Maintaining your home can feel like an overwhelming task, so I reached out to a variety of professional contractors to help you determine how to best tackle it in a budget-friendly way. On this list, you’ll find products that they confirm are essential to have on hand to keep your place in tip-top shape. Scroll on to keep small problems from growing, ensure DIY jobs go well, and help keep out pests.
Budget-Friendly Sink Strainers To Avoid Clogging Drains
Tyler Pittenger, a service plumber, and drain and sewer specialist at Service Force Plumbing, says you should avoid putting pretty anything down your sink drains — even if you have a garbage disposal. He says it can turn into “a paste that will likely build up over time and cause problems.” To help, he suggests using these stainless steel sink strainers with a mesh design to catch even the smallest particles. Two are included and they’re dishwasher safe for cleaning.
A Flexible Toilet Plunger To Easily Clear Clogs
Allison Harrison, the co-owner of Goodbee Plumbing and Drains, stresses that every homeowner or renter needs a toilet plunger. It “can often save you a call to the plumber when a toilet or drain gets clogged,” she adds. This particular plunger has an innovative shape to clear clogs with minimal effort. In addition, Harrison mentioned that you should keep a sink plunger on hand.
Long Drain Snakes For Extra-Stubborn Clogs
Plunger didn’t work? Harrison recommends drain snakes like these (over harsh chemicals that she says can damage your pipes) for extra-stubborn clogs. “It goes deep into your pipes to dislodge blockages,” she explains. Five 22-inch drain snakes are included in this set.
Waterproof Tape To Prevent Leaks In Showers & More
Made from high-quality Teflon, pipe tape can create an airtight seal around threaded pipe joints. “It’s great for preventing leaks in your faucets and showerheads,” shares Harrison — especially considering it’s waterproof. The set comes with two rolls.
And Flexible Plumber’s Putty That Makes A Waterproof Seal
Harrison says, “In certain situations, plumber’s putty is preferable to caulk,” as it can be used to create “a watertight seal around showerheads, sink faucets, or bathtub drains.” The putty will remain flexible, without hardening, shrinking, or cracking (even when left open) — so you’ll get plenty of use out of it. The tub holds 14 ounces to last through plenty of repairs.
A Drip-Free Caulk Gun To Easily Seal Gaps
If you use caulk to seal gaps in your bathroom, Harrison recommends using a caulk gun like this “to properly apply it.” The gun will deliver a precise, smooth flow of caulk without any rogue drips. Use the attached scraper tool to remove old materials first.
An Easy-To-Use Pen That Freshens & Seals Grout
Joseph Passalacqua, the owner and CEO of Maid Sailors, calls a grout sealer pen “one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.” This particular option features a water-based colorant in a white shade that’ll freshen up grout lines in your bathroom, kitchen, or wherever else you have tile. It dries quickly to a waterproof finish. Choose from a wide or narrow tip in the listing.
Felt Pads To Keep Furniture From Scratching Your Floors
A budget-friendly way to protect your flooring? Passalacqua suggests these soft felt furniture pads. They stick on the bottom of pretty much any furniture piece to prevent scratches, gouges, or other damage on the floor below. The set comes with 24 pads in squares and circles.
High-Quality Painter’s Tape To Pull Off Neater DIYs
The Founder and CEO of Nashville Painting Professionals, Ryan Parr, says that for painting projects, one area you don’t want to skimp on is painter’s tape. Use it to “protect surfaces and help with clean lines,” he adds. This particular roll covers up to 60 yards, and when removed, it won’t leave behind a sticky residue. The roll is 60 yards long and almost 1 inch wide.
Fillable Paint Pens To Touch Up Walls & Ceilings
“Walls are susceptible to minor scuffs and dings, but touch-up paint keeps your space looking maintained over time,” shares Parr. And the smartest way to store your extra paint? This pair of fillable paint pens that will keep it fresh for years to come. Utilize the built-in brush head to swipe the paint directly on the surface.
