Handymen say these are the smartest home upgrades you can make under $35

"Using LED under-cabinet lighting is a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to the home to illuminate the kitchen countertops or workspace,” suggests DiBara. Stick these wireless motion sensor LED lights to stair risers, inside closets, to the underside of shelves, and under your kitchen cabinets to illuminate counter workspaces. “It improves functionality as well as ambiance,” he says.

This power scrubber is another way to get grout clean fast. It spins quickly so you don’t have to work so hard. Once you have it in your hand, you will use it for everything from the grout to the faucets to the fiddly bits on the stove.

If your AC system includes an outdoor compressor, make sure you protect it with this air conditioner cover. It keeps leaves, bugs, squirrels, and other items from getting caught in the unit so you don’t have to pay to have it serviced because a squirrel got the bright idea to store some snacks in there.

Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier, recommends you put silicone backings on the backs of your kitchen appliances. He says, “These backings protect surfaces and add convenience. So you don't have to worry about the condition of your furniture.” In that regard, these silicone wall protectors are perfect, and can be used on the back of your refrigerator, freezer, or on other wall surfaces that might get bumped and damaged by heavy furniture. This is a set of four.

"Carpenters and construction workers emphasize the importance of energy efficiency,” explains DiBara. “Upgrading weather stripping and installing door seals is a low-cost technique to boost insulation and reduce energy costs." It’s so simple to do, too: Peel and stick this weatherstrip tape to the inside of the door and window frames.

If you keep some of the paint you used to cover your walls and trim in these brush pens, painting over that caulk — or any scratches, dings, or chips — is so easy you can do it at the first sign of wear or damage. They fill like a syringe and keep the paint fresh for years. Just pull one out and paint over the problem area in seconds.

"Ditch charging blocks by upgrading your home's electrical outlets to ones that allow for the insert of both USB-A and USB-C charging cables,” says Borcherding. This USB outlet will make your electrical outlets ready for now and for the future by replacing your old plugs with two standard plugs, two USB ports, and one USB-C plug.

“Working with electrical is always dangerous,” he says. “But it's nothing that a dedicated homeowner can't accomplish by themselves. Be sure to flip the correct circuit breaker, and to test your outlet for electrical current prior to working on your home's electrical." Consult with your electrician to accomplish this swap, if you feel this is above your skill level.

Another less labor-intensive way to implement Borcherding’s advice is with an outlet extender that plugs into your existing standard outlet. It secures with a single screw in the center and requires no electrical work. It turns one outlet into five standard plugs, three USB ports, and one USB-C plug. It comes in black and white.

"An easy upgrade that makes a remarkable difference is for you to paint your grout lines using a grout colorant,” says Thomas Borcherding, home remodeler and designer with Homestar. These chalk markers, for instance, are easy to work with and not messy. Simply color over the old, dirty grout for a fast refresh. “You can revitalize any room featuring tile,” he says.

If there are gaps under your doors, use this under door draft stopper to put an end to that wasteful leak of air conditioning and heat. It will keep bugs and dirt out, too. Cut it to fit and stick it to the door in seconds. It comes in four colors and sizes.

This six-pack of LED lights makes it so easy to create pools of light precisely where you need them. They peel and stick to any surface, turn on with a tap, can be controlled all at once with a remote, and allow you to set a duration for them to stay on and then turn off automatically. They come with batteries, adhesive mounts, and screws.

“Improving insulation around your HVAC system and sealing any leaks in ducts or around windows and doors can enhance system efficiency and comfort,” says Jennifer Green, handyman and HVAC specialist at Texas Central Air Houston, TX. “Better insulation keeps conditioned air inside and reduces the workload on your unit.” This adhesive draft stopper is easy to install for a variety of doors and windows. And it comes in your choice of three colors for a subtle fix.

Gurskyi has another low-effort high-impact upgrade. He recommends cable holders for all of your cords. He says, “These little lifesavers help you organize cables for your phones and other devices, and quickly find the right one to charge something.” This small cord holders are perfect for adhering to the side of your desk or in any area of your house that has a lot of cables in the mix. You can run cords through them, keeping them organized and the space safer and free from any messy tangled cables.

One more option in accordance with Gurskyi’s advice? This larger cord-holding strip that can be stuck anywhere. This option is especially low profile and makes it easy to stick cords in whichever slot is available, and to remove them quickly when you need them. This cord organizer has space for five different cords — one for each of your devices.

