These products make your great home even better — just ask the experts.
Let’s get straight to the point: Contractors know all of the secretly genius products that will make it look like you did a full home renovation project. That’s why this list is packed with expert contractors who know all of the sneaky Amazon finds that will instantly elevate your space, and they give us professional tips on how to use them. Not only are these contractor-recommended finds pure genius, but they’re also so budget-friendly that you’ll want to try all of them out.
01A suction cup razor holder that clips around any style of razor
Borcherding also calls this razor holder “a wonderful solution for the daily dilemma of storing your razor.” It has a suction cup design to easily pop it right on your shower tiles next to your shaving cream or on your mirror. The clear, easy-to-clean material will blend right in with the things around it. Plus, the clip on the front will easily wrap around the handle of your razor — no matter what your go-to brand is.
02This moisture absorber to refresh damp & musty rooms
Josh Rudin, owner and CEO at ASAP Restoration LLC, recommends grabbing this easy-to-use DampRid moisture absorber to take care of bathrooms or rooms that constantly feel damp and sticky. All you have to do is pull off the liner on top, pop the lid bag on, and this activated charcoal product will get to work on absorbing all of the extra moisture after showering or any mustiness around the house. It’s also easy to see when you need to swap it out because all of the crystals inside dissolve when they’re done.
As for where to use it, he suggests to place it in “bathrooms without ventilation fans, or in any place that gets too much moisture without a way to easily extract it.” He also points out, “Moisture causes mold growth, and this product is amazing at pulling the water from the air before a mold infestation can even get started.”
03A toilet night-light with customizable dimmers & colors
Kent Boll, CEO at Service Today, highly suggests adding a motion-sensor night-light to your toilet so it will instantly turn on when you visit the bathroom at night. “We've all experienced that situation where we wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, have to turn on the glaring bathroom light, which stings our eyes, and then we struggle to fall back asleep,” he explains. “I can guarantee it will spare those who are afraid of the dark from having to fumble around to find a light switch.”
Simply clip this piece under the seat and choose from 16 LED colors, and this quirky light will look way more aesthetic than a classic night-light. It has a dimmer, and since the light is inside the bowl, it’s not too bright.
04These furniture repair markers & wax sticks with clever wood-tone colors
If you could definitely use a kit for wood furniture, this pack of touch-up wax sticks and quick-drying markers is the one to grab because it comes with all of the colors you’ll need to match your scuffed-up furniture. With colors like oak, maple, mahogany, and more, you can confidentially color right over scratched furniture, and those wax sticks can fill in deeper nicks. It really is a complete kit because you even get a pencil sharpener to keep the wax sticks perfectly precise.
05A small hole repair kit with all the tools you need
DiBara also loves a good DIY repair kit because he says they’re “inexpensive ways to solve common household problems.”
To tackle holes in the drywall, this small hole repair kit has everything you need. It comes with a sanding sponge, patch with self adhesive, spackle, and a putty knife. It can fix rather large drywall dents, up to 3 inches in diameter, and once you paint over it, it’ll look just like the rest of your wall. No sags or cracks to be found here.
06These adjustable wrenches with a corrosion-resistant design
DiBara also recommends keeping a wrench set around, and this pack is perfect because they’re adjustable, come with four different sizes, and they’re so budget-friendly. They’re made of ultra-durable carbon steel with an anti-corrosion design, so they’re definitely sturdy enough to tackle some DIY projects around the house.
As for where these wrenches will come in handy the most, he suggests using them to “tighten and loosen nuts and bolts in plumbing and small repair operations.”
07This colorful pack of cable ties that are reusable & waterproof
When it comes to organizing, DiBara loves reusable cable ties like this colorful pack. They’re made of waterproof and super durable nylon, so you can even wrap them around outdoor extension cords. You get two different sizes for different cords, and they’re all completely adhesive-free, so you can pull them off and move them around.
08These rechargeable & foldable LEDs that you’ll reach for all the time
MacRae also suggests keeping rechargeable LED lights handy, noting that “their affordability, durability, and energy efficiency make them a go-to item for many home contractors.” And this USB-rechargeable pack is so versatile. They have a foldable design and three brightness levels, so you can use them as a cozy little reading light, a work light, or as a super bright grill light. They have hooks and magnets on the bottom, so you can easily hang them up for home projects. They even have a red light and flashing red light setting, so they can work as an emergency light for hiking.
