I'm a pool screen repair contractor, and one surprisingly useful thing I always recommend is waterproof LED puck lights—the submersible kind you can get on Amazon for under $30, like this one: https://a.co/d/5RuZfsf. They're meant for pools, bathtubs, or any water-filled containers, but I've used them in toolboxes and crawl spaces. They're battery-powered, remote-controlled, and dead simple to install. Outdoors, they add a soft glow that makes any space feel high-end. Indoors, they're perfect for mood lighting, highlighting art, or just making a room feel less flat.
Here are a few of my go to products that punch well above their weight (all under $50 and available on Amazon): Caulk Removal Tool & Silicone Finisher Set - $10- $15 This mini pair of stiff plastic blades and flexible edge finishers simply takes the fiddliness out of getting rid of old caulk — and proffers the tool to lay down a clean, new bead, too. I keep one in every toolbox. Especially in older Des Moines houses where bathtubs and sinks get layered with crusty, mismatched silicone, this tool gets things cleaned up in a hurry and looking professionally finished. I've also used it on window sills and backsplash edges with good success. LED Magnetic Pickup Tool with Extendable Arm - $12- $18 If you've ever dropped a loose screw behind a hot water heater or needed to fish a nut out of a sunken space under a subfloor, this sucker is a lifesaver. You see the LED tip, and the magnet grabs what you cannot reach. We've even used it to retrieve rings and earrings from behind vanities. Not swashbuckling, but pure magic when the occasion demands it. Drain Weasel Hair Clog Tool - $7- $15 Forget chemical drain cleaners. This thing works every time. I have unclogged rental unit showers,kitchen sinks and bathroom basins with one quick twist. It's gross, yes—but incredibly satisfying. I generally leave one with homeowners after a job. Particularly helpful within Des Moines homes with older, narrower pipe that clogs faster. Self Adhesive Weatherstripping Foam - $12- $20 If you live in the Midwest, insulating old window frames and even crawlspace hatches and attic pull downs, will really reduce HVAC bills. I use this foam on everything from utility closet doors to drafty basement windows. Some of them have also had clients report significantly increased warmth after spending less than $20. One of those "invisible upgrades" that, you know, does the freaking thing. Permission to Substitute I will be okay with subs on similar products if these things are no longer available. Just remember the functionality and quality! Contact & Identity Jacob Naig Owner & Real Estate Investor/Contractor Webuyhousesindesmoines.com Des Moines, Iowa jacob@webuyhousesindesmoines.com linkedin.com/in/jacob naig b44b574a
Hi there, I'm with the digital marketing team at MaxNet Homes. We work with contractors—plumbers, roofers, handymen—who constantly find creative ways to make homes work better, faster, and safer. Here are a few weird but insanely useful tools they keep recommending: 1. Drain Weasel Hair Clog Tool ($15) Looks gimmicky, but it's the go-to for quick sink and tub drain fixes. Grabs deep hair clogs without disassembling anything. Super effective and saves time. 2. Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester ($22) Electricians use this nonstop. Instantly tells you if a wire is hot without touching anything. Cuts risk and makes troubleshooting way easier. 3. Magnetic Wristband ($17) Holds nails, screws, and bits right on your wrist. Roofers and techs say it's a game changer on ladders or crawlspaces. One of those "why didn't I have this sooner" tools. 4. Sugru Moldable Glue ($13) Contractors use it for everything—cord repair, tool fixes, cabinet hardware, and more. It molds like putty, hardens like rubber, and feels like something out of a toolbox from the future. If any of these items go out of stock, feel free to swap them with similar ones. Let me know if you need anything else for the story—happy to help. Thanks, Joseph Digital Marketing MaxNet Homes (310) 882-6275 joseph@maxnethomes.com www.maxnethomes.com
