DIY Projects
Do-it-yourself projects and when to hire a professional
Can I install a gas range in my kitchen, or do I need to go with an electric range?
You can install a gas range if your home already has a gas line to the kitchen, but if you don't have gas service, adding it requires professional ins...
What renovations can I do without a permit in British Columbia?
In British Columbia, you can do basic cosmetic and maintenance work without permits, but the list is more limited than many homeowners expect. Most st...
Can I build a legal rental suite in my basement in Surrey?
Surrey permits secondary suites in most single-family residential zones, making them one of the more suite-friendly municipalities in Metro Vancouver....
Can I build a secondary suite in any house in Vancouver?
Not every house in Vancouver can accommodate a secondary suite, but the vast majority can. While secondary suites are legal in all single-family zones...
What renovation projects can I safely do myself in BC?
In BC, homeowners can safely tackle cosmetic and non-structural projects like painting, flooring, tiling, and fixture replacements, but electrical, ga...
Is it safe to remove popcorn ceilings myself in an older Vancouver home?
Asbestos Risk in Vancouver Homes Removing popcorn ceilings yourself can be safe in newer homes, but in older Vancouver properties built before 1980,...
Can I build my own fence in Surrey without a permit?
In Surrey, residential fences under 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height typically don't require a building permit, making this one of the more straightforwa...
Can I do my own electrical work in BC or do I need a licensed contractor?
In British Columbia, homeowners cannot legally do their own electrical work beyond the most basic tasks like changing light bulbs or plugging in appli...
Can I install my own laminate flooring in my Vancouver condo?
Yes, you can install laminate flooring yourself in your Vancouver condo, but you'll need strata approval first and must follow specific noise and timi...
Can I install a new toilet myself in British Columbia?
Yes, homeowners in BC can replace a toilet themselves as long as you're only swapping an existing toilet for a new one in the same location — this is...
Can I install a backsplash in my kitchen without a contractor?
Yes, installing a kitchen backsplash is definitely a DIY-friendly project that most homeowners can tackle themselves, especially if you're working wit...
Can I build a multiplex on my single-family lot in Vancouver now?
Yes, you can likely build a multiplex on your single-family lot in Vancouver — this is now one of the most significant zoning changes in the city's hi...