Handymen say these are the smartest home upgrades you can make in under 10 minutes

Joe Hammer, the owner of SAK Electric Plumbing Inc., says an upgrade you can make that may save a call to a plumber is replacing the faucet aerators in your sinks. He says, “Replacing the aerator improves your home's water flow, which saves you money on your water bill by wasting less water. Replacing them is easy.” He suggests this four-pack to tackle several sinks at once.

The owner of Automated Environments, Jason Fischbeck, suggests adding this four-pack of smart light bulbs to your home because “you can turn lights off and on or change their brightness settings through an app or smart device such as Amazon Alexa.” These bulbs have a soft white glow and are just as easy to install as a regular bulb.

“If your outlet covers are dated, the wrong color, or damaged,” Josh Rudin, the owner of ASAP Restoration LLC, suggests replacing them with this 10-pack of outlet covers with clean lines. They’re also available in black and a 5- and 20-pack in the listing.

Rudin also recommends replacing outlets with updated versions that have spots for plugging in USB cords. “These allow you to charge anything that plugs into a USB without taking up a whole outlet,” he explains. Each piece in this two-pack has two three-prong outlets, two USB-A outlets, and one USB-C outlet. They come in five finishes in the listing.

Kelley Hoven, the president of Gatsby Glass, says, “Adding LED strip lights under cabinets or around mirrors can instantly brighten a room [...] and creates a modern, stylish look without much effort.” This three-pack of under-cabinet lights are battery powered, 3 feet long (each), and feature strong adhesive that can be installed on a variety of surfaces.

Bethany Uribe, a mitigation division supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC, comments, “A solid, hard, and thick toilet seat with soft closing capabilities is an easy upgrade that doesn’t take much time, and adds a lot of convenience.” This toilet seat with a 4.5-star overall rating comes in elongated and round shapes in the listing, as well as a variety of colors.

Another upgrade that Uribe suggests is replacing showerheads that are an eyesore and “not producing the same flow that they once were.” This popular high-pressure rainfall showerhead takes just one minute to install and actually helps conserve water to save you money, too.

Andy Roe, the CEO of Roe Paint, offers adding trim molding as a suggestion for a quick and easy home upgrade. He says they “dress up a room and hide imperfections.” This peel-and-stick baseboard trim is self-adhesive and comes in a creamy white that will update any room. The flexible strip is 16.4 feet long and can be trimmed to fit. It comes in a few finishes and lengths in the listing.

Allen Chenault, the owner and founder of AC's Heating & Air LLC, says that “over time, vents can get bumped or have furniture moved in front of them, disrupting airflow.” This four-pack of air vent deflectors are magnetic for fast installation and expandable from 10 to 16 inches in width.

The project supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC, Paige Warrington, recommends this grout repair kit. She says it can “not only make the space look new again, but it can also go a long way in protecting these spots from water damage, mold, and other disasters.” The fast-drying formula can be used in the bathroom or kitchen and squeezes out like caulk but dries to be real sanded grout.

Jason Best, the owner of Best Plumbing Services and SewerRepairs.com, suggests installing a faucet-mount filter “that removes contaminants and improves taste.” This Brita model (a brand he recommends) has more than 34,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It replaces 2,250 plastic bottles a year and each filter insert lasts for four months.

An out-of-the-box idea that Best has for making the most of your space is adding a wall-mounted folding table to a kitchen or bathroom. “They fold up and out of the way when not in use but provide extra counter space when needed,” he says. This highly rated model comes in several colors and can hold up to 50 pounds.

Adding battery-powered LED lights to dark spaces like inside deep cabinets or closets is another fast upgrade that Best suggests. “They adhere with double-sided tape [...] and provide focused light where you need it,” he says. This three-pack comes with a remote for tweaking settings or setting a timer and each light has a 100-hour runtime per set of AA batteries.

“Adhesive-backed pads [...] are [an] easy, inexpensive solution to reduce noise and prevent damage,” explains Best. This 64-pack of cabinet bumpers will help cover multiple cabinets and they feature clear silicone for a barely-there look. They also come in a 25- and 45-pack in the listing.

Rafi Friedman, the president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, suggests “investing in a floating solar fountain. [...] They add variety, color, and fun to your outdoor water spaces.” The fountain has a durable glass panel on the top and four floating fixed buckles that help keep it in place.

Tommy Mello, the Founder of A1 Garage Door Service, comments, “Adding motion-sensor light switches in key areas like hallways and bathrooms is both a safety and energy-saving upgrade.” This programmable switch learns your preferred light level over time so your lights will stay off if it’s as bright as you’d like it. You can also choose several different timers for how long it stays on once activated.

