Handymen say these clever, cheap things fix the tacky spots in your home

Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab, shares you don’t need “a complete drywall replacement” for small holes or dents (like by your thermostat or return air vents). A wall-mending agent like this does the trick — squeeze it onto the wall, use the spatula to smooth it out, and sand it flat once dry. The mending agent is waterproof and durable.

“Nothing makes a kitchen or bathroom look ‘tacky’ faster than stained, yellowing grout lines,” confirms Francis Kaspar of The Chill Brothers. But you don’t need to endlessly scrub to fix this. Kaspar recommends this grout pen to give the lines a fresh, bright white finish that’s waterproof.

“That copper pipe and foam insulation running down your exterior siding looks like a construction project that never ended,” remarks Robert Lee of Lee Air Services. This line set cover comes with all of the components needed to cover and protect areas like these. It can be painted to blend in with your siding.

“If your [window] looks out at a brick wall or a neighbor’s trash cans, don't keep the blinds shut,” remarks Francis Kaspar of The Chill Brothers. Instead, utilize a window privacy film like this one that lets light in — yet “hides the mess outside,” he adds. The film goes up with static cling (and can be trimmed to fit) and comes down residue-free.

The president of Absolute Maintenance & Consulting, Cameron Figgins, has a trick to eliminate the fake look that some luxury vinyl planks have. Grab a repair putty like this (go with one that’s a shade lighter than the floor), press it into the corners/edges, and run a roller over it to set it. “It blends the visual break,” he confirms. You can finish it off with wax, too. Various shades can be found in the listing to match your flooring.

Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, a general contractor at SBC USA, shares that matte black door handles or cabinet pulls read “far more expensive than [they are].” And this pair of cabinet handles offer this modern look. What’s best is you don’t need tools to install them — they stick in place with an adhesive backing.

Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician and the owner of Air Conditioner Lab, shares that if you have cords hanging from a wall-mounted AC unit (or really any other visible hanging cords), you can utilize stick-on cord cover tracks like these to conceal them. He suggests painting them to make them “look built-in rather than sloppy.”

Victor Fiore, the cofounder of Magnolia Home Remodeling Group, cautions that “tiny chips in trim, doors, or baseboards make a home feel neglected.” For quick and simple touch-ups, utilize these four paint pens that you can fill with any color; the built-in brush head allows you to swipe it right on. This way, you don’t have to lug out the bulky cans every time.

Not in love with your kind-of-dated kitchen backsplash? Utilize these marble-like peel-and-stick tiles for a low-cost, impactful upgrade. Manny Kavouklis, the president of CMK Construction Inc., suggests the idea, adding that adhesive tiles are “easy to take off without damage, so [they’re] good for renters.” Your order includes 100 tiles that’ll cover over 12 square feet.

David Joles, the COO of PURCOR Pest Solutions, is well aware that many pest control solutions aren’t very attractive. But this marbled ceramic fruit fly trap is different — it blends in as decor to “get the job done while not being [an eyesore].” Simply fill it with apple cider vinegar or fruit juice and a drop of dish soap, then put the lid in place to trap pests.

“Dangling TV wires and power strips are a total room-ruiner,” shares Robert Lee of Lee Air Services. However, cable management boxes like these “swallow the mess and keep cords tucked” away neatly. There’s a medium and large box included (each with bamboo lids), plus cable ties, stick-on cable clips, and a fabric sleeve to further help in your cable-wrangling endeavors.

“Tears in your window or patio screens look neglected and invite bugs,” notes Francis Kaspar of The Chill Brothers. However, you don’t have to replace the whole screen. This mesh tape sticks in place (there are three layers of adhesive for a firm hold), covers the damage, and blends in well.

Manny Kavouklis, the president of CMK Construction Inc., calls Roman shades like these an “attractive vertical-blind substitute that [is] minimally damaging to walls and easy to put up, opening spaces in a room.” They’re made from linen fabric with a white backing that’s designed to block 100% of light. Several sizes and neutral colors can be found in the listing.

If your home has old or stained carpeting, Manny Kavouklis, the president of CMK Construction Inc., explains that a cheap area rug like this can “hide all of that ugly floor fast!” This one is soft and nonslip — and you can also clean it in the washing machine. The listing includes plenty of other colors and various sizes to fit your space and decor.

An easy way to make your bedroom less tacky? Mimic a high-end hotel. “Hotels use symmetry and consistent finishes to create a sense of calm — it’s easy to recreate at home with inexpensive pieces,” shares Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, a general contractor at SBC USA. And this wall sconce set comes in a pair that you can hang on each side of your bed. There is no wiring involved (the bulbs are rechargeable), and you can use the included remote controls to change the settings. A black pair can also be found in the listing if that’s more your vibe.

