Contractors say you're damaging your home if you aren't doing any of these simple things

Thomas Borcherding, the owner of Homestar Design Remodel, stresses the importance of cleaning out the ductwork that runs from your dryer to your home's exterior, as lint can build up with time. “This is a huge fire hazard, and can also make your dryer perform worse,” he explains. Use this dryer vent cleaner tool to clear it out. It features a cleaning brush head attached to rods that can extend up to 30 feet to reach deep inside your machine and pipes. Attach it to a power drill for the most thorough results.

Borcherding also recommends utilizing water leak detectors that will sound an alarm if moisture is detected. “By placing them under sinks and near other plumbing components, you add a layer of protection that could save you thousands of dollars in damages,” he says. The devices are powered by batteries (so no wiring is required), and they put out a loud 90-decibel alarm to alert you. This particular set includes two detectors, but single-, five-, and eight-packs are all available in the listing.

This may come as a surprise, but Borcherding says, “From my extensive bathroom remodeling experience, I can confidently tell you that most bathroom fans do not exhaust to the outdoors.” This can lead to mold and other damage as a result. To limit moisture, you should run a small dehumidifier during and after bathing. It’s built for rooms up to 280 square feet and the 800-milliliter tank can collect up to 16 ounces of water. The device will shut off automatically when full; the light will flash red to alert you that it’s time to empty it.

“One of the most essential things a homeowner or tenant can do to prevent expensive damage is to place coasters underneath furniture,” explains Borcherding. These can stop your furniture from digging grooves into your flooring, which is an issue that is costly to repair. This 12-pack of caster cups have carpeted bottoms that are smooth and soft. And the neutral color won’t be easily visible underneath your furniture.

According to Borcherding, the average foundation repair project costs more than $20,000. However, this downspout extender can prevent damage by routing water from your gutters away from your home (rather than dumping it along the perimeter). It extends from 21 to 66 inches long and it comes with two adapters to fit on different kinds of downspouts. The extender can be buried underground if desired and the material is durable to last through inclement weather.

Craig Ricks Jr., the president of Acadian Windows and Siding, suggests that you “caulk your windows in order to seal them against water getting in.” This waterproof caulk is mold- and mildew-resistant, and it won’t yellow, shrink, or crack over time. Once applied, the caulk can be exposed to water in as little as 30 minutes.

It’s important to regularly clear debris and vegetation from around your outdoor HVAC unit within a 2-foot radius to keep it running properly. Ryan Collier, the director at Heat Pump Source, also suggests that you “install a protective cage or cover to shield it.” This mesh cover still allows airflow to the unit, and it features four adjustable bungee cords for a secure fit. Choose from three sizes in the listing.

Jon Christensen, renovator and the founder of contractor matching service Bidmii, recommends always using a stud finder to hang and install heavy items. He says, “It eliminates guesswork and prevents damage to your walls. You can actually find some that will connect to your cell phone and provide even more features.” This popular one from Povlen is reliable and has multiple scanning modes, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.

Drew Mansur, the co-founder of TileCloud, recommends routinely applying a water-repelling grout sealer in tiled areas in your bathroom or kitchen to “[prevent] water damage and mold growth.” The sealer is simple to apply (just spray it on and wipe off any excess) and it doesn’t have a strong odor. It covers up to 75 linear feet of tile.

There are many benefits of using these door draft stoppers in your home. “It's not just to save you money on heating and cooling costs but it also protects the interiors from humidity by keeping it well insulated,” explains Mansur. This 2-inch-thick stopper is made from durable polyester (which can be trimmed to the precise size needed). Pick from pack sizes ranging from one to four.

Each of the gutter guards in this set of two is 20 feet in length — though they can be cut to size with regular scissors as needed — to shield your gutters. They’re made from plastic (meaning they won’t get rusty or corroded over time), and the included clips hold them in place. “These are so important because they prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters, reducing the risk of water damage to your roof and foundations,” notes Mansur.

Kevin McLaughlin, Owner at Heritage Exteriors LLC, also recommends gutter maintenance. He says, “Keeping gutters clear is crucial for preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity of your roofing and siding.” This leaf guard is a solid way to prevent leaves and debris from getting into your gutter downspout.

Mansur suggests that drain protectors can save you “potential plumbing headaches.” With a 4.7-star overall rating after 15,000-plus reviews, this stainless steel drain protector fits inside most sink drains to trap hair and other debris, prevent clogs. To clean the tool, pull it out and give it a wipe.

