55 Cheap, Genius Things That'll Save You From Expensive Home Upgrades & Repairs

Stay aware of small leaks (and potential floods) before they worsen with this water leak detector. The battery-powered base sits below sinks, appliances, or windows and if it senses water, it’ll send an alert to the corresponding app to caution you. The sensor itself will also emit a chime, ensuring you’ll have plenty of warning to prevent a potentially expensive repair.

Create affordable, custom wainscoting or picture-frame molding with this peel-and-stick molding that’s so easy to use. It’s simple to trim to your desired length, and since it comes with preapplied adhesive, all you have to do is press it into place in whatever configuration calls to you. It’s safe to use on both walls and ceilings and saves you big bucks on material and labor costs.

• Available colors: 2

Even fussy, detailed paint work is now a chore you can tackle yourself thanks to these fillable brush pens. They use syringe-like plungers to suck up paint directly from your can, eliminating the need to pour it into a tray and waste excess material. And thanks to the precision brush applicators, they’re great for filling in small scratches without causing messy drips.

If your washing machine seal has seen better days, this mold stain remover gel is here to help. The squeeze bottle features a precise application tip, allowing you to apply the gel directly onto the areas of concern. And since the formula isn’t runny, it’ll stay where you put it. Not only is it great for use on laundry appliances, but it’s also safe to use to freshen up grout as well.

There’s no need to redo your entire heating and cooling system when this attractive floor register can give it a much-needed cosmetic upgrade instead. It comes in a range of metallic finishes that, when paired with its vintage-inspired design, give it an upmarket feel. All you have to do is measure your existing register, choose the proper size, and drop it into place.

• Available colors: 10

These thorny-looking drain clog removers are a simple and convenient way to manage common sink and tub concerns all by yourself. All you have to do is guide the flexible too down the drain; the spikes along the sides will trap hair and debris, so you can easily pull it out. Remove the hair and keep reusing the tool, or toss the whole thing away when you’re done.

There’s no need to replace the glass in your windows or doors because this privacy film is an easy way to keep out prying eyes on a budget. The film comes in a variety of patterns ranging from modern designs to classic prints. All you have to do is trim it to size and let static cling hold it in place. It’ll ensure light can still stream through while enhancing your personal space.

• Available styles: 7

Keep your home safer with this dryer vent cleaner kit. It comes with a flexible hose and all the adapters you’ll need to hook it up to your vacuum, ensuring you can reach down into tight spaces to remove lint and buildup that can start costly fires. As a bonus, the set also includes a brush to loosen lint from filter screens and more.

• Available colors: 4

You can add a practical upgrade that will make your kitchen much more functional just by applying these shelf and cabinet liners. They come on a roll, allowing for easy trimming to your exact specifications. The material is not only super grippy to help keep your utensils in place, but it’s also waterproof, which means it can prevent your surfaces from costly water damage.

• Available styles: 15

You don’t need to replace your entire window or door screen — just use this window screen repair tape instead. Cut it to the size of your tear or hole and simply stick it in place for a quick fix. The mesh pattern of the tape will blend in wonderfully with your existing screen. As one Amazon user wrote, “My cat actually ran through my screened-in porch to chase another cat and left a gaping hole in the screen. I bought this tape after reading the reviews and used it and boy it works great! I live in Florida and it rains a lot [and] it’s still sticking and the hole is still closed!”

• Available colors: 2

Why bother renovating your garage when these magnetic garage door window decals can give you a similar look for a fraction of the cost? The set comes with 32 rectangular magnets that you can arrange to create faux windows on metal doors for an elevated look. And since the magnets are weatherproof, they can hold up to inclement conditions, too.

Prevent your door handles from banging up your walls with these handy little bumpers. They stick in place and absorb the blows, preventing both scratches and annoying slamming sounds, thanks to their rubber construction. Better yet, they’re highly rated, with nearly 16,000 users weighing in to give them an impressive 4.5-star overall rating.

• Available colors: 2

Professional cleaning or outright furniture replacement can cost loads, so protect and preserve the items you already have with this waterproof pet blanket. It’s inviting for your furry friends since it has both a velvety side and plush sherpa fleece side, but it’s also practical for you because it contains a waterproof inner liner. It’s even machine washable for added convenience.

