Contractors say these weird things under $30 make your home way better

“I always recommend an anti-fog treatment for mirrors,” says Robert D. Puleo, owner of Denver Bathtub and Tile Reglazing. “Just a simple spray [...] keeps bathroom mirrors usable straight after a shower, instead of waiting for them to clear or wiping them down constantly.” You can also use them on car windshields and mirrors for a sharper view of the road.

Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros, says this bamboo trellis is “perfect for climbing plants on a balcony and terrace. This kind of trellis, with the right plant, has the ability to completely transform a wall into a green living decoration.” It resists corrosion and UV rays, and it expands to fit walls and fences of various sizes.

Matt Bueno, VP of Operations at Red Roan Roofing & Construction, is a big fan of magnetic vent covers. “They're easy to install and can be removed in seconds if your needs change. It's a simple way to adjust airflow,” Bueno says. At 5.5 inches by 12 inches per cover, they fit most air registers as they are, but you can also easily cut them down to a custom size.

"One of the hardest parts of keeping outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and sidewalks clean is dealing with the cracks,” says Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors — that’s why he loves this moss remover that’s also great for weeds. “The longer you leave them uncleaned,” he says, “the more damage this debris will do to your concrete.” This is also a smart buy because it snaps onto mops and brooms.

“I keep a fire blanket mounted on the inside of my kitchen sink cabinet door, and it's one of the safety items I recommend most often,” says John S. Gelfusa, C.G.R, certified graduate remodeler at HomeWorks CGO. It provides “a fast and simple way to smother the flames before they spread." Crafted from two layers of woven fiberglass fabric, it also includes nylon straps to keep hands far away from any flames. You can buy it in one of two sizes.

Brendan Anderson, roofer and founder of Brix Systems, says this flashing tape is “Not glamorous, but incredibly useful. We keep rolls in our trucks for temporary leak protection during storms or emergency repairs.” Waterproof and weatherproof, it protects your home from drafts, moisture, and the elements in general. It adheres firmly to a variety of materials, like wood, PVC, and concrete.

Kameron Khan, founder and managing director of SilverWater Plumbing, recommends these leak detection tablets to save serious time and money — especially since “A running toilet can waste as much as 7,000 gallons of water per year.” To figure out if you have a silent leak, Khan says, “simply drop one tablet in your toilet tank and wait for approximately 15 minutes.” If you see color after that timeframe, you’ve found the culprit of that overly high water bill. These come in a pack of 20, keeping you fully stocked.

“Honestly, these alarms can actually be considered as smoke detectors for water,” says Ryan Gorenflo, growth leader at The Basement Doctor. “They prevent bigger repair issues from happening and save you a lot of money.” Arriving in a pack of one but also available in greater quantities, the installation for these wireless sensors is as simple as placing them on the floor. At 100 decibels, its loud alarm alerts you right away when something is wrong.

“Wasps are territorial,” says Dennis Petrashkan of Epic Horizons Landscaping, “so hang a fake nest and a scout wasp assumes the spot's taken and builds elsewhere.” He adds that it’s “harmless to pets, birds, and fish. In Florida, it's the difference between using your yard at dusk or not.” You can hang it from eaves, ceilings, and even tree branches to minimize the chances of a sting.

"We've installed many wall safes, and what makes them especially effective is their ability to be hidden in plain sight,” says John S. Gelfusa, C.G.R, certified graduate remodeler at HomeWorks CGO. “A safe is designed to protect your valuables, but hiding it adds another level of security by making it less likely to be discovered.” Measuring at 3.25 inches deep, it’s easy to install and comes with all the instructions you need.

Kathryn Emery, a home improvement expert with Be the Best Home, calls this cord protector “Great for outdoor lights to protect cords from unpredictable weather and animals, sans stress to those expensive outdoor lights/outdoor plugs.” Compatible with standard 16-gauge extension cords, they ward off water and UV rays. All you need to do is insert your cords and clamp the latches down.

Dennis Petrashkan of Epic Horizons Landscaping likes these beneficial nematodes for their pest-removing properties. “You water millions of microscopic live organisms into the lawn,” he says, “and they hunt down flea larvae, grubs, and fire ants underground — while leaving your grass completely alone. Sounds insane, works great, zero chemicals." They’re safe to use around pets and plants, and you can buy them in quantities up to 50 million.

