Contractors Say These Genius, Cheap Things Make Your Home Nicer & Save You Money

When your house has small gaps and cracks, you might think you need to call a contractor and take on an expensive remodel. But, according to Jono Thornely, Director of Correct Caulking, a peel-and-stick crown molding like this one is an easy — and decorative — alternative. “It is a self-adhesive strip that will fit in perfectly in any gap,” he says. “It helps in stabilizing air movement and keeps outside dirt and bugs from coming into your home. Compared to the traditional caulking, it is absolutely mess-free but provides the same efficiency."

If you are out to not only improve your home but also save money, Jimmy Evans, co-owner of San Diego Concrete Construction, recommends installing a programmable thermostat. It will let you easily micromanage when the heat and AC kicks in, he says, “which allows for better control over heating and cooling, optimizing energy usage and reducing utility bills.” Instead of tapping the thermostat when you feel hot or cold, it lets you program the temperature to match your lifestyle.

Evans also recommends switching out incandescent and other forms of light bulbs for lower-power options. “The use of LED light bulbs not only brightens the home but also consumes significantly less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, thereby reducing electricity bills,” he says.

And this battery-powered LED under-cabinet lighting puts light right where you want it— in closets, under cabinets, and in shelving units — without running wires. Peel and stick the 3-foot-long lighting strips anywhere you want them and tap the button to turn them on and off.

These dimmable vintage light bulbs are another way to take Evans’ LED advice without much effort. Simply replace the bulbs in lamps and fixtures with the bulbs in this 10-pack and your lighting will look better — that Edison style is decorative — and draw less power.

This modern shelf LED floor lamp is an even more stylish approach to implementing Evans’ advice. With room for books, plants, or other decorative items, it serves beautifully as a bedside table or office lamp. You can choose from five options in varying colors and styles — some with built-in charging stations — and heights.

This ceiling light conserves power by sensing motion. It turns on when it senses your movement and turns off again when you leave — but only when the room is dark — making it perfect for a closet or little-used area of the house. The LED draws so little power that it will operate for around a year powered only by three batteries.

"One of the most underrated pieces of home decor tech is a smart smoke detector,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, a lawn care service company. “Not only do they sense smoke from both kinds of fires, but they can also detect carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks, often before contact with any physical symptoms." It alerts you to any problems it detects on your phone and offers plenty of detail so you know how to respond — from wherever you are.

"Installing a smart thermostat is a great way to save money on your energy bill and also just make your home seem ‘nicer’ and more modern,” says Yamaguchi. “The Amazon Smart Thermostat is one of the best and least-expensive ones on the market right now, but there are plenty of other great options to choose from as well." It connects to your smart home so you can include the HVAC in routines or just shout, “Alexa, it’s cold in here!”

"I love how budget-friendly adding wall paneling is,” says Jason Farr, CEO of Aviara Pavers, a San Diego-based paver installation company. This wall panel creates a classic look on your walls without any woodworking or tools. The polyurethane panels come completely pre-built. All you do is choose a size and mount them to the wall. “It can be a great DIY project for the weekend and elevates the look of your entire space,” he says. “It adds texture to your space and makes it look classic yet timeless."

If you want an easy update with an impact much bigger than its cost or effort, says Craig Ricks Jr., President of Acadian Windows and Siding, a residential construction company in Louisiana and Mississippi, "Change out your door hardware.” It’s so easy to do. And with a 15-pack of cabinet knobs that cost only $14, you can do the entire kitchen for the price of lunch — in about as much time as it takes to eat lunch.

“It’s easy for door hardware to get overlooked as long as it’s functional,” he says. “But if you want a fun DIY project that will change up your home’s style, look for replacement door knobs, handles, and hinges."

This modern doorknob will change the look of a room fast, too. And it takes very little effort. Choose the color — there are six to choose from — and shape. Then pick the style of the knob — keyed entry, passage, privacy, or one-sided dummy — for each of your doors. You will be amazed at how much this simple change modernizes the look of your home without costing a lot.

"For those homes that have hardwood floors throughout, having a plush rug in a room will make a huge difference,” says Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores, a flooring specialty company. This fluffy — and washable! — area rug will warm up a cold room fast. “It'll help keep the floors warmer in the winter, as well as make the room cozier overall,” he says. “Instead of replacing your flooring throughout your home, try adding new rugs to change the look and feel of a room."

These beautifully patterned area rugs can be used all over the home — at an entry, in the kitchen, or a hallway — bringing color and texture to the room. And you don’t have to worry about spills or tracked-in dirt because these thin rugs can go right in the laundry to clean up. There are 10 patterns and 16 sizes to choose from.

If you are looking for a natural look and feel, this jute braided area rug is a beautiful choice. The yarn is dyed and tightly woven to create a rug that lies flat, feels terrific underfoot, and fits in any room. It comes in 21 colors and patterns. And there are so many sizes — and shapes — to choose from that you can create exactly the look you want.

