DIY or hire a pro? What Canadian homeowners need to know

Home improvement projects can be exciting—but they can also be a bit overwhelming. For many Canadian homeowners, deciding whether to tackle a project themselves or bring in a professional can be a tough call.  

According to a report by Made in CA, nearly 73% of Canadians had done a DIY project before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this trend grew as more people stayed home. Spending on renovations jumped by 66% between February and June 2021 as Canadians put more time and money into their homes. 

Even after the pandemic, Canadians still like doing DIY projects, with nearly half of homeowners preferring to tackle most or all of the project themselves.  

While DIY can help you save money and give a sense of pride, some jobs are better left to the pros to ensure safety, quality, and strict adherence to building codes. But how do you know when to pick up the hammer, and when to call in a professional? 

Here’s everything you need to know. 

When do DIY home improvements work? 

DIY projects can be incredibly rewarding, and for smaller-scale jobs, they’re often manageable—even for beginners. For example, Joshua Oladehinde, builder/general contractor and co-founder of Level Custom Build, says that painting and tiling are some of the most common DIY undertakings.  

This makes sense - hiring professionals to paint a 140 sq. ft. room can cost between $550 and $1,450. By doing this seemingly simple task yourself, you could save hundreds of dollars on labour costs alone.  

“[Painting and tiling] are the most accessible for homeowners and provide the most value,” he says, adding that these projects are widely discussed online and through social media, offering an abundance of resources for first timers. 

That said, small-scale DIY isn’t just limited to painting and tiling. Tasks like putting up shelves, installing curtain rods, fixing sticky drawers, or even assembling furniture are also popular choices for beginners. These kinds of projects tend to be straightforward, take minimal tools, and often come with instructions or tutorials that can guide you through the process. 

When it comes to DIY, the key takeaway is to start small and do your research. Whether you’re painting a wall or mounting a shelf, Oladehinde explains that preparation is half the battle. However, as a project grows in complexity or scale—think structural changes, extensive electrical work, or anything requiring strict adherence to safety codes—that’s when it’s time to call in a professional.   

Read more: The best home renovations that pay off at resale 

What projects should you hire a pro for? 

While it’s tempting to save costs by tackling large-scale tasks yourself, certain projects simply aren’t DIY-friendly. This is especially true for jobs involving structural changes, specialized skills, or legal and safety requirements. 

Projects to leave to the pros 

1. Whole home or major room renovations 

​Full renovations of kitchens, bathrooms, or basements require expertise in multiple trades, including electrical, plumbing, and structural work. 

These are the three areas of a home you’ll almost always want to renovate, but they involve building codes, electrical systems, and mechanical work that homeowners are unlikely to have enough experience with,” says Oladehinde. 

 2. Electrical work 

While homeowners legally can do certain electrical tasks if inspected, moving outlets or rewiring poses significant risks.  

“If you’re changing a layout involving electrical, HVAC, or plumbing, you’ll need permits,” Oladehinde points out. Doing these tasks incorrectly can result in serious safety hazards and invalidate your home insurance. 

3. Large-scale painting or tiling jobs 

Painting an entire home or laying tiles across large areas requires more than just time. Without the right tools and a high level of skill, the outcome might not meet your expectations. “It comes down to scale,” Oladehinde advises. “If it’s a small space, DIY is more tenable. For anything larger, consider hiring a professional.” 

4. Compliance-heavy work 

Structural changes (like removing walls or altering floorplans) require permits and adherence to safety codes. For example, cutting into a wall might reveal unexpected complexities like hidden wiring or pipes, which only a licensed contractor can safely address. 

Read next: Should you tell your home insurance company about your renovations?   

How to find the right professional 

If you decide to go with a contractor, proper vetting is critical to avoiding costly mistakes. Level Custom Build recommends that homeowners take these steps when choosing a professional: 

• Ask about experience: Look for contractors with a proven track record, ideally with a minimum of 10 years of industry experience. 
• See their work: View past projects or even visit a current worksite to understand a contractor’s quality and cleanliness. 
• Check insurance: Make sure that the contractor carries liability insurance or builder’s risk insurance and always request proof to confirm coverage. Trustworthy professionals typically provide details such as their business license, liability policy number, and relevant certifications on their estimates and invoices. 

So, before signing a contract, make sure to request insurance documents. 

Lastly, gather several quotes from different contractors.  

“The rule of thumb is three quotes—we say go for five,” Oladehinde advises. This gives you a well-rounded idea of market rates and helps you avoid overly high or suspiciously low-priced bids. 

Why is insurance important for DIY and professional projects? 

Insurance is a critical but often overlooked component of home improvement projects. Whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring a professional, being properly insured guarantees protection against unexpected mishaps. 

For small DIY projects like adding tiles or updating flooring, which don’t significantly increase your home’s value, David Mayer, director of insurance of RATESDOTCA, says your existing home insurance usually covers these minor improvements.  

However, for bigger projects like finishing a basement, adding more space, or making structural changes, Mayer says you need to inform your insurance provider or broker. If you don't, your insurance might not cover the added value. 

Get the proper certification 

Another important point for DIY work is electrical upgrades. Doing electrical work without proper certification can complicate any claims that come up later. 

Homeowners in Ontario can do some electrical work themselves, says Mayer, but it must follow the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. After finishing the work, they need an Electrical Standards Authority certification to show it’s safe. 

This certificate is important to maintain continuous insurance coverage, selling the property, and overall safety. Without it, there are risks like fire, insurance issues, and fines. For bigger jobs, like moving switches or rewiring, it's best to hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) who has the right license and ensures everything is done safely and legally. 

Document your renovations 

Regardless of whether the project is a DIY effort or handled by professionals, documentation of your renovations or repairs is essential.  

“You do always want to document the state of your house so that…if a claim happens, [you’re] getting the same sort of materials put in,” says Mayer.  

Keeping track of changes guarantees that your insurance will reflect the true value of your home and its finishes in case a mishap does occur, and you end up filing a claim. 

Related: Landscaping and home insurance: what's covered?   

The bottom line 

The decision to DIY or hire a pro depends on project complexity, your skill level, and the time you’re willing to commit. Tackling smaller DIY tasks like painting or tiling is rewarding and budget-friendly, but for anything involving structural work, permits, or specialized trades, a professional is the way to go. 

By doing thorough research, budgeting wisely, and asking the right questions, you’ll set yourself up for success no matter what route you take. 

Read next: Here's what to know if your renovations cause damage