“Installing a programmable thermostat is another swift upgrade,” advises Mello. “It helps regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently, which can reduce energy costs,” he adds. This precise thermostat lets you choose temperatures for when you leave, arrive, sleep, and wake during the entire week. It also has built-in battery change reminders.

“For quick wall repairs, I always keep 3M’s Small Hole Repair Kit handy,” says Mello. He adds, “It includes everything you need for a seamless fix that dries quickly and blends well with existing paint.” The all-in-one tool comes with a putty knife, spackle, and sanding pad.

Another upgrade that Mello suggests is a cable management sleeve to tidy up behind computers, TVs, or other devices. “It’s especially useful for entertainment centers and home office setups, making spaces look organized and professional,” he says. The sleeve comes in a four-pack and each piece is about 20 inches long and can hold eight to 10 cords and cables within its zippered interior.

“Adding peel-and-stick backsplash tiles in the kitchen or bathroom is a fast way to upgrade the look without the mess of grout,” advises Mello. The tiles are made of durable vinyl that won’t yellow with time and each of the 10 sheets will cover about one square foot. They come in five colors and styles in the listing.

Derek Perzylo, the co-owner of Big 5 Exteriors Ltd., says a quick upgrade is installing a smart security system. He comments that it has “doorbell cameras with motion sensors, and 2-way audio paired with an app [to] provide peace of mind.” It has an impressive 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon and you can use it with or without a subscription, depending on if you want video stored in the cloud.

Andrii Gurskyi, the CEO of Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier, says that peel-and-stick wallpapers “are easy to stick on the walls, hide defects, and change the look of the room.” This fresh eucalyptus-print wallpaper comes in a roll that’s 17.7 inches wide and 9.8 feet long. It has a 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon.

To protect your flooring, Gurskyi recommends protectors for your furniture like these chair leg protectors. They come in a pack of 16, stretch to fit various shapes of legs, and are clear for an unobtrusive look.

An upgrade that Gurskyi says is “a very easy way to add coziness to your home” is LED lamps. This touch lamp is sleek and highly personalizable with 13 color choices, five brightness levels, as well as a multi-color mode with 256 color combinations. It also has flash, strobe, and fade modes, as well as an adjustable timer.

Gurskyi suggests using drawer organizers to “keep things neat and save space.” This highly rated five-pack are made of water-resistant bamboo that can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, and beyond.

“A great way to disguise slightly damaged furniture and update its appearance,” according to Gurskyi, is decorative pillows. This four-pack of velvet pillow covers features hidden zippers, contrasting piping, and different shades on the reverse side of each piece. Choose from several sizes and color combinations in the listing.

Gurskyi says to “modernize your home” and “[improve] the atmosphere,” you can invest in flameless candles. This three-pack features realistic flickering light, can be used outside (they’re waterproof), and can be set on a timer via the included remote.

If you have pets or keep potted plants on your window sills, Gurskyi suggests using window sill covers to protect against damage and dirt. The clear covers are 3.25 inches deep and 29.5 long, but they come in lots of other sizes in the listing. They adhere to window sills via adhesive backings.

For rentals or rooms where you don’t want to do a full renovation, Gurskyi suggests using peel-and-stick vinyl floor tiles. He says they are “easy to install” and “quickly update [any] room.” This 10-pack of floor tiles will cover a 10-square-foot area in total and they’re water resistant.

Gurskyi says that “mirrors visually expand the space and add light.” This arched full-length mirror can be hung on the wall or propped up on its built-in stand. It’s also available in a gold finish and with a squared-off top in the listing, depending on your style.

“Why drill into the walls when you can just stick hooks on them and hang whatever you want?” asks Gurskyi. This four-pack of adhesive wall hooks is made of wood and it’s also available in a black walnut finish in the listing as well.

An upgrade you may not have seen before, magnetic curtains “are easy to attach and remove and will save you from annoying sunlight in the morning,” according to Gurskyi. The blackout curtain offers protection from heat and cold and blocks 100% of light but is easily removed when desired thanks to strong magnets. The curtains can be trimmed to any size or shape.

Gurskyi says that textile organizers are on-trend right now and “are very convenient for storing clothes [...] or anything else you can think of.” This large cotton rope basket has built-in handles and is also available in several solid colors in the listing to match your decor.

To “keep your kitchen organized and save space,” Gurskyi recommends using a kitchen utensil organizer. This rotating model is made of sleek stainless steel that resists fingerprints and a divider within that’s removable.

