Not every job needs a contractor. These are the household repairs a homeowner can lawfully and safely handle in Ontario, written the way we would explain them to a friend: what it costs in parts, what it would cost to hire out, and exactly where to stop.
What is not in here, and why
A toilet that runs constantly wastes hundreds of litres a day. How to find which part has failed, what it costs to fix, and when to call a plumber.
Clearing a slow or blocked sink without chemicals. How to tell a local clog from a main line problem, and when a slow drain is telling you something worse.
A dripping tap wastes water and stains the sink. How to identify your tap type, replace the washer or cartridge, and when replacement beats repair.
Patching drywall so the repair disappears rather than showing as a bump. Different methods for dents, doorknob holes and larger damage.
Why preparation decides how a paint job looks and how long it lasts, plus the order of work that avoids most beginner mistakes.
Mouldy or split caulk around a bath lets water into the wall. How to remove the old bead properly and lay a new one that lasts years.
The cheapest maintenance in the house, and the most commonly neglected. Which filter to buy, how often to change it, and what a blocked one costs you.
Doors that stick usually need a hinge adjusted, not planing. How to diagnose the cause before you remove material you cannot put back.
That is a perfectly good outcome. The hiring guides cover what Ontario requires of each trade, how to verify a credential, and what the work should cost.
Read the hiring guides