Hello! Thomas Borcherding here, owner of Homestar Design Remodel. I am a seasoned residential remodeling contractor that specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, and whole-home remodels. My website is homestardr.com. My pronouns are he/him. Feel free to edit, paraphrase, and change products as you wish. My email is thomas@homestardr.com. Thanks for the opportunity! 1) If you have squeaky floors but you aren't looking to spend thousands getting them replaced, I highly recommend squeaky floor repair kits. Squeaky floor repair kits work especially well in carpeted areas, as you simply drive the screw and forget about it. It works almost like magic; a simple split second with the drill and your floors no longer squeak. Hardwood flooring will have to be touched up with a color-matched putty. https://a.co/d/bubXkzA 2) Grout Pens. Grout gets nasty after while. Grout lines are natural low points which collect grime over the years and become discolored. Grout pens feature felt tips and internal grout colorant reservoirs, making it exceptionally easy to breathe fresh life into your tiled spaces. I often recommend grout pens to potential clients who don't have it in their budget (most people don't, and that's okay) to remodel their bathrooms or other tiled areas. https://a.co/d/4hjSmAs 3) Whole home air fresheners are a massively underrated solution for making your home smell better. Whole home air fresheners easily attach to your furnace air filters, applying fragrance directly to your home's circulating air. This means the air coming out of your vents features a lovely scent. Most clients I explain this to are left in awe and are unable to figure out why this isn't more known about! https://a.co/d/5PSazR0 I hope these help! If you would like more or are working on any other pieces please don't hesitate to reach out. My email is thomas@homestardr.com. Thanks! Thomas
COO & Associate Certified Entomologist at Arrow Termite & Pest Control
Answered 6 months ago
You know what's revolutionized how we handle indoor fly problems at home? Plug-in continuous catch fly traps from brands like Zevo. We use them routinely in commercial pest control settings, but most people don't think to use them at home (and the commercial-grade traps are far too large). Traditional fly control methods like sticky traps, sprays, or bug zappers are frankly ineffective against the small flies that drive people crazy. During summer and spring, traditional methods are relatively useless against fruit flies, drain flies, and gnats. The plug-in units use UV light that specifically attracts small flies, combined with adhesive cards that capture them continuously. The same thing you'll see in a restaurant kitchen (hopefully). What makes them brilliant is the "set it and forget it" factor. Once plugged in, they're particularly effective in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere you have organic matter that might attract flies. Even if you're the strictest of cleaners, these flies can show up anyway. For around $20-30, they're incredibly cost-effective and can enhance any existing pest control treatments you may pay for that can't cover these types of pests. Just place them near problem areas and away from competing light sources for maximum effectiveness. --- Jacob Cohn, COO & Associate Certified Entomologist at Arrow Termite & Pest Control Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-cohn-a-c-e-51956934/ Example fly trap: https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Flying-Insect-Trap-Starter/dp/B07T869RNY/ref=sr_1_6?sr=8-6 I give permission to swap products, just ensure they're UV light-emitting traps with some sort of adhesive surface. They're not effective without the combination. You can email me directly at jacob@arrowtermiteandpest.com, please CC my Marketing Director at taylor@arrowtermiteandpest.com.
Decorative door stops are a go to upgrade for every home. It's no secret that the smallest details make all the difference in home design, so why settle for the standard rubber door stopper when there's so many affordable designer options available online. Combine form with function to keep your walls in good condition by implementing this small affordable feature. Another must have for any home with a dehumidifier is a condensation line. Tired of removing the water bucket in your dehumidifier? Just purchase a cheap condensation line that you drain out your window and problem solved.