“Coconut coir liner is a natural coconut material,” says Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros. “[It] helps the garden look organic and beautiful, retains moisture, and helps the roots breathe. Whenever I use this material in my projects, clients often ask how it is possible that this garden and the plants in it look so lush and beautiful.” They also let air circulate and drain excess water away, making them a must-have for plant parents.

According to Scott Eyman, project manager at Eyman Plumbing, Heating, & Air, this “handheld infrared thermometer reveals what your eyes can't see. Scan doorframes, windows, and exterior walls while your AC runs — cold spots show exactly where conditioned air is escaping.” Its large display is easy to read, and it’s backlit for DIYing in the dark. And of course, it can also be a big help while cooking dinner.

“A simple under-sink mat is cheap insurance that can help prevent water damage,” says John S. Gelfusa, C.G.R, certified graduate remodeler at HomeWorks CGO. “One thing I've learned after more than 30 years in remodeling: every sink cabinet will eventually see some water.” This mat has a raised lip that keeps built-up water from spilling over, and is beloved by reviewers as well, who have given it an average of 4.8 stars.

John S. Gelfusa, C.G.R, certified graduate remodeler at HomeWorks CGO, calls these auto-on flashlights “so practical. They stay plugged into the wall, fully charged and easy to find when you need them most. When the lights go out, you know exactly where your flashlight is.” All you have to do is plug them into standard AC outlets, and they'll turn on if and when the power goes out. They’re also designed with ergonomics in mind and are impact-resistant.

Ryan Gorenflo, growth leader at The Basement Doctor, recommends this downspout extension, as he knows “how many homes end up dumping rainwater straight down the foundation when a storm comes.” Gorenflo notes that “The pressure will start bugging the basement walls over time, basically like waves carving into stone.” This extension mitigates the issue. Not only is it flexible, but it can hold up to 10 pounds at a time.

“A soil moisture meter is a small instrument that [...] immediately shows you how moist the ground is,” says Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros. “By using this instrument, you can know exactly when it is time to water a certain plant. As a result, you always have beautifully fresh plants that are always blooming.” Available in two color options, its dial rotates 90 degrees, so you can read it from any angle.

“This [hinge damper] is a super inexpensive way to upgrade your existing cabinets,” says Steve Kesselman, marketing manager at Puget Construction & Landscape. With the ability to slow down doors to prevent them from slamming, they’re adjustable and easy to install. “It really is a surprisingly big quality-of-life improvement [...] if you pair this upgrade with some cabinet paint or stain, it can make a huge difference,” Kesselman adds. It comes in a pack of 10, so you can upgrade the entire kitchen at once.

Emily Demirdonder, co-founder and director of operations at Proximity Plumbing, recommends these foam pipe covers. “When temperatures become low,” she says, “the uninsulated pipes beneath sinks and in garages are the most vulnerable areas to cause damage to your plumbing system. These pipes can freeze and then break.” These covers insulate against heat loss and cold, and they’re self-sealing.

“This versatile cordless scrubber makes physically demanding work easy by eliminating the need for bending or kneeling,” says Jonathan Carcone, principal at 4 Brothers Buy Houses. That’s especially helpful “when tackling difficult grout lines.” Its handle extends up to 50 inches, and the scrubber itself can run for up to 100 minutes after just 2.5 hours of charging.

According to Caleb Riutta, project consultant at Country Restoration, this drain bladder “connects to a garden hose and helps clear certain drain blockages using water pressure.” Riutta adds that “Many homeowners have never heard of one, but it can solve some slow-drain issues without immediately reaching for chemical drain cleaners.” Fitting drain pipe openings up to 2 inches wide, you can use it on sinks, bathtubs, shower drains, and lots of other spots that might have an existing clog.

Brendan Anderson, roofer and founder of Brix Systems, says this magnetic wristband “Sounds simple, but it saves a ton of time when you’re working on ladders or roofs. [It] keeps fasteners right on your wrist instead of constantly digging through pockets.” Because it’s embedded with 10 powerful magnets, nails, screws, bolts, and more will remain within reach. Anderson isn’t the only fan — it’s also backed by over 17,000 five-star reviews.

“We stuff this copper wool into weep holes and the gaps where pipes and AC lines enter the house,” says Dennis Petrashkan of Epic Horizons Landscaping. “It blocks mice, roaches, and even snakes from getting in — no poison, and unlike steel wool, it won't rust.” Each roll is surprisingly user-friendly and gives you 30 feet of product.

