Handymen Say These Are The Most Genius Home Upgrades You Can Make Under $35

Doug Conner, a veteran handyman with Universal Windows Direct of New Jersey, explains, “When it comes to adding value to your home without straining your pockets, small upgrades make a huge difference.” Starting with something manageable and installing modern hardware like these cabinet pulls is a great way to add that impact in a short amount of time. They’re available in eight different colors and they have a matte finish that’s made to be durable and stylish. The included screws can work for multiple wood thicknesses, so the hardware is easy to install on your kitchen cabinets, wardrobe doors, or dresser drawers.

This squeezable door and window caulk is incredibly cheap, but can provide significant cost savings thanks to fewer drafts. Shay LaRue, a handyperson with American Home Shield, says, “Sealing your windows with waterproof caulking on the exterior and window sealant on the interior will improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.” This formula is silicone-based and resistant to water and weather, so it’s perfect for border areas on windows and doors.

This drain protector is a great option for preventing bathroom sink clogs, which can be expensive for homeowners to deal with as Caleb John, director of Exceed Plumbing & Air Con, says. This drain guard is designed to keep water flowing, and the in-sink collection chamber keeps unsightly hair hidden from view until it’s time to clean it out.

Doug Conner, a handyman for the New Jersey company Universal Direct Windows, says “In the kitchen, minor touches like [...] open shelving can elevate the space.” These gorgeous floating wooden shelves install with the included hardware and allow you to show off your favorite kitchen items in a modern way. The shelves feature invisible brackets for a sleek look, and each one can hold up to 20 pounds. They come in four color options.

“I would like to see people add [...] a shoe tray to prevent dirt from entering your home,” says Jake Fry, CEO of the home building company SmallWorks. These trays are made from durable, waterproof plastic with a raised rim that can contain water, dirt, and other debris. And since the trays come in a set of three, there’s plenty of storage space for all your shoes.

Veteran handyman Doug Conner, who works for Universal Direct Windows of New Jersey, suggests adding under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for a quick upgrade. These wireless bar lights are simple to install thanks to the included adhesive tape or screws. They’re powered via AAA batteries and can be customized with four timer options. They even come with a remote for added ease of use.

Steven Bahbah, managing director at Service First Plumbing, says that adding a faucet aerator can result in an immediate savings on your water bill. He explains, “The installation of tap aerators on all sinks, laundry, and kitchen fixtures eliminates approximately 30 to 50 percent of water consumption without reducing the amount of [water] pressure.” This faucet attachment offers a soft bubble stream and a stronger spray so you can customize your water flow, and it rotates a full 360 degrees so you can reach any part of the sink.

Kyle Howell, president of Kimble and Company Fire Protection, says that simple upgrades such as replacing old switch covers can “give a more defined, clean appearance of any area.” These switch plates come in four sleek colors with a chic beading detail around the outside. They’re also available as outlet covers, so you can give your whole room a seamless look without spending a ton of money.

“For a quick fix that you can do under an hour, replace old faucets,” says veteran handyman with Universal Windows Direct, Doug Conner. This sleek kitchen faucet is a great option because it’s designed for 15-minute self-installation and features a 360-degree swivel sprayer with two spray functions. Made of stainless steel, the curved faucet is both durable and stylish and has a built-in filter screen to help prevent clogs. It’s available in four colors.

“One of the most overlooked places in a home is a closet, and they are ideal for upgrading with the many organizational shelves, bars, and drawers available,” says Shay LaRue, a handyperson with American Home Shield, a home warranty service that connects homeowners with a staff of tradespeople to help with repair and maintenance needs. As far as your own closet goes, adding a slide-out valet rod gives you addition hanging space when you need it. And when you don’t, it tucks easily away.

Touching up scratches and scuffs is easy with these refillable paint pens. Doug Conner of New Jersey’s Universal Windows Direct says that something as simple as a new coat of paint can make a big difference in key rooms. These touch-up pens are designed to keep paint fresh for years, giving you a convenient and long-lasting way to keep refreshing your space.

If you don’t have the time or budget for a full bathroom renovation, Kyle Howell, president of Kimble and Company Fire Protection, says that “new caulk on sinks or tubs enhances the appearance of the room.” Unlike standard caulk formulas, this caulk tape is mess-free and super simple to apply. With a convenient center crease for easy installation and the ability to cut it to size, the durable tape can give your space a tidy look in no time.