Francis Kaspar, of The Chill Brothers, warns that “yellowed plastic switch plates scream ‘dated.’” Swap them out with wall plates like these — they have an on-trend matte black finish. “It’s the smallest change that yields the biggest ‘modern’ impact,” confirms Kaspar. Four come in a pack.

Manny Kavouklis, the president of CMK Construction Inc., suggests “covering old wire shelving in closets or pantries” with a protective liner like this for a cleaner look. The liner is made from BPA-free, ribbed plastic that’s 100% waterproof and scratch-resistant.

Gaps around pipes that are coming out of floors or walls can easily be covered up with these escutcheon plates. “They snap on without removing pipes and instantly make plumbing penetrations look finished,” confirms Patrick Sullivan, the operations manager at John the Plumber. They’re made from stainless steel with a polished surface that’s rust- and corrosion-resistant.

Darin Spencer, the general manager at Truly Nolen, notes the importance of installing a door seal like this. It “can be installed in a few minutes, and instantly remove[s] those unattractive gaps at the door's bottom while preventing drafts and unwanted insects,” he adds. It reduces noise, too. It comes in black, brown, and clear to blend in with your door and can be trimmed to fit.

Scratches, gouges, dings, and other damage in wooden furniture pieces and cabinets can be repaired with this complete kit that comes with wax crayons and markers to fill them in. Francis Kaspar, of The Chill Brothers, indicates that a solution like this works “in about thirty seconds,” so it couldn’t be easier. The colors can be blended, and a sharpener comes included for the crayons.

Steven Bahbah, the owner and lead tech for Service First Plumbing, explains that these LED light bars are “perfect for lighting up those darkened cabinets and cabinets with no ‘hard wiring,’” since they’re powered via USB-C or three AAs. There’s a motion-sensor mode for auto-on when there’s movement within 15 feet.

Dead patches in your grass? Rafi Friedman, the president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, indicates you can revitalize those on your own. And this pristine green spray is a unique way to approach this. It allows you to cover up brown spots in the short term — but doesn’t impede your grass growth in the long run.

“Peel-and-stick wallpaper panels are a super affordable way to hide any damaged sections and give the room an immediate upgrade without having to make any permanent changes,” says Mykhailo Diachenko, the CEO of Paintman NYC. This particular wallpaper option boasts an abstract bird design in charcoal black and off-white hues. The subtly textured paper is available in five shades to go with your decor.

“Outdoor units collect leaves and grime and quickly look dirty and old,” confirms Lane Martin, the cofounder of Modern PURAIR. But this AC unit cover offers a layer of protection. It features a diamond-shaped perforated design for airflow, and it’s held in place by stretchy cords with stainless steel grommets for durability’s sake.

Manny Kavouklis, the president of CMK Construction Inc., recommends updating your kitchen cabinets with magnetic catches like these. They ensure the cabinets stay shut until you need to grab something out of them — no tacky drifting doors here. Install them with screws or adhesive backings (both of which are included).

Don’t underestimate the power of switching out your plastic hangers for these velvet hangers for a streamlined look. For just $20, you get 50 velvet hangers — they’re slimmer to save space, and the fabric is nonslip. The concept is recommended by Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, a general contractor at SBC USA.

This fairy light strand is covered in 200 LEDs that can be set to eight different modes for custom ambiance. Lights like these “can turn an ugly fence [or] a patio into [a] warm inviting space that will put the gaze on your fairy-lights installation and not the imperfections,” shares Manny Kavouklis, the president of CMK Construction Inc.

Property contractor Lo Choe, the owner of Aura Fire Safety, shares that pairing curtains with a magnetic curtain rod like this is a simple option to “pull together an entire entryway/front patio space.” And it conceals any paint or door dings at the same time. The length is adjustable to fit.

Under-lit rooms can look a little tacky — as do older fixtures. Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy, suggests “replacing overhead lights with warmer and more atmospheric lights from stylish floor or table lamps” as a solution. This tulip-inspired table lamp can be set to three color temperatures to achieve your ideal ambiance, and the green glass shade softens the overall glow. It also comes in mor neutral shades if green isn’t your thing.

“Updated light fixtures can go a long way toward fixing tacky spots in your home, and they certainly don’t need to be expensive to be effective,” shares Carr Lanphier, the CEO of Improovy. This floor lamp is a prime example. It costs less than $40, but its trio of hanging metal cages brings a big visual impact to any room. Plus, it glows a welcoming warm white hue.

A general contractor at SBC USA, Jeri Goodkin-Dausey shares that the “quickest way to elevate a space is fresh paint and warm LED lighting.” And these energy-efficient light bulbs create that ambiance — they glow a soft, warm white and come six to a pack.

