Contractors swear by these weird things to make your home look way better

Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, calls this detachable weeder his “go-to crack-cleaning tool”. It’s designed with an adjustable long handle that reaches 64.9 inches to avoid bending down to remove moss, grass, and weeds from your property. Friedman loves how durable it is, saying it “works on every surface we've tried it on, including in-ground swimming pools, concrete, pavers, and composite decking.”

This laser level is a great way to ensure that wall fixtures and decor are straight, making your home look much better. It also happens to be a favorite of Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, who says, “It makes installing shelves, picture frames, curtain rods, and wall décor much easier because everything lines up perfectly.” It’s about two times brighter than standard red lasers and has a self-leveling function that activates in a little under three seconds.

Joseph Yehoshua, co-founder of Lions Heating & Air Conditioning, believes that a real home eyesore may be happening around your thermostat. “When you replace an older thermostat with a smaller smart thermostat, you can sometimes discover old paint lines, screw holes, or unfinished drywall around it,” says Yehoshua.

This wall plate serves as a quick fix — and it’s budget-friendly. Available in white or charcoal gray, Yehoshua says that it makes “a smart thermostat installation look professionally finished instead of like you simply stuck a new gadget over the old one's footprint.”

Daniel Crowley, CEO of Hello Gravel, suggests edging kits for your exteriors, as they create “clean boundaries” while making your yard look more finished. “Edges matter because a defined border gives a visual stopping point,” he says, “[...] even if you aren’t able to upkeep it as often as you would like.” Available in multiple sizes, it’s made with flexible polyethylene that can handle both curves and UV exposure. “I personally like the combination of simple black plastic or metal edgings with decorative gravel,” adds Crowley.

“When painting a room, a paint edging tool can also help achieve cleaner lines around ceilings, doors, and trim,” notes Michael Law, head of sales at Coulee Land Company. Available in four colors, this edger comes with a straight stainless steel blade for sharper paint lines. It’s designed with an ergonomic hold to be as comfortable as possible during use.

With this stud finder, you can prevent an installation mishap before it happens. “Anytime you're hanging something heavy in an older home — cabinets, shelving, a mounted TV — you need to know exactly what's behind the wall before you drill, not after,” says Eric Goranson, CKD, contractor, interior designer, DIYer, and host of the Around the House Show. “This one does two things cheap stud finders don't: it scans deeper (up to 1.5 inches) for thicker or older walls, and it warns you if there's a live wire in the way.”

Calibration takes seconds, and its ergonomic grip makes it comfortable to hold.

While not a decorative item on its own, this cabinet hardware jig is a great way to ensure that any knobs, handles, or pulls look their best. Recommended by Eric Goranson, CKD, contractor, interior designer, DIYer, and host of the Around the House Show, the entire jig is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. “This is the tool that makes the project easy instead of stressful,” Goranson says. “This jig locks the guide in place, so every door gets the exact same hole, every time.” Plus, unlike other jigs on the market, this one “won't flex or drift halfway through the kitchen.”

Alfred Pintor, founder of Copper Collar Services LLC, recommends cabinet hinge repair plates as a good way to make your home look better. “[It] allows you to add new anchor points to an existing cabinet hinge, usually in order to repair sagging doors,” says Pintor. This solution is ideal if your cabinet hinges are damaged due to screw holes chewing into particles in cabinet boards, or if they need to be repaired due to natural wear on the wood itself over time.”

They’re also great for wardrobes, tables, chairs, and beds. Two arrive per pack, but they can also be purchased in greater quantities.

“Small cracks are the kind of thing that get ignored until they turn into bigger, more expensive repairs,” says Eric Goranson, CKD, contractor, interior designer, DIYer, and host of the Around the House Show, who recommends a concrete crack filler for outdoor gaps. It takes mere minutes to use and makes a big difference when it comes to driveways and garages. “No mixing, no mess, and it doesn't chalk out and give away the repair a year later so the driveway looks finished, not patched,” Goranson adds.

