Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Mold on the Ceiling
Interior

How to Get Rid of Mold on the Ceiling

Mold on ceilings can spread fast, but common household products can remove it safely.

Snake Holes In The Yard
Lawn & Garden

What to Do About Snake Holes in the Yard

Are those holes in your yard inhabited by snakes or other creatures? Here's how to tell—and what to do next.

How To Start a Fire in a Fire Pit
Lawn & Garden

How to Start a Fire in a Fire Pit

You’ve bought (or built) a backyard fire pit—it’s party time, right? It will be, once you get the fire going.

A group of people listening to an older man with a beard present at a Home Owners Association meeting.
Real Estate

14 Unenforceable HOA Rules—and How to Fight Them

HOAs do not have absolute authority in a community if the regulations they enact are against state or federal law. Learn which HOA rules may be unenforceable and worth disputing.

Examples of Previous Winners of BobVila.com's Tool of the Year Awards
Reviews

BobVila.com’s 2025 Tool of the Year Award: Applications Are Now Open!

Submit your product to be considered for our annual awards program celebrating the best new tools on the market.

A close up of a person opening the door of a washing machine.
DIY

Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?

If your washer isn't filling with water, the reason might be simpler than you think. From clogged hoses to faulty valves, learn how to diagnose and fix common issues yourself.

Tick walking on a piece of grass being held by a human hand.
Lawn & Garden

5 Plants That Repel Ticks and Keep Them Away

Some of the best-smelling plants that you can use in your kitchen also help keep ticks away.

A woman wearing white paints a white deck with a gazebo while on a ladder.
DIY

How to Paint a Deck 

Painting a deck doesn't just make the space look sharp—doing so protects the wood from UV rays and moistureHere's what to know about choosing the right paint, and preparing the wood for a pro finish.

A hand holds a fistful of weeds recently pulled from they nearby yard.
Lawn & Garden

Pulling Weeds Is Our Least Favorite Garden Chore—But There’s an Easier Way to Do It

Banish weeds the right way—and keep them from coming back—with these tips, tools, and techniques.

tick in house
Interior

What to Do When You Find Ticks in the House

Whether you find ticks in the house or out back, we have a game plan to help you reduce your health risks and prevent an infestation on your property.

A split image showing fiber cement siding on the left and vinyl siding on the right.
Exterior

Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl Siding: Important Factors to Consider When Updating Your Home’s Exterior

Both options are highly durable and come in a wide variety of styles, but that’s about where the similarities end.

The Ryobi 21-inch self-propelled all-wheel-drive mower on a neatly trimmed lawn
Reviews

I’ve Used This Ryobi Battery Mower for 2 Years and the Cut Quality is Still Perfect

Ryobi promises gas-powered cutting performance with all the advantages of electric in its 21-inch Whisper Series lawn mower. Does it deliver?

The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Reviews

This Battery-Opereated Tool Makes Quick Work of Large Hedgerows and Shrubs

Depending on the operator and the yard, a battery-operated hedge trimmer may do the trick. We put various models to the test to find the top options.

The Best Power Hedge Trimmers
Reviews

The Best Hedge Trimmers of 2025 to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

The right hedge trimmer can help maintain shrubbery, keeping the landscape looking sharp.

Woman kneels on tile floor sponging floor next to orange bucket.
DIY

How to Remove Grout Haze

Does your new kitchen floor look cloudy just days after you've installed it? Learn a few easy ways to clean grout haze from your tile surfaces.

Metal roofing on a residential home.

The Home Investment That Puts Money Back in Your Pocket Year After Year

Learn how a metal roof can save energy and money while elevating the performance and aesthetics of your home.

Squirrel peeking out through an vent under an attic peak.
DIY

What to Do About Squirrels in the Attic: DIY Solutions—and When to Call a Pro

If you’ve got uninvited visitors overhead, a little patience and a handful of smart strategies can prevent damage to your home and restore peace and quiet up above.

Lowe's SpringFest Deals
Reviews

Save Big With the Best Grilling, Patio and Power Tool Deals During Lowe’s SpringFest

Here are my top 5 picks from Lowe’s SpringFest event. Save big on yard tools, patio upgrades, and spring-ready essentials.

Swiffer Sweep & Mop Deluxe 2-in-1 Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit
Reviews

I’ve Tried Over 60 Floor Cleaners, but This Upgraded Swiffer Is My New Favorite for Small Spaces

A mainstay of my cleaning supplies, the Swiffer 2-in-1 was a part of my routine for years. Now, after a month’s worth of cleaning, I’ve found that the new version is even better than the original.

The Best Grow Bags
Reviews

We Used Grow Bags to Grow Thriving Plants—These Were Our Favorites

Grow bags are not only convenient and transportable, but they also promote healthy plant growth. Cultivate flowers, vegetables, herbs, and more—even with limited space—with the help of one of our top picks.