Contractors say these are the best ways to make your home way nicer for under $30

Revive old wood furniture, floors, or trim without a complicated stripping process — this wood finishing spray is an easier way to make it look nearly brand new. Homestar Design Remodel’s Thomas Borcherding calls it “a cult favorite for reviving tired wood cabinets, doors, and trim,” adding, “It blends out sun fading, water rings, and scratches without stripping the finish. Just wipe on and wipe off.” It’s available in a variety of colors and is easy to use.

If you don’t love the look of a traditional door stopper, this hinge door stopper makes a sturdy, easy-to-use option. It prevents slamming doors from creating holes or dents in the wall and looks quite discreet. It’s also so low-priced it’s almost a no-brainer. “I have seen homes where every single door had a hole behind it — all because nobody spent five minutes installing a simple fix,” Caleb John of Exceed Plumbing and Air Con warns.

This latex caulk is an easy way to smooth imperfections, such as when baseboards separate from the wall due to cracked paint, wood shrinking, or dried caulk. “Apply a thin bead, smooth it out with a damp finger, and the gaps disappear,” instructs Caleb John, director and professional contractor at Exceed Plumbing and Air Con.

“I have seen homes go from looking worn-out to brand new with this one trick alone.” This caulk is paintable, moisture- and water-resistant, and super durable.

The right lighting can make home feel more cozy and open, according to contractor Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction. This smart floor lamp is thin and sleek, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, and it has 172 LEDs with adjustable brightness. You can also use it for mood lighting since you can choose between literally millions of colors. As a bonus, you can control it using your phone or a remote.

Dangling wires and cables can look cluttered and, really, kind of ugly. These wire covers conceal cords for a nicer look — and don’t require the complicated process of rerouting them through the wall.

Justin Cornforth, owner and CEO at electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services provider Ace Home Co, likes this option because it’s “paintable, sleek, and there’s no electrician needed if you’re just extending low-voltage lines like speaker wire or USB.”

One tip contractor Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction swears by is maximizing natural light in your home. Bencker recommends doing this by keeping curtains and blinds open during the day. You can do this without allowing everyone to see straight into your home by utilizing this easy-to-use privacy film. It uses static cling to stay on your windows and creates just enough blur to keep eyes out while letting natural light in.

“Faded or missing house numbers make it hard for people to find your home,” says Josh Riutta of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “Replacing them with new, stylish numbers is a quick and easy way to boost curb appeal.” This lighted address plaque looks fancy, doesn’t cost a lot, and is illuminated at all times. Even better? It works on solar power, so it charges in the sun and turns on automatically in the dark.

These cabinet shelves are simple, but they get the job done when it comes to organizing your cabinets and pantry. They help to maximize the space you have, allowing you to neatly place your items so you can find what you need, rather than precariously stacking things. According to Bill Bencker, contractor and consultant at Ace Avant Concrete Construction, this makes all the difference. “A cluttered interior makes a home feel cramped and chaotic. Effective organization is key,” he says.

Jeri Goodkin Dausey, certified general contractor and certified building inspector at Violation Clinic, says, “In the kitchen, a super easy upgrade that can change the vibe is swapping out the cabinet hardware. There are very affordable options available online [...].” These highly rated cabinet pulls in cool matte black make a simple, modern option, though they’re available in metallics and even pastel colors for fun.

“Decluttering, utilizing storage solutions like shelves and baskets, and ensuring everything has a designated place can dramatically improve the sense of space and order,” says Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction. Start with something like this chic storage basket — it’s extra large, so it can hold a lot, and the woven look is nice enough to leave out on display. Wide handles on either side make it easy to move around as well.

Maximize space in a smaller kitchen by using something like this magnetic shelf, which can add extra storage right on the side of the fridge. Contractor Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction says that organization is key to keeping your home looking neat, and this shelf, with a handy basket attached, makes it easy to organize smaller items that might otherwise clutter the countertop.

Large gaps or holes look unpleasant and can provide a convenient entry point for bugs, mice, and other creepy creatures to get into your home. If you suspect that’s happening with a gap in your home, Thomas Borcherding, owner of Homestar Design Remodel, recommends sealant spray foam like this one, which expands to fill, seal, and insulate gaps up to 3 inches large.

Borcherding calls it “an incredibly cheap fix” that “hardens in place and seals tight, ensuring unwanted pests or elements don’t enter your home.” It also is designed to work on a variety of surfaces, including wood, concrete, and brick.

