruce up your interior or exterior or breathe some new life into a space, then roll up your sleeves and get started!

Structural repairs

As we’ve mentioned, it’s important that you avoid making any changes to the structural elements of your home. This includes moving walls, installing a home addition, building a deck or patio on your property and so forth. This is especially true if you are living in an older home, as these may have structural wear that may need to eventually be upgraded by an architect or contractor.

Not only this, but some hidden issues or surprises may be in store when working with an old home. For this reason, we’d recommend having a thorough structural inspection done before begging an actual renovation. This will give you a better idea of whether or not the renovation is possible, as well as any initial steps you might need to take before you can get where you want to be!

Get 3 renovation quotes from home renovation professionals for your renovation project

RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your renovation project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

5 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

Laundry Room Design Ideas

While a laundry room is, first and foremost, a space designed for practical use, and its aesthetic aspect is often neglected, one shouldn’t overlook the overall appearance of the often-forgotten space to fine-tune it to the rest of the house. With this in mind, here are décor suggestions for your new laundry room. 

6 min read

Amanda Harvey

07 Nov 2023

How to Paint a Fence

A fence protects the exterior of your home, and when well maintained, can add some serious curb appeal to any property. Since this structure is left outside day and night, it comes up against some severe conditions: snow, rain, sleet, heat, both freezing and melting water. Therefore, it's only natural that the paint on an outdoor fence should easily wear and fade.

Exterior renovations
6 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

How to Install a Ceiling Fan: Step by Step

When temperatures are soaring during those summer months, we’re all looking for a way to cool off. For homes without central air or other cooling systems, the task may be slightly more difficult. Ceilings fans are an arguably popular option, as they are an environmentally-friendly way to beat heat. Even if your home has air conditioning, ceiling fans can take away some of the strain on the system and during winter months, fans can work to circulate heat around the house.

Interior renovations
5 min read

Editorial Team

17 Jun 2025

A Guide to Floating Floor Installation Costs

How much do floating floors cost nowadays? Depending on the product range you’re looking for, hardwood or laminate floating floor installation budgets can waver on both ends of the scale.

4 min read

Editorial Team

30 Jan 2025

Scale Your Company - 5 Effective Business Strategies

The renovation industry has witnessed significant growth over the last few years, and that’s despite inflation! A lot of homeowners, particularly baby boomers, are to thank, preferring renovating over selling their homes and moving. Renovations allow people to improve their comfort and quality of life, adding value to their property in the process.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!