Your home is a big investment, so it's smart to avoid mistakes that could cause damage and headaches down the road. I consulted handymen and home experts on the most common errors they see (and you might not even know you’re making them). From preventing water damage to keeping your lawn looking amazing, these experts have all the tricks on how to protect your space with some easy-to-find products.

Bethany Uribe, a division manager and estimator for ASAP Restoration LLC, says that when it comes to leaks, even a small one “can lead to a big mold problem that takes over huge swaths of a home, even in areas that never got officially wet. This is because mold lives off of water and water vapor too. If a home is moist enough from that regular leak, then mold spores will take hold almost anywhere.”

One way to stay on top of small leaks is with a battery-operated leak detector. This compact, waterproof option has an adjustable alarm as well as a low-battery alert. And it’s easy to use — simply place the detector where you want to monitor leaks with no electricity or wiring necessary.

Sometimes, a leak is so subtle you barely notice it, but this silicone mat can collect drips before they cause damage. This flexible silicone mat can be trimmed to size with the built-in trim marks to fit it around pipes. It can also hold over 3 gallons of water, protecting cabinets from drips, small leaks, and mold damage that Uribe cautions against.

Brandon Walker, a foreman at ASAP Restoration LLC, says, “Walls, or anything painted, should never be cleaned with bleach. The reason for this is because bleach will strip the sheen off painted surfaces in whatever pattern it was “washed” from.” This stain-removing spray tackles tough mold and mildew stains below the surface with a few easy spritzes. It’s also safe to use on a number of surfaces, including wood, vinyl siding, brick, concrete, and more. Plus, it’s easy to use — no scrubbing is required to handle mold stains.

To avoid removing the sheen from paint, Walker says it’s important to use care when washing indoor walls. This multipurpose spray is free of bleach and VOCs, which may be irritating. It also comes in four different space-freshening scents and is designed to be safe for all paint finishes.

Jake Herman, CEO of Spray Foam Insulation USA, recommends “addressing drafts and leaks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or door draft stoppers.” He says, “This simple adjustment can significantly enhance a home’s thermal retention.” This stick-on door draft stopper is a budget-friendly fix with two layers to block out noise and reduce energy loss. Installation is easy with the attached adhesive, and the material can be cut to size, making it a perfect fit for most doors.

“You need to be careful about the items you store in the less temperature-controlled places on your property – like your garden shed, your garage, your attic, and your basement,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “These spaces are all more prone to hotter and colder temperatures depending on the season, as well as higher chances of being exposed to moisture and pests.”

These hook-and-loop storage wraps can wrangle hoses, ropes, wires, and small appliances to make it easier to store them in the correct spot (and to move them around). They’re made of weather-resistant polypropylene, and they have a stainless steel grommet, so you can hang them up in the perfect temperature-controlled spot.

Yamaguchi also advises homeowners to “take extra care” when storing items like liquid solutions and electronics. This clever under-sink organizer is two shelves that fit on either side of plumbing, and each shelf can even comes with hooks on the side, so you can hang spare sponges, bags, or whatever else you have stored under your sink.

Randy Smith, owner of The Handyman Company, says that treated wood should be sealed annually. He recommends this budget-friendly waterproofing spray because he says it “not only shields the wood from the elements but also helps prevent issues like swelling, cracking, warping, and discoloration.” It’s ideal for spritzing onto and protecting surfaces like concrete, brick, and exterior wood. It hides the grain while still allowing the texture to show through, and it even contains UV-resistant polymers to protect against sun damage.

Luke Kinser, lead community developer and contractor in Virginia, as well as the co-founder of Virginia Builders, says, “When it comes to home surfaces, I advise gentleness.” So, when it comes to scrubbing stainless steel appliances, this pH-neutral spray fits the bill, thanks to its coconut oil and essential oil formula. It’s designed to gently remove fingerprints, smudges, and grime, while leaving behind a scratch-inhibiting barrier. The spray also comes with a microfiber cloth to make it even more gentle.

Kinser also says, “For under $15, specialty cleaners designed for these........

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