All Of It - Episode: When To DIY, And When To Hire A Professional

Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart | Guest: Dan Medley, Owner of Team Handy Dan

Introduction

In this insightful episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart from WNYC, the spotlight is on the age-old dilemma faced by many homeowners and renters alike: When should you tackle a home improvement project yourself, and when is it time to call in a professional? To navigate this topic, Alison welcomes Dan Medley, a seasoned handyman and the owner of Team Handy Dan, who shares his expertise on DIY home repairs and the nuances of hiring professionals.

Guest Introduction: Dan Medley

Dan Medley brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, drawing from his extensive experience as a licensed general contractor in New York City. His hands-on approach and passion for empowering others with handy skills make him an invaluable resource for listeners looking to enhance their DIY capabilities.

The Importance of Basic Handy Skills

Dan emphasizes the significance of having basic handy skills, especially in a bustling metropolis like New York City where "everything is old and everything is falling apart." ([02:32] Dan Medley). He believes that possessing fundamental repair skills and a basic set of tools enables individuals to address issues promptly and efficiently, often compensating for less responsive building superintendents.

Essential Tools for the Toolbox

Addressing the essentials, Dan outlines what every beginner should have in their toolbox: "A good hammer drill, a multi-tool with multiple bits, pliers, WD-40, and duct tape. You can do almost everything with these." ([02:50] Dan Medley). His minimalist approach underscores that a compact toolkit is sufficient for handling a wide array of household tasks.

Learning to Be Handy: Dan’s Journey

Dan reflects on his childhood curiosity, stating, "I loved destroying my toys and putting them back together differently." ([03:09] Dan Medley). Influenced by his father and brother’s work on cars, he developed a knack for tinkering and problem-solving, laying the foundation for his future career in home repairs.

Enhancing Handy Skills

For those looking to improve their DIY prowess, Dan recommends leveraging online resources: "YouTube is the University of YouTube. Watching tons of videos can teach you a lot." ([03:56] Dan Medley). Additionally, he offers hands-on knowledge through his handyman classes, where participants learn practical skills in a supportive environment.

Starting with Simple Projects

Dan advises beginners to start with manageable tasks such as assembling IKEA furniture or hanging lightweight shelves and pictures. "If you can put together something from IKEA without stripping a screw or breaking it, that’s a great start." ([04:21] Dan Medley). These projects help build confidence and foundational skills before moving on to more complex repairs.

Listener Questions: What the Heck

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to answering listener-submitted questions, ranging from minor fixes to more intricate home maintenance issues:

1. Cleaning AC Window Grills ([05:23])

   • Question: Best way to clean window AC units after prolonged disuse.
   • Dan’s Advice: Utilize spray foam from Amazon or canned air to clean grills without disassembling the unit. "It's better to cover them over the winter or remove them from the window to prevent debris accumulation." ([05:23] Dan Medley).

2. Loosening a Stiff Nut on a Tap ([05:47])

   • Question: How to loosen a stuck nut without breaking tools.
   • Dan’s Advice: "PB Blaster is great for breaking things free. Combine it with a little tapping from a hammer to loosen the nut." ([06:05] Dan Medley).

3. Hanging Frames Properly ([18:23])

   • Question: Tips for securely hanging frames.
   • Dan’s Advice: "The biggest secret is knowing what wall you have. Use appropriate anchors like Toggler alligator anchors for brick or plaster walls. They are highly adaptable and reliable." ([12:16] Dan Medley).

4. Rodent and Insect Control ([19:18])

   • Question: Methods to eliminate roaches without using sprays.
   • Dan’s Advice: "Use Advion gel. It’s a peanut buttery substance that roaches consume and share, effectively reducing their population." ([19:55] Dan Medley).

5. Locating Wall Studs ([20:34])

   • Question: Best techniques for finding studs in walls.
   • Dan’s Advice: "A neodymium magnet is my secret weapon. Run it over the wall to find screws attached to studs, ensuring accurate placement for heavy items." ([20:34] Dan Medley).

Safety Precautions

Dan underscores the importance of safety in all DIY endeavors: "Protect your ears and eyes first and lungs. Those things are very important." ([08:25] Dan Medley). He warns about the dangers of drilling into walls without knowing the underlying infrastructure, such as hidden pipes or electrical wires, which can lead to severe hazards.

Knowing When to Hire Professionals

While DIY can be empowering, Dan advises recognizing the limits of one's skills. "If you feel a gut that you should not be doing it, usually trust your gut. Don't overextend yourself too much." ([11:18] Dan Medley). For specialized tasks like electrical work or plumbing, he recommends hiring licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

Specific Tool and Product Recommendations

Dan highlights the effectiveness of certain tools and products that simplify home repairs:

• Wall Anchors: "Toggler brand alligator anchors are German-engineered and highly reliable. They accept a wide range of screw sizes and are perfect for masonry walls." ([12:16] Dan Medley).

• Roach Control: "Advion gel works wonders by allowing roaches to carry the poison back to their nests." ([19:55] Dan Medley).

Handling Complex Repairs

For more challenging repairs, such as regrouting a bathroom or replacing mortise locks, Dan provides detailed guidance:

• Regrouting vs. Silicone Caulking ([14:02] Dan Medley): "Most people use grout where caulking is needed. Grout isn't flexible, leading to mold and deterioration. Use mold-resistant silicone for transitions like where the tub meets the wall."

• Replacing Mortise Locks ([28:04] Dan Medley): "You'll need specialized tools like a paddle bit to cut the pocket for the mortise lock. Detailed YouTube tutorials can guide you, but hiring a professional ensures precision."

Dan’s Handy Classes

Dan shares his passion for teaching through his beginner-friendly classes: "By the time we're done, you'll know how to use a drill and anchor things into your walls." ([29:28] Dan Medley). These sessions are designed to equip participants with practical skills and confidence to handle basic home repairs.

Personal Insights and Challenges

Dan candidly discusses his professional challenges, such as the nightmare scenario of "drilling into a water pipe in an apartment through a wall" ([30:24] Dan Medley). He emphasizes the importance of caution and underscores the complexities of working within older building infrastructures.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone navigating the DIY landscape. Whether you're a novice looking to build your first toolbox or someone weighing the decision to hire a professional, Dan Medley's expert advice provides clarity and confidence. From essential tools to safety tips and specific repair techniques, listeners walk away with actionable insights to enhance their home maintenance skills.

Notable Quotes:

• "Knowing how to fix things quickly is valuable because you don't always have a good super." — Dan Medley ([02:32])

• "A good hammer drill, pliers, WD-40, and duct tape. You can do almost everything." — Dan Medley ([02:50])

• "Protect your ears and eyes first and lungs. Those things are very important." — Dan Medley ([08:25])

• "Toggler brand alligator anchors... they're very adaptable." — Dan Medley ([12:16])

• "If you feel a gut that you should not be doing it, usually trust your gut." — Dan Medley ([11:18])

• "By the time we're done, you'll know how to use a drill and anchor things into your walls." — Dan Medley ([29:28])

Further Resources:

For listeners eager to delve deeper, transcripts of all segments are available on the WNYC website, providing additional details and clarifications on Dan Medley’s invaluable tips and recommendations.