Dan Staupe, co-owner of Compass Exteriors, is a big fan of “matching, elevated hardware” and calls brushed hardware like these cabinet handles “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.

Joe Gerrior, owner of Gerrior Masonry & Landscape Construction Corp, recommends these motion-activated LED light strips 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.

“Bidet attachments are very hygienic,” says Gerrior, and an environmentally friendly bidet 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.”

"Installing a dimmer switch 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.

Josh Mitchell, an HVAC and plumbing technician, is a huge fan of smart plugs 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.

If you’d like a personal assistant but can’t justify the cost, try the Echo Dot. “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 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.

Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers, recommends these colorful vinyl peel-and-stick backsplash tiles 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.

Greet guests with this personalized welcome mat. According to Brian Curran, founder of DraftingServices.com, “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.

For safety and style, Curran recommends peel-and-stick stair treads, 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.”

Kim Abrams Bishop, owner of Abrams Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., praises this shower filter 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.

Hugh Williams, a home improvement expert at Magic Window, recommends smart window screen and door sensors 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.”

“For homeowners looking to increase airflow without having dust and bugs enter their homes, magnetic window screens 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.

Light up the night with these solar candles. “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.”

“Artificial grass wall panels can be a really fun, unique decor element,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “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.

City dwellers will adore this hydroponics growing system. 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!”

Dave Roebel, CEO/Head Technician at Northeast Mechanical Services, is impressed with UV wands 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.”

Jonathan Faccone, managing member and founder of Halo Homebuyers, recommends this discreet jar opener 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.

“I often recommend my clients use epoxy grout colorant 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.

Turn your shower into a spa with this easy-to-install handheld showerhead. It comes highly recommended by Tommy Mello, founder/CEO of A1 Garage Door Service. “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.

"Safety should always be a priority,” says Mello, “and this carbon monoxide detector 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 hanging strips 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.

Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets, is a fan of window film, 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.

Daniel Rivera, owner of Proactive Property Management, appreciates that solar-powered spotlights 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.

"Adding weatherstripping 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.

Kevin McLaughlin, owner of Heritage Exteriors, recommends this easy-to-install door seal 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.

Next time you hit the farmer’s market, bring these reusable plastic produce bags along. According to Ben Johnson, contractor and CEO of Big Ben, “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.

"This magnetic screen door 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.

"As a custom home builder, storage solutions are always top of mind,” says Brayden Montgomery, owner of Vantage Builders. He cites wall-mounted racks 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.

Mount this magnetic knife holder 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.

Joshua Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, recommends gutter guards, 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.

Leaky roofs are no match for this rubber coating spray. “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.

"Thermal insulated blackout curtains 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.

Riutta calls washable and reusable air filters 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.

“Upgrading interior doorknobs to high-quality brushed nickel knobs [...] significantly improves a space,” says Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders. Norman is a fan of the doorknobs 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.

“One of my favorite little extras to recommend to customers who get their pools from us is floating solar fountains like this one. They're a great way to add a splash of light and color, especially at night,” says Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. 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.