Contractors swear by these genius things you'll wonder how you ever lived without

“One unusual but useful product is the Klein Tools Digital Multimeter Voltage Tester,” says Mr. Vander Hyde, Vice President of Vander Hyde Services, a second-generation home services and renovation business. “This product is used to safely check circuits.” Plug it into an outlet, and the digital readout tells you what’s happening within. “Many homeowners don’t realize how often electrical issues show up before they become big problems,” he says. “So this item helps you check any outlets, switches, and batteries without calling an electrician for every small concern.”

“I always recommend small water leak sensors,” says Daniel Ilinykh, professional flooring and tile contractor of Bay Way Flooring. Set this leak detector anywhere water might cause a problem. It sounds an audible alarm if it detects water. “We had a homeowner in Tampa who caught a slow leak under their washing machine because of one of those sensors. Without it, the water probably would have damaged the floor before anyone noticed.” This is a pack of three, so you can place them all over the house.

“This CO detector is something we HIGHLY suggest all homeowners with gas appliances should have in their home,” says Tyler Lewis, owner and founder of Air Master HVAC & Electrical. “CO2 in any amount is a health hazard, and in larger quantities can be fatal.” Many fire alarms only detect smoke. So even if you have a fire alarm, you need a model like this carbon monoxide detector to warn you if your home is filling with this odorless gas. It plugs in to any standard outlet, so you can put one in every room easily.

“For homeowners with large trees near the roof, I would recommend installing protective nets or grates on the gutters to prevent leaves, pine cones, and, for example, squirrels from getting in,” says Constantine Anest, owner of Ethos Roofing & Restoration. This plastic gutter guard is easy to install and impervious to the weather. It will keep squirrels and other nesting vermin out of your gutters. “They sometimes treat gutters like hollow trees and start living there, which can cause problems for your roof over time,” he says.

“For about $10, you can blast away slow drain clogs without using chemicals,” says Lo Choe, licensed contractor and owner of Aura Fire Safety. This unclogging tool is how. It uses water power to blast the clog loose. “Trust me, most slow drains are started by a little buildup within the first few feet of pipe,” he says. “The bladder inflates inside the pipe and unleashes a burst of pressure that forces debris out. Three minutes can return full flow, and you never have to pull anything apart. It’s one of those quiet maintenance tools no homeowner thinks about keeping around.”

Mr. Vander Hyde of Vander Hyde Services recommends unscrewing the covers on your light switches and replacing them with a decorative wall plate like this one for a fast home update. “Replacing worn outlet cover plates and light switches refreshes interiors while eliminating potential shock hazards,” he says. It comes in three colors and in every type of cover you might need for your home, so it’s easy and affordable to match them all. This is a pack of two.

“I definitely think more people should use foam backer rods,” says Craig Ricks Jr., President of Acadian Windows and Siding. “They’re an inexpensive way to help fill gaps around window and door frames before you use caulk. You end up using less caulk and getting a cleaner, more durable, and weatherproof seal. At the end of the day, it’s less time spent dealing with cracked caulk and failed weatherproofing every season.” They come in five sizes.

“For irrigation issues, the Orbit One Outlet Hose Faucet Timer is a game-changer,” says Vander Hyde Service’s Mr. Vander Hyde. “It automates watering and reduces water waste, helping prevent dry patches or oversaturated soil that can lead to foundation issues.” Screw it into your faucet and screw the hose into it. Then set a timer with the dial, and it will take it from there, watering like clockwork while you go about your life.

“I’m always using my infrared thermometer gun,” says Craig Ricks Jr. of Acadian Windows and Siding. This infrared thermometer has racked up thousands of reviews and has so many uses you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. “It’s a handy diagnostic tool for identifying drafts or heat transfer issues. Just point it at your window frames, door edges, or exterior walls to get an instant temperature reading to compare to elsewhere in your home. Significant differences in temperature readings can be an indication that you may have a problem with drafts or heat transfer.” It comes in two styles and six colors.

