The Importance of Licensed Trades in Home Renovations (And why your cousin’s buddy shouldn’t be wiring your bathroom)
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Renovating your home is a big deal. It’s exciting. It’s stressful. It’s a financial investment—and an emotional one too. Whether you’re finally redoing that outdated bathroom or tackling a full kitchen transformation, you’re trusting someone to bring your vision to life. And that means who you hire matters just as much as what you’re having done.
We totally get the temptation to save a few dollars. Maybe someone knows a guy who’s “done this kind of work before.” Maybe the quote from the unlicensed option seems like a no-brainer when your budget’s already stretched.
But here’s the thing: cutting corners on who you hire can cost you far more than you save. From safety hazards to legal issues to downright disastrous workmanship, hiring unlicensed trades can turn your dream reno into a nightmare.
Let’s talk about why choosing licensed tradespeople isn’t just the smart choice—it’s the only choice if you want peace of mind and a job done right.
1. Safety and Building Code Compliance Aren’t Optional
Let’s start with the big one: safety.
Licensed tradespeople are trained to handle complex systems like electrical, plumbing, and structural modifications—the kind of stuff that, if done wrong, doesn’t just “look bad,” it can put your entire home (and family) at risk.
We once had a call from a homeowner whose newly renovated basement lights kept flickering. Turns out, the “electrician” they hired didn’t even wire the pot lights correctly. No permit. No inspection. And no recourse when the lights stopped working and the ceilings had to be opened up again to fix it properly.
Building and electrical codes aren’t there to make your life harder—they’re there to protect you. And licensed pros know how to follow them. They’re required to stay up to date on local regulations and pull the necessary permits. If you plan to sell your home down the road, this kind of compliance becomes even more important. Home inspectors can spot unlicensed work from a mile away, and it can tank your home’s resale value—or worse, force you to rip things out and redo them properly.
2. Licensed = Accountability (and That’s Huge)
Unlicensed trades aren’t regulated. If something goes wrong, there’s often nothing you can do. But licensed tradespeople are held to a higher standard. They answer to a regulatory body, which means they have something to lose if they mess up. That level of accountability alone makes a huge difference in how they approach your project.
Paul, the owner of Multi-Trade Building Services, is a licensed plumber and a master electrician. He either does or supervises the electrical and plumbing work. He’s done the training, passed the exams, and has the experience to do the job safely, legally, and professionally. More importantly, he cares. He knows his work represents him and his company—and he takes pride in doing it right.
3. Quality Work Is Worth Every Penny
Good renovations aren’t just about pretty finishes. The real magic is in what’s behind the walls—the wiring, the plumbing, the prep work. If those things are done poorly, the beautiful tile and paint you paid for won’t mean much when water starts leaking or breakers keep tripping.
Licensed pros know how to do it right the first time. They don’t cut corners. They don’t guess. And they don’t leave you holding the bag when things go sideways.
One of our past clients had a laundry room “update” done by someone they found through a friend. No permits, no licensed trades. Six months later? A leaking pipe inside the wall, water damage to the floor, and mould creeping into the drywall. We were called in to repair and rebuild. The cost of fixing it? Nearly double what it would have been to do it right the first time.
4. They’re Insured—So You’re Protected
Here’s something most homeowners don’t realize: if an unlicensed worker gets hurt on your property or causes damage, you could be on the hook. Licensed trades carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage for their crew. That means if something goes wrong, you’re not left dealing with legal or financial fallout.
Reputable contractors also offer warranties on their work. If something isn’t right, they’ll fix it. You can’t always say the same for someone who’s working under the table or operating without a license.
💭 Curious what makes us different from other renovators?
We don’t just talk about quality and professionalism—we live it.
Take a peek behind the scenes in Beyond the Build: How We Prioritize Relationships and the Customer Experience, and see why so many homeowners in Durham Region trust us to bring their renovation dreams to life.
5. You’re Protecting Your Investment
Renovations are an investment—one you should be proud of. Whether you're staying in your home for the next twenty years or planning to sell in the near future, hiring licensed trades helps protect the value of that investment.
We’ve worked with clients who initially hired the “budget” guy, only to have to redo everything. One woman told us, “I wish I’d just waited and done it properly.” She ended up redoing her entire bathroom after poor waterproofing caused a leak behind the wall. This time, she hired us. Paul, as a licensed plumber, did the prep properly, and she got a stunning ensuite she loves—and no stress about what’s hiding behind the tile.
6. They Bring Knowledge You Didn’t Know You Needed
When you hire a licensed trade, you’re not just paying for the work—they’re bringing years of experience and specialized knowledge. They’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what can go wrong if you’re not careful.
They’re also problem solvers. Paul has spotted overloaded panels before anything went up in smoke. As a licensed plumber, he also recommends layout changes that improve water pressure and future-proof your home for aging in place.
Input from professionals can save you money, time, and a whole lot of headaches.
7. Costly Mistakes? No, Thanks.
Let’s say your friend’s handyman installs your new electrical for that dream kitchen reno… but the lights flicker, and now none of your GFCIs work properly. Or the plumbing for your new tub was installed at a slight angle—barely noticeable, until it causes water pooling and leaks.
These are the kinds of mistakes we’ve seen time and time again. And guess who gets called in to fix them?
Save yourself the stress. Hire licensed trades at the beginning, and enjoy a renovation that doesn’t come with unexpected surprises or repair bills six months later.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Job—It’s About Peace of Mind
At Multi-Trade Building Services, we don’t mess around with unlicensed help. We’ve spent 35 years building a reputation based on quality, trust, and doing things right. And that means working with licensed trades who share our standards.
When you’re hiring someone to work on your home—the place where you cook, laugh, sleep, and live—you deserve more than “good enough.” You deserve safe, smart, professional, and licensed.
Want to explore more blogs you might find helpful? Here are a few worth checking out.
Top 10 Renovation Questions We Are Asked All the Time
Why Quicker Isn’t Always Better in Renovations
How to Check and Maintain Your Home’s Electrical System
Maintaining Your Home’s Plumbing: Tips for Preventing Leaks
If you're ready to renovate without cutting corners, we’re here for you. Whether it’s a small job or a full-scale transformation, let’s talk. We’ll walk you through every step—and bring in the pros who’ll make sure it’s done beautifully and properly.
Ready to get started?
Let’s make your renovation dreams a reality—with the team who’ll do it right.
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