09A best-selling waterproof pen to easily cover up gross grout
Owner of Homestar Design Remodel Thomas Borcherding says grout pens are “a dramatic way to improve your home's appearance.” So, grab this easy-to-use waterproof pen with a bright white grout-refreshing formula. You can paint up to 150 feet of 2-millimeter grout, and it has a precise cotton tip and dries super quickly to make it surprisingly easy to use. It comes in a pack of two.
10These customizable LED lights that look like flames
Borcherding also recommends flickering light bulbs because they “offer the tranquil ambience of candle-light without the fire hazard.” This pack of LEDs actually has a flame-like effect that are equally perfect for outdoor sconces or indoor lamps to create that gas lantern look. They have a built-in gravity sensor, so you can hang them upside down in sconces, and the flame effect will face the correct way. They also come with four settings including a classic light mode for every day.
11These wall outlets with easy-to-use USB ports
Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and DiBara Masonry and founder of The Undercover Contractor, suggests outlet covers with built-in USB ports, like this easy-to-install pack. “These are useful for charging electronics without using up ordinary outlets,” he notes. This particular pack comes with two USB ports and a handy USB C port, so you can plug in your phone no matter which charger you have. These ports are also cleverly tucked between two classic outlets, so you can still plug in your lamp.
12An LED light strip that is *so* easy to install
DiBara also loves using LED lights, like this battery-operated light strip, to add some aesthetic “under-cabinet lighting or illumination behind your television.” They have simple adhesive on the back, so installing your own custom lighting will be surprisingly easy. The LEDs are so slim to easily hide this stick-on light strip just about anywhere around your house. Once they’re up, all you have to do is click the low-profile button to turn them on and fill your space with a soft glow.
13This cordless drill with a lightweight & easy-to-carry design
When it comes to budget-friendly tools you’ll use all the time, DiBara recommends a cordless drill, and this one is a super easy-to-use option. It has an extra-small, lightweight design, so you can carry it all over the house for a full day of home projects without feeling like you did an arm workout. It also has a keyless chuck, so it’s super quick to swap out drill bits for different projects.
14These versatile stick-on hooks with backup adhesive
Command hooks are a must around the house because, as DiBara explains, they’re “ideal for hanging small items without making holes in your walls.” They come in a big pack with extra adhesive stickers, so you can move them to a different spot without buying more. They’re completely residue-free, and they’ll even stick to unusual surfaces like glass or concrete walls in the garage. Each one also has an adjustable and super slim wire hook that holds up to 0.5 pounds, so they’re perfect for hanging dish brushes, bathrobes, and more.
15A pack of sleek smart plugs that you’ll want all over the house
DiBara also recommends upgrading your space with smart plugs because he says, “With your smartphone or voice commands, you can manage appliances remotely, conserve energy, and set schedules.” These sleek smart plugs are the ones to reach for because they come in a big pack, so you can scatter them all around the house. Each one works with Alexa or Google Home, so it’s seriously simple to control lamps or whatever devices you plug into them. They come with all of the timer and voice control settings you might need, and you can still use the buttons on the side so you can manually turn your lights off if you ever want to.
16A tube of glossy repair gel to fix bathroom tiles
If ceramic tiles are the problem, this porcelain and ceramic kit only requires one step to fix chipped or cracked tiles. It comes in an easy-to-apply tube with a precise tip, so you won’t have to mix anything as it fills in chips. It also dries with a perfectly glossy and water-resistant finish, so it will blend right in with your shower tiles, backsplash tiles, or even your bathtub.
17These stick-on wall decals for a customizable accent wall
When it comes to decor, DiBara suggests stick-on wall decals. You may think of dated word art, but these gold line-shaped decals are so customizable. You get 18 lines, so you can arrange them in a ton of different patterns and styles to quickly create an expensive looking and modern accent wall. They also have a metallic finish to give your accent wall an extra-luxe look.
18These easy-to-use foam covers to insulate pipes
According to DiBara, pipe insulation is “essential in colder climates to prevent frozen pipes,” and these foam covers are so easy to pop on. Each one has pre-cut slits, so it only takes a few seconds to wrap them around pipes. At 3/4-inch thick, these padded foam covers keep them perfectly insulated and also prevent any unwanted condensation on the pipes.
