Is DIY too risky? 61% of Ontario homeowners hire contractors for home renovations: a survey

Is DIY worth the risk, or are some projects better left to the pros? For many homeowners, the allure of saving money and adding a personal touch can quickly turn into a costly lesson in what not to do. 

A recent survey by LowestRates.ca reveals that 59% of Ontario homeowners have undergone small DIY projects like painting or re-tiling. 

Binge-worthy renovation shows, and step-by-step YouTube tutorials have turned DIY into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring many to pick up a hammer—and sometimes bite off more than they can chew. 

However, the report uncovers a critical oversight: Only 47% notify their insurer after completing major upgrades, leaving many exposed to potential coverage gaps.  

How many Ontarians have done small vs. large DIY projects?

Home improvement is thriving in Ontario, with 59% of homeowners tackling small DIY projects, 12% taking on both small and large renovations, and 5% focusing solely on large-scale projects.  

“A lot of people trying to do more things themselves, especially with the state of the world right now,” says Annastacia Plaskos, contractor and founder of Fix-it-Females. “People are financially burdened, and they’re trying to take on more as homeowners. Evidently, it’s how more people learn.” 

What is considered a small vs. large renovation project? 

Steven Harris, licensed insurance broker and LowestRates.ca expert, explains that small renovations include tasks like painting, redoing floors, or basic tiling—projects that don’t require permits or licensed professionals.  

In contrast, large renovations involve structural changes, permits, or systems like plumbing and electrical. “If you add a second kitchen or a bathroom, all those things will increase the rebuild value of the dwelling,” Harris notes, making it a large undertaking. 

Is DIY suitable for everyone?

For many homeowners, the decision to DIY or hire a contractor depends on the project’s complexity and their skill and ambition level. While painting or basic tiling might be manageable, more intricate tasks, like drywalling or electrical work, often require professional expertise for a reason.  

Safety risks 

Certain projects like rewiring, installing gas lines, or working on HVAC systems should always be left to licensed professionals. These tasks pose serious risks, from electrical fires to gas leaks, and must comply with legal codes.  

As Plaskos warns, “If anything ever goes wrong, you could essentially burn your house down or flood it.” 

Financial risks 

Beyond wasted materials and time, failed DIY attempts often lead to higher costs when professionals are brought in to repair the damage. 

Plaskos recalls a client who attempted to mud and tape their basement drywall after rejecting her quote. They later called her back because the job was so poorly done that she had to remove everything and start from scratch.  

She explains that drywalling is one of those tasks that professionals make look easy to DIY. What you don't see on home renovation shows, however, are the years of training, precision, and expertise required to receive those results.   

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

How does DIY enthusiasm break down across age groups?

While small DIY projects are popular across all ages, the willingness to take on larger renovations varies, with older homeowners often leaning on contractors for the heavy lifting. 

Plaskos believes upbringing influences DIY confidence. “I grew up in a very do-it-yourself household. If you grow up with that standard, it often carries into your adult life.” 

50% of younger DIY enthusiasts notify their insurers

While DIY projects like painting, flooring, or tiling are generally safe from an insurance perspective, Harris advises that more significant renovations—such as adding units, finishing a basement, or fully remodeling a bathroom—require notifying your insurer.  

However, not everyone takes this step: 

• 47% of homeowners informed their insurance provider after a major upgrade. 
• 27% were either unaware of the need to notify or chose not to answer. 
• 26% did not inform their provider at all. 

Why you should notify your insurer 

Renovations can increase your home’s value or introduce new risks. For example, DIY electrical rewiring could heighten fire hazards, while improper plumbing installation might cause water damage. Notifying your insurer confirms your policy covers the full value and adjusts for added risks. 

Avoid policy issues: Most policies require you to disclose major changes. Failing to notify can lead to claim denials and policy cancellation. Additionally, if your insurer discovers undisclosed renovations, they may retroactively increase your premium. 

Prevent financial loss from increased liability: If someone is injured due to a new feature (e.g., a pool) which wasn’t disclosed leaving you underinsured, you could be personally, legally and financially liable for damages.  

Harris says you should discuss planned renovations within 12 months with your insurer to avoid policy issues. 

Read more: 3 things you should always tell your landlord and insurance company 

Make sure your contractor has their own insurance

If you’re handling small DIY projects like painting or flooring, your home insurance typically provides coverage for “non-structural renovations”, says Harris.  

However, larger renovations will require builder’s risk insurance—a specialized policy that protects homes under construction or renovation from risks like fire, theft, and vandalism. 

For homeowners, this coverage can also safeguard materials and property from unexpected events, including certain types of water damage, such as burst pipes, though flooding may require additional endorsements depending on the policy and provider. 

As insurance expert Harris explains, “when you are contracting someone out, you want to make sure they are insured.”  

If there’s damage caused by their work such as issues with electrical or plumbing systems, they need to have coverage for anything that goes wrong in your home. 

Contractor’s policy: Contractors are required to carry their own liability insurance, which typically covers damage caused by their work. For example, if a contractor accidentally damages a wall or improperly installs wiring that causes a fire, their policy is intended to address the resulting expenses. 

Liability and fault: If the contractor is at fault for any damage to your home, they’re legally liable, so make sure they have their own commercial general liability.  

How home insurance responds: Should damage occur, your home insurance policy may pay for the repairs initially. This process is called subrogation, explains Harris, where your insurance company reimburses you first and then pursues compensation from the contractor’s liability policy. 

Ask your contractor for their insurance certificate before work begins. This small step can help avoid unexpected costs. 

Related: Renovating your condo? You’ll need to personally insure the improvements 

If you’re hiring a contractor, here’s how to pick a good one

As Plaskos warns, “Anybody nowadays can throw some tools in their truck and call themselves a contractor.”  

Always ask for proof of insurance and WSIB coverage. “If they can’t produce them, you shouldn’t be hiring them,” she says. 

Get three contractor quotes, compare what is included, and check if a license is required for the work. Beware of unusually low bids.  

“When someone is way more expensive, it's because they've anticipated all the long-term needs and costs upfront,” Plaskos says. A less experienced contractor will likely keep adding costs as they discover new problems and needs they hadn't accounted for initially, but a real pro will know what they’re up against.  

Choose licensed, insured, and accountable contractors—anything less, and your dream renovation could turn into a costly rebuild dragging you on for months. 

Read next: How to get insurance for your fixer upper 

Survey conducted by LowestRates.ca, polling  731 Ontarians  who used LowestRates.ca’s home insurance quoter between June 28 and July 3, 2025.