As any HGTV watcher will know, home upgrades require time, money, and energy. However, sometimes a quick fix can make a big impact. If you’re tackling smaller projects around the house, you’re in the right place.
Contractors have given their best cheap home upgrades that can make any home much more livable — and a few of them can even save you some money. Some matching brushed hardware for cabinets & cupboards Dan Staupe, co-owner of , is a big fan of “matching, elevated hardware” and calls brushed hardware like these “not a large investment, but a really big pay-off.” Each handle is made of a high-quality zinc alloy with a brushed brass finish.
This gives it a luxurious look at a wallet-friendly price. Add it to your kitchen or bathroom for an immediate upgrade. These motion-activated LED light strips for added safety & visibility Joe Gerrior, owner of , recommends these for safety.
Stick them under cabinets and beds or in closets for instant illumination. According to Gerrior, “They provide bright lighting when motion is detected, helping avoid tripping hazards or searching in the dark.” Plus, you don’t need any DIY experience to install them.
An environmentally-friendly bidet attachment that’s easy to install “Bidet attachments are very hygienic,” says Gerrior, and an environmentally friendly like this one is easy to install in just 15 minutes. Its dual nozzle has double the cleansing power, and you can adjust its dial for a custom clean. By reducing your toilet paper usage and electricity bills, you’ll save money and power.
Gerrior says that “many customers find they improve quality of life with better personal hygiene and comfort.” This dimmer switch that’ll give you more control over the brightness of a room "Installing a on your overhead lighting is an affordable way to improve ambiance in any room,” says Gerrior. This switch comes with easy step-by-step instructions, so you’ll know exactly how to use it.
Hook it up to your smartphone, and you can turn your electronics on and off from anywhere. “The end result is being able to set the perfect mood and brightness for any activity,” Gerrior notes. These smart plugs that can help turn your home into a smart home Josh Mitchell, an , is a huge fan of like these, calling them “an affordable way to start automating your home, offering potential savings on your energy bills by scheduling devices to turn off when not needed.
” Use them with lights, fans, and other energy-exhaustive sources to save power. They’re supported by Thread and Bluetooth technology, so you can control your home from anywhere. This Echo Dot that can let you control smart devices with your voice If you’d like a personal assistant but can’t justify the cost, try the .
“It lets users control smart home devices, play music, get information, and more — all with just their voice,” says Mitchell. “This affordable gadget is a great way to start or expand a smart home system and can really enhance the convenience and functionality of your home.” With its clear vocals and deep bass, it definitely packs a big punch in a small package.
This smart switch that can reduce energy usage "This allows you to control lighting from anywhere, providing both convenience and enhanced security,” says Mitchell, adding, “It integrates seamlessly with smart home systems and can help reduce energy usage by scheduling lights to turn off automatically when not in use." You can set schedules and timers to save power or enable “away mode” at the touch of a button. These colorful vinyl peel & stick backsplash tiles that’ll cover dated walls Rick Berres, owner of , recommends these colorful for a “brand new kitchen or bathroom.
” Their durable vinyl material is waterproof and easy to clean. Since they’re lightweight and flexible, they’ll fit around any obstacles. “These are perfect when you’re not ready to do a full-on remodel, but you can’t stand to look at your old tiles anymore, especially if they’re grimy,” says Berres.
This personalized welcome mat to customize your home Greet guests with this . According to Brian Curran, founder of , “It adds a personal touch and serves as a practical upgrade by keeping dirt and debris from being tracked into your house. A new doormat can instantly improve your home’s curb appeal and make a great first impression.
” Choose between six designs, which you can customize with your name and message. With their UV-printed technology, your design will stay vibrant over time. These peel & stick stair treads to add extra safety to wooden steps For safety and style, Curran recommends , saying, “These enhance safety by providing better grip and adding a decorative element that can transform the look of your stairs, making them a focal point.
” You’ll also appreciate their chic colors and cool patterns. Curran also likes that they “come in various materials such as rubber, carpet, and vinyl, giving you plenty of options to choose from.” This shower filter that can improve the quality of your water Kim Abrams Bishop, owner of , praises this for its many benefits, saying it “can improve water quality by removing chlorine and other impurities.
It also helps with skin and hair health while being affordable enough for anyone who wants a spa-like experience at home.” It works by neutralizing bad odors and infuses water with powerful minerals. Abrams Bishop isn’t the only fan — it’s racked up over 38,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
This smart window screen & door sensor for added security & entry detection Hugh Williams, a home improvement expert at , recommends like these to homeowners who want extra security, but don’t want bulky security bars or locks. “These devices are discreet, so they don’t ruin a home’s aesthetic,” says Williams. “They also pair with other Smart home devices, creating a seamless experience and more secure home.