“I originally bought [a rechargeable headlamp] for early morning roofing jobs, but now I use it constantly,” says Brendan Anderson, roofer and founder of Brix Systems. “[It’s] super handy when you need both hands free in tight or dark spaces.” You can recharge it with any USB-C cord, and it's waterproof, too. Two arrive per order.

“These are great heavy-duty wipes,” says Eric Goranson, CKD, interior designer, contractor, and host of the Around the House Show. “They're pre-moistened with a strong degreaser that really cuts through baked-on grease, fat, and gunk without needing extra cleaners. I like them because one wipe gets a ton done.” Made with aloe and vitamin E, they’re gentle on skin, too.

“This mini deodorizer is much more efficient at removing strong refrigerator odors than regular baking soda,” says Jonathan Carcone, principal at 4 Brothers Buy Houses. “The deodorizer [breaks] down odor-causing molecules in your refrigerator as opposed to just absorbing the odor.” You can also use it in drawers, shoe closets, and even gym bags — basically, anywhere that stinks.

Kameron Khan, founder and managing director of SilverWater Plumbing, says that the “investment in this [hair catcher] can save many people the headache of a service call to clear a blocked shower drain.” After all, “slow drainage in showers is most often caused by hair buildup.” Made of silicone and stainless steel, it snags hair while you shower. The topper can also be removed to keep it clean.

Matt Bueno, VP of Operations at Red Roan Roofing & Construction, says, “A [splash guard] is one of those products most homeowners have never heard of until a contractor points it out.” Bueno adds that it keeps “water where it belongs, which can reduce overflow and help the gutter system work more effectively.” Made of sturdy aluminum, it resists corrosion from heavy rain.

Kameron Khan, founder and managing director of SilverWater Plumbing, calls this toilet repair kit “one of the top purchases under $30 for any homeowner, noting that it “addresses a noisy toilet, a running toilet, and a weak flush all at once.” It comes with a flapper, a flush valve, and more, so you can fix the most common toilet troubles yourself. Plus, installation only takes a total of 10 minutes.

One of the many positives about this ultra-slim bidet is that it “has absolutely no electrical components; therefore, you do not have to wire anything, which makes this easy to install,” per Jonathan Carcone, principal at 4 Brothers Buy Houses. In fact, installation only takes about 10 minutes. It fits 99% of standard toilets and includes four water pressure settings, helping you customize your experience.

“Applying two or three wraps of [plumber’s tape] on a fitting before reassembling makes a watertight seal,” says Kameron Khan, founder and managing director of SilverWater Plumbing. “It is effective on shower heads, garden hose connections, supply lines and more. The leaks it prevents are the ones that go unnoticed [...] until the damage is already done.” The tape itself is corrosion-resistant and aging-resistant. Plus, each roll is over 43 feet long.

“This [smart light switch] is a solid no-hub option that works with Alexa and Google Home,” says Eric Goranson, CKD, interior designer, contractor, and host of the Around the House Show. “I recommend it because it's great for exterior lights — you can set them to turn on and off automatically.” With the included app, you can turn your lights off from anywhere. Using an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can also activate it by voice.

Robert D. Puleo, owner of Denver Bathtub and Tile Reglazing, says this weather seal is “Great around tubs, sinks, and backsplashes where old silicone starts to look grimy or cracked. It instantly sharpens the edges of a bathroom, and it’s one of those things guests notice.” It’s durable and flexible — plus, it keeps extreme weather and temperatures out of your home.

“These solar step lights are ideal for lighting both corners of stairs,” says Jonathan Carcone, principal at 4 Brothers Buy Houses. “Since these lights will also take a quick charge from sunlight during the day, they'll begin to illuminate your path once it gets dark.” After just five hours in the sun, they provide up to 10 hours of light. They’re also weatherproof, so you can leave them out regardless of the forecast.

“This [silicone caulker] helps create cleaner, watertight seals around tubs, showers, and sinks, which helps prevent moisture intrusion,” says Caleb Riutta, project consultant at Country Restoration. “Most homeowners know they should replace failing caulk, but many avoid it.” Luckily for DIYers, this tool does it all, ripping out old caulk with its stainless steel blade and smoothing new caulk after application.

“In my work, the single tool that saves the most time on small home jobs is a compact cordless screwdriver,” says Emily Demirdonder, co-founder and director of operations at Proximity Plumbing. It can “quickly and easily assemble flat-pack furniture as well as install cabinet hardware, outlet covers and [...] curtain rods.” It easily charges up with a micro USB, and lasts up to eight hours per charge.