Jamin Katzer, the senior construction manager at Earth Saving Solutions, advocates for cleaning and sanitizing your dishwasher to keep it in good shape. These dishwasher cleaning tablets are designed to deep clean your entire dishwasher (including pieces you can’t see like the pump, valve, and hoses), getting rid of limescale and mineral buildup for optimal performance. The tablets can be used on all dishwasher makes and models.

McLaughlin also recommends motion sensor lights. He says, “These lights are great for safety and energy efficiency. Installing them in frequently used areas like hallways or bathrooms ensures lights are only on when needed.” This set of three motion-sensing lights is easy to install wherever you need them and runs on batteries. These turn on when they sense movement within 10 feet.

Katzer suggests checking the weather stripping on your front, back, and other exterior doors and replacing it as needed. Doing so “will keep your heating and cooling bill in check,” which will also reduce wear and tear on your HVAC systems. This 32-foot weather strip can be cut to the size needed and it installs using a peel-and-stick adhesive backing. It’s weatherproof and windproof to last.

Katzer notes that you should lube your garage door every year. “This will prevent a damaged garage door that can lead to costly repairs and or damage to your vehicle if it falls,” he adds. Use this professional-grade lubricant on hinges, tracks, chains, pulleys, sliding gate rollers, and other metal components for smooth operation and to prevent rust and corrosion. The formula dries quickly and doesn’t leave behind any residue.

Another project to add to your to-do list? “Remove [your] windows and clean the trough and glides for smooth operation,” notes Katzer. He says doing this “helps the longevity of the window glides.” This window track cleaning kit comes with three cleaning brushes (that are specifically shaped to reach into tricky grooves and crevices), four sponges, and a pair of dustpan brushes. The sponges can be removed and washed so you can use them all over again.

Another tool for clearing your window tracks, per Katzer’s suggestion, is this handy duster sponge that you can use so many ways. Get this sponge wet and run it through window tracks or door glides. This will pick up bits of dust, dirt, and debris that could be blocking your windows or doors from closing properly. Not only will it keep your doors and windows functioning for longer, but it may also allow them to close better to save you money on your energy bill.

While a roof leak should be seen to by a professional, when water is coming through the ceiling, it is always smart to be prepared. Ben Connell, owner of Connell Roofing, Inc., says, “This product is a lifesaver for quick roof repairs. Flex Tape or similar high-quality roof sealant tapes can be used to temporarily fix leaks and seal cracks, providing an immediate barrier against water damage until professional repairs can be made. These tapes typically cost under $30 and are essential for emergency roof repairs.” This roof sealant tape is easy to use and can come in clutch when you’re in an emergency.

Tommy Mello, home services expert and founder of A1 Garage Doors, calls silicone caulk “ideal for sealing gaps around bathtubs, sinks, and windows.” When shopping, he recommends you find one resistant to mold and mildew — especially important in moisture-rich areas of your house like your bathroom. He says, “It’s a small investment that can prevent costly water damage in the long run.” This silicone caulk from GE is designed for kitchen and bathrooms, and is designed to resist mold and mildew.

Plop one of these garbage disposer cleaners in your machine to clean it and remove buildup. Plus, it “helps keep it fresh and will extend the life,” adds Katzer — and it features a bright lemon scent. The set comes with enough pellets for 20 uses and they’re biodegradable.

Dan Walker, the owner of Walker Home Remodeling, says that an under-sink mat like this one can help stop a slow water leak from damaging your cabinets. He adds that it “also [protects] against spills of cleaning products and other staining items.” It’s made from a thick, heavy-duty material with a raised lip to trap leaks and spills. The mat comes in three sizes, though it can be trimmed for a precise fit.

“Cabinet bumpers are a simple way to limit damage to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets, plus they reduce noise,” explains Walker. The set comes with 128 clear circular bumpers and each one has adhesive on the back to stick onto various surfaces, including glass, wood, metal, ceramic, and more.

Not only does this window film offer privacy, but it also “offers protection against UV damage, which can bleach flooring and furniture,” explains Walker. The film is simple to apply using just water. Look at the listing to see rolls in a variety of sizes and colors.

Adrian Pedraza, owner of The California Home Buyer, a professional house flipping company, says, “Replacing furnace filters regularly and getting the HVAC system serviced annually also saves money in the long run. Preventative maintenance is much cheaper than replacing systems that broke down due to lack of care.” Take a look at your HVAC filter and find a replacement. This filter from Filtrete is 20 inches by 20 inches (though other sizes are available), and works in many HVAC, furnace, and air conditioner filter systems to capture any nanoparticles of dust that might come through.

If you live in an area that experiences freezes during the winter, Walker suggests wrapping these faucet covers around your outdoor faucets to “protect [against] a burst pipe and water damage.” Each of the two faucet covers features a waterproof Oxford exterior for protection against the elements and a cotton-lined inside. The hook-and-loop fastener ensures it stays in place.