"A kitchen cabinet refresh is yet another easy DIY project,” says Niall Lynchehaun, owner and director of Midland Stone. “After all, you don't always need a full kitchen remodel — a budget-friendly approach to this issue would be to just repaint or refinish your kitchen cabinets." It’s easy to do with this Country Chic paint that comes in so many colors. It has the primer and top coat built in so all you have to do is get out a brush and start painting. And the chalk finish is super forgiving.

To give a little shine or TLC to old or unpainted wood counters, cabinets, and floors, this cabinet and table restorer may be all you need. Wipe it over dry, faded, scuffed, and tired wood and watch as that same wood starts to shine. It cleans stains and dirt and feeds the wood with a deep drink of mineral oil. And it smells like almonds!

Once you refresh the finish, "pair this with updated hardware, such as modern handles or knobs, for a fresh look,” says Lynchehaun. Available in finishes like matte black and brass, these cabinet knobs bring a modern look to these highly visible touchpoints. “I've seen homeowners achieve a remarkable transformation with this simple update," he says.

“For most people it's easy enough to swap out outdated faucets, [shower heads] and even toilets for newer, more efficient models,” says Destry Thompson, general manager of John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. This kitchen faucet comes in a range of finishes for the perfect, modern look (including brushed nickel and black and gold). Made of high-quality stainless steel, the faucet has a 17-inch height and is designed with a convenient, pull-out sprayer.

• Available styles: 6

"Invest in storage containers, hooks, or shelving systems to assist in decluttering and organizing the space,” suggests Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and CEO of DiBara Masonry. These hanging closet organizers, for example, put shelves in your closet to make it easier to put away sweaters and items that don’t hang. “This might make the home appear larger and more functional,” he says.

Set these plastic storage bins on closet shelves or in the pantry to gather together difficult-to-store items into categories. They hold quite a lot and you can see right into them so nothing will get lost. They have integrated handles for easy loading and unloading.

To declutter and add organization, try adding these space-saving hangers to your rig, which increase the carrying capacity of your closet. Each one holds five hangers. This takes advantage of vertical space while freeing up some horizontal room. This is a four-pack so it will open up quite a bit of space.

Alex Johnson, Maintenance Contractor at Man and Van Star, suggests adding heat-reflective film to your windows. Johnson says, “Applied to windows, heat-reflective film reduces solar heat gain during summer and retains heat in winter, reducing cooling and heating costs respectively.” This heat-reflective film is easy to apply. Start with clean windows, trim the film to size, and remove the backing. Then spray both the film and the window with water and lay it down. Use a squeegee to remove any remaining bubbles.

In keeping with DiBara’s advice to add hooks, these adhesive wall hooks will get clutter off the counters and couches, too. You can peel-and-stick them to an entryway, bathroom, child’s room, or the back of a door so you have a spot to hang a bathrobe, towel, or hat exactly where you want to set those things down. This is a four-pack.

“Electricians suggest using smart plugs to transform ordinary appliances into smart gadgets,” says DiBara. This two-pack of Kasa Smart Wi-Fi plugs is a great choice. “They may be remotely controlled via smartphone applications or voice assistants. This is particularly helpful for lights, fans, and coffee machines."

"Replace weatherstripping at the bottom of garage doors,” says Borcherding. “Unknown to most homeowners [there] is a track at the bottom of garage doors that features a removable weather stripping. These get worn out over time and can allow not only air infiltration but also rodents and insects into your home. Simply slide the weatherstripping out of its track, and insert a new one for better home insulation and protection against pests!” This weatherstripping kit is easy to use and comes in a bunch of different lengths to match any garage door length.

Gurskyi recommends you opt for silicone backing for anywhere you might damage your wall or your furniture. He says, “These backings protect surfaces and add convenience. So you don't have to worry about the condition of your furniture!” These adhesive silicone wall protectors are easy to apply behind doors, behind couches, or even on your fridge to prevent damage. This is a pack of four.

“New lighting fixtures can bring a room's aesthetic back to life quickly,” notes Jeffrey Chase, a handyman with HVAC Express Contracting. This flush-mount ceiling light has a simple, modern design that comes in black or white. The versatile piece offers a unique “night-light” mode, in addition to dimming (when combined with a dimmer switch) and three color temperatures.

Smart plugs come highly recommended by many of the handymen who shared advice for this list. Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc., puts it simply, “Smart plugs offer the convenience of remotely controlling and scheduling electronic devices, helping to reduce unnecessary power consumption.” This smart outlet extender turns a standard outlet into six outlets, three normal plugs and three smart plugs controllable via the associated app. There are even USB-A ports on the top for any cords you want to plug in. Schedule timers for them to go off or turn them on and off remotely. The options abound.

Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, says that, when it comes to your roof, “Regular maintenance is crucial.” Start by addressing the gutters. Install this gutter guard to keep leaves, pine cones, squirrels, and other acts of nature from clogging them up. “A clogged gutter can lead to water damage requiring roof repairs,” he says. “Addressing minor issues promptly prevents them from snowballing into expensive problems.”

"Seal air leaks around windows and doors,” says Riutta. This will prevent heat and air conditioning from escaping and save money on your energy bill. It will also keep insects and vermin out of your interior spaces. This weather-sealing tape is all you need to accomplish this. Tape over gaps and drafts with it. It is hardly noticeable visually but will make your home much more comfortable.

Boyko concurs and also recommends you pay attention to the gaps in your home. “Seals gaps around sinks, tubs, and countertops for a clean, finished look and prevents moisture damage,” Boyko advises. This caulking gun makes it easy to apply caulk evenly and without straining yourself. Add a silicone, mold-resistant caulk to the gun and easily squeeze the trigger. The caulk will come out evenly to seal gaps wherever you need.

This double-sided caulking tool is so genius. One side has a scraper that allows you to remove old, gross caulk from around your sinks and tubs. The other side makes it easy to smooth out the new caulk that you apply. This easy-to-use tool makes it simple to implement Boyko’s advice.

Riutta suggests that you look up. That attic space might be costing you money. “Weatherize your attic to reduce heating and cooling costs,” he says. This attic stairway insulation cover is a great way to stop your money from escaping through that pull-down staircase that leads to your attic. Staple it to the doorframe and it creates an insulating barrier.

One leaky faucet can cause enormous damage if it is allowed to keep leaking. "Leaking faucets, dripping pipes, or minor roof issues should be addressed promptly,” says Riutta. “Ignoring them can lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs later." You can’t fix what you don’t know about, though. So install this water sensor anywhere there is a water source you don’t look at often. Put one under the sink, below the water heater, or anywhere a leak might go unnoticed — especially if you plan to travel. It will alert you, via your phone, if there is water where it shouldn’t be.

“Filling gaps around windows, doors, and other openings prevents air leaks and drafts,” says Riutta. Use this silicone sealant around the bath, windows, doors, plumbing, counters, and more. It takes only 30 minutes to dry and lasts for a long time, even in wet environments.

Boyko recommends smart power strips for every household. “Smart power strips are a convenient solution to eliminate energy waste from electronics that are plugged in but not in use,” says Boyko. This best-selling power strip turns your existing single three-prong outlet into three three-prong outlets, and two additional USB-A ports. Sync this with your smart home device like Alexa or Google Home, or control it via the Kasa app. Each of the three-prong outlets can be controlled individually.

"Regular cleaning of gutters, servicing HVAC systems, and checking for signs of wear and tear can prevent costly replacements down the line,” says Riutta. This is all easier if you have the right tools. This gutter scoop, for example, makes getting debris out of your gutters so much easier since it is sized to slide right into them. The high handle keeps your hands from getting scratched up.

Per Boyko’s advice, smart power strips aren’t just for the inside of your house. This one connects to outdoor outlets and is weatherproof, so you can use it year-round. It turns one outlet into three outlets, all controllable via an app or via your smart home devices from the inside of your house. No more going outside to turn off your outdoor lights in the freezing winter.

Instead of ignoring small holes and tears in your window screens, use this mesh repair tape to keep bugs from getting inside. Available in three dimensions, it comes in a convenient roll and can be cut to size as needed. It requires no tools or heat to set it, so you can fix your screen in just seconds.

"Another tip is to DIY simple projects like painting or minor repairs instead of hiring professionals,” says Vaughn. So many household tasks are simple to execute with a few inexpensive tools and a YouTube video. This tool set has all the basics and comes in an easy-to-carry and store case. “Just make sure you're comfortable and safe doing the work,” he says.

If you’re looking for little ways to help improve your monthly energy bills, John Wilson, the owner of Wilson Plumbing and Heating has some tips. “Add weather-stripping to windows and doors to keep heat in and lower heating costs,” Wilson says.

This highly rated insulation tape comes in set of three rolls, measuring 49 feet in total, so you can tackle all (or many) of the windows in your home. Made of flexible silicone, the moisture-resistant tape has a transparent design so it won’t take away from the look of your space, and it’s simple to install. Just measure and cut it to the size you need, then use the adhesive backing to secure it in place.