Gaps between floorboards are not uncommon, but that doesn’t make them pleasant to look at or deal with. “These gaps make floors creak, attract dirt, and makes a home look neglected,” warns Levi Winkler, flooring expert and owner of Rejuvenation Floor & Design. He recommends a good wood filler to smooth things out quickly and easily. This one water-resistant, can be used indoors or outdoors, and the whole tub is very cheap.

Not only does cracked caulking in the bathroom or kitchen look unsightly, but it could also be a sign of trapped moisture beneath the surface. This could lead to mold, warns Danny Niemela, Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company. He recommends digging out the caulk with this removal tool to wipe down the area with isopropyl alcohol.

This tool is easy to use with several different angle options, and will help make your DIY fix neat and clean, both on the surface and beneath.

If you’ve noticed cracked caulk, the first step is to remove it — the second step is to add a mold-resistant silicone sealant, like this one, to prevent cracking from happening again. “I always argue for silicone over latex, even if it is more stubborn to apply, because it will survive humidity swings and steamy showers without shrinking or blackening,” says Danny Niemela, Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction.

One thing Carr Lanphier, CEO at house painting service Improovy, recommends always keeping on hand is a trusty can of WD-40. He has a unique use for it, which is to remove scuff marks from walls. “I’ve dealt with some pretty large or set-in scuffs that won’t be removed with water and soap, and in all of these cases, a quick application of some WD-40 and a few minutes’ wait is enough to loosen up the scuff to where it can be wiped away using a cloth,” he tells Mic.

WD-40 is also great for lubrication where needed (such as door hinges), protecting surfaces, and removing moisture.

Inexpensive and versatile, this pack of large eraser sponges will get you through cleaning almost anything, whether that’s a greasy pan or your shower walls. You can also use them to clean something less expected — your pipes. “Clean-looking plumbing gives the illusion of a well-maintained home, a huge point when selling or renting,” says Justin Cornforth, owner and CEO of Ace Home Co. “Many households have grimy PVC drain pipes under the sink, while simple melamine sponge can make those ex-white pipes look brand new.”

For a more inviting home, Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction recommends “incorporating cozy elements like throw blankets and pillows.” These fan-favorite throw pillow inserts are a simple way to do so. These are fluffy, durable, and comfortable to rest on, and they’re backed up by more than 96,000 five-star ratings. They’re inexpensive and available in a wide range of sizes — just zip them into any of your favorite throw pillow covers.

Tears or rips in your window screens make your home look disheveled and unkempt, and even worse, they let bugs get in. But you don’t need to fork over a few hundred dollars for a new screen. “Instead of replacing the screen, get a $5 patch kit,” suggests Danny Niemela of ArDan Construction. This screen repair kit is so inexpensive, comes with 14 sheets in three different sizes, and they’re made of durable adhesive fiberglass.

If your floors look a little worse for wear, don’t worry — you don’t need to jump to the costly and time-consuming solution of replacing them. Instead, grab a floor restorer like this one. “Scuffed up floors loose their charm fast, but a quick buff with a rejuvenating floor polish can bring back the shine without refinishing,” Levi Winkler of Rejuvenation Floor & Design tells Mic. One coat is all you need to make your floors look shiny, polished, and nearly brand new.

Damaged grout lines can look messy and, even if not obviously noticeable right away, can contribute to something feeling off about your space. To fix any imperfections, Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel, recommends using grout pens like these. “Grout pens have a felt tip alongside an internal reservoir filled with grout colorant,” he explains. “[They] can be used to refresh or even change the color of your existing grout lines.”

Grab a 12-pack of these heavy duty door stoppers to prevent potential damage. “Missing or broken stoppers mean doorknobs slamming into walls, leaving dents that cost way more to fix than the stopper itself,” Caleb John of Exceed Plumbing and Air Con notes. These stoppers are super inexpensive (they currently come out to less than $1 a piece) and are made of heavy duty springs that stand up to the slamming.

Every homeowner should have drywall spackle like this on hand, says Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy. He likes to use this for indented dings and deeper scuffs in the wall. “For these, you’ll want to layer on some spackle (allowing layers to dry in between), then sand down the spackle until it’s flush with the wall before repainting the spot,” he advises. This spackle can be used inside or outside, is designed not to shrink, and is paintable after drying.

To get a smooth finish before painting your wall spackle job, per the advice of Improovy CEO Carr Lanphier, you’ll need some sandpaper. This pack of five sheets is inexpensive, easy to use, and very durable. You can use it on wood, paint, or metal, and it lasts for a surprisingly long time.