Would you please provide me your: Name, Title, Organization link to confirm that this is you? Citation gives credibility to expert comments. Name: Mark Lumpkin Job Title: Founder & Building Expert Company: STR Cribs (https://www.strcribs.com) Pronouns: he/him What are your go-to products (under $50 on Amazon) which have utmost life-changing? Tiny, nifty tools can be where productivity goes to find its happy place. Self-Fusing Silicone Repair Tape ($12) Why I like it: Bonds to itself to seal leaks on pipes or flashing immediately, no waiting for down time. For larger rips and tears, the clear tape with extra thick adhesive, fills small cracks and gaps it is the perfect loctite clear glue. Magnetic Wristband Tool Holder ($14) Why I like it: It keeps screws, nails and bits at your wrist—so you don't have to run to the tool bag every time you need a screw. A silicone tool tray with a magnetic grip on metal can be used the same way on metal-magnetic surfaces. Flexible Drill Bit Extension Shaft ($9) With a little bit of wiggle, you can access almost any spot that that drill bit just won't reach. Why I like it: Wraps around corners and in tight bays where disassembly of the drill is not possible for pilot holes. The right-angle adapters are rigid, but not flexible enough to bend. Endoscope Inspection Camera ($29) Why I recommend it: The 2 m waterproof camera provides live video from with walls, under floors and through duct work! No more guess work! Borescopes are available with changeable heads, to fit different diameters, they may also however be higher prices. Drip-Free Caulking Tool Set ($8) Why I love it: Creates smooth even sealant beads for tile, windows and siding without giving you a sloppy mess to clean up. You will occasionally find silicone finger protectors filled with water to resemble the non-stick finish. Non-Contact Voltage Tester Pen ($12) Why I like it: No metal contact is required to sense live wires, which is faster to troubleshoot and safer. Clamp meters take amperage readings, but at extra bulk and expense. Will you be okay to have the freedom to interchange any of the items later as some of them might become unavailable by the time we start your planning? Accepting such substitutes leads to an editorial compromise when listings are altered. Permission: Absolutely, if you need to replace with similar ingredients then go for it.
Product 1: IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set These have come to my rescue numerous times when there is a property walkthrough. Be it a troublesome valve or a loose fitting never fear, the adjustable grip and the vicious jaw do the work with little effort and get a solid lock. I have shown these to a plumber, in the middle of an operation, and have been nodded at approvingly--and that not every day. The locking mechanism and the comfort make you have better control over it as compared to the traditional slip-joint pliers without the strain on the wrist. Product 2: General Tools Digital Moisture Meter This is a funny-looking but it is worth its money. I bring it around on my truck. It is fast to report unknown leaks before they result to expensive mold works. There were occasions when a seller would vow to his or her death that their property was not leaking. With the help of this tool, moisture behind baseboards was detected that allowed my client to renegotiate the deal. Simple to go through, without application, and less than 50 dollars. Product 3: Sugru Moldable Glue (Pack of 8) This is a Play-Doh like substance that sets and is as hard as rubber. I have used it to repair damaged fridge handles, fill in crawl space holes and once to purchase a damaged cable electrical until the contracting firm came to fix the line. It sticks almost everywhere- wood, glass, metal and does not yell out DIY patch job when it bonds. Wonderful to bring in customers with an urge of a do-it-yourself solution to list a house.