19This popular mini air purifier that helps with unwanted odors & allergens
CEO of Improovy Andre Kazimierski calls this air purifier “one of the best home items I've bought on Amazon for under $50.” It’s easy to see why because this purifier has a miniature design that will fit in any space. Don’t worry — it’s still super strong with its activated carbon filter with three levels of filtration. Its sleek design also has a little pull-out essential oil drawer, so you can add in your favorite home fragrances.
He especially loves this chic purifier because he says, “This little guy helps keep allergens out of the air around my home and can really help in my experience with cutting down on strong odors even from things like cooking or paint.”
20A pack of easy-to-raise toilet seat handles that you can install in seconds
For another toilet upgrade, Boll says, “consider adding a toilet seat handle to your restroom setup.” This seat handle is small enough to blend in with your toilet seat, and it makes it way less gross to raise or lower the toilet seat (because you won’t have to touch the seat itself). It has easy-to-use and has a residue-free adhesive on the back, so it only takes a few seconds to stick it under the seat.
21This soap dispenser with an easy-to-see hand-washing timer
Boll also recommends grabbing a soap dispenser with a genius timer function, like this automatic dispenser. It has an easy-to-see LCD screen with a timer that starts counting down 30 seconds after it dispenses the soap, so you’ll know if you’ve washed your hands for long enough. You can also customize the volume and turn on optional music or alert sounds to go along with the timer.
He loves it because he says, “this can turn hand washing into a game or help instill good hygiene habits, especially in children.”
22This pull-out kitchen faucet that’s *so* easy to use
Realtor and the owner of Raleigh Realty Ryan Fitzgerald calls this high-pressure Susbie kitchen faucet “a standout,” and it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. You can pull the nozzle out 25 inches away from the faucet, so it’s seriously easy to spray down the sink or fill a pot on the countertop with water. It also rotates 360 degrees and comes with three simple buttons, to change or even pause the water flow. Possibly the best part — the 15-minute setup doesn’t require a plumber.
23This 4-in-1 vacuum that weighs just 2.2 pounds
Fitzgerald also suggests adding this super versatile stick vacuum from Hihhy to your cleaning closet. He loves that “it's equipped with a range of tools, making it perfect for every corner of your home.” Those tools include a nozzle, scrubbing brush, and a classic vacuum base that works on every surface in your house. It also comes with washable filters, so it’s easy to deep clean this vacuum after cleaning up pet fur. Plus, the 20-foot cord and the lightweight handheld option make this vacuum even more of a go-to.
24This lightweight sprayer for seriously quick painting projects
“Lastly, the HomeRight Quick Finish paint sprayer is a DIYer's gem,” says Fitzgerald. “It guarantees a smooth finish, outshining traditional methods. Its adjustable settings are perfect for varied projects, and the Lock-n-Go feature ensures quick color swaps and easy clean-ups.”
Not only does this sprayer make painting furniture or even an entire room quicker, but it’s also super easy to use with three spray settings. This lightweight and easy-to-use sprayer also works with things like furniture varnish or stains to make it even more versatile for home projects. You can also pop off the nozzle to easily clean the paint container when you’re done.
25This dimmable smart light switch that creates cozy lighting
Borcherding also points out that upgrading the light switches around your home can be surprisingly easy, and this light switch will feel like such an upgrade. To make it feel even more expensive-seeming, this switch comes with an easy-to-use built-in dimmer to make your home’s lighting ultra-cozy. It works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home, so you can even control this switch with your voice. Possibly the best part is that it has a gentle-off setting where the lights slowly fade when you turn them off before bed.
26A best-selling toilet stool that blends into your bathroom
Borcherding often gifts his bathroom remodeling clients a Squatty Potty, noting that they “make for a more comfortable, and natural, bathroom experience.” This clever stool encourages a squatting position that helps make the time in the bathroom a little easier. It also has a simple white design that will be barely noticeable under the toilet when you’re not using it. It’s also topped off with anti-slip grippy details on top to make it even easier to use.
27This power strip & smart plug combo that’s so easy to use
Co-owner of Reborn Renovations Danielle Matthews states that “one of the best cheap things for your home on Amazon is a smart outlet.” She especially loves this Kasa smart power strip and smart plugs with voice control settings. The plugs are slim enough to stack on top of each other in an outlet or side-by-side in a power strip. The power strip is also super clever because it has a button next to each outlet, so you can turn individual devices off.
