You’ve done it! You’ve bought a house with so “much potential.” You can already picture yourself knocking down walls, laying new floors and transforming that bathroom into a Pinterest-worthy sanctuary. But before you grab the sledgehammer and start browsing wallpaper samples, let’s talk about the less glamorous (but very important) side of DIY – permits, regulations and knowing when to call in the experts
What You Need to Know Before Tackling Your Next Home DIY Project
January 31, 2025

1. DIY or Don’t Even Think About It?
There’s a fine line between a fun weekend project and a renovation nightmare. Some tasks, like painting, replacing cabinet handles or minor landscaping, are safe to tackle yourself. Others – like knocking down walls, converting sheds, adding extra rooms, decks, verandahs or redoing electrical and plumbing – can land you in serious trouble without the right permits and expertise.
Jobs You Can Probably DIY (No Permit Needed)
- Painting walls and ceilings
- Installing new tapware (if you’re not touching the pipes)
- Replacing cabinetry doors and handles
- Laying floating floorboards
- Basic landscaping (planting trees, mulching, garden beds)
Jobs That Might Require a Permit (Check Before You Start!)
- Removing or altering internal walls (especially if they’re load-bearing)
- Installing new windows or doors
- Building a deck, pergola or verandah
- Major landscaping (retaining walls, significant excavation)
- Adding extra plumbing (new sinks, toilets or showers
Jobs That 100% Require a Permit & a Licensed Professional
- Electrical work (rewiring, new power points, lighting)
- Plumbing (new pipes, gas fitting, relocating bathrooms)
- Structural changes (removing walls, building an extension)
- Roofing repairs (beyond minor fixes)
- Adding a pool or spa
- Anything that involves asbestos removal
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2. Permits & Regulations – What You Need to Know
In Victoria, building permits aren’t just a formality – they’re a legal requirement. If your project needs approval and you go ahead without it, you could face fines, be forced to undo your work or struggle to sell the property later (yep…the struggle is real).
How Do I Know if I Need a Permit?
Before you start any major DIY work, check with your local council or a registered building surveyor. In the Macedon Ranges, Hepburn Shire and Mt Alexander Shire, permit requirements can vary depending on zoning, overlays and heritage restrictions.
Common Permit Considerations:
- Bushfire-prone areas: If your home is in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), extra regulations apply for extensions and renovations. Especially materials used.
- Heritage overlays: If your home is heritage listed, minor external changes may need approval.
- Planning permits vs. building permits: A planning permit approves what you can build, while a building permit ensures how it’s built meets safety regulations. You may need both.
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3. The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Skipping permits might seem like a shortcut and cheaper alternative until it backfires. Here’s what can happen if you DIY without approval:
- Fines & legal action – Councils can issue hefty penalties for unapproved works.
- Demolition orders – You may be forced to remove non-compliant work at your own cost.
- Resale nightmares – Buyers (and their conveyancers, insurers and banks) will scrutinise unapproved work, making it harder to sell your home.
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4. When to Call in the Experts
There’s no shame in admitting defeat. If you’re knee-deep in a project and things aren’t going to plan, it’s better to call in a professional before disaster strikes. Engaging a licensed builder, plumber or electrician ensures the work is done safely, legally and won’t cause problems down the track.
Final DIY Pep Talk…
DIY renovations can be hugely rewarding, but they need to be done right. Know your limits, check your permit requirements and don’t be afraid to call in the pros when needed. Otherwise, that “simple reno” could turn into a costly (and very stressful) lesson in why some things are best left to the experts.
Perhaps you’re now questioning your dreams of becoming the next Block participant. If the thought of permit applications, structural surprises and DIY disasters has you reconsidering, don’t worry – there’s another way. Some homes are already picture-perfect, with no need for a single tool or tradie.
Why not skip the hard work and move straight into a home that’s ready to love? Take a look at these beautifully finished properties:
Author Rachel Potter
Hi, I’m Rachel Potter, and I believe real estate is about more than just properties—it’s about connecting people with the lifestyle and community they’ve been searching for. As part of Broadhurst Property, I’m dedicated to helping clients discover the unique character of this region, from its welcoming neighborhoods to its rich history and natural beauty. My passion lies in sharing local stories and guiding buyers and sellers through their journey with genuine care, expertise, and a deep appreciation for everything this area has to offer.