• Available colors: 15

If your under-sink cabinet is home to your collection of cleaning products, this protective mat is a game changer. This mat has a tray-like shape with high edging around the perimeter to help hold an impressive 3.6 gallons of spilled liquid or even water from pipe leaks. And thanks to the textured pattern on the bottom, it elevates your bottles away from a potential spill to prevent sticky messes.

• Available colors: 2

Even the most mundane home items can get an attractive upgrade on the cheap, and this doorbell chime cover proves it. It’s made from carved wood with an intricate pattern full of aesthetically pleasing curves. It sits directly over your doorbell chime unit and installs easily with the included adhesive tape and screws.

Landscaping and hardscaping costs can add up quickly, so create a bold statement on a budget with this wooden garden walkway. The curved cedar planks are connected by flexible rubber cordage, allowing you to roll the walkway up for easy storage. And since it’s weather resistant and easy to clean, it’s an attractive addition that’s super low maintenance.

Sometimes the simplest additions can save you from a world of trouble, and these chair leg floor protectors are the proof. They’re made from pliable silicone, allowing you to stretch them over a range of furniture leg shapes and sizes for a snug fit. The bottoms of the protectors are equipped with felt padding so that your furnishings will slide across your floors without leaving any scratches behind.

• Available colors: 6

Leather is an investment, so keep your furniture looking its best with this leather recoloring balm. Just choose the hue that best matches your item and buff it in with a sponge. When it dries, not only does it help restore the original color, but it also helps to conceal scratches and other damage, too.

• Available colors: 14

Refresh your grout with minimal time, effort, and expense using this grout repair kit. All you have to do is squeeze the pre-mixed grout from the tube using the precision tip, then use the spreader tool to flatten it out. After wiping away any excess from the tile, you’re left with a sanded finish that’s instantly brighter and fresher looking.

Make all your gadgets instantly more convenient with this grounded power switch. It plugs into your existing AC outlet and creates a new outlet right on top. Just plug a device into it and enjoy an easy-to-reach power switch right on the side. Finally, no more struggling to get a hold of a rocker switch on a long, inconvenient cord.

Stop messing with liquid solutions or calling in a plumber to fix your slow drain when you can just prevent issues with this hair catcher instead. The stainless steel guard features a tube-shaped insert that sits inside your drain. Loose hair strands will wrap around the cylindrical insert, allowing you to simply pull them off to prevent clogs before they start. And thanks to the perforated design, it won’t obstruct water flow, either.

Even scratched-up furnishings can get a second wind thanks to this furniture repair kit. The set comes with eight markers in common wood tones ranging from oak to walnut and more. All you have to do is use a color-matched marker to shade in small discolorations. For larger gouges, use the included wax crayons to build up deeper coverage.

These furniture floor grips are a simple solution to two annoying home problems. For one, the soft rubber material ensures your furniture won’t create dings or scratches on your flooring. For another, the nonslip textured construction also keeps your furniture legs from sliding around for extra stability. They’re also highly rated, with over 12,000 Amazon reviewers weighing in to give them an excellent 4.6-star overall rating.

Make quick work of little imperfections with this small hole repair kit. It’s incredibly easy to use because the clever packaging offers up all the tools you’ll need to get the job done in one go. First, simply squeeze out the primer spackle onto the hole. Then, use the spreader on the back of the tube to smooth it into place. Finally, you can buff it all out with the sanding pad on the top of the tube’s cap.

For an easy cosmetic upgrade, look no further than these screwless wall outlet plates. Just attach the base over your existing outlet and snap these covers into place. They offer up a raised profile, while the hardware-free design looks clean and on trend.

• Available colors: 9

There’s no need to redo your bathroom interior to add more storage when these shower shelves get the job done for way less. They’re made from sleek stainless steel and hang on your tile or glass thanks to concealed adhesive hooks. Perhaps most impressive, however, is that they can support a whopping 20 pounds of weight each.

• Available colors: 4

Just because you have pets doesn’t mean you want your home to look or smell like it, and that’s where this pet stain and odor remover comes in. It uses an enzyme-based formula with a citrus fragrance to remove discoloration along with any unpleasant odors that come with it. It’s versatile, too, since you can safely use it on carpet, clothing, hard-surface floors, and more.

