Sometimes, the little things you overlook make the biggest budget-saving difference around that house, but they’re always hard to spot. That’s where handymen come in. They’re not only home experts, but they know (and have seen) every single one of the frequent mistakes that could be costing you money around the house. Most importantly — they know exactly how to avoid all of these surprising mistakes without breaking your budget (and with barely any effort on your part).

These water sensors connect to Wi-Fi and can send emails, texts, and app alerts when they detect moisture, so you can monitor drips and leaks from anywhere. It also has a super loud alarm to let you know about a leak when you’re in the house (or even if your Wi-Fi goes out). Drew Mansur, a contractor with Tile Cloud, recommends placing a product like these sensors “near appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to get an early warning of leaks before they cause major damage.”

Mansur also says swapping out old caulk is seriously worth it because “it prevents water seepage and improves insulation, helping to avoid costly repairs later.” This handheld 3-in-1 caulk tool can help make the chore a little easier with its stainless-steel blade and a plastic scraper for removing old caulk. On the other end, you get a silicone triangle to smooth out fresh caulk without it sticking to your fingers (or needing a second tool).

Contractor Jamin Katzer recommends cleaning and sanitizing your washing machine filter regularly, and these effort-free cleaning tablets will take care of every inch of your washer. Pop on in about once per month, and they’ll remove odor-causing residue and grime, so you’ll never have to use more water to re-wash clothes that didn’t get clean enough. They work in both top and front-load washers, and one easy tablet refreshes everything, including the pipes, drum, and even the seal around the drum.

You probably already clean your dryer’s lint trap, but it’s a good idea to do a deeper cleaning occasionally because Katzer says, “this will prevent your dryer vent from clogging and causing a fire.” To make it a seriously quick process, grab this dryer vent cleaning tool that’s easy to use and attaches to almost any type of vacuum handle or hose. It comes with two types of hoses to get in even the tightest spaces and a little tool to guide it and find every tiny piece of stray lint. Plus, it works for other annoying dusting projects.

Katzer also recommends inspecting the edges and corners of your tub regularly for peeling caulk, and this waterproof silicone caulk is such an easy fix. The sealing formula is also mold- and mildew-resistant, so it will easily hold up in a humid bathroom or kitchen. Plus, it can get wet in as little as 30 minutes after applying, so there’s minimal interruption to your shower routine.

The elements can really beat up outside surfaces, but this waterproofing sealant works to protect brick, concrete, and even wood from water and UV damage. This easy-to-use spray-on waterproofer is especially helpful when it comes to protecting decks, which Katzer says you should seal yearly. He says, “this helps extend the life and prevents costly repairs.” It’s also completely transparent to still allow the natural texture and color of your outdoor space to shine through.

While it’s a simple upgrade, Katzer says a cover (like this water-resistant option) is essential for keeping debris out of the unit and extending its life. Simply slide it right on top of the unit to protect it from snow, storms, sunlight, and all kinds of debris. The adjustable drawstring hemline ensures that it’s secure (even on a windy day). It also comes with mesh vents and extra-durable handles to make it easier to put on.

George Matusyan, the owner & operational manager of United Windows Pro, says, “Your home's windows and doors serve as the primary shield against harsh elements.” So, reliable insulation is a must, and this easy-to-use insulation kit only requires a pair of scissors and a hairdryer to add it to........

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