If you’re game for a DIY project, one of Universal Windows Direct’s veteran handymen, Doug Conner, suggests installing a new backsplash. He advises that it can add style without overly straining your budget. This peel-and-stick backsplash is an easy option to try out. It’s designed to be resistant to yellowing, heat, and moisture — perfect for high-traffic and high-moisture areas like the kitchen. The tile is self-adhesive so you don’t need any grout or glue.

Looking to add more storage to your space? Jake Fry, CEO of the home building company SmallWorks, says that wall hooks are “a great way to keep clutter from accumulating.” For a stylish vintage look, you can’t beat this set of three cast iron wall hooks. And thanks to the pre-drilled holes, they’re simple to install with the included hardware.

Doug Conner, one of Universal Windows Direct’s handymen, says that homeowners often forget about their windows. He explains, “Well-maintained, cleaned, and well-dressed windows not only boost the appeal but also enhance energy efficiency.” This combination squeegee and microfiber scrubber makes it easy to stay on top of window cleaning. It swivels so you can scrub from different angles, and the two sides offer versatility for different types of grime. Plus, because the cloth pad is washable, you can use it over and over again.

Homeowners need not to forget about the insides of cabinets, cautions Matthew O’Grady, director and co-founder of Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture. He explains, “This is where spills happen and where most long-term damage [goes] unnoticed.” In addition to regularly checking these areas, consider adding an under-sink mat. The raised edge is built to contain up to 3.3 gallons of liquid should an accidental leak occur.

The owner and CEO of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric, Megan Doser, advises homeowners to add USB or USB-C outlets to bedrooms and home offices. She says, “USB-C especially gives off that ‘yeah, this place has been updated recently’ vibe without spending much at all.” She recommends these three-port outlets for an easy swap that fits standard junction boxes.

Brian Blackwell, CEO of Code Pro Resources, says, “One of my favorite small DIY upgrades with a big payoff is adding one-way privacy window film. These [block] UV rays, cut heat during the summer, and add privacy while still letting you see outside.” This easy-to-apply window film he recommends installs with water — not messy adhesives — so it’s a simple DIY project.

CEO and owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, Megan Doser, says that if you have an outdoor spigot, you need one of these hard-shell covers. She explains, “Even if you drain the line, a little water can still sit in the faucet body, and a hard-shell cover prevents that leftover water from freezing and cracking the spigot.” These covers are waterproof, lightweight, and heat-insulating to withstand all sorts of winter weather.

Licensed home builder John Salvatore Gelfusa, who’s also the cofounder and president of HomeWorks CGO Inc., recommends this epoxy wood putty for all sorts of repairs. He says, “Imagine the dog chewed up a piece of furniture, bedroom footboard, or staircase spindle. Not that long ago your choice was to live with it or get a new piece, but epoxy wood putty can give your piece new life.” Gelfusa likes that this particular putty is easy to use. “Just mix the two putties together by hand and form it into place on the repair,” he says.

When it comes to elevating your space, Doug Conner, a handyman for Universal Windows Direct, advises homeowners to focus on high-traffic areas and make simple changes like cleaning bathroom or kitchen grout. This tile paint marker lets you refresh your grout fast with a water-based formula that’s designed to cover up stains and grime.

Shay LaRue, a handyperson with the home warranty service American Home Shield, says that small closet upgrades “will make your everyday easier and less stressful.” Adding dividers, like these fabric shelf separators, helps your better organize your clothes and accessories. And since the dividers feature a flexible, slide-on design, you can install them in seconds.

Caleb John, director of Exceed Plumbing & Air Con, recommends using a programmable hose timer to set watering schedules and keep a close eye on usage. He explains, “Customers of mine have wasted hundreds of gallons watering because they forgot about the water once they started watering.” This timer is easy to set up, and you can set the start time, duration, and frequency that the water turns on.

John Salvatore Gelfusa, a licensed home builder and cofounder and president of HomeWorks CGO Inc., says that this wax putty stick “is the best and simplest solution” for dealing with scuffed trim. “Our base molding takes a beating,” he says, adding that the wax stick “works great for fixing all the chipped and scratched corners.” Just rub it over damaged wood surfaces or small holes to fill in any imperfections.

