Renovating your home yourself: When does it become a risk for your insurance?

Let’s be honest: doing your own home renovations is tempting. Savings, a sense of accomplishment, total control over the outcome… and sometimes a few choice expletives along the way. But behind the hammer and the YouTube tutorials, there’s one question we often forget to ask ourselves: does my home insurance cover this?

Because yes, at a certain point, your DIY skills may start to worry your insurer.

 

Small DIY projects: no worries… or almost none

Repainting a room, replacing a floating floor, installing shelves, or modernizing a kitchen without altering the structure? Generally, no problem.

This type of work is considered maintenance or cosmetic improvement. Your home insurance continues to cover you as usual, as long as everything is done reasonably.

 

As soon as things get “serious,” it gets complicated

This is where it gets interesting.

Certain projects increase the level of risk in your insurer’s eyes, especially when they involve critical parts of the house:

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Structure (load-bearing walls, additions)
• Roofing
• Heating systems

Why? Because a mistake in these areas can cause significant damage: fire, water damage, structural collapse… and that’s when the bill quickly skyrockets.

And if the work doesn’t comply with current standards, your insurer could deny a claim directly related to that work. Yes, even if you had the best of intentions.

 

Work Without a Permit: A Slippery Slope

In Quebec, many renovations require a municipal permit. And this isn’t just a formality.

If you carry out major work without a permit:

You could be in violation
Your work could be deemed non-compliant
And in the event of a claim, your insurer could reduce or deny coverage

Let’s just say that takes some of the charm out of the “do-it-yourself” project.

 

The importance of reporting your renovations

An often-overlooked point: notify your broker or insurer before starting the work.

Why? Because certain renovations can increase your property’s value, change the risk level, or require an adjustment to your coverage.

For example:

Adding a bathroom
Finishing a basement
Installing a stove or fireplace
Building a garage

Not saying anything risks leaving you underinsured… at the worst possible moment.

 

Do It Yourself or Call the Pros?

Let’s be clear: doing your own renovations isn’t forbidden. But you need to know your limits.

For certain jobs, hiring certified professionals isn’t an expense… it’s protection.

Electrical work should ideally be done by a master electrician. Some installations must meet strict standards and be inspected. And if a problem arises, liability is clearer

 

The right approach

Before starting your renovations, ask yourself these three questions:

Does this work involve a critical part of the house?
Do I need a permit?
Is my insurer aware of this?

If you’re unsure, it’s probably the right time to ask.

 

Doing your own renovations is rewarding. But when it comes to insurance, it’s not just the result that counts… it’s how you got there.

A well-planned, compliant, and properly reported project is the key to preventing your renovation dream from turning into an administrative nightmare.