“To upgrade your lighting situation without spending over $30, I would suggest [...] LED puck lights,” advises Jeri Goodkin Dausey, founder of Violation Clinic and certified general contractor and building inspector. She adds, “[They] are incredible for sticking under cabinets or in bookshelves or wall shelves to create a more sophisticated, moody ambiance.”

These affordable puck lights come in a pack of six, stick on to install, and are battery-operated so you don’t have to worry about wiring. They feature handy tap controls and, better still, come with a remote control for even more convenience.

This water repellent spray might have been made with car windows in mind, but those in the know use it for the home as well. In fact, residential contractor Thomas Borcherding of Homestar Design Remodel calls it “a secret weapon” for slightly leaky window seals. “Spray Rain-X on the inside of window glass or storm windows and it’ll repel condensation and water drops, keeping the frames drier,” he suggests.

While these gutter downspout extensions may not be super exciting or aesthetic, they are a practical and smart addition to your home — and they don’t break the bank. Made of sturdy polyethylene, these are designed to divert water away from the foundation of your home. “If your gutters terminate directly at your home's foundation, you could be in for some costly repairs down the road,” warns contractor Thomas Borcherding of Homestar Design Remodel.

Cracks or gaps in tile, stone, ceramic, and more can make any room look in need of a refresh. Sprucing things up doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. “To fix small tile cracks without ripping anything out, use two-part epoxy in a color that matches your grout or tile,” says Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO of ArDan Construction. This epoxy is very easy to use, sets in just six minutes, and can be used on a variety of surfaces.

“If you notice a small leak on the roof, you can temporarily cover it with a product such as Flex Tape,” explains Constantine Anest of Ethos Roofing & Restoration. “It adheres firmly to the surface, prevents water from passing through, and can last until a proper repair is completed.” While this waterproof tape isn’t going to be a permanent solution, it’s very helpful for preventing further damage. “This is a practical solution if you are unable to bring in professionals right away,” Anest adds.

Little details make a big difference when it comes to improving the look of your home. “Untrimmed bushes and weeds can make even the nicest house look shabby,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. Keep this weeder tool on hand so you can stay on top of your landscaping.

It’s got a comfortable ergonomic handle and is made of strong stainless steel, with a forked end designed to firmly grip weeds and pull them from the root. It’s small and easy to store, with a large hole for hanging when not in use.

A relatively simple method to fix cracks and gaps in wood is to use a floor putty, according to Levi Winkler, owner of Rejuvenation Floor & Design who says, “color matched floor putty can quickly smooth things out.” This acrylic-based putty is available in several different colors, is easy to use, dries fast, and can be used on wood, vinyl, or laminate flooring.

When you add personal touches to your decor, it helps give your home a lived-in feel you won’t get from store-bought items alone. Bill Bencker, contractor and consultant at Ace Avant Concrete Construction agrees. “Displaying family photos, artwork, and other cherished items adds warmth and personality,” he says. You can do that easily with this set of matching frames for photos and artwork — they come in a set of 10 in various sizes, with a pretty wood finish that makes them super versatile.

Bill Bencker from Ace Avant Concrete Construction is a fan of incorporating throw pillows to make your home feel more cozy and welcoming — selecting cushion covers that are comfy as well as showy are a one-two punch. These sherpa cushion covers are a great example: They’re soft and comforting, they look nice, and they’re machine washable for easy cleaning.

Creating an eye-catching accent wall in your home is as easy as opting to apply some inexpensive peel-and-stick wallpaper. Certified general contractor and certified building inspector at Violation Clinic, Jeri Goodkin Dausey affirms that “a small accent wall” is an easy way to “add some texture and color” as well as “add some punch” to your decor scheme.

If you’ve noticed scratches on wood furniture or cabinets or chipped trim, Danny Niemela, Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, recommends using wood stain pens or colored wax filler sticks to “hide wear and tear instantly and make old cabinets look refinished.” This set comes with 13 different colors of marker and wax sticks to match nearly any type of wood, as well as a sharpener. They’re very easy to use and the color lasts.

Between the sun, wind, and rain, outdoor furniture withstands quite a beating each year. You can help prevent damage by using this this sun and water shield spray. A few spritzes can help make surfaces more water repellant, and also blocks harmful UV rays that can cause fading. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and definitely worth it to maintain and extend the life of your furniture.

