Putting up a shelf is simple; the risk is what’s behind the plaster. Water pipes and cables usually run predictably: vertically and horizontally from outlets, switches, and faucets. A stud-and-service detector swept over the drilling line first costs minutes and can save a burst pipe.
Mark studs where you can — a shelf bracket into a stud carries real weight; into bare drywall, only with proper anchors rated for the load. Drill a shallow pilot hole first and stop if resistance changes suddenly or you see colored plastic, copper dust, or anything that isn’t plaster and wood.
Above sinks and behind bathrooms, assume pipes until proven otherwise. And keep brackets level from the first hole — a shelf that’s 5mm out annoys you daily for years.
Shelves, rails, mirrors, and pictures are the bread and butter of a CMG Bridge visit: $125 covers the first hour across Staten Island.