“Replacing dated door handles, cabinet pulls, and switch plates can completely change a room’s feel,” confirms Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, a general contractor at SBC USA. This matte black door handle installs in minutes (with solely a screwdriver) on left- or right-handed doors, and it brings a modern feel.

Solar lights like these give outdoor spaces an inviting feel after dark, according to Jonas McCullar of American Pool Techs. “They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and withstand the elements,” he adds. The eight lights put out a warm white glow, and they turn on and off automatically.

Eliminate that gap between your stove and counters with these best-selling silicone covers. The concept is recommended by Steven Bahbah, the owner and lead tech for Service First Plumbing, to “not only help keep the area clean from grease, but also provide a ‘seal & block’ so that nothing gets through.”

Steven Bahbah, the owner and lead tech for Service First Plumbing, recommends all renters utilize this curtain rod “to keep their windows covered” since it hangs using solely tension — no damaging drilling involved. It adjusts in length and has a sleek nickel finish.

In terms of the caulk you should use in bathrooms or kitchens? HVAC technician and the owner of Air Conditioner Lab Josh Mitchell suggests a silicone variety. This particular silicone caulk is strong yet flexible, creating a waterproof seal wherever you use it.

Per Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab, you should remove “old, yellowed caulk in bathrooms or kitchens.” This caulking tool can help you do so, plus it has a silicone smoother (five come with) for neat, crisp reapplication that looks way more professional.

Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, a general contractor at SBC USA, indicates she loves poster frames like this one. They “instantly make art or photos look curated,” she adds. It can be utilized horizontally or vertically, and the plexiglass cover finishes it off.

Jonas McCullar of American Pool Techs shares a surprising fact: “Small concrete or pool deck chips can be fixed with a concrete patch kit.” And this particular one costs only $7. It’s premixed, squeezes into place, and dries to a light-to-medium gray color to blend in.

Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, a general contractor at SBC USA, recommends you switch to all white towels — they’ll bring a hotel vibe to your own bathroom. These particular bath towels are best-sellers on Amazon, favored for their ultra-soft ring-spun cotton fabric (which absorbs water quickly) and double-stitched design to last a long time. Four come in a pack.

Michael Feazel, the cofounder and CEO of Roof Maxx, suggests using wood polish like this as an “inexpensive option for revitalizing floors, furniture, or trim, giving them a like-new appearance.” It makes the surfaces shine and leaves behind a fresh cinnamon and lavender scent.

“Plastic vent covers crack or warp easily,” shares Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab. This is why he swaps them out with powder-coated steel ones like this. “They feel solid and look more finished immediately,” he adds. The vent comes in various sizes in the listing.

“High-end homes don't have clattering cabinets,” explains Francis Kaspar, of The Chill Brothers. These clear bumper pads are the fix if this is your situation. “Stick them to your cabinet corners and drawers to give your kitchen that expensive ‘soft-close’ feel and sound,” adds Kaspar. The set includes 20 of them and they measure 1 square inch — they also work as nonslip feet on cutting boards and appliances.

“Repurpose those builder-grade chrome drain covers with decorative options,” shares Warren Stroud, the owner and founder of Plumbing Outfitters. And this oil-rubbed bronze option qualifies. It’s crafted from solid brass for durability, and it snaps into place to stay put — even when the water is blasting.

This thick beadboard wallpaper is actually paintable to customize any space. And once up, this type of solution “hides imperfect walls, [and is] great for older homes,” notes Manny Kavouklis, the president of CMK Construction Inc.

If you have ceiling tiles with water stains, Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of Air Conditioner Lab, notes you don’t have to replace them (as long as they’re not sagging). Instead, he uses a coat of this exact primer spray. He says it “covers the stain and dries fast” to make “the whole ceiling look fresh.” It eliminates odors, too.

Don’t forget about your under-sink areas. Warren Stroud, the owner and founder of Plumbing Outfitters, is a proponent of swapping white or clear braided plastic supply lines with premium stainless steel ones like these. In addition to looking better, they’re more reliable.

“Loose toilet seats and wobbly faucets make a home feel poorly maintained,” notes Patrick Sullivan, the operations manager at John the Plumber. He recommends tightening hardware properly, but also trying wedge-shaped shims like these to stabilize things like a toilet. They cost less than a buck a piece (a dozen shims come in the set).

Ralph Severson, the owner of FM Pro Remodeling, shares that drywall repair putty like this is a quick solution for covering nail, screw, and anchor holes in drywall. Simply run it in a circular motion over the area and wipe off any excess. You can paint over it once dry.

While an AC unit is essential, that doesn’t mean it looks particularly nice. Enter: This privacy screen panel. Francis Kaspar of The Chill Brothers recommends the concept. “It protects the unit while making your patio look like a curated garden space,” he shares.