Matthews also appreciates that it “has a built-in energy monitor that can help you track your energy consumption.”
28A rust-resistant utility knife to help with every home project
Gavin MacRae, the owner of GJ MacRae Foundation Repair, suggests adding a utility knife like this durable aluminum alloy option to your home improvement tools. It has a retractable blade and 10 extra double-use blades, so you’ll always have a backup ready-to-go for breaking down boxes or cutting drywall. Its lightweight design also has a rust-resistant finish to make it super long-lasting.
“One popular and useful find is the multipurpose utility knife, which is essential for cutting materials such as drywall, carpet, and insulation,” he explains. “A high-quality, affordable utility knife can significantly improve efficiency and precision during renovation projects, making it a favorite tool among contractors.”
29This extra-durable magnetic wristband to hold supplies
“Magnetic wristbands are another favorite,” says MacRae, further nothing that these handy tools “enhance productivity and organization.” And it’s easy to see why with this easy-to-wear magnetic wristband that holds onto all of your home project supplies. It’s wrapped in 10 strong magnets to hold onto nails, screws, or whatever you might need for your project. The fabric is also made of extra-strong nylon that will still be surprisingly breathable while you work.
30A set of chic coat hangers with a bunch of hanging space
“Something that can easily go overlooked is having a place to hang coats,” says Ray Brosnan, managing director at Brosnan Facility Management. His favorite solution is this simple five-hook coat rack from Dseap that’s slim enough to work in anyone’s entryway. It’s also extra-functional because each of the hooks actually have two hooks on the bottom and one on top to keep a ton of totes and jackets tidy and off the floor. Available in seven finishes, this stainless steel rack will also look nice with any decor style.
For a bonus tip, he says, “It can also be a great addition to a bedroom, to hang clothing that isn’t ready to be washed and you don’t want to put it away with your clean clothes.”
31This pantry door organizer with an extra-secure design
Brosnan also highly recommends putting up a pantry door organizer like this six-shelf option from heesky because he says it “can help you squeeze all the extra space that you can as well as acting as a decorative piece.”
Not only do you get six large baskets to organize groceries, cleaning supplies, or tools, but they’re also easy to adjust and arrange to fit tall olive oil bottles or large boxes. It comes with two heavy-duty metal clips on top, so you know that it’s easy to pop on your door. Plus, this pantry upgrade even has gel stickers to prevent the bottom from moving when you open the door.
32A long-lasting video doorbell with over 79,000 5-star reviews
Josh Riutta, the owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing with experience as a general contractor, recommends a video doorbell. It has an LED light around the button, so your guests can easily see where the doorbell is. It has night vision, and it even comes with two-way audio — a must for talking to someone before opening the door or thanking delivery people. You get easy-to-see alerts with the included app, and it’s super long-lasting between charges.
Plus, Riutta loves that doorbells like this one are a “great security feature and a convenient way to welcome guests.”
33These customizable smart bulbs that you can control from anywhere
Riutta also suggests adding some smart lights with voice control around your space as a “great way to add convenience and security to your home.” In addition setting timers and being able to be controlled remotely via an app, this pack comes with 16 million customizable colors. It’s obviously fun to change their color for cozy movie nights, but these LEDs are also super practical with cool white and warm white options. You can even set them to automatically change how warm they look to mimic the lighting outside, depending on the time of day.
34This ultra-chic smart speaker with a clever LED light
For another handy smart home feature, Riutta recommends a smart speaker because it’s “a great way to add voice control to your home and make it easier to manage your devices.” This option is the one to grab because it’s so easy to tuck its compact circular design just about anywhere in your home. It works with Alexa to do all of her usual tasks, like timers, playing your podcast, ordering things on your shopping list, and more. It also has a little LED light on top to let you know when it’s listening (so you’ll never have to repeat yourself).
35A smart garage door opener with genius settings
To finish off all of your smart home supplies, Riutta loves a smart garage door opener because he says it’s “a great way to go keyless and make it easy to open and close your garage door from anywhere.” This particular opener lets you create schedules, so it will automatically open when you get home from work.
You can also check the app to see if you remembered to close the garage door before you left the house. You can even get notifications every time it opens — a must if you’re out of town. Plus, you could even use this genius opener to let delivery drivers drop packages safely inside of the garage.