If you own a home in Nebraska, one benefit is the ability to choose upgrades for your property. You can make the house more functional, more aesthetically pleasing, or both. These improvements aren’t just going to benefit your current living experience, but the potential resale value of the property as well.
One decision that should affect every home improvement project is whether to do it yourself (DIY) or pay a professional. This decision should be based on the project scope, your personal expertise, and cost considerations.
Getting ready to start a big improvement for your home in Nebraska? Let’s look at five sample projects to determine if you should go for DIY or professional contractors.
Building a Deck
A deck is an important structure that is completely optional for your home. It is a fun way to combine the natural outdoors with indoor comfort. Decks are most often built from lumber or composite decking materials, both of which are relatively easy to work with.
A more complex deck, such as a second-story balcony, may be challenging to build yourself. The stability and structure are crucial in that scenario, as a compromised structure could be unsafe. However, a first-story deck is not nearly as difficult, and researching local building codes can help you understand the framing and railing requirements.
Verdict: DIY for Small Decks, Experts for Complex Projects
You can go either way on this one. Building a simpler, first-story deck is a significant challenge, but even new DIYers can construct a solid structure with some home project planning and research. However, safety concerns for more complex decks may require a professional hand.
Painting
Painting is one of the most cost-effective and simplest ways to change how a space feels. It is amazing how different a room looks if you change just one wall to a bold new color. Even painting trim or molding can have a dramatic impact on a space’s overall feel.
Another benefit of painting is that almost anyone can do it. All you need to do is prep the room, protect your belongings, select the proper primer, and learn techniques for clean brush strokes.
Verdict: DIY For Nearly All Paint Projects
There are only a few circumstances where hiring professionals to paint your home makes sense. If the paint work involves your siding, they will have specialized equipment to reach those heights. Otherwise, most paint jobs are perfectly manageable for Nebraska homeowners.
Bathroom Remodel
Although bathrooms are among the smallest spaces in the house, they can be among the most complex to upgrade. The main reason is the integration of electrical and plumbing components, both essential home systems. If your project involves more than cosmetic changes, it may be outside your capabilities.
Updates involving new toilets, sinks, vanities, or showers will require extensive specialized knowledge. While you can update and connect these systems yourself, a professional is a safer option.
Verdict: Professionals For Everything But Cosmetic Upgrades
You do not want to make mistakes when connecting a new toilet to the plumbing lines or when making changes to the bathroom’s electrical layout. If your bathroom remodel includes these changes, a contractor is the best option.
Utility Updates
Your home’s utilities include the electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC components. These systems ensure your home is safe, has power, and can meet your family’s essential needs. Often, these systems require some minor repairs, but a full update could also be in the cards for an aging house.
Any major projects involving your utilities are best left to the experts. If your electrical system needs an overhaul, you don’t want to rely on YouTube videos to ensure it is done right. A professional electrician is qualified to handle this job because they continually complete Nebraska electrical continuing education courses and gain field experience.
Verdict: Hire the Pros
Screwing up your plumbing, HVAC, or electrical network can have devastating consequences. Not only could it make your home unsafe, but you could be left with thousands of dollars in repairs in the event of water damage or an electrical fire. Shift all that liability to a contractor with insurance.
Additions
Adding a new room or living space to the house is a major project. It will affect the utility networks, structural elements, foundation, and exterior components of your Nebraska house. Unless you have decades of experience in construction, the scope of the project may be too much for a DIYer.
However, this doesn’t mean you must go completely hands-off. Work with the contractor to figure out which phases you can handle yourself, such as interior work and finishes.
Verdict: Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
A very small addition, such as a screened-in porch, may be doable with your DIY skill set. However, unless you come from a construction or trade background, an addition to the house is best left to the experts.
Relying on Both Strategies Can Maximize Your Property’s Value
Some projects are large-scale and require expertise across multiple disciplines. Most homeowners in Nebraska are not experts in structural integrity, carpentry, drywall, lighting fixtures, electrical work, and plumbing. Therefore, the more complex your project, the more likely you will need professional assistance.
On the other hand, challenging yourself with DIY upgrades can be very satisfying. If the project can afford a few minor slip-ups, consider giving it a shot yourself. However, if the safety of the property or your family is at stake, invest in the labor of professional contractors.