Joseph Yehoshua, co-founder of Lions Heating & Air Conditioning, believes that decorative air vents are the perfect way to quickly update your space. “Builders often install very basic white registers, and after years of paint, scratches, and discoloration, they can really date a room,” says Yehoshua. This steel register is heavy-duty, capable of withstanding up to 300 pounds of walking weight. It has no sharp edges and provides excellent airflow. It’s also available in several sizes, so make sure you measure before ordering.

“Small decorative objects rarely stay where you place them, and a shelf where every vase and frame has drifted slightly out of position reads as messy even when the room is clean,” says Natalia Bassova, licensed real estate broker and owner at Resort Real Estate Inc., who recommends museum putty as a quick fix. It’s removable without leaving any residue and can be used on surfaces from wood to glass. “Unlike most forms of holding items securely, this form does not obstruct the view,” Bassova adds.

Truly topping the “weird things” category, this shredding oil is a great way to help extend the life of your paper shredder. Jonathan Carcone, Principal of 4 Brothers Buy Houses, is a fan, stating that it “prevents paper jams, reduces noise, and extends the lifespan of my shredder. Its easy-squeeze applicator makes regular maintenance quick and mess-free, keeping my machine running smoothly every time." It has a long nozzle for easy and accurate application, and comes in a convenient 4-ounce container.

Eric Goranson, CKD, contractor, interior designer, DIYer, and host of the Around the House Show, is a big fan of these stainless steel wipes that can quickly remove smudges and fingerprints.

“This cleaner doesn't just wipe them off — it leaves a light protective polish behind that keeps prints and water spots from showing up as fast next time,” Goranson says, calling them the “easiest way to make a whole kitchen full of appliances look freshly installed instead of constantly touched." Each purchase comes with two sets of wipes and a reusable microfiber cloth.

“Lamp finials are proof that the smallest change can make the biggest difference,” says Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, president of SBC - Expert Construction Services. “Replacing the small decorative cap on the top of an ordinary lamp is an inexpensive and totally unexpected way to add personality, make an old lamp look more custom, and change the entire look and feel of a space." Available in four different varieties, these finials are a hit on Amazon and are lacquered and coated for added durability.

Michael Law, head of sales at Coulee Land Company, is a fan of grout pens, as they “help make the grout between bathroom or kitchen tiles look much cleaner and fresher without replacing the tile if the grout is old or stained.” This one is backed by over 18,000 five-star reviews and works great on unsealed grout. You can buy it with either a narrow or wide tip depending on the job.

Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, president of SBC - Expert Construction Services, uses framing strips like this waterproof molding trim to create more visual appeal in homes. “To create a cohesive look throughout your home, use these strips to cover unfinished edges and mounting clips on a builder-grade bathroom mirror, making it look like a framed mirror,” Goodkin-Dausey advises. Their adhesive backing makes installation easy, and each strip can be cut to a customized size.

When it comes to adding to the comfort of your home, this window insulation kit may be more helpful than you think. “These films can be used to insulate and clean up the look of windows, especially windows not covered by curtains,” says Alfred Pintor, founder of Copper Collar Services LLC. “If you've ever had a window with poor insulation that allowed wind to blow through a window and crack some glass, this might be worth checking out to see what the film would do for your windows.” It’s clear and transparent after installation, which takes just a few minutes.

This waterproof endoscope camera is a great way to get a good look in tight spaces, helping to identify leaks and spot debris before it can become detrimental. Eric Goranson, CKD, contractor, interior designer, DIYer, and host of the Around the House Show likes that it’s flexible, making it “ideal for inspecting plumbing and tracking down leaks before they turn into a bigger repair, a stain on the ceiling, or a hole in a wall that didn't need to happen.” It also doesn’t require any apps or phone connectivity and has its own screen for easy viewing.

A rubber mallet like this one can come in clutch during several household repairs, from flooring and tiling to furniture assembly. Daniel Crowley, CEO of Hello Gravel, uses his for landscaping, saying, “It usually gives the stone a home, so it does not just drift away out into the lawn or even the neighboring beds. Shaping, prepping, spreading, clean edges, all contribute to the polished look.” This particular mallet is 24 ounces and has a rubber head that absorbs vibrations. It can also be handy to help set up camp.

As Crowley believes, “Sometimes the difference between ‘a pile of rocks’ and ‘we redid the landscaping’ is a handful of inexpensive tools and an extra hour spent getting the details right.”