“I see tons of homes dump roof water right next to the foundation, which overflows into the soil and, over time, can seep into the basement,” says Steven Morgan, a licensed master plumber and Head of Technical Training & Development at 24hr Supply. “A flexible downspout extension costs about $15, directs water five to 10 feet away from your house, and lies flat when not in use, so it doesn't mess up your landscaping.” These downspout extensions are perfect for the task, easy to install, and come in four colors.

“One tool I personally use all the time is a laser level,” says Daniel Ilinykh of Bay Way Flooring. This genius tool shoots a straight line at the walls, giving you a guide so that you can easily hang things straight. “Even for simple DIY projects like hanging shelves or installing cabinets, it makes a big difference and saves a lot of frustration,” he says. “From what I see on jobs, the best home maintenance tools are the ones that help homeowners catch small problems early before they turn into expensive repairs.”

Fitting this inexpensive door draft stopper at the bottom of all your doors is a simple task that can reap huge benefits. “Door sweep kits are underutilized, in my opinion,” says Craig Ricks Jr. of Acadian Windows and Siding. “Most homeowners don’t even realize that some of their air conditioning is being lost in the crack under their front door or other exterior doors. You can find a good door sweep kit for around $10–$30 and have it set up in around 10–15 minutes — a small price to pay to help keep your home more comfortable.” This one peels and sticks to the bottom of the door and comes in four colors.

“Extreme humidity swings cause paint cracking, wood warping, and mold, but most homeowners never check their indoor climate until it’s too late,” says Vander Hyde Services’ Mr. Vander Hyde. “To keep humidity issues at bay, I love Frost King Weather-Seal Tape for doors and windows. It’s sticky, durable, and dramatically improves comfort by sealing drafts.” This is easy to apply and comes in four sizes. And the clear design makes this nearly invisible wherever you put it.

“Much of our work is tile installation, and although I let every homeowner know how to keep their grout clean and resealed, people rarely keep up with the maintenance,” says Ralph Severson, owner of FM Pro Remodeling. “Inevitably, the grout begins to look dirty, and the homeowner calls looking for help. When they call, I recommend a grout pen. It is the fastest and easiest way to get your grout looking new again without calling me to reinstall new tile.” Just draw over the dirty grout with this popular pen. It comes in wide or narrow tips to match your grout’s width.

When it comes to maintaining your home, it helps to keep an eye on the humidity levels so you know if you need to turn on a dehumidifier, seal up windows, or let the AC run. “A great [tool for this] is the Govee Wi‑Fi Temperature Humidity Monitor,” says Vander Hyde Services’s Mr. Vander Hyde. Mount it to a wall, and it will send notifications to your phone and track historical temperature and humidity data.

“If you want to spend more time in your yard, garden, or other outdoor spaces, it’s worth checking out solar shade screen fabric — especially if you want to test the waters with a low-cost option first before upgrading to something nicer like a motorized porch screen,” says Acadian Windows and Siding’s Craig Ricks Jr. “Buy a roll and use it to add some shade, wrap a pergola, or create privacy screening along a fence. It helps block UV rays and makes the space a little cooler.” This sun shade tarp comes in two colors and 10 sizes to fit to your needs.

When it comes to tools you can’t live without, Manny Kavouklis, President of CMK Construction Inc., named the small oscillating multi-tool. “This versatile tool cuts, sands, and scrapes in tight spaces; they range from $40 to $80 and are useful additions to any homeowner’s toolbox,” he says. This one comes with a scraper blade, three cutting blades, a sanding pad, and six sandpapers.

“I always carry a telescoping ladder with me,” says Constantine Anest of Ethos Roofing & Restoration. “It has been a lifesaver many times when I go out to a job site for quick roof inspections and minor roofing jobs. Its compact size means you can always carry it in your car, and you can always reach about 6-10 feet up for a better assessment.” This light, aluminum telescopic ladder comes in two colors and six sizes.

