Renovations we recommend you do yourself
- coraliefortin076
- May 15
- 5 min read
Renovating your house, cottage, or garage yourself is a great way to cut costs while adding a personal touch to your living space. At Plan Maison Québec, we know it can be tempting to take the tools yourself to modernize your home.
However, it's essential to know which projects you can legally and safely undertake, and which should absolutely be left to professionals. In this article, we'll explain which renovations you can do yourself, which ones are best avoided, and how to properly prepare your projects while always complying with current regulations in Quebec.
Jobs you can do yourself
Interior painting and floor coverings
The good news is that there are plenty of renovations you can tackle yourself, even if you're a DIY enthusiast. Interior painting, for example, remains one of the simplest projects to undertake. With a little preparation—cleaning surfaces, applying primer, masking tape, and choosing the right tools—you can change the feel of a room in just a few hours. What's more, repainting walls or ceilings offers an excellent return on investment, especially if you're planning to sell your property.
Another accessible project: installing new flooring. Whether it's floating wood, linoleum, peel-and-stick tiles, or vinyl planks, several options are designed for quick and intuitive installation, without nails, complex glue, or specialized tools. These products are ideal for refreshing a room on a budget, and their durability is often surprising if installed correctly.
Installation of cabinets and countertops
Installing or replacing cabinets and countertops in the kitchen or bathroom is also a good example of a project you can do yourself. Modular cabinets sold in hardware stores are generally designed to be installed without advanced carpentry knowledge. All you need is methodical planning, careful measurement of the space, and a few basic tools. This type of renovation adds immediate value to your home, both functionally and aesthetically.
Joint drawing and laying of plasterboard
Joint sealing and drywall installation is a slightly more technical challenge, but it's still entirely achievable. If you have the patience to learn the proper technique for applying, smoothing, and sanding joints, you'll be amazed at the results. It's a skill that improves with practice and will serve you well in many other projects over the years.
Small appliance replacement and deep cleaning
Finally, many other small maintenance and improvement projects are perfectly accessible. For example, replacing a faucet, installing a self-adhesive kitchen backsplash, installing a smart thermostat, or adding insulation to the attic are all tasks that require neither a license nor a permit in most cases. Not only do you save on labor costs, but you also have the satisfaction of having made a lasting improvement to your home yourself.
Jobs to avoid doing yourself
Electrical, gas or oil equipment work
Even if many renovation projects are within your reach, it's important to understand that there are legal and technical limits to what you can undertake alone. Anything related to electrical systems, gas, major plumbing, or the structure of the house should be left to qualified professionals. These projects are governed by strict laws in Quebec, and for good reason: the risk of error is significant, and the consequences can be serious, both in terms of safety and insurance.
Electricity, in particular, is not an area where you can improvise. Modifying an electrical panel, installing a new circuit, or moving outlets can pose a fire risk if not carried out in accordance with Electrical Code standards. This work must be carried out by a contractor with the appropriate RBQ license. The same logic applies to work on natural gas or propane lines. A simple installation error can cause a leak, with catastrophic consequences for you, your family, and your neighborhood.
Structural works
As for structural work, such as knocking down a load-bearing wall, moving a staircase, or modifying a foundation, these should never be undertaken without a detailed plan designed by a technologist or engineer. Not only do they require precise calculations, but they often require a building permit. At Plan Maison Québec, we offer precisely this type of structural plan to ensure your project meets all safety and compliance requirements.
Works in co-ownership
You should also be very careful if you own a condo. Work in a condominium is governed by the union, which often imposes strict rules on what you can and cannot do. Even simple changes to your unit, such as replacing a floor, can affect soundproofing or common facilities. Before starting, it is imperative to obtain permission from the union, otherwise you may have to redo everything or even face legal sanctions.
Steps to follow before starting your renovations
Verification of permits and licenses
Before you reach for your hammer or paint roller, take the time to carefully plan your project. The first thing to do is check whether your project requires a building permit. Many municipalities require a permit even for minor projects like changing exterior siding or enlarging a window. Failure to do so can result in fines, significant delays, or even the need to undo the work. Fortunately, Plan Maison Québec can help you create comprehensive plans that meet your city's requirements.
Consult your insurer
It's also essential to inform your insurer of any renovations you're planning. Changes made to your home can affect your insurance coverage. For example, adding a wood stove or expanding a living space can increase your premium if these improvements aren't reported. A quick call to your insurer can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Planning and budgeting
Another crucial step is preparing a budget. It's not enough to simply add up the cost of materials: you also need to plan for tools, unforeseen expenses, and sometimes even temporary accommodations if the work makes your home uninhabitable. Sound financial planning is key to avoiding cost overruns. By working with Plan Maison Québec, you receive detailed plans that help you establish a precise budget and plan each step meticulously.
Finally, make sure you have the right equipment and resources before you begin. The internet is full of tutorials, but you also need the judgment to recognize when it's best to call in an expert. Even for projects you can technically complete yourself, it's often wise to consult a professional to validate your approach, materials, or dimensions.
Conclusion
Do-it-yourself renovations are rewarding, economical, and sometimes even fun. But they require careful preparation, an understanding of your limitations, and strict adherence to safety rules and legal standards. For simple projects like painting, flooring, or replacing certain decorative elements, don't hesitate to take the plunge if you feel comfortable. However, for more complex, structural, or regulated renovations, it's always best to work with experts.
At Plan Maison Québec, we believe that a good project always starts with a good plan. Whether you want to renovate your home, furnish a cottage, or build a garage, we're here to provide you with detailed, professional plans that comply with all Quebec standards. Our team of experts will support you from start to finish to make your vision a reality.
Bring your ideas to life with plans built to last.
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