Contractors say you're reducing the value of your home if you aren't doing any of these things

Easy, pro-recommended changes that prevent damage.

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By Jenny White
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It’s practically a given that increasing the value of your home — rather than reducing it — is important, but how do you do that? We reached out to trusted contractors to put together this list of products that’ll help you pull off improvements both inside and outside of your home. They’re simple to incorporate, cost efficient, and — of course — value-raising.

01Keeping out debris & pests with stick-on weather stripping

Danny Niemela, the co-owner, vice president, and CFO of ArDan Construction, calls out the value of installing silicone door stripping like this on every exterior threshold to “instantly reduce draft, dust, and pests.” The stripping sticks in place with the adhesive backing, and it can be cut with scissors to length. Three sizes and two other colors can be found in the listing for a perfect fit.

02Installing clear bumpers to prevent cabinet damage & slamming

Position these clear bumpers on drawers and doors throughout your home to dampen the impact (and subsequently the sound) as they close. “It is really cheap and makes a kitchen feel instantly higher end. No slamming, no echo,” shares Niemela. The 100 bumpers stick in place via adhesive.

03Securing doors open with magnetic stoppers

With its magnetic design, this door stopper will securely hold any door — even solid, heavy ones — in the open position. This style of stopper protects “baseboards and trim from slammed doors,” too, explains Niemela. This pick installs with adhesive or screws, based on the permanency you’re hoping for.

04Preventing clogs with mesh sink strainers

Tyler Pittenger, a service plumber and drain and sewer specialist at Service Force Plumbing, points to these specific sink strainers for your kitchen. They “last a long time, and can be cleaned to like-new by hand or in the dishwasher,” he adds. This pick has a fine mesh design to capture food particles, preventing costly clogs.

05Making sure mold doesn’t grow with a dehumidifier

Dan Walker, the owner of Walker Home Remodeling, points out the importance of preventing mold growth in your home. One way to go about this per Walker? Using a wireless humidifier like this one. It’s effective in spaces up to 333 square feet, running up to 30 days to remove excess moisture from the air.

06Repairing window or door screens before rips get bigger

“A screen door or window screen riddled with holes is unsightly and lets in pests, too,” expresses Walker. But rather than replacing the whole thing, try fixing it with this screen repair tape. It features three layers of adhesive to stick securely in place, and the fiberglass mesh will blend in for a finished look. The roll is 2 inches wide and 15 feet long.

07Fixing dings & scrapes in drywall with repair putty

“Properly repairing holes in your walls helps maintain value,” shares Walker. And this drywall repair putty makes this a simple task, filling nail holes and small cracks. Apply the product in a circular motion to cover these problem areas, wipe off any excess, then paint over it once fully dry.

08Ensuring your water pressure is in a good range with a gauge

According to Hendrik Vandepoll, the master plumber and co-owner of Service Force Plumbing, you can test the water pressure in your home with this inexpensive water pressure gauge. “Simply put the pressure gauge on to the spigot, turn on the water (make sure no other water is being used in the house), and you'll be able to see if your water pressure is in the correct range,” he shares.

09Flushing out your water heater with this simple tool

Roy Barnes, the co-owner of Service Force Plumbing, stresses the importance of flushing your water heater every year to remove sediment buildup, which can impact its efficiency. The easiest way to ensure you’re doing this right? This flushing tool that has a clear design so you can see it working.

10Creating privacy & reducing noise with blackout curtains

“If you live off a busy street or in a condo or apartment, soundproof curtains are one of the most coveted home upgrades,” notes Jim Marino, the CEO of Pinnacle Home Improvements. And he points to these blackout curtains in particular, which also offer privacy. These curtain panels are made from two layers of fabric with a grommeted top for opening and closing. Pick from a range of widths, lengths, and colors in the listing.

11Upgrading your bathroom with an efficient showerhead

Marino recommends swapping out an existing showerhead with this rain model with high-end vibes. It has a high-efficiency design to “help you reduce the amount of water you use, which translates to lower bills,” he adds. Not only that, but it feels relaxing — the 90-plus nozzles shoot out a high-pressure, rain-like downpour.

12Having your exterior stand out with 3D house numbers

The owner of Homestar, Thomas Borcherding, explains that “an often overlooked but essential component to curb appeal are the house numbers that represent your home.” These floating numbers can be installed on your porch, over your garage, on your mailbox, or other similar spots, and they have a 3D design with a weather-resistant finish.

13Revitalizing cabinetry with chic knobs

“While new cabinetry is expensive, installing new knobs and pulls is an inexpensive and effective method to revitalize your kitchen or even bathroom space,” shares Borcherding. These six triangular knobs have a geometric design with a matte champagne finish. Installation hardware is included and they also come in three other finishes in the listing.

14Creating ambiance with these solar lights that sway in the wind

“The outdoor spaces of your home shouldn’t be ignored either as they are what gives everyone that important first impression,” explains Marino. He calls out these solar lights as a welcome addition. The four lights put out a warm white glow, and they gently sway as the wind blows for an added visual effect.