When it comes to your floors, prevention is the best cure for damage. “If you have hardwood, use furniture pads on light furniture that you move around a lot,” says Ralph Severson of FM Pro Remodeling. “Use rubber furniture cups on heavy furniture that you don’t move much. These two things alone will keep your hardwood from needing to be refinished or replaced for a few more years.” These silicone sock-like floor protectors are so easy to use — and practically invisible — you will wonder why you didn’t pull them onto your chair legs sooner. They come in two colors and nine sizes.

“A simple water pressure gauge can help homeowners prevent damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances,” says Joe Haycock, Vice President at Fresh Air Concepts, LLC, a company specializing in HVAC and plumbing services. “It allows you to quickly check the household water pressure and identify issues before they cause problems with boilers, washing machines, dishwashers, showers, or filtration systems.” It comes in two styles.

“A surge protector whole‑home power strip with a high joule rating, like the Belkin 12‑Outlet PivotPlugs Surge Protector, goes a long way toward protecting expensive electronics and appliances from power surges,” says Vander Hyde Services’ Mr. Vander Hyde. “Surges from storms or grid fluctuations can fry gear without warning, so this is low‑cost insurance most people skip until it’s too late.” It’s slim, stylish, and wall-mountable, and comes with or without a coaxial plug.

“For just $30 or so, you can buy a moisture meter that lets you test window frames, door frames, and sills for moisture content,” according to Craig Ricks Jr. of Acadian Windows and Siding. “Catching the issue before it causes rot, mold, or structural damage is the key.” This one features multiple color settings for the backlight, and comes with the backing of more than one thousand reviews.

“Our HVAC technicians recommend the above hose and nozzle setup,” says Tyler Lewis, owner and founder of Air Master HVAC & Electrical. “The Zero-G hoses are lightweight and kink-free. They are easy to drag around, unlike a typical hose, and the nozzle is easy to operate and durable.” This lightweight hose will allow you to easily water backyard plants, clean off HVAC systems, and wash down any messes or spills on your back patio.

Add this high-pressure hose nozzle to the Zero-G hose to build a light hose system that makes it easy to clean the HVAC system — and other things — that are out in your yard. This is the setup Tyler Lewis of Air Master HVAC & Electrical, recommends to clients. It is durable, affordable, and makes it easy to go from a flower-watering spray to an equipment cleaning blast.

“This tool looks like a telescoping pole with weird pincers on one end, and it solves the most frustrating DIY plumbing task ever,” says 24hr Supply’s Steven Morgan. It’s a basin wrench, and it makes it possible to change a faucet in a tight sink cabinet without turning yourself into a pretzel, he says. “Every homeowner who's ever cursed under a sink should own one of these. It's under $25 and will pay for itself the first time you use it.”

“Too much water in lawn and garden beds causes slow structural damage near the foundation,” says Craig Ricks Jr. of Acadian Windows and Siding. “Wet soil expands and shrinks at odd rates compared to drying soil. Truthfully, most yards are overwatered by 30%. A simple meter can save you from root rot, wasted water, and foundation movement over the years.” Stick this soil moisture meter into the foundation plantings — or any area of the yard that you have an irrigation system — so you know if you are guilty of overwatering.

Cracked pavement is a common problem with driveways and decks. “This tends to get overlooked until it’s costing homeowners $3,000 to $5,000 for resurfacing,” says Scott Flores, licensed contractor and CEO of Empire Parking Lot Services. “They wait until those tiny cracks turn into half-inch to two-inch gaps. Then rainwater gets under those gaps and washes away the foundation material.” Flores recommends investing in a crack filler like this one, that makes filling cracks around your driveway so simple. It’s so affordable that you will regret omitting this chore when that happens. Just fill the crack and mist it with water.