To help get rid of soap buildup and hair in bathroom drains, Steven Bahbah, managing director at Service First Plumbing recommends a flexible drain cleaning tool. Bahbah says that the tool can get rid of drain grime “in under ten minutes,” while “the plumber will charge about $200 to visit your home and remove this buildup.” This 22-inch brush is designed to reach deep into drains to scrub away scum.

The cofounder and president of HomeWorks CGO Inc., John Salvatore Gelfusa, raves about this wall repair kit. He says, “If you have a wall anchor that's not holding in the wall, the traditional fix is patch the hole paint and move to a new spot on the wall. This simple quick fix allows you to reuse your existing hole.” He adds, “In just a few minutes, the fabric expands around the anchor providing a solid hold on a once wobbly anchor hole.” This repair kit comes with 20 wall plug discs.

Director of Exceed Plumbing & Air Con, Caleb John, says that clogged drains are a common and costly issue for homeowners. To prevent a call to the plumber, John suggests installing a drain strainer in all showers. This strainer is available in a ton of colors, and there’s no assembly required — so you can start using it right away. The hair catcher’s design won’t impede water flow, but the stainless steel mesh is designed to collect hair and other objects before they can clog the drain.

Jake Fry, CEO of the home building company SmallWorks, says something as simple as using grout brushes can help give stained tile areas a budget-friendly refresh. This scrubbing spin brush can be used in many areas of your home, but its V-shaped brush head is ideal for getting into grout lines to quickly banish grime.

Matthew O’Grady, director and co-founder of Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture, says, “Look for things in your house that are slightly loose or misaligned.” He adds that those small adjustments “[make] a huge difference in how well-built your home feels.” He recommends using a spirit level (the ones with a handy bubble indicator) to make sure shelves, cabinet doors, and more are installed correctly.

To help reduce energy loss and eliminate condensation on your exposed pipes, Steven Bahbah, Service First Plumbing’s managing director, recommends pipe insulation foam. This foam wrap offers up insulation without adding a ton of bulk, and it’s designed to be incredibly strong with plenty of stretch. Just cut it to size to get a custom fit.

Adding new door handles is an upgrade that Doug Conner, a handyman from Universal Windows Direct of New Jersey, recommends for “a quick fix.” This modern interior handle is available in six colors and multiple styles including non-locking and keyed entry. The handle features compression springs that help keep it straight and stable. Plus, you can install the handle yourself with just a standard screwdriver.

Megan Doser, the owner and CEO at Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric, says, “You can make a room feel warmer with the same radiator and at the same thermostat setting just by adding a thin reflective panel behind the radiator.” Doser likes this type of 6-millimeter insulation that helps reflect back wasted energy and prevent the walls from absorbing heat instead. The aluminum foil comes with adhesive pads for simple installation.

John Salvatore Gelfusa, cofounder and president of HomeWorks CGO Inc., loves this caulk remover spray for DIY bathroom fixes. He says that if you spray the formula on old caulk, it’ll make it easier to remove and provide a clean base for your new product. The water-based formula comes packaged in an easy-to-use spray bottle.

Managing director at Service First Plumbing, Steven Bahbah, says that a stainless steel shower hose “will last longer than the cheaper plastic ones, providing a better showering experience.” This braided hose features a stainless steel casing and a no-tangle design. It’s designed to fit most standard showerheads and comes in three finishes and three sizes.

The director of Exceed Plumbing & Air Con, Caleb John, says that maintaining the foliage around your HVAC is key. “If you find leaves, grass clippings or dense shrubs located within two feet of the unit, consider that you've increased the workload on the condensate unit by 200 to 300 percent.” These clippers feature sharp 15-inch carbon steel blades that are great at clearing up nearby greenery so you can maintain a working HVAC system.

For another small upgrade with a big impact, Kyle Howell, president of Kimble and Company Fire Protection, suggests replacing damaged doorstops in your space. These magnetic options are available in white, silver, and black. They install with the included adhesive or hardware so you can get a secure hold on almost any type of surface.

“Swap tired light fixtures for that instant refresh,” says handyman Doug Conner from Universal Windows Direct of New Jersey. This modern chandelier is a versatile and budget-conscious option that can be installed with the step-by-step user manual. The fixture is available five color finishes and with multiple bulb options. It’s even compatible with dimmer switches.

Kyle Howell, president of Kimble and Company Fire Protection, recommends adding LED puck lights to dark cabinet areas. He says the lights can help things look “more organized and clean without altering any big fixtures.” For super fast installation, these cordless puck lights are a great option. Use the included adhesive or screws to install. Then just add batteries and use the remote or tap the lights to operate them.

