We get it — YouTube makes it look easy. And sometimes, a quick fix is just a trip to the hardware store away. But in a city like NYC, where apartments have unique quirks and buildings enforce strict codes, the wrong DIY project can quickly turn into a costly mistake.
So when should you roll up your sleeves, and when should you call NYC Handy Pros?
Here are 5 projects you should never attempt on your own — and why hiring a professional matters.
1. TV Mounting on NYC Walls
It’s not just about drilling into the wall. In NYC, you might be dealing with:
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Concrete or brick walls
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Hidden electrical wiring or plumbing
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Plaster that crumbles on contact
One wrong move = cracked drywall, uneven mounting, or even injury from a falling TV. A handyman brings the right tools, anchors, and knowledge of your wall type to get it done safely.
2. Electrical Work (Even “Small” Fixes)
Replacing a light switch? Running a new wire? Installing a ceiling fan?
?? Stop right there.
Even minor electrical work can be dangerous without proper training. One wrong wire can:
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Start a fire
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Trip your entire breaker system
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Void your building insurance
Always leave electrical work to licensed professionals. Your safety isn’t worth the shortcut.
3. Plumbing Repairs or Fixture Installations
A dripping faucet might seem like a small fix… until it floods your cabinet or leaks into the neighbor’s unit below.
Common DIY fails include:
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Improper seal on a sink or toilet
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Cross-threaded water lines
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Overtightened connections leading to cracks
With NYC plumbing, one wrong turn can lead to a $1,000+ repair — or a call from the building super.
4. Door Adjustments & Lock Replacements
Misaligned doors, faulty locks, or doors that don’t close properly are more than an inconvenience — they’re a security issue. Many DIY fixes only last a few weeks because they don’t address the root of the problem:
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Warped frames
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Settled hinges
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Damaged latches
NYC Handy Pros will make the proper adjustments or install new hardware that lasts.
5. Wall Repairs or Accent Walls
Patching a small nail hole is one thing — repairing water-damaged drywall or applying Venetian plaster is another.
Most common DIY mistakes:
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Uneven patches
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Visible seams
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Using the wrong paint or primer (especially on older surfaces)
Professionals handle prep, skim coating, finishing, and color matching the right way.
When Is DIY Okay?
Go for it when:
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You’re assembling furniture with instructions
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You’re patching a small nail hole
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You’re painting a small room (and don’t mind a little mess)
Conclusion:
Your time is valuable. So is your home.
Before you spend a weekend frustrated, buying tools you’ll never use again — ask yourself: Is it worth risking damage or injury?
At NYC Handy Pros, we’ve spent over 10 years fixing what others tried to DIY.
Let’s do it right the first time.