“Our HVAC techs love these impact driver socket sets!” says Tyler Lewis of Air Master HVAC & Electrical. “We actually bought them all these as a Christmas gift! You wouldn't believe the number and variety of screws that are in your HVAC system that have to be removed for maintenance, repairs, and installations.” This kit has six integrated hex sizes on a handle. You can switch it to a power driver anytime you are facing a lot of screws or bolts.

“Every homeowner should inspect the caulk around their doors and windows at least once a year, re-caulking as needed,” says Acadian Windows and Siding’s Craig Ricks Jr. “You don’t need much — a tube of high-quality exterior caulk, a caulking gun, and a caulk remover tool, which should run you less than $50 total.” This exterior sealant is perfect for stopping leaks and filling in cracks in your exterior. It creates a latex seal that dries in less than 30 minutes. You can paint it. It holds up to the weather, prevents water incursion, and resists dirt.

This caulking gun will help you complete the advice of Acadian Windows and Siding’s Craig Ricks Jr. It makes it easy and fast to apply a sealant to your exterior or caulk to doors and windows. You will use it often to re-caulk the tub, improve the weatherproofing around windows, and more. You can set how much caulk or sealant to disperse. The big handle is easy on your hands. And the rotating barrel makes it easy to get into tight corners.

This caulking tool kit has everything you need to do a tidy and professional-looking job when you seal that exterior leak, caulk your tub or toilet, or boost the weatherproofing seal on doors and windows. The four detachable cutter heads remove excess sealant in all sort of scenarios. There is a scraper head, spatula, hook knife, and caulking head. It’s perfect for following the advice of Craig Ricks Jr. of Acadian Windows and Siding.

“Right now, my favorite [tool] is the DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver Kit,” says Vander Hyde Services’ Mr. Vander Hyde. “It’s lightweight, powerful, and versatile. Whether you’re hanging shelves and repairing drywall or assembling furniture, it’s the workhorse tool every homeowner should own. The battery system also pairs with other tools if you decide to expand your kit.” It comes with a charger, battery, and carrying bag.

“One unusual product I’d recommend having is a compressed air duster,” says Eli Zimmer, CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services. “You can use a rechargeable, electric one, or you can simply buy canned air. These come in handy whenever you need to dislodge dirt or debris from tough spots you can’t reach.” This compact rechargeable unit is sleek and handy, rechargeable, and comes with three nozzles.

The [tool] I am most amazed at is a borescope inspection camera, probably in the $30 to $50 range,” says Manny Kavouklis, President of CMK Construction Inc. “These open USB cameras come with flexible cords that allow homeowners to check out hard-to-see areas and diagnose problems before calling in a pro. This prevents costly future repairs and helps to keep a home in good working order, saving on service calls.” Feed that tiny camera — with an adjustable light — on a wire into crawl spaces, behind walls, ducts, and more, and see what’s going on in the viewing screen.

“Another simple product I like is grout sealer,” says Daniel Ilinykh of Bay Way Flooring. “We install a lot of tile floors and showers, and sealing the grout once or twice a year really helps keep moisture and stains out of the grout lines.” It’s easy to use, and it creates a moisture barrier that prevents spills from staining or constant moisture from causing damage.

“In northern climates, a roof rake can be an extremely useful product for single-story homes,” says Rick Hoskins, CEO and HVAC, air quality, and filter expert at FilterKing. “When snow is left on the roof, ice dams can form. If these ice dams continue to grow throughout the winter. Water can find its way back up under shingles or metal roofing panels, creating leaks inside.” Prevention is key here. The handle of this roof brush adjusts to 21 feet, and the light and gentle, but strong, steel brushes pull snow — or leaves — off the roof easily.

“Two things that anyone can handle are painting and changing hardware,” says Ralph Severson of FM Pro Remodeling. “If you want to give your bathroom a refresher without calling me: Update the pulls and hardware in your vanity, and paint the walls. You can save a lot of money by spending the weekend painting instead of hiring someone.” This enamel paint is a great option for refreshing the color. There are 27 colors, and it comes in 10 container sizes, so you don’t even need to run to the hardware store.