15Brightening your fence or deck with solar-powered lights

While exterior lighting boosts curb appeal, Marino says it also enhances your home’s security. These solar lights in particular are ideal for areas like your fence or deck. They glow for over 15 hours and can be set to various colors, including bright hues like lime or orange. House numbers are also included in this set.

16Shielding your gutters from debris with mesh guards

Brendan Anderson, owner of Brix Systems, says these specific gutter guards can “help prevent clogs and water damage — a small investment that protects your roof, siding, and foundation.” The six plastic mesh guards are each 20 feet long, though they can be trimmed with scissors to fit your setup.

17Configuring spaces without drilling using a spring-loaded rod

Another renter-friendly upgrade from Marino? Using a tension rod like this one to divide up a room, optimizing the space for your needs. The rod expands from 28 to 50 inches in length, and the spring-loaded mechanism and rubber grips on the ends help it stay securely in place.

18Deterring mice & other pests with steel wool

A little secret from Sean Hearn, certified pest control operator from All U Need Pest Control: Steel wool can effectively deter pests like mice, roaches, or rats. “By stuffing steel wool in cracks, crevices, holes, and other access points you can prevent pests from nesting and causing damage,” he explains. It’s thick and strong — yet flexible.

19Cleaning windows deeply to boost natural light

Having clean windows increases the amount of natural light that shines into your home, shares Daniel Roberts, CEO of Lava Roofing. And this cleaning cloth kit is paired with just water to make this happen. The waffle-weave cloth wipes away dirt and debris, and the polishing cloth eliminates streaks for a crystal-clear finish.

20Creating a more functional closet with this 3-tier organizer

“Effective storage solutions can make any space feel more organized and functional, which is key for home value,” notes Roberts. He suggests using this three-tier organizer for a closet since it’ll make it “look tidy and spacious.” The bottom tier has a pair of storage bins, while the other two tiers feature open shelving.

21Making your home smarter with a voice-controllable light bulb

Roberts refers to this smart light bulb as modern and energy efficient. “Proper lighting enhances a room’s feel, and having these simple upgrades in every room can be a game-changer when it comes to boosting home appeal,” he adds. Control the bulb with the Hue app or with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant; you can adjust the color, brightness, and more.

22Adding under-cabinet puck lights for ambiance & visibility

These three under-cabinet puck lights mount with adhesive or screws and put out a warm white glow. They “can make working in the kitchen easier while also dramatically improving visual appearance,” notes Borcherding. Use the included remote control to tweak the brightness, set up a timer, and more.

23Making your walls more interesting with floating shelves

An overwhelmingly underutilized area in your home, per Borcherding? Vertical wall space. These floating shelves are an interesting way to fill these spots, and Borcherding recommends putting items like “pottery, glassware, sculptures, books, and more” on them. The shelves are made from engineered wood with a rich brown finish, though other options are available in the listing.

24Adding a closet LED light bar to see your clothes better

“There’s a high probability that your closet’s lighting is entirely lacking, perhaps even disrupted by clothing items,” explains Borcherding. This LED light bar is a smart solution, since it’s 13 inches long with a bright white glow for ample visibility. It flips on automatically when movement is sensed — it turns off on its own, too.

25Covering imperfections in concrete with filler

“Clean, well-maintained concrete instantly improves curb appeal,” explains Anderson. And this crack filler is a simple way to patch cracked or otherwise damaged areas. It comes premixed, so you can squeeze it directly from the tube onto these spots. The filler dries in as little as a day.

26Controlling lights hands-free with a smart dimmer switch

Joel Worthington, president of Mr. Electric, suggests making your home smarter as a way to add value. And this dimmer switch is a low-cost way to do so. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant for hands-free control. And you can do things like set up a schedule, adjust the brightness, and more.

27Powering more devices at once with an outlet featuring built-in USBs

And sticking with Worthington’s theme of creating smarter spaces, another simple way to do so is to swap an ordinary outlet with this wall outlet that also features built-in USB ports — this one offers two AC outlets, one USB-A, and one USB-C outlet. It’s compatible with a range of devices and will power them quickly.

28Locating water leaks early with a low-priced detector tool

This $10 water leak detector “can help save thousands in damages” by alerting “homeowners to leaks before they become a bigger issue,” shares Matt Kunz, the president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing. The detector sounds a loud alarm when water comes into contact with it. It’s powered by a single battery that’ll last two years.

29Refreshening your kitchen with a 3-mode faucet

Eric Bramlett, the realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, indicates that swapping out an old faucet with a fresh brushed nickel one like this “might seem small, but these touches make the space feel more current.” The faucet head can be used in three modes, including a waterfall option for wide coverage, and it pulls out for spraying at any angle. It comes in several finishes in the listing.

30Using plugs to make an ordinary outlet smarter

Bramlett shares that smart upgrades like these pair of wall plugs — that make any outlet voice- or app-controllable — bring “convenience and a modern feel” to any space. They’re compatible with various certified smart home platforms, and there is built-in protection against short circuits and overloads to keep your electronics safe.