What is your name, job title, organization/company, link, and pronouns? Name: Taylor Jones Job Title: Head of Acquisitions Organization: STR Search Link: https://strsearch.com Pronouns: he/him What are your favorite go to products ([?]$50 on Amazon) and why do you love them? Zip-It Shower & Sink Drain Hair Snare (~$8) This bendable strip clears hair and debris from your shower, sink and tub drains in less than a minute, no chemicals required and no caustic plumber's call! Neiko Contour Gauge Shape Tool ($10 1 piece) Contractors employ it to trace intricate profiles, pipe outlets, crown molding curves, tile transitions with pinpoint accuracy. MAGREEL Magnetic Wristband (~$12) With heavy-duty neodymium magnets, this wristband keeps screws, nails, and bits meters and meters (even a story or two) away from arm's reach. Pro Grade Painter's Pyramids (~$7) These transparent plastic shims raise cabinet doors, trim, & hardware from the floor to allow over night drying without creating stick-back marks. Combine the contour gauge with the smartphone angle-finder app to cross-verify profiles on the fly, a duo that transforms any novice into a precision-trained journeyman. Could these items be switched out at a later point if not available? Yes, and you can replace them with similar offerings at Amazon of the same price range and performance as you want. What is your preferred email address for follow-up? taylor@strsearch.com Best regards, Taylor Jones Head of Acquisitions | STR Search Website: strsearch.com
What is your name, job title, organization/company, link, and pronouns? Name: Chad Phillis Job Title: Founder & CEO Organization: Checkmate Rentals Link: https://checkmaterentals.com Pronouns: he/him What are your favorite go-to products (under $50 on Amazon), and why do you like them? TEKTON Right Angle Dril Attachment (~$15) This small addition turns any drill into a snug-fit driver and is designed to fit in the tightest spaces giving users the ability to secure hardware in the thinnest cabinet while not having to remove any surrounding fixtures. Atlakey 2Pack Upgraded Telescoping inspection Mirror w/LED Black (Telescoping inspection Mirror w/LED 2Pack) (appx $12) Its telescoping handle with built-in LED illuminates tough-to-find leaks and wiring under sinks or behind appliances before they become a disaster. MAGREEL Magnetic Wristband (~$12) This wristband features neodymium magnets, to holds nails, screws, and small tools, it can provide cushioning when your wrist is bent forward, you can wear it on your wrist or belt.folios and totes,No more headaches from losing or dropping small items while working. Zip-It Shower and Sink Drain Hair Snare (~$8) This flexible, plastic coated strip measures 18 inch and is lined with small hooks that grabs the dirt and hair and pulls it up and out of the drain. This high quality item measures 700 MM and cuts through the hair and debris without any kind of hesitation, This simple tool can save you a good amount of money plumber to for fix the clogs in a few seconds., Packaging is Clean, Hygienic, Easy to Carry, Store in a Vanity or Under a Sink, And Can Be Reused or Disposed. Auto silicone test-plug kits color-coded stoppers under $10 make for reusable, inexpensive pipe testers that seal more reliably on odd-size diameters than do standard rubber plugs. Can this offering recommendations be reversed if the items are out of stock? Yes, you can replace any one of them with an equivalent Amazon product in a similar price and performance. What's the best email address for follow up? chad@checkmaterentals.com
What is your name, job title, organization, link, and pronouns? Name: Humberto Marquez Job Title: Founder & Real Estate Strategist Organization: Gowithsurge.com Link: https://gowithsurge.com Pronouns: he/him What are some really good go-to products (sub-$50 on Amazon) you love, and, importantly, why? Zip-It Hair Removal Tool ([?]$8) Why it's life-changing: This flexible plastic strip snags hair, soap scum and other debris from shower drains, and works faster than harsh chemical drain cleaner — without the mess or the plumber's call-out. Flex Tape ([?]$20) Why it's life-changing: This rubberized, waterproof tape can instantly repair pipe leaks, gutters, and roof seams with no dry time or prep. Shoe Goo Adhesive ([?]$6) Why it's life-changing: Originally designed to repair shoes, contractors now use it to seal holes in PVC downspouts, patch hole-prone siding ,and even reinforce shower pan corners. Then pair the Zip-It with a magnetic pickup extension to fish out any stray metal bits that inadvertently wind up in the drain, and you have a two-step, foolproof drain-maintenance ritual, which contractors swear by. Can those product recommendations be interchanged if they're not in stock? Sure, you can replace with a similar equivalent price point and type of product on Amazon. Enter a valid email address below to receive your download link. humberto@gowithsurge.com
One item that I always keep on hand is a magnetic pickup tool with an extendable handle. It costs less than twenty bucks on Amazon and can save you more times than you'd expect. It's useful if you drop screws, drill bits or even keys into tight spots when working around the house, and that little claw grabs them without having to tear anything apart - or move large items! I like it because it's not fancy, just smart - and very useful. Another one that sounds almost silly (but is very useful) is a set of outlet testers. They light up to tell you if a socket is wired correctly, and they cost less than a decent lunch. People in the energy/electricity industry often use them to avoid surprises when plugging in expensive electronics at home. Both of these things are the kind of low-cost, strange looking gadgets that end up being lifesavers.