Got pipes that are exposed to cold weather elements? Wilson also has a tip for protecting your home’s plumbing: “Wrap your pipes with insulation to stop them from freezing and avoid costly repairs.” This PVC insulation tape comes in a variety of sizes and designs to suit different needs. It features a powerful adhesive that is designed to hold up long term, and it’s both waterproof and heat-retaining.

“Swap your incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. They last longer and use less energy, saving you money on electricity bills,” says Boyko. LED lights are a popular home upgrade, and these LED smart light bulbs are the total package. Not only are they energy-conserving LEDs, but they can also be controlled via an app or via your smart home devices. But the best part? You can customize the lighting to any of 16 million color options on the RGBW spectrum. It’s no wonder they’re so popular.

Another opportunity for an easy win is swapping in an efficient showerhead to use less water. “Water-saving [shower heads] and faucet aerators will also lower your monthly water costs while being aesthetically pleasing,” says Thompson. This versatile showerhead comes in an efficient model with an 1.8-gallon-per-minute flow rate, and it offers eight different modes so you can customize it to your preferences. It features a streamlined design that comes in your choice of several finishes.

• Available style: 4

This faucet has a built in aerator and a unique swivel function, allowing you easier access to your water stream. It’s available in several attractive finishes, so you can coordinate with the rest of your room’s hardware. And reviewers love how easy it is to switch it to “sprayer” mode.

“Outdoor lighting is often neglected but transforms spaces,” says Thompson. “Installing path lighting, spotlights and lanterns improves security, extends enjoyment into evening and adds visual appeal.” These solar-powered spot lights are a low maintenance way to brighten things up in your outdoor space. They come in your choice of multicolor, cool white, and warm white lighting. The bases feature stakes that make for easy installation, and you’ll enjoy up to 12 hours of illumination after a full solar charge.

Many handymen recommended upgrading to LED lighting. These wall-mountable night-lights are a smart way to implement that advice. Not only do they feature LED bulbs, but they can be removed from their perch on your wall and carried with you when you need to bring one with you. This set of two comes in a medium brown wood, but there are a few different color options you can choose from. These are powered by batteries, which are included.

You may have a home that you plan to sell eventually; in that case, it can be worthwhile to make improvements with the future in mind. “I've found that homes with upgraded outdoor lighting attract significantly higher selling prices,” Thompson advises. “It's an easy, low-maintenance upgrade that pays off.”

These elegant outdoor lanterns are solar-powered for ease, and they can be hung on the exterior of your home or around a porch for added light. You can also sit them along walkways or in other spots that could use more light.

Per Boyko’s advice to add LED lighting to your home, this LED closet light is genius. It turns on when it senses motion, so you’ll never open your closet door or pantry and struggle to see what’s inside. The design of this light actually points the harsh lighting away from your eyes when it turns on. It also mounts via small magnets that you adhere to the top of your closet, so you can easily remove the light whenever you need to charge it. It recharges via USB.

Addressing drafts in your home not only can enhance your comfort but also help your energy bills too — and this memory foam door stopper requires no permanent modifications to your home. It’s suitable for gaps along your interior door’s bottom ranging from 0.25 to 1.25 inches in height. And it can be trimmed to size for simple installation.

Boyko says, “Insulated window film is effective for enhancing your home's energy efficiency by reducing heat loss during winter and blocking heat gain in summer.” He recommends the 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit, which “can cut down heat loss through windows by up to 35%. By improving insulation, it helps lower both heating and cooling costs.”

“Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators are excellent choices for reducing water usage without compromising water pressure,” says Boyko. He recommends High Sierra’s low-flow showerhead, which offers 1.5-GPM water pressure to help reduce water usage. This nickel finish is a classic that works in most spaces, but there are plenty of metal tones to choose from.

Per Boyko’s advice, this faucet aerator is easy to install on most faucets. It also allows you to rotate it 1,080 degrees so you can angle it wherever you need. You can choose from two different spray modes, allowing you to save on water when you don’t need a lot of it. And, since you can rotate this aerator, you’re less likely to waste water trying to get your head around the faucet.

Wherever your house gets drafty, you can prop this draft stopper up along the bottom of your door. It’ll prevent cold air from getting in, your hot air from getting out, and any pests and bugs from getting inside. “Draft stoppers are practical for preventing drafts under doors and around windows, which can lead to energy savings by reducing the need for extra heating,” says Boyko.

If you’d rather find a permanent solution to your drafty doors, try this adhesive draft stopper. Each stopper in this set of two is designed with an adhesive backing that makes it simple to stick on any door in your house, 37 inches in length. The draft stopper also features two layers of material to prevent noise pollution, as well.