A Canvas Drop Cloth To Prevent Expensive Spills
Accidentally spilling paint on your floors or furniture during DIYs can be a costly mistake. To prevent this, Parr recommends putting down a protective drop cloth like this one made of thick canvas. It has double-stitched edges to prevent unraveling and it can be reused for all of your projects.
A Low-Cost Hygrometer To Track Of Indoor Humidity
Andrew Hancock, the president of Gilman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, says that it’s important to keep track of indoor humidity levels, “which affect both comfort and how well your HVAC system works.” For this, use an indoor hygrometer that accurately displays the temperature and humidity level of your space. It refreshes the data every 10 seconds.
Magnetic Vent Covers To Up Efficiency & Boost Airflow
To control airflow in your home, Hancock suggests vent covers like these. “They allow you to redirect heating or cooling to rooms you use most, improving overall efficiency,” he shares. The set comes with three covers that are held securely in place thanks to the magnetic design. Check out the listing for all of the size options, ensuring a perfect fit.
AC Pan Tablets To Prevent Odor & Water Damage
Hancock describes AC pan tablets like these as “preventative medicine for your HVAC system.” They can help “prevent algae and bacteria from blocking your condensate drain line, avoiding water damage or expensive repairs,” he shares. Plus, they control unwanted odors. The bag contains 30 tablets.
A Power Meter To Help Lower Energy Costs
High energy costs? The COO of Bates Electric, Andrew Bates, recommends a power meter to get it under control. “This small device helps you track the energy usage of individual appliances by simply plugging it in between the outlet and the appliance,” he explains. It provides various reading results on the large backlit LCD display. It has earned a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon thanks to its accuracy and ease of use.
This Hair Catcher To Avoid Clogged Shower & Tub Drains
Hendrik Vandepoll, a master plumber and the co-owner of Service Force Plumbing, estimates that 90% or so of the shower and tub clogs that he sees are a result of accumulated hair. To prevent this in the first place, he suggests utilizing this TubShroom drain protector, which catches hair before it slips down the drain. Once full, pull it out and wipe the hair off before putting it back.
An Extra-Long Suctioned Bath Mat To Prevent Slips
Taylor Green, the co-founder of Artificial Grass Solutions, favors this extra-long bath mat (which is over 3 feet in length) for tubs or showers to “reduce [the] risk of falls.” The mat has 200 small suction cups to stay securely in place, and there’s built-in drainage to prevent mold or odors.
Motion-Activated Lights For Safer Nights
Utilize this pair of motion-sensor night-lights “for safer nighttime navigation,” according to Green. They flip on automatically when movement is sensed within 25 feet. He says they’re useful for bathrooms, hallways, and closets. Each light has a long-lasting LED bulb that puts out a soft white glow.
This Over-The-Door Organizer To Maximize Space
Maximize the often-wasted area on the back of any door for storage with this pocket organizer. Greens says it’s “great for bathrooms, pantries or closets,” adding that it’s renter-friendly. The hanging organizer has six roomy pockets with a clear window in the front for viewing the contents inside.
Solar-Powered Lights To Brighten Outdoor Areas
These solar-powered lights “brighten pathways and gardens and provide functionality and aesthetic appeal while saving on energy costs,” notes Green. The six lights charge during the day, then flip on automatically at night. They’re waterproof to last season after season.
Faucet Aerators To Save Water & Money
Green suggests putting these metal aerators on your sink faucets — they’ll help save up to 30% more water. This will lower your utility bill, likely substantially. Each of the six included attachments is made from metal with a polished finish.
A Clear Lazy Susan That’s An Organizer’s Dream
Green says that this clear plastic turntable is perfect for “spice, condiment or pantry organization so you can find the essentials when you need them and keep counters clean!” It rotates smoothly and there’s a raised edge all the way around to ensure items don’t accidentally fall off.
Sturdy Picture-Hanging Strips That Come Off Easily
Utilize these 16 hanging strips that are “perfect for hanging lightweight items,” according to Green — each one holds up to 10 pounds. When the time for removal rolls around, the strips won’t cause any damage to the wall (or any other smooth surface you attach it to); pull straight down on the adhesive strip to get it off.