” These washable & adjustable window screens “For homeowners looking to increase airflow without having dust and bugs enter their homes, are a must-have,” says Williams. You can adjust their size to fit your windows, and their powerful magnets will keep them in place. “Their pliability makes them super easy to clean, and can always be reapplied to other windows around one’s home depending on the room they’re looking to increase airflow to,” adds Williams.
These versatile solar candles that let out the perfect amount of light Light up the night with these . “In contrast to LED light strips, they provide a timeless look by any window shelf and charge during the day, while providing a calming ambiance at night,” says Williams. Simply store them by a window, and they’ll recharge during the day to shine brightly when it’s dark.
“Furthermore, they’re [weatherproof],” Williams notes, “so they could also be used to beautify a garden or outdoor walkway, making them very versatile.” These beautiful grass wall panels that serve as a fun decor element “Artificial grass wall panels can be a really fun, unique decor element,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of . “The great thing about it being artificial is you won’t have to worry about upkeep or attracting bugs.
” You can use them in so many different ways, from making cool crafts to decorating your home’s exterior. Their UV-resistant pigment stays bright over time, even after years of sunshine. A hydroponics growing system to make gardening inside easier City dwellers will adore this .
Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or starting to hone your green thumb, you can grow herbs and vegetables from the comfort of your home. It comes with everything you need to start your new garden. According to Yamaguchi, “these systems do basically all of the work for you, so success is practically guaranteed!” This UV wand that can help keep household airborne germs & bacteria at bay Dave Roebel, CEO/Head Technician at , is impressed with similar to this one, which help “improve your home's air quality in a focused way.
” The wand helps tackle allergens and bacteria in just 10 seconds. You can use it to purify specific spots, even ones that are usually hard to reach. “It uses ultraviolet light to eliminate germs and molds; thus, you can place it at specific points in your home,” says Roebel.
“You can wave it under furniture or above surfaces that are not cleaned much.” This discreet jar opener that can make the everyday task easier Jonathan Faccone, managing member and founder of , recommends this to make your life easier. “This hidden gadget is incredibly useful, he says, “especially for those with limited hand strength, and keeps your counters clutter-free.
It’s a practical and discreet upgrade that adds convenience.” With its nonslip grip, it'll pop open even the toughest jars — no hot water required. This epoxy grout colorant to give your grout a refresh “I often recommend my clients use to refresh and brighten the grout lines in their tiles,” says Faccone.
Regrouting can get expensive, and it takes a long time; this product costs less than $30 and dries in two hours. According to Faccone, it “makes your tiles look new and adds a waterproof barrier that prevents mold and mildew growth.” Just one bottle can cover up to 300 square feet in a single application.
This easy-to-install handheld showerhead that’ll make your mornings better Turn your shower into a spa with this . It comes highly recommended by Tommy Mello, founder/CEO of . “With six different settings, it caters to all preferences, and its easy installation makes it a no-brainer upgrade for any bathroom,” Mello says.
Its overhead bracket is easy to adjust, so you can clean at any angle for increased mobility. This essential carbon monoxide detector for added peace of mind "Safety should always be a priority,” says Mello, “and this is a crucial addition to any home. It's affordable, easy to install, and provides peace of mind by alerting you to the presence of dangerous CO levels.
” It will even warn you when it’s at the end of its lifespan by beeping to indicate that you need a replacement. With its 85-decibel alarm, you’ll hear it from any room. These picture-hanging strips that will help minimize wall damage “These are a simple but effective way to decorate your home without damaging the walls.
They hold up large frames securely and are easily removable, making them perfect for renters and those who like to change their decor frequently,” says Mello. Each strip holds up to 16 pounds, so you can securely hang your heavy wall art. They work on most smooth surfaces, including metal, glass, and wood.
This window film that also helps prevent furniture from fading Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of , is a fan of , noting that “Window film adds privacy and reduces glare.” Sunlight will still come in, keeping your space bright, but as Qian notes, the film will “help protect furniture from fading caused by sunlight”. Since it blocks up to 96% of UV rays, it can even cut back your energy bill.
