Handymen swear by these clever home upgrades on Amazon — & OMG they're SO cheap

A kitchen remodel does not have to be the debt-inducing, messy experience you imagine. “The kitchen can be instantly changed by installing under-cabinet lighting or even new pendant lights over the kitchen island,” says Daniel Vasilevski, owner of the electrical services company, Pro Electrical. This farmhouse pendant light is elegant, simple to install, and creates a focal point of light to gather around — all for very little money. It comes in 24 styles and colors and three pack sizes.

“Most modern-day cooking tools and utensils come with handles and notches, so why not use them to their advantage?” says Daniel Vasilevski of Pro Electrical. “Don’t take up valuable cabinet space.” One way to achieve this is with these under cabinet kitchen utensil hooks. “This also allows easier access to whatever you may need, rather than digging through your cabinets.” These feature a six-pronged rotating hook design, come in two colors, and are easy to install.

“In terms of home upgrades (obviously being a roofer), I would recommend gutter guards,” says Michael Feazel, CEO of the roofing company, Roof Maxx. “It is surprising how many homes do not have them installed, but they really help prevent water damage, reduce maintenance, and protect the foundation and landscaping.” This pack of four flexible gutter guards installs in seconds. Just push them into the drain opening, and they filter out debris to prevent clogs.

Next, update your lighting so you can control it via your phone or your smart home system. In fact, when asked, Lou Vierra licensed general contractor and co-founder of The Builder Market highly recommends “the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch.” He says, “It’s simple, reliable, and brings any home into the 21st century without hiring an electrician.” It’s affordable, too. This single smart light switch connects to your phone, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home, is easy to install, and comes in three colors.

“Over time, wood shrinks, paint cracks, and caulk dries out, leaving visible lines between the boards and the walls,” says Exceed Plumbing and Air Con’s Caleb John. “A $7 tube of paintable latex caulk fixes it instantly. Apply a thin bead, smooth it out with a damp finger, and the gaps disappear. I have seen homes go from looking worn-out to brand-new with this one trick alone.” This tube of latex caulk is even cheaper, and comes in an easy-to-squeeze design.

One easy upgrdae that you’ll be glad you made? Plug your outdoor lighting into this outdoor smart plug. “It enables you to operate appliances remotely, monitor energy usage, and schedule,” says Caspar Matthews of Electcomm Group Electrical & Data. “This is a $25 device that can change the game for people who want to make their home more energy-efficient without serious renovations.” And the convenience of turning outdoor lighting or fans on and off without having to get up or go outside is worth the small investment. It’s waterproof and connects to your phone and smart home system so you can control outdoor appliances remotely.

“A low-lift upgrade many homeowners overlook is sealing gaps around windows and doors,” says Roof Maxx’s Michael Feazel. “It boosts energy efficiency and comfort without requiring major work.” And it is easy to do with this foam seal tape. Just peel off the backing and press it into place. It comes in 20 sizes, so there is sure to be one that fits your needs.

“Faded or missing house numbers make it hard for people to find your home,” says Josh Riutta of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “Replacing them with new, stylish numbers is a quick and easy way to boost curb appeal. You can find a variety of house numbers on Amazon for under $40.” This modern floating house number kit, for example, brings a big, clean sans serif font that is elevated off the surface to throw a shadow, making it easy to find your house while boosting the style of your exterior.

One way to stretch your home-repair budget is to avoid wasting money on repairs that could be prevented. “Water leak detectors!” recommends Lou Vierra of The Builder Market. This three-pack of them is simple to install, and they will sound an alarm when they sense there is water where it should not be. “Install them under sinks and behind appliances,” he says. “They’re cheap but can prevent massive water damage.” They come in packs of three or six.

“Swap out old under-cabinet lighting for energy-efficient LED strip lighting,” suggests Reuben Saltzman, CEO of Structure Tech Home Inspections. “It’s an inexpensive upgrade that dramatically improves workspace visibility and ambiance, and it’s simple enough for most homeowners to install themselves.” This under-cabinet lighting could not be easier to install in a closet or under a cabinet. Peel and stick the tape to a smooth surface and tap the button to turn it on and off. It comes in two light colors.

Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction says, “Decluttering, utilizing storage solutions like shelves and baskets, and ensuring everything has a designated place can dramatically improve the sense of space and order.” Channel this advice by looking into your bathroom or laundry room and loading your sundries into this slim rolling storage cart. It slides between appliances or into a nook next to a cabinet. It’s only 5 inches wide, so it’s easy to fit into a small space, and it holds a surprising amount on those four perforated-for-drainage shelves. You can even opt to install it under a cupboard in two pieces. It comes in five colors.

It might seem like a little thing, but replacing your door stopper is worth the effort. “Missing or broken stoppers mean doorknobs slamming into walls, leaving dents that cost way more to fix than the stopper itself,” says Caleb John, Director at Exceed Plumbing and Air Con. This modern door stopper also brings a bit of style. He says, “I have seen homes where every single door had a hole behind it—all because nobody spent five minutes installing a simple fix. Well, that and some people do not notice the problem until they are paying for drywall repair.”

“If you haven’t updated your kitchen hardware in the last decade or so, now might be the time to get it done,” suggests Korey Greggory, Construction Supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC. “Old kitchen hardware can make the space look and feel dingy. With less than $50 for most kitchens, you can make a dramatic difference in the aura of the room with just a hardware upgrade.” These cabinet pulls are modern, elegant, and glam while also being easy to use and install. They come in 13 sizes and two colors.

“The lights in or around the outside of your home paint a much more rich picture of your property and style than even much of the art that you’ll put on your walls,” says Deborah Lamberton, General Manager at ASAP Restoration LLC. “Adding some accent lights here and there, or just an array of affordable solar sidewalk lights, can make your property stand out dramatically from the Joneses’ next door.” Place these solar spot lights under a tree to uplight it or along a path to highlight your landscaping and make your garden accessible after dark. They point up or down, charge with the sun, and turn on automatically. They come in four light colors.

Upgrading your standard outlets with this smart outlet plug extender is a fast way to modernize your home. “These smart power strips do a lot more than surge protectors because they automatically shut off their power when some of the devices go into ‘stand-by mode,’” says Alex Johnson, Maintenance Contractor at Man and Van Star. “In this case, it prevents energy vampires from occurring, hence saving on utility bills.” It also makes it easy to plug in all your gear and lets you control each device with your phone or smart home appliance. It comes in two styles.

“A cluttered interior makes a home feel cramped and chaotic,” says Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction. “Effective organization is key.” These over-the-door organizers are a great place to start since they tap a space that’s unused and they can hold everything that’s cluttering up your bathroom or kitchen. They come in four colors.

Another way to put the advice of Ace Avant Concrete Construction’s Bill Bencker into action is right in your closet. These skirt hangers expand the storage in there by letting you hang five pairs of leggings, pants, or skirts from one hanger. Clip garments in, let the hanger drop into the vertical position, and you have created instant order. This is a two-pack, and they come in four colors.

“Swap out the old, discolored outlet and switch covers,” suggests Structure Tech Home Inspections’ Reuben Saltzman. It’s easy, and this light switch cover has an embedded LED night-light, which means one simple installation updates the look of your space as well as the lighting. It comes in eight styles and three colors. “It’s an easy cosmetic upgrade that instantly makes a space look cleaner and more updated,” he says.

One more storage solution in line with the advice of Ace Avant Concrete Construction’s Bill Bencker is this stackable wire storage basket. It’s a great way to corral everything from fruits and vegetables to boxes of snacks in the kitchen or personal care items in a bathroom. They snap together, have an opening in the front to make access easy, and stack so you can fill a corner with supplies and keep the clutter contained. This is a pack of two, and they come in two colors.