These are some of my personal, and admittedly less standard Amazon products that I would readily endorse to any homeowner to utilize in terms of functionality and durability, lesson learned on hundreds of construction and improvement jobs: Snake Camera (Borescope Inspection Camera): It is a small flexible camera, which is constructed with an LED light at its end point, and is attached to your smart device or your tablet. On Amazon, you can get models that cost about 30-45 dollars. It is majorly when a homeowner has a clog that they consider calling a plumber. This mini tool lets you simply check slow drains, see behind walls to locate hidden leaks or find the dropped item in the tight places without tearing anything apart. It has also saved the client hundreds of dollars in unwarranted service calls by detecting easy fix problems within seconds such as a toy clogging a drain that could be easily retrieved using a grabber device. The fact that it can provide you with eyes in the places that you cannot reach is game changing, in that it provides visual diagnostics of small spaces. Silicone Self-Fusing Repair Tape: This is a rubber kind of tape which can only be applied to itself to develop a watertight air tight seal but is not sticky. At Amazon, the price of rolls is approximately 10 to 15 dollars. Contrary to the old electrical tape or duct tape, it does not leave a sticky residue and its high pressure permanent bond can resist extreme temperatures and exposure. I have also used it in the past to temporarily plug a broken pipe or to cover a leaking garden hose connection or even to cover bare wires in an emergency. It is equally unmatched in its ability to be used in an emergency repair situation, giving the homeowner hours or days to call in a pro to give a permanent solution to a leak at a very low cost to the homeowner of which thousands of dollars in water damage could be prevented. It is a survival kit which most individuals even do not realize its existence.
I'm Bruce Hicks, the owner at Distinctive Metal Roofing. We are a metal roofing company that serves the greater Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania areas. Here is the website - https://distinctivemetalroofing.com/ Heavy-Duty Roofing Tarps - Tarps may seem expected, but ask any roofing contractor and they will agree that a tough, reliable tarp can save a home from unexpected water damage during repairs. I suggest looking for ones that are reinforced and can double as jobsite mats, debris collectors, or a quick fix for a leak. Here is a reliable one that comes in various sizes - https://www.amazon.com/Cartman-Multipurpose-Protective-Durable-Finished/dp/B089PY2LCV/ref=sr_1_5 Chalk Line with Bright or UV Chalk - In the industry, chalk is used for marking straight (or sometimes even curved) lines on the roof. For us, a bold or bright colored chalk is needed since marking lines on a slippery, shiny metal is tough. I look for ultra-visible chalk colors (like neon orange or UV reactive) to keep my work accurate. With a good chalk like this one, my lines stand out the reflective surfaces of a metal roof and don't rub off easily - https://www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-Products-00760-Contractor/dp/B000I1CDUG/ref=sr_1_5 Another product that is great for more than just roofing would be a magnetic wristband. This lets you hold screws, nails, and washers right on your arm while working. In the roofing industry, this is ideal for ladder safety but I know contractors in just about every industry that swear by these. There are many out there but here is one I buy again and again - https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Tool-Bracelet-Men/dp/B01HRCU3SW/ref=sr_1_6?th=1 These products can be swapped with an alternative if they are no longer available.
Here are the products I can recommend: My personal favorite is the Telescopic Magnetic Pickup Tool with LED Light, which is usually less than 25 dollars on Amazon. It is made up to use when screws and bolts are dropped but we use it when doing the tight work under the sinks and when checking the roof cavities where a hand or even a camera can not reach. The LED tip helps in the inspection of old copper pipes easily to find out corrosion in dark areas or to pick a missing washer or a ring behind a toilet. I have two in the office, and our plumbers tend to have at least one of these with them. Silicone sink squeegee blade is another weird yet very useful item. Not those that are sold in windows, but the short kind that are used to dry the bathroom counter top with silicone blades. They are approximately $10 and ideal during fast cleaning up of a toilet when one is doing a repair or installing a basin. It allows us to leave the space dry and spotless without towel lint behind which is significant to the perception of clients.