This soft and stylish fleece throw blanket is a great way to add a cozy element to your home, as per the advice of Bill Bencker from Ace Avant Concrete Construction. It has a plush feel that is perfect for snuggling, and the pom-pom details around the edge and jewel-toned hues make it chic enough to leave out when guests are over.

To help make your furniture and wood cabinets look brand new again, a good wood polish goes a long way. This helps make wood items look refreshed and requires very little effort, according to Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO of ArDan Construction. This option has a fresh lemon scent and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.

Drywall damage shouldn’t be ignored — something like this drywall repair kit offers an easy fix that can instantly make your home look more put together and cared for. The kit comes with everything you need, including patches, scrapers, putty, and sandpaper, and is simple enough that you can master it even if you’ve never DIYed this task before.

If you’ve noticed a small tear in your window screen, reach for this repair tape, which uses a super strong adhesive to stay in place and can be cut to any size. “[To repair screens, you can use] a tiny bit of clear nail polish and mesh tape,” explains Danny Niemela, Vice President of ArDan Construction. “Cut a square, stick it on, dab the polish around the edge. Done.”

Fixing cracks in your tile may require a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it for a look that’s smooth and refreshed — and budget-friendly. For perfect-looking tile-crack repair you can do on your own, ArDan Construction’s Danny Niemela tells Mic, “Mix [your epoxy], apply with a plastic scraper, then wipe clean. No one will know the difference unless they are crawling on the floor.” These scrapers come in a pack of three and have flexible edges that make application seamless.

“A poorly lit home feels dark and unwelcoming,” says Bill Bencker, contractor at Ace Avant Concrete Construction. “Adding more light fixtures, including lamps and overhead lighting, is essential.” These versatile wall sconces are rechargeable and wireless, making them so easy to install just about anywhere. They can be rotated to deliver a stream of light wherever you need it and come with a convenient remote control, and feature several color temperature and shade options.

Yardwork can be messy and potentially painful, so a good pair of gardening gloves is an essential. These breathable and lightweight, so they’re comfortable to wear, but also durable enough to withstand regular use. They prevent scratches, pricks, and help keep your hands safer while tending to your yard. “Keeping your landscaping tidy drastically improves curb appeal,” Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, reminds Mic.

If you have wood items outdoors, whether that’s a fence, deck, or furniture, you’ve probably noticed that it can start to look old and weathered pretty quickly. This wood sealer spray is an easy way to prevent that from happening. It’s transparent, helps make surfaces waterproof to repel moisture before it can damage wood, and offers UV protection.

If you’ve noticed dents or holes around a light switch or outlet, but don’t have the time or energy to patch them up, Justin Cornforth of Ace Home Co recommends just covering them up instead. “Slap on a jumbo oversized outlet cover plate,” he says. “Costs under $5 and hides ugly drywall damage without patching or painting.” This set of 10 comes out to less than $1 per plate currently, and gets the job done, leaving your home looking neat and sleek with ease.

This framed wall art has the prettiest little swan and a vintage-inspired look that make it seem a lot more expensive than it is. You can choose from loads of different options to suit your style, ranging from classic florals to abstract art. “A home without personal touches can feel sterile and impersonal,” says Bill Bencker, contractor and consultant at Ace Avant Concrete Construction. This is an affordable way to add that personal feel that makes your home seem more welcoming.

Inspired by the advice of Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor of Homestar Design Remodel, who suggests putting in the effort to keep excess water away from your home, this rain chain is decorative way to do so. The lotus-shaped flowers collect water from the gutters so it doesn’t potentially damage your home. This chain is practical and adds a stylish decor touch to boot.

Make your house address number obvious to guests with these large floating numbers. They come in a gold-plated design that makes them look really high-end, and you can mount them on a fence, tree, or the side of your house. They’re versatile and shouldn’t rust easily, and come with the screws and mounts needed to install them.

“Regular trimming and weeding are essential,” Mikku and Sons Roofing’s Josh Riutta says. After all, keeping your yard looking pristine creates a strong first impression, which is key for a nice-looking home. These sturdy garden clippers are comfortable to hold and sharp enough to work on almost anything.

Outdoor furniture constantly exposed to the elements can become faded and older-looking fast. Instead of spending a lot to replace everything, contractor Thomas Borcherding of Homestar Design Remodel recommends using this wipe-on treatment. “It revives faded outdoor plastics, shutters, garage trim, or even sun-damaged patio furniture,” he explains, adding that it is “a great solution for UV-worn surfaces when you don't want to repaint or replace.”