“Insulate exposed pipes,” says Danny Pen, an HVAC expert and the President of New Era Plumbing & HVAC. “It's not only cheap and easy to DIY, but it also prevents winter pipe bursts, especially in garages, crawlspaces, or under sinks. And not just that, it reduces energy waste year-round.” All you need is a roll of pipe insulation, a pair of scissors, and a few minutes.

“Seal the duct boots with mastic,” says Kelly Russum, CEO of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning. “Not the ducts, those get all the love, but the connection where vents meet drywall. That gap leaks conditioned air into your attic. It’s a $10 fix that pays off every time your system runs.” This waterproof duct seal repair putty is the perfect tool for the job. It’s like working with clay. Just shape it to fill the open spaces.

Adding decorative elements is the fun part of home upgrades, and it can have a huge impact. “Incredible glass, ceramic, and plastic designs bring the interior to life and add style,” says Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier. This blue ceramic vase, for example, brings color, shape, and a rustic farmhouse vibe to your space. And all you have to do is find a spot for it. Choose from nine colors and shapes. “You can complement them with fresh or artificial flowers,” says Gurskyi.

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to boost the style of your interior is to fill pretty containers with dried flowers, suggests Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier’s Andrii Gurskyi. They are inexpensive and require no water or maintenance. “Dried flowers are now at the peak of their popularity. You can buy several small bouquets and place them around the apartment,” he says. These faux hydrangea flowers, for instance, bring a big pop of floral beauty in a wide range of colors. “It really adds a joyful and fresh atmosphere!” he says.

You might think your house needs a serious remodel, but you would be surprised at how much modernization you can effect with small updates. “Replace old light fixtures,” says Lou Vierra, a licensed general contractor and co-founder of The Builder Market. Replace those dated fixtures with this modern black semi-flush mount ceiling fixture. It comes in 11 styles. It improves the look of the room as well as the ambient light in it. “It’s fast, affordable, and can completely change the vibe of a space,” he says.

Consider spraying this luxury linen and room spray on dirty laundry, into the closet, and onto the bed as a pleasant way to target those bad smells and replace them with something delightful. “Unpleasant smells detract from the enjoyment of a home,” says Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction. “Identifying the source of the odor and addressing it directly is crucial. Using air fresheners or scented candles can help mask any remaining smells, but addressing the root cause is the most effective solution.” It comes in 30 scents.

If you are dealing with something more substantial than a bit of stale air and used linens, you might want to pull out this commercial strength eliminator to attack that bad smell with force. It can take down the smell of smoke, pet odor disasters, and more. It doesn’t mask the smell. It neutralizes the source. Spray it into the air or onto surfaces and fabrics. This is a great way to channel the advice of Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction.

“Incorporating cozy elements like throw blankets and pillows can also make the space feel more inviting,” says Ace Avant Concrete Construction’s Bill Bencker. And this sherpa throw blanket brings the coziest, fuzziest, warmest vibe to your space with its plush fluff, delicious softness, and pretty colors. It comes in four sizes and 24 colors and patterns.

“I would always recommend a homeowner to change a kitchen faucet to a pull-down spray model when you want to update the kitchen,” says Service First Plumbing’s Steven Bahbah. It’s surprisingly affordable and well within the ability of the average DIYer. This kitchen faucet with pull down sprayer is sleek, elegant, and available in five styles that include a touch-less control, a digital readout of water temperature, and other modern conveniences. It comes in 10 slick colors.

Sometimes the best — and cheapest — fix is one that’s practically invisible — unless you don’t do it. “If one door is higher than the other, it throws off the entire space,” says Caleb John of Exceed Plumbing and Air Con. “Most people do not realize the hinges are adjustable. A $10 pack of hinge shims or a quick turn of a screwdriver fixes it in minutes. I have straightened kitchen cabinets on jobs where the homeowner swore they needed a full remodel. Honestly, a level cabinet line does more for a kitchen than fancy backsplash tile.”

Add this soft faux fur throw pillow cover to your couch landscape, and it will quickly become the most coveted relaxation space in the house. It’s a great way to implement the advice of Ace Avant Concrete Construction’s Bill Bencker. Just zip the fuzzy softness over whatever pillows you have, or pick up a couple of inserts. The texture is soft and inviting, and they add a pop of color to the room. They come in 10 colors and two sizes.

