Get in touch
← All insights

YNM Insights

DIY or Don’t

2 min readYour Next Move Real Estate
Brick house with a front fence at dusk

Illustrative photograph · Brad Chapman / Unsplash

Guidance reviewed 3 October 2026.

A television renovation can make a project look simpler than it is. Before starting DIY, assess the task, the materials and any approvals or qualifications needed.

Check regulated work

NSW electrical wiring and regulated plumbing, draining and gasfitting work require the relevant credentials. Do not rely on an unsourced list of plumbing exemptions based on pipe diameter. Use the current official guidance and an appropriately qualified tradesperson.

Assess structure and materials

Obtain professional advice before altering a wall or other structural component. If asbestos is suspected, stop and seek specialist advice before disturbing it. Painting or finishing work is not automatically simple or safe on every surface.

Plan the scope

Confirm what work is permitted and decide which parts you can safely undertake. Obtain quotes for specialist tasks and allow time for preparation, drying and clean-up. Write down who is responsible when you combine DIY with contracted work.

Keep safety ahead of appearance

Use suitable access equipment and avoid work you cannot assess or manage safely. If a new issue appears during the job, pause and obtain advice. A low initial quote or a weekend timetable should not determine how a hazard is handled.

Sources and current guidance

Guidance reviewed 3 October 2026. Check the linked official information for your circumstances.