Home Modifications
Hiring contractors, getting permits, or planning a DIY project? Here's what you need to know.
Whether you’re adding an electrical outlet or installing a new gas appliance, it’s likely that you will need a permit. Even a small renovation can quickly turn into a larger project if you're unfamiliar with the work involved, so it’s important to have sufficient knowledge and experience for the job to be done safely. Hiring a licensed contractor will help ensure the job is done properly, as not only do they bring the necessary expertise, but they also stay up to date with current codes and safety standards, enabling them to perform work in safe and compliant manner.
Find a Licensed Contractor
Hiring a licensed contractor can give better peace of mind and save on headaches down the road.
Making Gas or Electrical Changes to Your Home? Start Here
Do I Qualify for DIY?
Hiring a Licensed Contractor
Applying for a Permit
Requesting an Inspection
Check the Requirements Before Starting Your DIY Project
Most gas or electrical work is regulated under the Safety Standards Act. By law, only qualified individuals, employed by licensed contractors, can do the work. The scope of the work, type of property, and its location can determine whether you are allowed to do the work yourself, and most regulated work requires a permit to be in place before commencing the work. You are only eligible for a homeowner permit if the following are true.
Single Dwelling
Your property must be a single, detached dwelling. No duplexes, townhouses, condos, row houses, etc.
Ownership
You must solely own the property where work is taking place. No strata or co-op ownership.
Occupancy
You (and your family) must be the sole occupant of the property. No multi-family units, or rental suites intended for a tenant.
Take the Quiz
Is your planned work eligible for a homeowner permit? Take our quiz to determine if you can DIY, or if you'll need to hire a licensed contractor.
Types of Work a Homeowner Can Perform
If you are confident in doing the work yourself, you can perform some gas and electrical alterations and additions to your home after obtaining a homeowner’s gas permit or electrical permit. Below are examples of common projects that eligible homeowners have completed.
Homeowner Gas Permits
- Installing or replacing a water heater, furnace, fireplace, boiler, range or cooktops.
- Installing, replacing, or altering a gas piping or venting system.
- Installing built-in gas barbecues.
Homeowner Electrical Permits
- Installing or replacing light fixtures, ceiling fans.
- Moving light switches and electrical outlets.
- Connecting dishwashers, over-range microwave oven or hood.
When to Hire a Licensed Contractor
It’s always a good idea to hire a licensed contractor if you’re unfamiliar with doing the gas and electrical work yourself. Cutting costs by undertaking a Do-It-Yourself project can amount to more costly safety issues or serious insurance implications down the road. Legally, you must hire a licensed contractor if any of the following are true.
If your home has a suite
You must hire a licensed contractor if your property has a suite, whether or not it is occupied.
If your home is attached
If your property is attached to another, such as a duplex, quadplex, row home, condo, townhouse, or similar, you must hire a licensed contractor.
If your home operates a business
You must hire a licensed contractor if the work being done is in a place of business, including areas of your home declared as places of business.
Know Before You Begin
Starting a home improvement or renovation project requires a clear understanding of safety standards, building codes, and applicable regulations. Homeowners must also be qualified and possess the necessary knowledge to complete the work safely.
By gathering the right information upfront, you can avoid delays, keep your project on track, and ensure it meets all required standards.
Safety Standards
The Safety Standards Act and relevant regulations are designed to protect you, your home, and your community from potential hazards.
Code Requirements
You must have access to the applicable codes relating to the regulated work being performed to ensure the work meets the minimum requirements.
Jurisdiction
Depending on the location of your property, your permit may be issued either by us or your local municipality. Find out if your work is within our jurisdiction.
Applying for a Permit
Permits are needed for any gas or electrical home improvements regulated by the Safety Standards Act within our jurisdiction. As the permit holder, you are responsible for complying with the terms and conditions listed on the permit. If you hire a licensed contractor, they will get the appropriate permit on your behalf.
Permits
The permit process includes an assessment to ensure that the work can be done safely. Learn more about electrical or gas homeowner permits.
Extensions
Work taking longer than expected? You, or your licensed contractor, must apply for an extension on your permit.
Expiry
Expired permit? Work cannot be done if a permit has expired. You, or your licensed contractor, must reapply for a permit to continue your project.
Getting Assessed
A safety officer will assess your permit application and your work throughout its stages of completion. You will need to submit a declaration form for each phase that your work is completed, or every 180 days, whichever comes first. Regulated gas or electrical equipment cannot be energized or placed into operation prior to the necessary assessment requests being submitted. Here is the general assessment process.
Rough-In
We conduct an initial assessment to verify compliance with the Safety Standards Act and relevant regulations.
Inspection
We assess the safety of work through physical and remote assessments, and through predictive algorithms that support the decision making of our safety officers. This allows us to efficiently target the areas of highest risk to the public.
Re-Inspection
If applicable, you can request a re-inspection once you’ve fixed non-compliances. A safety officer will reassess the work, and additional fees may apply.
Avoid These Mistakes
Many homeowners attempt DIY projects without fully understanding the risks involved. While taking on a home improvement project can be rewarding, skipping key steps or ignoring regulations can lead to expensive mistakes or safety consequences. Having the proper knowledge, permits, and professionals in place before starting a project can help to prevent incidents like these from happening.
Appliance Explosion
A propane-fueled water heater was installed in the crawl space of a cabin without a permit.
CO Exposure
Occupants of a recreational cabin were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.
Propane Leak
An RV trailer exploded with a single occupant inside after a new propane cylinder was attached to it.