I swear by the silicone tap spout extenders. On Amazon, they come in packs of 2 and are priced at about 9 quid, so they look like childrens sink fittings but I use them in adult holiday lets where the basins have an awkward lip clearance or they have shallow bowls. They clear up splash disasters that cleaners have to handle all the time, and guests never dream of noticing them unless they are cleared. I have a drawer with neutral grey ones and change them every now and then. They save time in cleaning, eliminate mineral build up, and wood vanities do not become damaged due to splash back. I also apply screw-on rubber door stoppers which hold on to the top of a door. They are less than a pound per four and prevent banging of doors in old cottages which have distorted floors. They are no longer required to drill wall mounted door stops which many owners would like to avoid doing when using heritage plaster or stone.
The Amazon brass drift punch set is the strangely helpful one. I have one at the office and one in my glovebox. Most house owners believe that it belongs to metalworkers, however, it is ideal when it comes to tapping out of stuck nails, pulling out screws that are twisted, or pushing a valve cover to come loose without damaging the surface. You can get it for 12 bucks and save a couple of hundred bucks in repairs. I also love mini moisture meters. Not the ones of the soil. The ones that are less than 30 dollars are pin-type. I have applied them to verify roof leakages behind dry walls, test wood decay under eaves and to test moisture under membrane roofs. Much quicker than opening things up. Yes, I do not mind exchanging products later when they are not available provided they can be used in the same way. My info would be: Todd Stephenson Co-Founder, Roof Quotes roofquotes.com Pronouns: He/Him Email: todd@roofquotes.com
Hi there! I'm the founder of a women-owned residential interior painting company in NYC, and I'd love love contribute my perspective to your piece. Dana Leavy-Detrick Founder, Undertone Interiors https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaleavy/ undertoneinteriors.com dana@undertoneinteriors.com As a painter, I'm always focused on how the small details make a bigger impact within a space. There are so many simple and cost-effective DIY solutions (painting included) that can literally transform and add value to your space for minimal effort and money. These are some of my favorites: 1) Slobproof Refillable Paint Touchup Pen https://www.amazon.com/Slobproof-Refillable-Interior-Drywall-Furniture/dp/B0070XYWJA These touch up pens are great for when you need to make quick fixes to walls, trim, or furniture. Instead of breaking out the painting supplies, keep a tube filled with your paint colors to quickly rectify smudges, scratches, or discolorations really anywhere in your home. A lot of the turnoff with painting is the prep and mess involved, and these take that out of the equation. 2) GE Sync Color-Changing Smart Bulb https://www.amazon.com/GE-Lighting-Bluetooth-Replacement-Compatible/dp/B09489MQG5 I love these bulbs because they give you the ability to transform the lighting in your space simply through your phone / device, without the need for multiple lamps, light fixtures, different types of bulbs. You can control the temperature, brightness, color of your room in a more versatile and cost effective way. 3) ALL-IN-ONE Cabinet and Furniture Paint https://www.amazon.com/Paint-heathered-Durable-cabinet-furniture/dp/B0D1831V82/ Painting cabinets typically costs thousands of dollars, due to all the prep work involved in dissembling cabinets, stripping paint, priming, etc. I like this all-in-one solution that's time and money saving because you can paint your cabinets in a fraction of the time. The formula is designed to not require prior sanding or priming - it has primer and top coat built in, a high pigmentation that gives it a smooth, saturated finish. I wouldn't use it in place of traditional wall paint, but for something like cabinets or vanities that can be costly to paint or replace, it's a fast, cost-effective, DIY solution that gives you a big impact in a short amount of time. Please feel free to reach out if I can provide any additional info. Thank you! Dana Leavy-Detrick Founder, Undertone Interiors 347-971-1173 dana@undertoneinteriors.com