Area rugs make a huge difference to both the tactile feel of your home, the acoustics, and the appearance. Andrii Gurskyi, of Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier, is a big fan. “Yes, it's not the most budget-friendly idea, but you can find carpets for as little as $20 on Amazon,” he says. This area rug, for example, gives your home a rich, traditional warmth while catching dirt as people come and go through your entryways. It comes in seven sizes.

“In the majority of households, one of the most influential renovations is lighting,” says Caspar Matthews, Director of Electcomm Group Electrical & Data. “Lighting can transform the given room drastically, strengthening functional and aesthetic qualities.” Replace an old, ugly lighting fixture with this flush-mount ceiling light, and you will be amazed by the transformation to your space. The seeded glass is elegant, and the frameless design is modern and simple. It comes in seven finishes.

Electcomm Group Electrical & Data’s Caspar Matthews says, “Inexpensive improvements, such as upgrading old light fixtures, adding dimmer switches, and integrating smart lighting, can both boost the value of a home and make it energy efficient.” If changing light switches or adding new fixtures aren’t options, though, you could simply screw these smart LED light bulbs into the socket and gain all of the benefits with none of the expended effort. They allow you to change light colors, control the lighting with your phone or voice, and set schedules. This is a pack of four.

Before you price an entire bathroom remodel, try making a few important, but affordable, changes. “Install a new vanity and mirror,” says The Builder Market’s Lou Vierra. “It’s a quick weekend project with a big style payoff.” This arched vanity mirror is pretty, minimalist, and elegant. It comes in nine styles and three finishes and will make the entire space feel bigger, brighter, and more up-to-date.

One change not to sleep on? “Upgrade to smart thermostats and switches,” says Lou Vierra of The Builder Market. “Easy to install, they improve efficiency and convenience immediately.” This Sensi Lite smart thermostat walks you through the installation on your phone. Once installed, you can set up schedules and control the heating and air conditioning from your that same screen. It monitors your energy expenditures, reminds you when to service your system, and delivers usage reports to your palm.

“The renovation of faucets and showerheads in the bathroom with the installation of water-saving devices is a cheap improvement that is worth its reward,” says Caspar Matthews of Electcomm Group Electrical & Data. This is easier than you think with this swivel faucet extender that attaches directly to the faucet you have. Just screw it in, and you can direct water anywhere you want in the sink. It even turns the faucet into a water fountain to make brushing your teeth easier. Meanwhile, it aerates and filters the water.

“To make an effective upgrade that does not require a huge financial investment, homeowners ought to upgrade their toilet flappers and fill valves,” says Steven Bahbah, Managing Director at Service First Plumbing. “Most of these low-cost parts are easily affordable to less than fifty dollars each and are the unsuspected culprits of running toilets all the time,” he says. This Toto toilet flapper replacement, for example, will seal tightly and stay connected because it is made of high-quality rubber and stainless steel. It is only $10 and is a breeze to install.

Not ready to embrace a smart home? “In case you are seeking a cost-effective upgrade that is not going to empty your bank account,” says Caspar Matthews of Electcomm Group Electrical & Data, “replacing your standard bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs is a good idea.” This pack of six standard LED light bulbs will last for 10,000 hours — or nine years — and light beautifully while consuming 85% less energy than incandescent lights. They come in daylight and warm white.

“To avoid damage, I suggest using surge protectors on sensitive electronics and appliances,” says Electcomm Group Electrical & Data’s Caspar Matthews. An affordable wall surge protector will protect your gear and improve your plug options — by adding four standard and two USB plugs — of a typical wall plug while protecting everything plugged into it from most power surges.

“Peeling paint makes a house look old and uncared for,” says Mikku and Sons Roofing’s Josh Riutta. “A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. For smaller touch-ups or trim work, you can easily find quality exterior paint in quart sizes at your local hardware store or online.” This door and trim paint, for example, is easy to apply and resists chipping and fading, perfect for sprucing up a doorway or trim. It comes in six colors.