Jonathan Carcone, principal at 4 Brothers Buy Houses, states that these kitchen fatigue mats “have an easy-to-clean, waterproof top surface that can be wiped clean from spills.” With a slip-resistant bottom, Carcone also likes how they “reduce the amount of stress put on your joints.” The cushioning is 0.4 inches thick, making it a cozy addition to most floor types, including tile, wood, and marble.

Andy Layton, founder of Hello Plumbing, says this dryer vent cleaner solves “a problem that most homeowners don't know they have” — and it’s an important one, as lint accumulation can start fires. “The first use will usually clean out a lot more lint than anticipated, and homeowners will see they are keeping an area that is seldom cleaned,” says Layton. It attaches to most vacuum cleaners and is a popular choice on Amazon, with over 15,000 five-star reviews.

“These are rechargeable magnetic lights that turn on automatically when you open a cabinet or reach inside,” says Eric Goranson, CKD, interior designer, contractor, and host of the Around the House Show. Plus, there’s “no wiring needed — they just stick in place and save you from fumbling around.” In motion-sensor mode, their rechargeable batteries last months at a time. If the area you want to hang them isn’t magnetized, you can also install them with adhesive tape.

“This [tool gripper] instantly makes a home more organized,” says Andy Layton, founder of Hello Plumbing. “I like it because it transforms awkward objects such as brooms, mops, and garden tools into tidy equipment instead of objects leaning against walls.” Each gripper has a water-resistant backing, which you can stick anywhere on your walls for a custom result.

“A stackable under-sink shelf [...] doubles the usable space and makes it easy to spot a slow drip or moisture buildup,” says Emily Demirdonder, co-founder and director of operations at Proximity Plumbing. Otherwise, “products get shoved in with no system, which means leaks go unnoticed.” Crafted from acrylic with aluminum rods, this waterproof version has drawers to give you easy access to your stuff.

According to Andy Layton, founder of Hello Plumbing, “A night-light in the hallway, bathroom, and stairway areas can help people navigate without having to turn on bright lights at night. It may be a small benefit at first, but once people start to value it daily, it's a good indicator that it's a valuable home product.” Built with an energy-efficient LED that stays cool, it automatically turns on and off when you’re nearby for hands-free use. Two arrive per pack.

Adam Bocik, partner at Divine Home & Office, touts these large picture-hanging strips. “In staging,” Bocik says, “artwork placement is everything — and the number of homes I walk into where people are afraid to hang anything, or have crooked frames and nail-hole damage everywhere, is staggering.” These strips hold pieces up to 15 pounds and peel off with zero residue.

“A mixed anchor set covers all of your potential applications — drywall, plaster and masonry — so you will never have to guess which to use,” says Emily Demirdonder, co-founder and director of operations at Proximity Plumbing, who added that “Most mixed anchor kits contain at least 200 pieces.” This particular kit has 350, which will keep you fully stocked for years to come.

Tyler Tranni, owner and operator at Tranni Home Remodeling, knows the power behind a simple pack of matte black cabinet knobs, especially since “they install with a screwdriver and match most styles.” In a recent job, he turned “old drawers into a modern handicap-accessible setup while staying under the price point.” Made of a zinc alloy, they’re built to handle daily use for years to come.

According to Eric Goranson, CKD, interior designer, contractor, and host of the Around the House Show, this air quality monitor “shows you PM2.5, CO2, temp, and humidity in real time. A lot of people don't realize how bad the air in their house can get from cooking, pets, or bad airflow.” It fits in the palm of your hand, and on power-saving mode, it can go 60 days between charges.

“These solar lights are awesome for brightening up those shady spots in the yard,” says Eric Goranson, CKD, interior designer, contractor, and host of the Around the House Show. “They soak up sun during the day and come on at night automatically.” Their sensor can detect people from up to 26 feet away. Waterproof and heatproof, they’re made to handle extreme weather.

Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent to Own Labs, likes this drill bit extension for its versatility. He says, "We do a lot in our properties with affordable flat-pack furniture, fixtures, and other products, and one of the hardest parts [...] is having the right screwdrivers, drill bits, and angles to get everything installed.” You can rotate this tool to work at almost any angle, and it keeps hands out of harm’s way.

According to Brendan Anderson, roofer and founder of Brix Systems, this gutter cleaner is “One of those cheap tools that makes a messy job way easier.” He says it’s “great for quick gutter cleanouts without hauling around a bunch of extra equipment.” The set includes a scoop for the insides of your gutters and a brush for the outsides, with everything arriving at your door ready to use.