31Improving insulation with door weather stripping

While Bramlett jokes that adding weather stripping on a door might not be the most glamorous upgrade, he confirms “it matters” when it comes to energy efficiency — it prevents hot or cold air (based on the season) from escaping. The silicone weather stripping sticks in place with its adhesive backing.

32Installing an over-the-door shoe rack to maximize storage

Don’t underestimate the value of getting your home in order: Bramlett shares that an over-the-door organizer like this can be ideal for adding functionality to a space. It has 15 compartments in different sizes for various pairs of shoes, and the three hooks at the top will fit over most standard doors.

33Making the outdoors homey with solar string lights

Aim to make your patio or deck “feel like an extension of the home,” says Bramlett. And one way to do so is to utilize string lights like these. Powered by the sun, the lights can be set to three brightness levels and different modes for custom ambiance. The Edison bulbs are shatterproof for durability’s sake and the strand is 54 feet long in total..

34Hanging a low-cost light fixture with big impact

“Updating ceiling light fixtures with modern flush mounts or pendant lights can dramatically improve a room’s look,” explains Bramlett. This particular black fixture is adorned with crystal elements that reflect the light beautifully. It’s just about 8 inches in height, so it’ll work in many areas.

35Sealing off areas inside & outside of your home with caulk

Michael DiMartino, the senior vice president of installations at Power Home Remodeling, shares that using silicone caulk like this is a budget-friendly solution to seal off windows, doors, and more — even outdoor spots — since it’s waterproof. Once in place, the caulk can be painted if desired.

36Plugging in an electronic pest repeller that actually works

“Pests and rodents can destroy your [peace] of mind and your home,” shares Uri Pearl, the owner of Nealon Insulation. However, he points to this electronic pest repeller as a deterrent that’s “surprisingly effective for its simplicity and cost.” Plug it into an outlet, then the device will send signals through your home's existing electrical wiring to keep intruders away.

37Deterring unwanted animals & increase appeal with solar lights

The president of Black Pest Prevention, Nicole Carpenter, favors these motion-activated solar lights that she says can serve multiple purposes. “Installed near trash bins, barns, or dark corners [...] they keep rodents and raccoons away from your territory. Extra lighting also adds a layer of security and charm to your home,” she shares.

38Creating the illusion of faux windows on your garage

Michael Brickner, the president of Precision Garage Door Service, says that “adding windows to your garage doors [...] can increase value and curb appeal.” To do this on the cheap, grab these faux window accents that magnetize in place — installation takes mere seconds — and look surprisingly real.

39Using a roller kit for paint touch-ups

Scuffs, marks, and scrapes all over your walls can do a number on your home’s value, explains Nick O'Keefe, the owner of Oak City Coatings, LLC. He turns to this paint roller kit for touch-ups. “Use the mini roller to put on thin coats [...] and work the new paint into the older areas feathering them in,” he shares. Included in the set are a paint tray, roller frame, and roller covers.

40Sealing off problem areas with permanent patch tape

Robert O’Sullivan, the owner and roofing contractor at Ranch Roofing Inc., says that this heavy-duty tape “instantly seals leaks in roofs, pools, or pipes” and other problematic areas. It’s completely waterproof for outdoor or indoor use, and it creates a permanent bond once in place.

41Hanging faux backsplash tiles for a budget-friendly upgrade

O’Sullivan favors these peel-and-stick backsplash tiles that “can easily refresh kitchens/bathrooms without grout or tools.” He also calls out that they’re moisture resistant for durability, plus that they’re simple to remove whenever you please.

42Refreshing walls with peel-&-stick wallpaper

It doesn’t matter if you own or rent, peel-and-stick wallpaper like this allows “you to put your own style twist in place without causing lease issues,” explains Marino. The wallpaper sticks to any dry, smooth surface (including walls, furniture, cabinets, and more), and it can be pulled down at any point, leaving behind no residue. Several patterns and rolls sizes can be found in the listing.

43Taking a heavy-duty approach to pest control with wire mesh

For pest-proofing larger holes and openings, Hearn suggests grabbing this wire mesh. “Chicken wire can be used very similarly to steel wool but is much more rigid and can be fixed into place with screws,” he shares. This roll is over 6 feet long and made from heavy-duty stainless steel that’ll last.

44Adding an extra safety measure with a smart doorbell

This video doorbell is one smart safety upgrade that Marino suggests. Using the Blink app, you can keep an eye on your front door, so you can see who’s there before you open it. You can even talk through the doorbell and hear responses as well.

45Getting real-time pool temp readings with a smart thermometer

Rafi Friedman, the president of Coastal Luxury Nocatee Pool Builders, shares that if you have a pool, a smart thermometer like this one “is a great way to make sure your pool is comfortable, and quickly spot any issues with your heater.” The thermometer provides an accurate temperature reading (ranging from -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit) in real time and from anywhere, using the app.