Natalia Bassova, licensed real estate broker and owner at Resort Real Estate Inc., thinks that old outlet cover plates can date your home, while these screwless covers can give it a fresh, updated look. Plus, the process is pretty simple. “Changing all the switches in your major living spaces can be completed in less than a day,” Bassova says. “The most notable benefit of switching from traditional screws to the new ‘screw-less’ design is [that] it creates a seamless appearance on the walls by removing the visible hardware."

These covers are heat- and fade-resistant and crafted from durable polycarbonate thermoplastic material. With soft edges, they’re also much easier to clean.

Caleb Riutta, a project consultant at Country Restoration, knows the power of a good blade. “A single-sided razor scraper that can remove old paint, adhesive, caulk residue, stickers, grime, and other buildup from appropriate surfaces,” he says. “It's incredibly simple, but the transformation can be dramatic." This scraper set comes with two ergonomic rubber handles for a solid grip, along with six double-edged replacement blades, which are easy to switch out.

Give decor new life with this wax metallic finish that’s recommended by Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, president of SBC - Expert Construction Services. “A small tube can refresh dated mirror frames, cabinet hardware, lamp bases, and decorative fixtures that have seen better days,” says Goodkin-Dausey. “This wax does require a little elbow grease, but it's worth it, especially if you're not ready to part with the piece just yet!” One tube can cover up to 20 square feet, and it can be used on wood, ceramic, metal, and more.

Instead of messing with nails, these large picture-hanging strips serve as a damage-free way to decorate your home. They’re a favorite of Eric Goranson, CKD, contractor, interior designer, DIYer, and host of the Around the House Show, who calls them “perfect for apartments and rentals where you want that damage deposit back.” Each strip in the pack of 14 can impressively hold up to 15 pounds. Goranson isn’t the only fan — they’ve racked up over 87,000 five-star reviews.

Jonathan Carcone, Principal of 4 Brothers Buy Houses, praises this silicone door draft stopper since it “effortlessly seals gaps to block unwanted drafts, noise, dust, and insects” — which makes your home both look and feel much better. “Its smooth glide works seamlessly across all floors while keeping my home energy efficient and comfortably quiet year-round,” Carcone adds. Available in black, brown, or white, installation only takes a minute.

Replace any gaps and tears and give window screens and screen doors new life with this screen door repair kit, recommended by Keith Sant, founder & CEO of Kind House Buyers. “Complete with durable charcoal fiberglass mesh, spline, and a handy rolling tool, this all-in-one kit makes DIY screen repairs simple,” says Sant. Available in both black and gray, the mesh itself is wonderful at blocking insects and providing UV protection.

Eric Goranson, CKD, contractor, interior designer, DIYer, and host of the Around the House Show, recommends an outlet tester like this one, calling it a “must-have for any homeowner”. Designed with bright LEDs for visibility, each purchase comes with a GFCI tester, which Goranson says “tells you in seconds if an outlet is wired correctly, so every switch plate and receptacle in the house is safe and working the way it should,” and a non-contact voltage test pen.

Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, calls these peel-and-stick backsplash tiles “one of my favorite inexpensive transformations,” adding that they can “give a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room a completely different look in a weekend." The glossy tiles have self-adhesive backing for an easy install and are water-resistant and humidity-proof.

Keith Sant, founder & CEO of Kind House Buyers, is a fan of this “eco-friendly duster that uses adjustable airflow speeds to replace canned air,” saying, “I use it to clean dust out of computer keyboards as well as to pick up debris from sensitive electronics and vacuum up dust from cases." It’s reusable, which also makes it economical, and recharges fully with a Type-C cable after just three and a half hours.

Joseph Yehoshua, co-founder of Lions Heating & Air Conditioning, calls this air vent deflector “one of those strange little contractor products that can make a room work better without rearranging everything.” Arriving in a pack of two, they attach to metal vents and can increase energy efficiency. They’re also adjustable, making them a match with more vent sizes.

“I like products like this because good home design isn't just about appearance; the room should also be comfortable and function well,” Yehoshua says.