“Dead patches in your lawn can be an eyesore, but they are often easy to fix with some grass seed and a bit of topsoil,” says Josh Mitchell, plumbing technician and the owner of plumbinglab.com. “Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade on Amazon is an excellent choice for quickly beautifying bare spots. It combines mulch, seed, and fertilizer to promote growth in difficult conditions,” he says. Spread it on those patches, water it, and watch your lawn become lush and green.

“If you want to make your outdated kitchen or bathroom feel like new, but you don't have the budget for a major renovation, consider investing in soft-close hinges,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design and Build. “With one good weekend and a screwdriver, you can replace your old cabinet hinges and make them feel much more luxurious.” This pack of six comes in nine sizes.

One of the best ways to upgrade your house is to protect it from damage. Water can wreak havoc, especially if you aren’t there when a leak happens. One recommendation from Reuben Saltzman of Structure Tech Home Inspections? “The Govee WiFi Water Leak Detector.” It will alert you — right to your phone — when there is water where it shouldn’t be. “It’s affordable, reliable, and connects to your phone, so if there’s a leak while you’re away, you’ll know right away,” he says. It can text, email, or notify you in the app. It can also be set to sound an audible alarm or flash.

If you enjoy the view from your windows but don’t like the impact the solar energy has on your heating and cooling bill, consider applying privacy film directly to the glass. “Applied to windows, heat-reflective film reduces solar heat gain during summer and retains heat in winter, reducing cooling and heating costs, respectively,” says Man and Van Star’s Alex Johnson. It is easy to install with a bit of water and a squeegee, and it has the added bonus of stopping people from seeing into your private space during the day. It comes in two colors.

“Untrimmed bushes and weeds can make even the nicest house look shabby,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “Regular trimming and weeding are essential. A good pair of pruning shears and some gardening gloves are a great investment, and you can find decent sets for under $40. Keeping your landscaping tidy drastically improves curb appeal.” This weeder trowel, too, helps stop weeds by helping you remove the entire plant, at the root.

Before you apply a fresh coat of paint to your exterior, though, says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, prep the surface so your paint stays put and looks smooth. “A good scraper and some sandpaper to prep the surface are also essential and usually pretty inexpensive,” he says. This set of five paint scrapers is less than $10, and provides a variety of sizes to choose from — as well as a putty knife.

“Upgrade the vent fan!” says Danny Niemela, Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction. “No kidding, a quiet, humidity-sensing fan under $130 can save your ceiling from peeling, protect your mirror from long-term etching, and drop mildew risk by 90 percent. Most older homes have fans that barely function. Swapping to a model with 110 CFM and a noise rating under 1.0 sones changes the entire experience without remodeling a thing.” This bathroom ventilation and exhaust fan is under $100, and you can set it to sense humidity and turn on automatically or operate it manually. It comes in six styles and sizes.

“I would say get door sweeps,” says ArDan Construction’s Danny Niemela. “They cost under $15, install in minutes, and stop airflow leaks, insects, and moisture from creeping in. People forget that their front and garage doors are wide open gaps without them. I mean, you literally feel the temperature shift across the threshold when one is missing. Add it once, feel the difference every day.” This door draft stopper is peel-and-stick and comes in four colors.

This faucet aerator is an easy way to improve a piece of your house that you use multiple times every day. “It adds spray options to any standard faucet and improves water flow instantly for under $15,” says Arthur V, an LA-based Tasker on Airtasker. All you have to do is screw it in.

“I would recommend installing a new shower head with multiple spray settings,” says LA-based Tasker on Airtasker, Arthur V. “It’s an easy DIY that makes showers feel spa-like!” This high-pressure showerhead douses you in a deluge of high-powered water in a soft rain, a mist and rain combo, an oxygenating mist, a specialized shampoo rinsing spray, and more. It will save water, too. Installing it is a matter of unscrewing the old showerhead and screwing this one in instead.