A simple drawer organizer allows homeowners to update their space without a major investment. “[It] will create a tidier appearance as well as smoother operation of the drawer without replacing cabinets,” says Jake Fry, CEO of the home building company SmallWorks. These bamboo drawer organizers come in a pack of four and are available in both white and natural wood tones. Their length is adjustable, and they can be installed vertically or horizontally depending your organizing needs.

“Look for areas where wood meets wood and check for any joint that’s swollen or catching,” says Matthew O’Grady, director and co-founder of Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture. He adds, “This can usually be sorted easily with a bit of fine sanding and a proper furniture wax or oil.” This wood wax is designed to help drawers slide more smoothly, helping prevent costly repairs or replacements.

Service First Plumbing’s Steven Bahbah likes deeper strainer baskets for the kitchen sink. He explains that the strainer allows you to catch food particles before they can clog pipes. “You simply empty the strainer after each meal to avoid the cost of a blocked drain,” says Bahbah. This stainless steel option fits most types of home sink drains and is designed to resist corrosion and rust.

Shay LaRue, a handyperson with American Home Shield, says that painting your front door is “a very inexpensive way to add value to your home.” This paint from Rust-Oleum is especially designed for doors and trim and it works on various surfaces, making it a good choice for a DIY update. The water-based paint formula comes pre-mixed so you can start using it right away, and it’s designed to dry to the touch in just 45 minutes.

Brian Blackwell, CEO of Code Pro Resources, loves this lubricant for its versatility and budget-friendly price. He raves, “In just a few sprays you can quiet squeaks and help your items last longer.” The professional-grade formula is designed to dry quickly and not leave behind a sticky residue, so you can use it for your garage door tracks, hinges, and sliding door rollers.

Giving your outdoor space a little TLC doesn’t have to be pricy when you install something budget-friendly like these solar-powered landscape lights. When it comes to inexpensive outdoor upgrades, Doug Conner, a veteran handyman with Universal Windows Direct says, “Adding solar lights [...] and refreshing your walkway instantly boosts curb appeal.” These waterproof outdoor lights are built to withstand the elements, and they turn on and off automatically at dusk and dawn. Just push the stakes into the ground and you’re ready to go.

Caleb John, director of Exceed Plumbing & Air Con, recommends installing a low-flow showerhead in your bathroom. John says, “Replacing a shower head takes about 10 minutes [...] and reduces water use by 30 to 40 percent while maintaining water pressure.” This handheld option is a shopper fave for its ease of installation. “If you’re worried about this as a DIY project, don’t be; it’s about as complex as changing a lightbulb,” said one shopper in a five-star review.

When looking to upgrade your home quickly, Jake Fry, CEO of the home building company SmallWorks, recommends paying attention to entryways. “That small area between your door and the outside world is where all of your vehicle's dirt and grime will come into your home,” he says, recommending a doormat to help solve this issue. This one features a combination of artificial turf and rubber strips that trap dirt before you track it inside.

Adding soft-close hinges to your drawers or cabinets is a smart, budget-friendly upgrade, says Matthew O’Grady, director and co-founder of Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture. “It makes the home feel premium and well-kept, which can add to its value,” he says. These hinges can be adjusted three different ways with a standard screwdriver, making them a perfect DIY project.

“[Fresh wax] will help with the fading of the cabinets and freshen their appearance,” says Shay LaRue, a handyperson with the home warranty company American Home Shield. This wood polish is a great option because it’s designed for all furniture finishes and natural woods. It also contains conditioning oils that help keep surfaces from drying out and fading.

Matthew O’Grady, director and co-founder of Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture, recommends lining the inside of drawers and cupboards to better prevent damage. “It helps to keep them cleaner and looking new longer,” he explains. These stylish drawer liners feature a subtle lavender scent and a Royal Damask-inspired design. You can cut the paper to size, and it’s made without adhesive so it won’t cause surface damage.

DIY projects are only as good as their installation, says Brian Blackwell, CEO of Code Pro Resources. He urges homeowners to mount items properly using a stud finder. “[It] helps homeowners safely install shelves without damaging drywall.” This stud finder is made to locate both the edges and centers of studs, joists, pipes, and live wires so you can install items with confidence.