Kathryn Emery, a home improvement and lifestyle expert at Be The Best Home, is a big fan of these exterior cord protectors, especially during the holidays. “Twist and Seal Cord Protector’s sleek, green enclosure encases electrical connections, blending into garden beds and foliage while keeping exterior accent lighting reliably illuminated without weather-damaged wiring, keeping your lights and electrical unit safe,” says Emery. It’s tough in rain, sleet, and ice, and is also made of UV-protected plastic.

Keith Sant, founder & CEO of Kind House Buyers, is a big fan of this electric chainsaw — especially after seeing how well it worked on thick tree branches and overgrown shrubs. “It features an automatic oiling system and safety lock, making it easy to use for one-handed pruning of tree branches and shrubs in your backyard and garden,” says Sant. It weighs just a little over three pounds, making it especially easy to handle.

Michael Law, head of sales at Coulee Land Company, was one of the many contractors who brought up contour gauges as a way to make your home look better, saying, “They might seem a little strange, but they can be handy when you want to duplicate the shape of trim, flooring, or another irregular edge before cutting". This 10-inch gauge from Saker is a best-seller, backed by an overall rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon. It’s easy to adjust, rustproof, and a breeze to bring along for any job.

“One item I really like is a paint touch-up pen,” says Michael Law, head of sales at Coulee Land Company. “It may sound boring, but it is incredibly useful for covering small scuffs, chips, and marks on walls, trim, doors, and cabinets.” They’re easier to use than brushes and rollers, save a ton of space in comparison to big paint cans, and keep paint fresh until you’re ready to use them. Four pens arrive per purchase.

Make wood projects really stand out in your home with this wood chisel set, recommended by Jonathan Carcone, Principal of 4 Brothers Buy Houses. “Heat-treated chrome vanadium steel blades make carving and woodworking effortless. The ergonomic, anti-slip handles provide exceptional control, precision, and comfort for all my detailed DIY projects,” Carcone raves. It’s great for soft wood, hard wood, and even laminated wood.

Steve Karlik, owner and founder of Blue Umbrella Waterproofing, believes in jazzing up exteriors with a rain chain like this one, calling it “odd” but “useful”. Crafted from aluminum and handmade, it has a slightly artistic edge.

“What they do in terms of function is help to keep rain away, guiding rainwater safely from a roof to the ground using gravity and surface tension. Instead of adding on a longer piece to your downspout (which doesn’t look great), a rain chain works to do the same job, but in a more attractive way,” Karlik notes. It also won’t restrict water flow, even during a downpour.

“A landscape rake gives you more control over gravel spreading, leveling high spots, filling low spots and cleaning up transitions around a driveway, pathway or landscape bed,” says Daniel Crowley, CEO of Hello Gravel. This one is designed with two sides — a flat side for smoothing and leveling, and a sharper serrated side for spreading mulch and gravel, as well as for clearing dead grass and branches from your property. Each purchase also comes with 20 marking flags.

“Good lighting can completely change a room,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “Try LED strips under kitchen cabinets, behind a TV, under shelves, or around a headboard for an easy modern touch.” These particular smart LEDs can be controlled through an app, making them easy to use. With adjustable colors and brightness, they can give your room a customized look on the cheap.

“This kit offers effortless precision,” says Keith Sant, founder & CEO of Kind House Buyers, regarding this 25-piece cordless screwdriver set. With three torque settings, it’s especially good for reinforcing shelves and frames. “I used it to repair small household electronics and assemble flat-pack furniture without hassle,” Sant notes. Speaking of less hassle, its rechargable with a USB-C cord, which brings it to a full charge in just about 150 minutes.

“[The] Sediment Buster water heater flushing tool is a household gadget that becomes incredibly useful when doing your home maintenance checks once a year,” says Kathryn Emery, a home improvement and lifestyle expert at Be The Best Home. “Sediment buildup leads to noisy, malfunctioning water heaters, rusty water output, and hidden leaks that can ruin surrounding floors and walls.” Not only will this tool break up sediment, but it’ll also enhance your water quality.