A Wireless Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo
Green refers to this smoke and carbon monoxide detector combo as “reliable,” which really is the most important factor in this kind of item. It’s powered by two AA batteries (no tricky wiring necessary), and the alarm will loudly sound if an issue is detected. It mounts in place using the included bracket.
Grow Bags So You Can Start A Garden Even In Small Spaces
Don’t have enough room to start an outdoor garden? Think again: These five-gallon plant grow bags are ideal for “a small garden on patios or backyards, using limited space,” explains Green. Each of the five bags is made from a thick, durable fabric that will allow water to properly drain.
An Accurate Stud Finder To Securely Hang Things On Walls
Referred to as “an essential tool in any home” by Rich Morris, who runs Top Shelf Handyman Pros, a stud finder like this one will help you more securely hang items on your walls. “It also keeps you from having to poke unnecessary holes in your walls looking for a stud,” he adds. You can utilize the tool as a level, too.
An Adhesive Door Draft Stopper To Lower Your Energy Bill
Michael DiMartino, the SVP of project services at Power Home Remodeling, says that installing a door draft stopper like this one is a “fast, inexpensive and incredibly effective way to retain warmth within your home.” In addition to keeping out drafts, it also guards against odors, noise, and pests. This pick sticks in place with the adhesive on the back.
A Ladder Stabilizer For Damage Prevention & Safety
DiMartino cautions that when propping your ladder against a wall, “you risk scraping or leaving damaging marks and scratches” should it slide. A ladder stabilizer prevents this — it also makes the ladder safer to climb and stand on. It’s designed to work with ladders of various sizes.
Rubber Gloves For Clearing Gutters & Other Wet Tasks
For cleaning out gutters and other potentially wet spots, DiMartino says to “invest in a good pair of rubber work gloves — not ones made of cotton or leather” to keep your hands dry. These particular work gloves have a double-layer latex coating that makes them entirely waterproof and slip resistant. The long elastic cuffs keep out debris.
This Versatile & Compact Bag To Organize Your Tools
Shreyas Sudhakar, the CEO of Vayu Industries Inc., prefers this fabric tool bag over a metal or plastic toolbox for most homeowners since it takes up less space and is “super versatile.” It boasts eight interior pockets, 13 exterior pockets, and eight belts to organize your entire tool collection. Use the padded, adjustable strap for carrying.
A 3-Piece Testing Kit For Electric Troubleshooting
For basic electrical troubleshooting, Sudhakar says this test kit is your best bet. It includes three components: a manual-ranging digital multimeter and “some handy tools like outlet testers and a voltage pen to see if a circuit is live,” he explains.
Outlet Covers That Lock For Extra Protection
Keep little fingers out of your outlet sockets and get a cleaner look with these sliding covers; the concept comes recommended by Joel Worthington, the president of Mr. Electric. The covers even lock for an extra layer of security. They’re straightforward to install — two of them are included.
An Outlet Extender With Built-In Surge Protection
Worthington suggests an outlet extender that has surge protection, like this one, that “helps ensure sensitive electronics and equipment [aren’t] damaged.” Utilize its five outlets and four USB ports (including a USB-C one) to power various devices at once.
Cost-Saving LED Light Bulbs You Can Control With Your Voice
Worthington favors LED light bulbs since they’re “energy-efficient and can help reduce electric bills.” And these particular ones have the added bonus of being smart — tweak the color temperature and brightness, set up schedules, and more with the Roku Smart Home mobile app or your voice via Roku Voice, Alexa, or a Google Assistant-enabled device.
Garage Door Lubricant To Extends Its Life
This garage door lubricant is popular on Amazon with a near-perfect 4.7-star rating after 15,000-plus reviews. And Michael Brickner, the president of Precision Garage Door Service, says that regularly a lubriant like this one is essential since “reducing resistance in the door's movement minimizes strain on its components, helping to ensure the system lasts longer.” The lubricant sprays on in two ways, and it’ll dry quick and clear.