Give outdated items an attractive revamp on the cheap with this metallic spray paint. All you have to do is spray it on items ranging from wood to plaster and more to get a glossy, high-shine finish in a saturated color. As one Amazon user wrote, “This paint is really impressive and I haven’t seen anything like it. Very stylish color and high end finish.”

• Available colors: 4

No, you don’t need to redo your wall plates, just grab these Snug Plugs instead. These U-shaped accessories slip into your outlets, taking up the excess space that may cause plugs and adapters to come loose. They even come available in a glow-in-the-dark option for increased visibility at night.

• Available colors: 2

Kitchen renovations are notoriously expensive, so make an impactful change without breaking the bank using these marble peel-and-stick tiles. Just score them to size with a knife and snap them for a clean break. Then, stick them into place to create a custom backsplash. They’re both heat and water resistant, making them a great choice for the kitchen.

• Available colors: 9

Snag these solar pathway lights for a quick way to make your outdoor space safer and more attractive. They charge up during the day and automatically turn on in the evening for bright illumination with a manicured look. And because they can be mounted on walls or staked into the ground, they give you plenty of display options as well.

• Available colors: 4

These cabinet door bumpers are a great way to ensure you won’t have to constantly repaint your walls to cover up scratches. They’re made from rubber with great shock absorbency for softening slams and protecting your surfaces. And since they come with preapplied adhesive, they’re so easy to set up, too.

Add the thoughtful details that owners and buyers alike love on the cheap with this slide-out cabinet organizer. Made from sturdy alloy steel with a chrome finish, this organizer mounts to your cabinets with little fuss using the included screws. You’ll be left with a convenient drawer-like tray that easily brings items in the back right to your fingertips.

Whether you add them to your laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen, these peel-and-stick tiles create an attractive focal point in any space that looks much more expensive than it is. These tiles are made from vinyl and are water resistant, ensuring they’re both durable and easy to clean. All you have to do is trim them and stick them in place.

Don’t shell out the big bucks to redo your hardwood floors or furniture when you could simply use this restorative polish. The unique formula not only helps to shine up wood surfaces but also brightens the color and can help camouflage the look of ordinary wear and tear. All you have to do is apply it, let it sit, and then buff it away to fade scratches, heat rings, and more.

• Available colors: 8

Why let little tears and snags prevent your home from looking its best when you could fix up your furniture in minutes with this upholstery repair kit? The set comes with seven different needle types, including speciality curved options to handle the contours of your cushions. The kit also includes black and white upholstery thread that’s reinforced with nylon for added durability.

Instantly enhance your curb appeal with these solar fence lights. They come with adhesive tape and screws, allowing you to mount them on both fences and exterior walls alike. Not only do they have convenient sensors to automatically power on at night, but the retro-looking Edison bulbs give them a stylish appearance, too.

• Available colors: 3

Stave off the scourge of water damage — and the pricey bills that come along with fixing it — thanks to this multisurface water sealant. All you have to do is spray a coat on a variety of surfaces, including wood, concrete, and brick, and you’ll create a protective, waterproof layer. As a bonus, it also helps to slow the damage from harsh UV rays as well.

Create appealing interiors with way less money and effort with this peel-and-stick wallpaper. It features a timeless gingko leaf pattern that makes a bold statement without overwhelming a space. And since it’s removable, it offers you the flexibility to change your mind without leaving any tacky buildup or residue on your walls.

• Available colors: 4

Add custom lighting without splurging on an electrician with this battery-operated closet light. It has a practical bar shape to provide a wide swath of lighting, whether you install it under your cabinets, in dim hallways, or in your closet. And since it’s motion activated and powers off automatically too, its design helps to conserve battery life.

Save yourself the costly mistake of drilling into drywall with this magnetic stud finder. Because it relies on magnets rather than batteries, it’ll never run out of power during use. All you have to do is move it across your drywall and it’ll stick in place when the magnet finds the nails or screws in your studs.