"Replacing older, inefficient faucets and showerheads with water-saving models is not only a responsible choice for the environment but also a smart financial decision,” according to Rich Mullins an Indiana-based plumbing expert. This shower head is a quick and easy upgrade that will make every shower more pleasant and save you money by boosting your water pressure while reducing water use. It has both an overhead shower and a handheld shower and lots of settings, including power rain, massage, mist, rain mist, and rain massage.

Changing out the faucet at your kitchen sink is also a huge upgrade for very little money. This affordable faucet with a pull down sprayer will change the look of your kitchen and give you functionality — a hose-like sprayer that can travel the sink and deliver a spray mode, stream mode, and pause mode — that your old faucet could not — while saving water.

"For a more immediate cost-saving solution,” says Mullins. “I've had great success advising homeowners to install faucet aerators.” This faucet head sink aerator is a great, affordable option. It creates a bubbly stream of water that cuts down on water splashing back at you while you use it. And it doesn’t even require tools to install. “These inexpensive attachments can be easily added to existing faucets and reduce water flow without sacrificing water pressure,” he says.

"Another innovative product that I've come to love is the smart water heater controller,” says Mullins. “These devices allow homeowners to remotely control their water heater's temperature and scheduling, optimizing energy use and ensuring hot water is ready when needed." It will connect to your smart home system, too, so you can make it part of your routines and operate it with your voice.

"One of the most effective ways to improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency is by sealing leaks and cracks,” says Ben Gold, a construction expert and founder of Recommended Home Buyers. When it comes to this choice, this self-adhesive weatherstrip is your friend. Peel and stick it where you need it and the dense bristles mold into the shape of your gaps. “Start by inspecting windows and doors for gaps, and use weather stripping or caulk to seal them,” he says.

When the job calls for caulk, reach for this waterproof caulk and seal. It’s a silicone sealant that stops water, air, and even dampness from crossing the thresholds in your bath, kitchen, windows, doors, and other places. It is mold and mildew-resistant and requires only 24 hours to dry to a waterproof seal.

"Swapping out traditional incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LED lights is a cost-effective home improvement,” says Gold. And this four-pack of color-changing LED light bulbs is an easy way to do it. You can use the included remote to choose the color and brightness. “LED lights consume less energy and have a longer lifespan, reducing your electricity bills and the need for frequent bulb replacements,” he says.

"I would highly recommend a good quality coir door mat as a simple way to make your home nicer and save money when it comes to carpet cleaning and maintenance,” suggests Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter, a lawn care service company. “Coir mats do more than your average vinyl or rubber door mat — they're made from coconut fibers that naturally grab dirt and debris from your shoes as you step onto and off of them. Using these outside high-traffic doors is a great way to ensure less debris makes it into your home." You can choose from nine designs to personalize your entryway, too.

"A smart thermostat costs about $80 on Amazon,” says Thomas Hawkins, an electrician at Electrician Apprentice HQ. “So it's one of the most budget-friendly ways to save money. You can program them but they also analyze your energy usage to use less of it.” The Google Nest Thermostat is an excellent option because it’s so simple to use and connects to your other smart home systems. “This is a no-brainer in my opinion to save cash,” says Dehdar. “And installation is quick and simple.”

"Don't just look left to right, look down as well,” says Regency Fire's installation, engineering, and maintenance expert, Maintenance Manager, Matt Dehdar. “If you’re like me and love hardwood, know that in more extreme temperature months, the type of flooring you have will determine the overall energy efficiency of your home. If your floors get cold in the winter, add an area rug to make the space warmer both visually and physically.”

This affordable machine-washable area rug — available in lots of patterns and sizes — adds beauty and warmth without creating stress over the damage kids or pets will do to it. Just run it through the wash to fix whatever life spills on it.

"How often do the kids leave the light on in the bathroom after they're done?” asks Robert Taylor, a home rehabber in the Sacramento area. “For just a few dollars, you can replace your existing light switch with a motion-activated shut-off switch.” No one will have to turn that light off again. “It works just like a normal light switch to turn on, but after a few minutes of inactivity, the lights turn off! No more calling your kids back to turn off the light."

"Water is precious, and wasting water because of leaks is costly. Fixing most irrigation and faucet leaks is relatively simple, and very cost-effective,” says Taylor. “Exterior faucet leaks can often be solved with a wrench by simply tightening the packing nut at the bottom of the handle.” Add this adjustable wrench with a soft grip to your tool kit so you can stop leaks when they happen.

“Hoses that leak at the faucet can be fixed with a 50-cent hose washer," says Taylor. So toss this 30-pack of hose washers into your garden kit and replace that part whenever a hose starts to drip. They are heavy-duty and will fit all standard 3/4-inch hose fittings.

"Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, such as LED lighting, Energy Star-rated appliances, and smart thermostats, can save you money on your utility bills,” says Jeremy Lesher, the co-owner and product manager of Bluegrass Foundation Repair. This electricity usage monitor will help you identify which appliances to replace first. Just plug it into the wall and plug your appliances into it and it will tell you how much power that machine uses.

"If you have a large lawn or garden, investing in a programmable sprinkler system can help you save a considerable amount of money on your water bill,” according to Mark Buskuhl, founder and CEO of Ninebird Properties, a company that specializes in buying, renovating, and selling houses in the Dallas Fort Worth area. This sprinkler timer is affordable, has a big LCD screen and lots of scheduling options, and is easy to use. “These systems allow you to set specific watering schedules and adjust for weather conditions, preventing overwatering and reducing unnecessary water usage," he says.

"Solar panels are a smart investment for homeowners looking to save money in the long run,” according to Buskuhl. “They harness the power of the sun to generate electricity, reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources and saving you money on your utility bills." You can start small by swapping in your outdoor security camera (or upgrading your home to have one), like this one from Zumimall which is powered by the connected solar panel.

These solar-powered outdoor string lights are a terrific money saver since they let you create beautiful ambient lighting in your outdoor spaces that is entirely powered by sunlight. Mount the solar panel in a sunny area and string the lights where you want illumination. The lights come on automatically at sunset and turn off again before morning and the decorative Edison bulbs create a warm ambiance.

"Growing your own fruits and vegetables not only provides you with fresh produce but also helps in reducing grocery costs,” says Buskuhl. Invest in this garden tools set, complete with five useful garden tools, gloves, a spray bottle, and a tote to make that easy. Not only can this save you money on your grocery bill, but a well-tended garden is one of the nicest and most impactful changes to your curb appeal.

Plant a garden with this tomato garden kit and enjoy fresh produce that grows conveniently in your yard to save on your grocery bill. It has everything you need to get started, including seeds for four types of tomatoes, starter pots, soil disks, seed markers, and knowledge. It’s an easy way to bring order and organization to a forgotten garden, and cultivate your own food while you’re at it.

“Composting organic waste from your kitchen can provide nutrient-rich soil for your garden while also reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills,” says Buskuhl. “It's a win-win for both your wallet and the environment." This strategy starts with the stainless steel compost bin that makes it easy to divert kitchen scraps away from the trash and into your outdoor compost solution. The airtight lid and activated charcoal filter prevent odors and the handle makes it easy to carry out.

"Collecting rainwater using rain barrels not only helps in conserving water but also reduces your water bill,” says Buskuhl. This rainwater collection system is the simple addition you need to redirect downspout water into collection barrels. It’s easy to set up and turn off again when the barrels are full. “The collected water can be used for outdoor tasks such as watering plants and washing cars, reducing the need for using tap water."

"Smart home technology has revolutionized the way we live and can greatly improve both the functionality and comfort of our homes,” says Warner Quiroga, founder and CEO of Prestige Home Buyers. “From smart thermostats that adjust to your preferences and save energy, to smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely, there are endless possibilities for making your home smarter and more efficient." This light switch is a great place to start. Install it in a few minutes, connect it to your smart home system, and put your lights on a schedule — or control them with your voice.

"Cluttered and disorganized spaces can make even the nicest homes look messy and uninviting,” says Quiroga. Get the clutter that happens when you enter the house with this entryway mail holder. It captures all the clutter that comes into the house with you into one handy spot to reduce the clutter that otherwise spawns all over kitchen counters and other surfaces. “Having a designated place for everything can save you time and stress when trying to find something," he says.

“Investing in organization systems, such as shelving units, closet organizers, and storage bins, can help keep your belongings in order and make your home feel more spacious and functional,” says Quiroga. It takes only a moment to hang this closet organizer but it works wonders for bringing all that visual clutter in your closet to order, giving you a place for small items, folded sweaters, and more. You may even find you’re shopping less when you can actually see what you own.

If your incoming and outgoing mail exceeds the capacity of a simple shelf, hang this mail organizer on the wall. Once you create a system with it, paper will stop cluttering up your desktop and other surfaces. The five tiers in this organizer let you separate paper by recipient or client so you can find what you need and avoid paper piles that seem to proliferate. And, if you tend to loose track of bills or important correspondence, this gives you an easy place to store it all.

"Investing in quality insulation and sealing any gaps can make a home cozier and more energy-efficient,” says John Parker, a general contractor, pool cleaning expert, and the founder of Easy Pool Cleaning. This door draft stopper is a great place to start. Peel and stick it to the bottom of a drafty door and it will stop everything from heat, cold, sound, and bugs from coming in. “It's a win-win!” he says.