An Ultrasonic Pest Repellent With A Large Coverage Range
Power Pest Control President Peter Power suggests utilizing a combination of pest control methods to effectively eliminate nuisances. And this ultrasonic pest repeller is one option to bring into the mix. It emits high-frequency waves to deter mice, spiders, mosquitoes, and more. The device has a surprisingly large coverage area of up to 1,200 square feet.
An Essential Oil-Based Spray To Get Rid Of Pests
Another pest deterrent method Power suggests is a repellent spray like this one that’s proven to kill a range of bugs (including flying and crawling types), and then keep them from returning. It utilizes plant-based essential oils to give it an earthy cedarwood scent. Power recommends that you “change scents time to time to prevent these pests becoming accustomed to a single fragrance.” Various options are available in the listing.
The Mop Set An Expert Calls The “Fastest, Most Efficient & Easiest” Way To Clean Floors
Stanley Chen, the owner of BerryClean, refers to this spin mop set as “the fastest, most efficient, and easiest complete mop system to use in a residential home.” Fill the bucket with up to two gallons of water (Chen says you could even add a little floor cleaner to it, too), then use the spin mop to get your floors squeaky clean. The spinning technology makes it simple to remove excess water.
A Gutter Block To Protect Your Foundation
“Downspouts that dump water too close to your house are one of the biggest causes of foundation problems I see,” shares Aaron Lipman, the owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair. An easy fix? A gutter splash block like this one that is designed to direct water away from your home (it’s 21 inches long). It’s made from recycled rubber that’s surprisingly durable.
Cement Filler So Small Cracks Won’t Turn Into Big Issues
Hairline cracks in your driveway, patio, or garage floor may seem like no big deal. But Lipman cautions against ignoring them. “Water will seep in, and those small cracks can quickly spread, making repairs more expensive,” he shares. For repair, use this cement filler. It’s premixed, so you can shake it up and squeeze it directly onto the problem areas. It self-levels and will be ready to walk on in as few as 30 minutes.
Motion-Sensor Lights For Safety & Visibility
“Tripping on an uneven walkway or steps at night is an easy way to get hurt, especially in older homes,” says Lipman. For better visibility, use motion-sensor lights that’ll flip on automatically when there’s movement nearby. “They also help keep unwanted visitors (people or animals) away from your property,” adds Lipman. The set comes with two lights that are powered by the sun.
Bamboo Gardening Gloves For Various Outdoor & Indoor Tasks
Regardless if you’re a gardener or not, Jeremy Yamaguchi, the CEO of Lawn Love, thinks everyone should have a pair of gardening gloves on hand. “They are great to have when tending to plants and garden beds, of course. [...] They also help with other non-gardening tasks like picking up leaves, pinecones, and pine needles, as well as clearing out your gutters,” he explains. These particular gardening gloves fit snugly and the bamboo material they’re made from will keep you cool as you work.
Large Silica Gel Packets For Moisture Control
Eric Bramlett, a realtor and the owner of Bramlett Real Estate, recommends scooping up this set of silica gel packets — that can absorb up to 40% of their weight in moisture — to “prevent [mold] and mildew in damp areas (like closets or basements).” It’s a cheap solution to help keep a potentially big problem in check. The set includes 25 packets that weigh 50 grams each.
A Waterproof Sealant To Fix Roof Cracks For Less Than $20
Crack in your roof? Brendan Anderson, the owner of Brix Systems, suggests applying a sealant spray like this one that creates an airtight, waterproof seal — it’s also resistant to temperature fluctuations. “It’s quick, easy to use, and saves you from a bigger headache down the line,” he adds.
A Kit To Keep Your Pool Clean
If you own a pool or a hot tub, Rafi Friedman, the president of Coastal Luxury Nocatee Pool Builders, says that a cleaning kit is a must-have since it will “help your pool to stay cleaner for longer, and also make essential and expensive components like the heater and filter last longer.” The kit includes various maintenance tools like a net, brush heads, and more.
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