Curtain rods, toilet paper holders, towel racks — they’re all bound to come loose from weak walls over time. This wall plug repair kit, however, can save you a headache. Just soak one of the nylon discs in water, then wrap it around the screw to plug the hole and strengthen the wall. Now you can reinstall your item and enjoy a steady, secure fit.

Turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat with this bidet attachment. Minimal installation effort is required, and it has an ultra-slim design that won’t disrupt the seat closure. Once in place, you can select the pressure control of the self-cleaning nozzle for a customized cleansing experience.

If your wood surfaces or furniture is cracked or split, this all-purpose wood filler can give it a fresh revamp without the cost of replacements or repairs. Simply apply the paste-like formula into the hole, spread it out, and let it dry. From there, you can sand it down flat and stain or paint the filler to match you item.

Make your shower look brand new with less elbow grease thanks to this bathroom cleaner. Its unique formula helps to break down lime scale, calcium, and rust without the need for vigorous scrubbing — just spray it on and wipe it away. It’s safe to use on tile, glass, sinks, and more, making it well worth the affordable cost.

There’s no need to replace a chipped tub or sink, just patch it up with this tub and tile touch-up paint. It’s safe to use on porcelain, fiberglass, and ceramic surfaces and works by filling in the deformity and drying to a shiny finish. And because the speciality formula uses epoxy, it sticks in place for better staying power.

Remove excess water that can lead to mildew and mold with this dehumidifier. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to move from room to room. As a bonus, it even has an optional light in a variety of colors for extra visibility. Amazon user Mia Marshall wrote, “I live in a small apartment and I needed something that would fit in my space, but also get the job done. I bought the dehumidifier back in December and immediately I began to notice a difference. It’s been a huge help for me and I would definitely recommended this to the next person.”

• Available colors: 4

If replacing your garage isn’t an option but you’re still searching for an upgrade, this wood-look garage door paint is an excellent option. It dries in just a few hours and leaves behind a tinted finish with a natural wood-grain look. Perhaps most impressively, just one can covers up to 100 square feet.

• Available colors: 4

Make revamping old surfaces so easy and affordable with this all-in-one cabinet paint. Not only does it have a pre-mixed primer, but its formula also includes a top coat for more coverage with fewer strokes. It comes in dozens of bold and neutral colors and dries to an attractive matte finish that gives off a subtle vintage look.

• Available colors: 40+

If your windows are leaking air, you can prevent your electric bills from skyrocketing thanks to this self-stick rubber foam. This weather-sealant strip sticks in place to seal up gaps and improve your insulation, thereby putting less strain on your heating and cooling system. And since the foam has great shock absorption, it can also help to cut down on unpleasant shaking and rattling sounds coming from your windows.

Thoughtful finishing touches can make a room feel so much more luxurious, and this quiet-close toilet seat is no exception. It uses bumpers and color-coordinating hinges to slow down the lowering function of the seat, thereby eliminating loud slamming sounds when the lid hits the base. And since it comes with all the hardware you’ll need to set it up, installation is a breeze.

• Available colors: 2

Protect your security accessories with this convenient anti-theft doorbell holder. It attaches to your door with a vise-like clip, ensuring you won’t need to drill any holes into your walls when you’re setting it up. Just open the back cover, slip your doorbell unit inside, and you’re ready to enjoy enhanced home protection with minimal hassle.

• Available colors: 3

Make your closet more functional without springing for any renovations with this adjustable closet hanging rod. It boasts a sturdy steel frame and hooks over your existing rod just like a hanger, using two points of contact for stability. From there, you can raise or lower the central bar on the unit to better accommodate your needs.

• Available colors: 3

Your sweater collection is not a buffet, so make sure winged creatures get the message with these clothing moth traps. They have both a flat base and a hooked top, allowing to you place them inside drawers and shelves or loop them over your closet rod. Inside, the traps contain a pheromone to attract clothing moths and glue to grab them and prevent escape.

Instantly create more storage for your glassware with this elegant-looking wine glass rack. It comes with all the hardware you’ll need to mount it underneath a cabinet, thereby freeing up valuable cabinet space. This dependable iron rack can fit up to nine glasses at once and makes them incredibly handy to grab at a moment’s notice.

• Available colors: 4