Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 105)

A green lawn with a Trugreen lawn sign in the foreground and a Trugreen company truck in the background.
Reviews

TruGreen Offers Almost Every Lawn Service a Homeowner Would Need—Except for One We Can’t Ignore

TruGreen has complete and affordable lawn care plans for most homeowners, which makes it an appealing choice—but homeowners may want to dig into reviews before hiring.

A woman in a yellow jacket finishes siding.
Exterior

Cedar Siding Cost: A Budgeting Guide for Homeowners

Installing cedar siding updates a home’s exterior with extra flair. Cedar siding cost ranges between $8,000 to $45,000, or about $13,000 on average.

A person closing a garage door attached to his house.
Exterior

4 Easy Ways to Lock Your Garage Door

Before you head out for vacation, make sure to secure your garage door properly.

Real estate agent welcomes couple to open house.
Buying

Open House Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts: Faux Pas to Avoid

Checking out open houses on the weekend can be a fun way to spend a day whether or not you’re in the market for a home. Read this list to learn the expected etiquette before you head to your next open house.

A dad and daughter doing laundry at home.
Cleaning & Organizing

Your Laundry Routine Is Probably Outdated—Here’s the Modern Way

Learn how to effectively manage your laundry and keep your clothes looking their best with our comprehensive step-by-step guide.

Everything You Need to Open Your Pool for the Season
Reviews

Everything You Need to Open Your Pool for the Season

Get ready to swim with our handy guide for prepping your pool.

Pouring a bag of salt into a blue, saltwater pool.
Exterior

The Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools

Thinking about installing a saltwater pool? Think about cost, health, and maintenance factors, says our pool expert, before you dive into the project head first.

An orange tabby cat named Morris sits on a rack in a home improvement garden center.
Design

Home Improvement Store Cats and the DIYers Who Love Them

Some call them mousers. Some call them managers. One thing is for sure: home improvement store cats are a-meowzing!

A close up of permeable pavers with a car in the background.
Lawn & Garden

Permeable Paver Installation Costs: A Budget Guide

An eco-friendly choice, permeable pavers are another way to pave driveways, patios, and walkways. Permeable pavers cost will likely fall between $5,000 and $12,000, with a national average of $7,500.

A weed-free vegetable garden in a suburban backyard.
Curb Appeal

Weed-Free Gardening: 7 Tips to Get Weeds Under Control for Good

Learn how to stop weeds from growing with these organic gardening tips. No herbicides required!

A person lifts a white garage door.
Exterior

Garage Door Panel Replacement: Costs and Key Considerations

Unsightly damage to a garage door can lower curb appeal and also the home’s value. Garage door panel replacement cost ranges from $350 to $900 with a national average cost of $550.

A view of a second story of a house under construction.
Exterior

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Second Story?

The cost to add a second story ranges from $100,000 to $250,000, though many homeowners spend about $175,000 to gain some much-needed extra living space.

The Best Places to Buy a Refrigerator Options
Interior

The Best Places to Buy a Refrigerator

A refrigerator is a key kitchen appliance, but where are the best places to buy a refrigerator when you’re ready to shop for your new one?

plumbing tools
Interior

14 Emergency Plumbing Tools All Homeowners Should Have on Hand

Whether you’re dealing with a clogged sink or a loose faucet, these must-have plumbing tools can solve simple problems without the help of a plumber. 

How to Build a Pool
Exterior

How To: Build a Pool

Looking to add an in-ground pool to your backyard? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the excavation and construction process so you know what to expect.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost
Interior

How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost?

Popcorn ceilings are dated—and some may contain harmful asbestos. Popcorn ceiling removal cost ranges from around $923 to $3,006, with the average homeowner paying $1,961 for professional removal.

A ripening cantaloupe in a home garden with a graphic overlay that says Plant Care 101.
Gardening

How to Grow Cantaloupe—or Muskmelon—at Home

If the price of melons makes you melancholy, try growing your own so you can save money and savor fresher flavor.

Bauer vs. Hercules
Reviews

Bauer vs. Hercules: Finding the Right Power Tool for Every DIYer and Pro

We put Harbor Freight’s two power tool brands head-to-head to find out which one meets your needs.

A close-up view of a wet hammerhead worm.
Lawn & Garden

How to Get Rid of Invasive Hammerhead Worms

Your garden (and the earthworms inhabiting it) will thank you for destroying hammerhead worms, but you’ll need to take special measures to eradicate them safely. Pro tip: Don't cut them up!

A close up of a the beautiful landscaping work of a residence.
Landscaping

Here’s How Much Landscape Curbing Typically Costs

Adding landscape curbing around flower beds and yards is an attractive way to enhance a property. The average nationwide landscape curbing cost is $1,401, though a typical range is $779 to $2,097.