“The sharp, replaceable blades trim molding, trunking, and trim cleanly without needing a miter saw,” says Jonathan Carcone, Principal of 4 Brothers Buy Houses, regarding these ergonomic and adjustable miter shears. They have nonslip rubberized handles for a comfortable grip, and even come with extra blades, so you’ll be stocked for some time. While they can’t cut metal or hardwood, they’re excellent with softer materials, like PVC, rubber, and even leather.

“This is one of those products most homeowners probably don't even know exists,” notes Joseph Yehoshua, co-founder of Lions Heating & Air Conditioning. “With ductless mini-split systems, refrigerant and electrical lines often run along an exterior wall. Instead of leaving those lines exposed, a line-set cover creates a clean channel around them and makes the installation look much more intentional.”

Yehoshua thinks they can help change a home’s aesthetic, and installation is a breeze. “Just make sure you purchase the appropriate size for your system and don't modify refrigerant or electrical lines yourself,” he adds.

Robert D’Amato, co-founder of Nord Restoration, thinks that a “small, bright flashlight is useful for more than finding things under the couch,” and believes everyone should make one “available for inspecting under sinks, behind appliances, and inside cabinets where small leaks or moisture problems can otherwise go unnoticed." This flashlight is a great pick, since it’s rechargeable, has a magnetic base for hands-free use, and happens to be waterproof.

Great for refurbishing furniture and refinishing cabinets, Keith Sant, founder & CEO of Kind House Buyers, recommends this paint sprayer since it has a “high-power motor with four nozzles and three different spray patterns to complete smooth and even paint coverage without any brush strokes.” It’s especially good at fine-tuning paint flow to give home projects more of a professional edge. Available in four colors, it can easily be assembled without using any tools.

Water leaks definitely don’t help a home’s aesthetic, which is why Steve Morgan, a master plumber, certified HVAC technician, and the head of technical training & development at 24hr.Supply recommends a good water leak detector. “Most people won't realize that they have a leak until the cabinet floor [is] rotten or the drywall bubbles,” Morgan says. This model has three sets of sensor probes and four adjustable volume settings. Morgan recommends an install “under sinks, behind toilets or near the water heater.”

“This may be the least exciting tool here, but clean caulk lines make a huge difference,” notes Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, regarding this five-in-one caulking tool. “Use one around trim, countertops, sinks, and other appropriate joints to give older areas a much cleaner finish." Crafted from stainless steel with a silicone trowel, it’s an easy way to make a room look more polished. It also works for grout removal.

Sometimes, the easiest way to upgrade your home is by focusing on the little details, like drawer and cabinet handles. “Replacing outdated knobs and pulls with modern hardware can make a kitchen or bathroom feel completely refreshed for relatively little money,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “You don’t always need new cabinets.” This particular 10-pack of square metal handles is quite popular, earning an overall score of 4.7 stars out of five.

These champagne bronze cabinet knobs happen to be quite popular on Amazon, with over 15,000 five-star reviews and a 4.8-star rating overall. Crafted from solid zinc alloy, they’re built to last and serve as a great way to noticeably makeover several spaces in your home without breaking the bank. Each knob has a decent amount of heft to it, with the 10-pack weighing a total of 14 ounces. While the champagne is a striking shade, it’s also available in several others.

“Scratches and worn areas can stand out more than you might think, and a touch-up marker can make them less noticeable,” says Michael Law, head of sales at Coulee Land Company. Arriving in a set of 12, these markers are great for an assortment of cracks, dents, and stains, providing a near-perfect color match. You can also grab them in larger quantity packs to ensure they’re always on hand.

Michael Law, head of sales at Coulee Land Company, likes having a handheld steamer around to help make rooms look put-together. “It works well on curtains, bedding, and upholstered furniture because wrinkles can make an otherwise tidy room look less polished. Using a steamer can make fabrics look neater, especially before taking photos or showing a property,” says Law. As a bonus, it comes with an attachment that helps eliminate pet hair and dander.

Chris Stevenson, roofer, sales manager, and business developer at 730 South Exteriors, thinks that “Hanging a magnetic screen door lets fresh breezes flow in while keeping bugs completely out,” which can be beneficial to a home that feels stale. Available in multiple size options, it’s fitted with 36 high-performance magnets that can allow you to easily open and close it, even when your hands are full. It offers great light transmittance, and its high-density mesh is hard to tear.