These solar-powered outdoor spotlights to better illuminate your exterior Daniel Rivera, owner of , appreciates that like these can offer “security and ambiance without the need for wiring or an electrician.” They shine brightly up to 25 feet away, so you can light up your walkway or highlight your decor. Their solar panels will recharge during the day and shine at night.
This weather sealing tape that can make your home more energy-efficient "Adding around doors and windows [...
] can dramatically improve energy efficiency,” advises Rivera. With its flexible material, it conforms to curves and angles. By sealing off cracks, it reduces energy loss, saving you money on your bills each month.
It shrinks tightly for wrinkle-free results every time, and Rivera thinks it’s a great choice for DIYers. This easy-to-install door seal that can lower your energy bills Kevin McLaughlin, owner of , recommends this for energy efficiency, stating, “Since installing one, I’ve found my heating bills dropped 15%.” They're made of a strong vinyl material that withstands wear and tear.
Simply slide one onto the bottom of your door frame to create a tight seal. They also effectively reduce noise, making them a good choice to quiet down rowdy roommates or neighbors. These environmentally friendly reusable plastic produce bags that can make your fridge look tidier Next time you hit the farmer’s market, bring these along.
According to Ben Johnson, contractor and CEO of , “These bags are excellent for reducing plastic use and keeping produce fresh longer. They are durable, washable, and contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle, aligning with the trend towards sustainability.” When you buy, you’ll receive 15 different bags in various sizes.
Each mesh bag is intended to replace over 1,000 plastic bags, which is quite impressive. A magnetic screen door that can let fresh air in while keeping insects out "This allows fresh air in while keeping bugs out,” says Johnson. “It’s easy to install and perfect for families with kids and pets, offering convenience and comfort.
" Its strong polyester mesh material will hold up against years of use. It seals itself shut with 26 powerful magnets, creating a strong seal between you and the elements. These wall-mounted racks that fit with many decor styles "As a custom home builder, storage solutions are always top of mind,” says Brayden Montgomery, owner of .
He cites as just one simple, reliable option. Each metal hook on this model holds up to 11 pounds at once, so you can hang heavy coats. The board is made of a solid pine wood that’s incredibly rustic and chic.
This magnetic knife holder that easily mounts without screws Mount this on your wall for an instant kitchen upgrade. According to Montgomery, "Small upgrades like these make a space feel more functional and streamlined without a big investment.” Beautiful acacia wood covers a powerful magnetic strip that keeps your whole knife collection in place.
It holds up to 25 pounds at once, and its strong adhesive sticks to any flat surface. This gutter guard that will keep out debris before they create problems Joshua Riutta, owner of , recommends , as they “help keep leaves and debris out of your gutters, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and preventing water damage to your home.” This one is made of powder-coated steel, which stands strong against the elements, and can properly handle high water flow.
This rubber-coating spray that can protect your roof from leaks & damage Leaky roofs are no match for this . “Silicone roof coating provides a protective layer that reflects UV rays and creates a waterproof barrier,” notes Riutta. It seals cracks of up to a quarter inch in width, stopping leaks in their tracks.
Simply spray it in place, and within 30 minutes, it will be completely dry to the touch. These blackout curtains that can improve temperature regulation " block light and improve energy efficiency by insulating windows,” says Riutta, who’s a fan of these Nicetown curtains that block up to 99% of light from entering your room. Their triple weave technology also insulates against the weather, maintaining the temperature of your space.
Their strong metal grommets fit most standard curtain rods. This washable & reusable air filter that will save you money in the long run Riutta calls like this one “eco-friendly and cost-effective [alternatives] to disposable filters.” This particular model acts as the equivalent of 60 single-use filters.
It captures up to 90% of airborne contaminants, which stick to it like magnets. Made of a mesh material, it’s capable of being cleaned in your washer and dryer. These contemporary doorknobs that can change the vibe of your interior doors “Upgrading interior doorknobs to high-quality brushed nickel knobs [.
..] significantly improves a space,” says Ryan Norman, founder of .
Norman is a fan of that Amazon Basics has to offer, and it may be because they’re incredibly easy to install and have fully reversible levers will work on either side of your door, making lefties and righties happy. “I often use them in custom homes — they’re affordable yet stylish,” Norman adds. This pool fountain that makes nighttime swims magical “One of my favorite little extras to recommend to customers who get their pools from us is like this one.
They're a great way to add a splash of light and color, especially at night,” says Rafi Friedman, president of . It comes with seven colorful light modes that are sure to dazzle while you take a dip. Its solar light charges during the day, but you can use it anytime.
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