You can flip through stunning photos of other people’s homes and dream about how your dwelling could be more like that. But you know who knows which of those photos are for real and which look great but cost too much or fail at function? The people who installed and repaired them. They have seen the good ideas, the bad ideas, and the expensive ideas, and know it all worked out. That’s why we asked them for the skinny. They did not disappoint. Handymen swear by these clever home upgrades on Amazon, and you won’t believe how cheap they are.

A kitchen remodel does not have to be the debt-inducing, messy experience you imagine. “The kitchen can be instantly changed by installing under-cabinet lighting or even new pendant lights over the kitchen island,” says Daniel Vasilevski, owner of the electrical services company, Pro Electrical. This farmhouse pendant light is elegant, simple to install, and creates a focal point of light to gather around — all for very little money. It comes in 24 styles and colors and three pack sizes.

“Most modern-day cooking tools and utensils come with handles and notches, so why not use them to their advantage?” says Daniel Vasilevski of Pro Electrical. “Don’t take up valuable cabinet space.” One way to achieve this is with these under cabinet kitchen utensil hooks. “This also allows easier access to whatever you may need, rather than digging through your cabinets.” These feature a six-pronged rotating hook design, come in two colors, and are easy to install.

“In terms of home upgrades (obviously being a roofer), I would recommend gutter guards,” says Michael Feazel, CEO of the roofing company, Roof Maxx. “It is surprising how many homes do not have them installed, but they really help prevent water damage, reduce maintenance, and protect the foundation and landscaping.” This pack of four flexible gutter guards installs in seconds. Just push them into the drain opening, and they filter out debris to prevent clogs.

Next, update your lighting so you can control it via your phone or your smart home system. In fact, when asked, Lou Vierra licensed general contractor and co-founder of The Builder Market highly recommends “the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch.” He says, “It’s simple, reliable, and brings any home into the 21st century without hiring an electrician.” It’s affordable, too. This single smart light switch connects to your phone, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home, is easy to install, and comes in three colors.

“Over time, wood shrinks, paint cracks, and caulk dries out, leaving visible lines between the boards and the walls,” says Exceed Plumbing and Air Con’s Caleb John. “A $7 tube of paintable latex caulk fixes it instantly. Apply a thin bead, smooth it out with a damp finger, and the gaps disappear. I have seen homes go from looking worn-out to brand-new with this one trick alone.” This tube of latex caulk is even cheaper, and comes in an easy-to-squeeze design.

One easy upgrdae that you’ll be glad you made? Plug your outdoor lighting into this outdoor smart plug. “It enables you to operate appliances remotely, monitor energy usage, and schedule,” says Caspar Matthews of Electcomm Group Electrical & Data. “This is a $25 device that can change the game for people who want to make their home more energy-efficient without serious renovations.” And the convenience of turning outdoor lighting or fans on and off without having to get up or go outside is worth the small investment. It’s waterproof and connects to your phone and smart home system so you can control outdoor appliances remotely.

“A low-lift upgrade many homeowners overlook is sealing gaps around windows and doors,” says Roof Maxx’s Michael Feazel. “It boosts energy efficiency and comfort without requiring major work.” And it is easy to do with this foam seal tape. Just peel off the backing and press it into place. It comes in 20 sizes, so there is sure to be one that fits your needs.

“Faded or missing house numbers make it hard for people to find your home,” says Josh Riutta of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “Replacing them with new, stylish numbers is a quick and easy way to boost curb appeal. You can find a variety of house numbers on Amazon for under $40.” This modern floating house number kit, for example, brings a big, clean sans serif font that is elevated off the surface to throw a shadow, making it easy to find your house while boosting the style of your exterior.

One way to stretch your home-repair budget is to avoid wasting money on repairs that could be prevented. “Water leak detectors!” recommends Lou Vierra of The Builder Market. This three-pack of them is simple to install, and they will sound an alarm when they sense there is water where it should not be. “Install them under sinks and behind appliances,” he says. “They’re cheap but can prevent massive water damage.” They come in packs of three or six.

“Swap out old under-cabinet lighting for energy-efficient LED strip lighting,” suggests Reuben Saltzman, CEO of Structure Tech Home Inspections. “It’s an inexpensive upgrade that dramatically improves workspace visibility and ambiance, and it’s simple enough for most homeowners to install themselves.” This under-cabinet lighting could not be easier to install in a closet or under a cabinet. Peel and stick the tape to a smooth surface and tap the button to turn it on and off. It comes in two light colors.

Bill Bencker of Ace Avant Concrete Construction says, “Decluttering, utilizing storage solutions like shelves and baskets, and ensuring everything has a designated place can dramatically improve the sense of space and order.” Channel this advice by looking into your bathroom or laundry room and loading your sundries into this slim rolling storage cart. It slides between appliances or into a nook next to a cabinet. It’s only 5 inches wide, so it’s easy to fit into a small space, and it holds a surprising amount on those four perforated-for-drainage shelves. You can even opt to install it under a cupboard in two pieces. It comes in five colors.

It might seem like a little thing, but........

© Mic