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Gurskyi also suggests adding some floating shelves, saying “they are a convenient way to add storage space for small items or decorative elements.” Each shelf in this two-pack can hold 11 pounds and has a ledge to keep items secure and allow for leaning frames. They’re 24 inches long and also come in gray and walnut in the listing.

Gurskyi suggests that you “modernize your bathroom with stylish organizers” like this two-pack of shower shelves. They install via an adhesive hook strip (no drilling required) and they’re both waterproof and rustproof. Each one can hold up to 20 pounds and they also come in a polished silver finish in the listing.

Gurskyi suggests using drawer dividers to tidy up spaces like your kitchen. He says they can “help you organize things in one large space by category and keep things tidy.” This four-pack of dividers are adjustable in length from 17 to 22.25 inches and feature scratchproof pads on the ends to keep your drawers safe from damage. Choose from a few finishes in the listing.

One way to “protect your furniture from wear and tear and renew its look” that Gurskyi recommends is using furniture covers. This velvet sofa slipcover is machine washable, stretches to fit, and comes in lots of sizes and colors in the listing. It resists wrinkles as well and is particularly well suited for homes with pets.

Instead of getting frustrated by scattered shoes by your doors, Gurskyi advises using a “budget-friendly and stylish shoe rack.” This shoe rack is made of durable and water-resistant bamboo and doubles as a bench. It’s also available in black and brown in the listing.

The cofounder of Comfort Union, Asif Bux, comments, “a draft stopper can significantly improve home insulation.” He recommends this two-pack of draft stoppers that adhere to your door and can be trimmed to fit. They also help keep out dust, noise, and pests.

Bux advises, “Water sensors can catch leaks early, preventing thousands of dollars in water damage.” This water sensor comes in a two-pack and is battery operated, so it’ll even work when the power is out. It has a loud 100-decibel alarm and can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room to help avert disaster.

A clever and more unusual upgrade, Bux suggests installing this programmable digital timer. He says it can “save energy and add convenience” and that it’s easy to install. It can be used to set a schedule or timer for ceiling fans, exhaust fans, patio lights, and much more. It has override buttons and a backup battery that preserves your settings during a power outage.

“Pet damage, playtime, and other wear and tear can leave lawns looking patchy,” says Bux. His go-to recommendation is Scotts Turf Builder. This 5.6-pound bag is designed to work in areas with both sun and shade in northern areas (a map is available in the listing images).

Niki O'Brien, the operations manager at Custom Exteriors LLC, suggests replacing a weathered or dated front door handle “to bronze, pewter, or black [to] really modernize the exterior of your home.” This matte black set comes with an interior and exterior handle and deadlock (as well as three keys) for a complete upgrade. It’s also available in oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel in the listing.

O’Brien says her neighbors recently “opted for modern black house numbers on a crisp white background” and that “it looks great, and my eye is immediately drawn to it.” This house number plaque has that same color scheme and pairs it with a solar-powered light to ensure it’s visible day and night. The warm white light is shown above, but a daylight white option is also available in the listing.

The president of Bumble Bee Blinds, Luke Schwartz, comments, “Applying [...] blackout window film is a simple way to enhance privacy and block out light.” This blackout window film is easily installed via static cling and can help reduce heat and glare. It comes in lots of sizes in the listing and can be trimmed for a perfect fit.

Brandon Walker, the construction manager at ASAP Restoration LLC, reminds you to not forget about upgrades that will make a big difference even if it isn’t actually visible. “Having clean air is critical, and an air filter swap out once every few months will ensure that your internal air is breathable,” he says. He suggests this six-pack of AC furnace air filters in particular. They can help remove mold, dust mites, dust, and pollen from the air.

Walker says, “Having chipped, flaking and stripping paint on your front door is like a first meeting while wearing last night’s pajamas.” He suggests this multi-purpose paint in a fresh semigloss finish. It comes in 28 shades in the listing, is fast drying, and can be used on wood, metal, and more.

Nick O'Keefe, the owner of Oak City Coatings, says that refillable touch-up paint pens “are an easy way to do touch ups around your house on walls and especially trim & cabinets.” Each of the pens in this five-pack features an airtight seal to keep house paint fresh for up to seven years and the set comes with a syringe for easy filling.

Al Ruggie, the marketing director at ASAP Restoration LLC, says to “watch your kitchen space get transformed” when you update old cabinet knobs with these fresh brushed nickel handles. They come in a 30-pack and each one is 5 inches long, but lots of other sizes are available in the listing.