This pack of 30 cabinet knobs makes it easy to quickly update the look of your bathroom, as Ralph Severson, of FM Pro Remodeling, suggests. Unscrew the old, dated knobs. And screw these in. It takes only minutes to create an entirely new look. The modern shape feels good in your hand. And you can choose from four finishes.

This square matte black bathroom hardware set will bring a punch of minimalist modernism to your bathroom, while improving the storage. And you won’t need to call Ralph Severson, of FM Pro Remodeling, to install them. They are easy to install with the included hardware. And you can choose from three finishes and several set sizes.

“Filter pullers are really useful for replacing the HVAC filters in a home,” says FilterKing’s Rick Hoskins. “They’re retractable, so you can easily remove filters from hard-to-reach places. They have a little gripper or magnet on the end that makes it effortless to take larger filter cartridges out of the vents.” This filter puller telescopes from 12 inches to 7 feet and is small enough to stash in your toolbox.

“Yard drainage issues should be fixed before they cause foundation problems,” says Scott Flores of Empire Parking Lot Services. “Water flowing towards the foundation of a house can cause serious settling or foundation cracking, costing $10,000 – $15,000 to repair. Redirecting that water with a small gravel trench or permeable paver strip along your property line will send water away from your home and into the street.” Fill the multi-cell strips with gravel or grass, which allows water to flow away from the foundation without eroding the soil.

“One unusual tool that can help you check how well your ventilation is working is an anemometer,” according to Constantine Anest, owner of Ethos Roofing & Restoration. “It measures the speed and direction of airflow, helping to ensure that the room is properly ventilated. This prevents moisture buildup and mold growth, which is especially important for bathrooms and showers.” This digital anemometer is easy to read and runs on batteries — it’s no wonder it is so popular.

“I recommend installing screens on attic and roof vents,” says Joe Haycock of Fresh Air Concepts, LLC. “They help prevent insects and small animals from entering and damaging insulation or wiring.” This wire mesh screen is perfect for the task, with a fine weave that keeps bugs out but lets air through. It comes in eight sizes and in a pack of six screens.

“I always recommend that homeowners keep a roof sealant for minor maintenance,” says Ethos Roofing & Restoration’s Anest. “It is often a lifesaver when it comes to sealing small cracks or gaps, preventing further damage, delaying major repairs, and saving you money in the long run.” Liquid Nails roof repair is a great option. It cures quickly and can withstand all kinds of weather.

“Damp, stagnant air in areas with poor circulation is absolutely inviting mold colonization, and it doesn’t take long either,” warns Cameron Figgins, President of Absolute Maintenance & Consulting. He recommends a dehumidifier that can collect at least 50 pints of water, like this powerful dehumidifier, as a preventative measure. It can be set to drain automatically for constant operation, or you can empty the reservoir, as needed. It can keep a 5,000 square-foot space dry enough to prevent mold.

What’s a tool you should have on hand and haven’t thought of? “A wet/dry shop vac!” says Tyler Lewis of Air Master HVAC & Electrical. “Bonus if it's battery powered, as you don't have to drag out extension cords to reach your destination.” This is a tool that will save you money in ways you haven’t even noticed, he says. Make a habit of checking for water and using this cordless 2-gallon wet/dry vacuum to remove any you find.

“I've walked into too many basements where a slow leak ran for weeks behind a wall, and by the time the homeowner noticed, there was mold, rot, and a $15,000 repair bill,” says 24hr Supply’s Steven Morgan. “A smart leak detector costs $30-$40, sits near your water heater or under sinks, and sends an alert to your phone the second it senses moisture. It's the cheapest insurance you'll never regret.” With this Govee system, you can start with one sensor and a gateway and add more sensors as you find more places you want to monitor.