These handle stoppers stick onto walls, functioning as “an inexpensive way to protect your walls from holes or dents,” notes Walker. They’re 2 inches in diameter for optimal protection. And since they’re clear, they’re hardly noticeable once in place. This set comes with six pieces.

Keeping an eye out for air quality in your home is vital for ensuring that you’re not damaging yourself in your house. Tyler Hull, owner and general manager of Modern Exterior and Bubblegum Flooring, says, “As always, I recommend beginning with a complete fire protection system. These include smart smoke and CO detectors, which will alert you when you’re not home.” This smart carbon monoxide detector is a good investment, and allows you to monitor any alerts from your phone. The LED screen makes it simple to see the parts per million in your space at any given point. The sensor also has a 10-year battery life.

In keeping with Hull’s recommendation, a smoke detector is also a smart idea. This smart smoke detector from X-Sense allows you to monitor your system any time the alarm is tripped or when the batteries need to be changed. The sensor is designed to last 10 years, and you can even subscribe to the optional monitoring service that will reach out to you if the alarm is tripped, and facilitate a local fire truck to your house if you need.

Walker warns: “Be cautious about using extension cords. You shouldn't plug one into another to gain extra outlets.” His solution? Use an outlet extender like this one to plug in all of your electronics. It has nine total slots — including five outlets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port — and it offers surge protection. The extender features an LED night light at the bottom, plus a small shelf on top to hold a device as it charges.

Hull also advises the importance of “installing fire extinguishers in potentially dangerous places such as the kitchen and garage.” This two-pack of fire extinguishers allows you to place them in two different spots in your house, so you have easier access to one in an emergency. Don’t forget the basic instructions: Pull the pin, aim the nozzle, and squeeze the trigger.

Borcherding points to your gutter management as an important area to pay attention to. Borcherding says, “While it’s not the most glamorous home improvement, managing the rainwater your home receives is one of the most important things you can do. Rainwater that gets dumped at a home’s foundation will eventually lead to settlement, and a repair bill in the tens of thousands.” This gutter downspout extension is easy to attach to your standard gutter and will redirect your rainwater away from your foundation. This comes in four colors to match your gutters, and is a pack of two.

Another more subtle way to redirect your gutter water is this extension pad that sits under your gutter and gently slopes water away from your foundation. This extension splash pad measures 24 inches and comes in a pack of two, so you can outfit multiple gutters.

One more creative way to utilize rain water while protecting your house is to invest in this rainwater collection system. This spout easily fits in between sections of your gutter pipes, and siphons water away. Attach a hose and connect this to a bucket or rainwater barrel to collect the excess rainwater. Then it’s easy to use it to water your lawn, your garden, or for any other backyard projects.

Lanyon Heinemann, contractor and manager at JMK Contractor, says, “If water leaks happen, I suggest you purchase smart leak detectors. These can detect moisture at specific points such as sinks, water heaters, or in the basement and send you alerts to your phone.”

This Govee water leak detector is a level up from the basic Zircon model. It allows you to monitor water leaks from wherever you are. Put the sensor nearby any potential water leaks, and then plug in the Wi-Fi gateway. You’ll be notified via the app and via an alarm if any potential leaks arise.

As an extra home security measure, Heinemann recommends motion-sensing lights. He says, “Motion-activated lights outside the home and in stairways can provide added security and prevent accidents.” These motion-activated lights are easy to stick near walkways or in your yard to prevent accidents from happening. They charge via a solar panel on top of them, can be mounted to the side of your house, and are designed with long-lasting and energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Another way to implement Heinemann’s advice is by installing solar step lights in steep or dark stairways. These lights automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn, and charge via the built-in solar panel. Stick each of these in the corner of a staircase to cast light across the step. This is a pack of six lights.

For better or worse, installing a home security camera can help deter any damage from happening to the exterior of your house. Heinemann says, “Home security cameras and smart doorbells also give homeowners peace of mind, as they provide real-time surveillance.” This home security camera is easy to mount to any wall near your door or garage. It features two-way talk functionality, a night vision camera, and runs on built-in rechargeable batteries so you don’t have to worry about wiring. You can also add an SD card to save footage in case you should ever need it, or subscribe to cloud storage to have your footage safely stored and accessible.

To further implement Heinemann’s advice, install a video doorbell like this one by Blink. You’ll be able to view who is at your front door via the 1080-pixel HD camera with night vision, utilize the two-way audio, and even receive alerts about deliveries or guests. Pair this with your existing wiring system or with the Blink Sync Module, which allows you to engage in live viewing and two-way audio on demand.