07-03-2025
What kind of DIY work are you allowed to do yourself in Sweden?
Swedish law permits a wide range of DIY home improvements, from carpentry and tiling to painting or replacing plumbing fixtures.
Still, as in most countries, strict safety and regulatory guidelines apply to plumbing, electricity, and structural modifications in homes.
From building codes and national regulations to potential insurance implications, here's what you need to know before beginning a DIY project.
Carpentry and structural work
If you're looking to update the interiors of your home, there are a lot of things you're allowed to do yourself.
Installing floors, painting or even putting up new walls are all generally allowed.
However, regulations must be followed when altering a home's actual structure.
Also, if you are planning to build new walls, you need to consider the rules on ventilation and fire safety if you want to avoid potential issues with moisture and air circulation down the road, Hugo Wolgers, a certified pipefitter, told Vi i Villa, the Swedish DIY magazine in 2022.
You should also think carefully before demolishing walls, particularly if they are load-bearing ones. If you are uncertain, always consult a structural engineer before proceeding.
Overall, while smaller renovations such as dividing rooms do not typically require a permit, converting a single-family home into a two-family residence requires notification to the relevant building committee.
If unsure, check with your local building committee or municipal office to see if you need a permit. If required, you can submit an application, and they will guide you through the process.
You can find a detailed description of the process on the webpage of the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket), here.
Bathroom renovations and plumbing
While you do some bathroom building jobs yourself, some work require a certified professional.
You are permitted to tile walls and floors yourself, but if you are waterproofing the space, you need to follow strict industry regulations.
This means hiring a certified installer is normally the best way to go as it ensures compliance with insurance requirements and reduces the risk of water damage, according to a Swedish website on house construction and renovation.
When it comes to plumbing, you're allowed to maintain and replace fixtures like sinks and toilets (provided you do not move or reroute pipes).
However, major plumbing work – such as modifying water systems – must be done by a certified professional according to Säkert Vatten, the body that maintains industry standards.
Incorrect installations can lead to costly water damage, and insurance companies may refuse claims if proper procedures are not followed. It's best not to risk it.
Electrical work – strictly regulated
Electrical work is one of the most tightly controlled types of work in Sweden.
Due to the high risk of fires and personal injury, a licensed electrician should handle most electrical installations, according to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority (Elsäkerhetsverket), the government agency responsible for electrical safety and regulations.
These installations include any changes made to fixed electrical installations, replacing an ungrounded wall socket with a grounded one, installing 230-volt underfloor heating and heating cables, and laying electrical cables in the ground, as these types of work require professional expertise.
However, homeowners are permitted to carry out minor work such as replacing light fixtures, installing electrical outlets, or replacing fuses.
For any electrical work, it is crucial to follow Electrical Safety Authority guidelines. Their online tool, Koppla säkert (Connect Safely), provides clear guidelines on what non-professionals can and cannot do.
You can find it here.
Any unauthorised electrical work can result in serious safety hazards and legal consequences, so it's generally recommended to leave it to professionals.
Exterior work and permits
Sweden's building regulations for exterior projects are clear: some tasks require municipal approval.
Simple maintenance, like painting or replacing windows, is typically allowed without a permit. But structural changes to a façade or extensions may typically require one, depending on local municipal regulations.
Additionally, roofing work, particularly involving insulation and waterproofing, must be performed correctly to prevent long-term issues.
If unsure, you should consult local authorities or professionals before starting a major exterior project.
So, what's better off left to professionals?
If a project involves skills that typically require certification – such as plumbing, electricity, or structural engineering – it's usually best to call on professionals.
Mistakes in these areas can lead to costly repairs and insurance issues.
Insurance companies typically require proof of correct installation before covering damages, particularly for bathrooms and electrical systems.
So, if you decide to take on some of the major work yourself, at least document the process with photos and records to ensure proof of compliance.
Also, if you plan on selling a home that you modified or built yourself, it is important to have the documentation to show how the home was modified or built piece by piece.
Proper documentation, including construction plans, material specifications, and any permits obtained during the building process, can significantly increase the home's value and make the sales process smoother.
Without these records, selling the property may be more complicated, as buyers and banks often require proof of compliance and quality.
Boverket's new regulations, scheduled to enter into force on July 1st, 2025, aim to simplify compliance and improve building standards. To help with the transition, guidance documents are already available, outlining key changes and how they compare to current regulations.
The regulations include mandatory provisions and general recommendations for constructing new buildings and altering existing ones.
