Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 135)

A person fixing a bathroom sink drain for DIY plumbing repair with graphic overlay that says New Year, New Skill.
Interior

How to Be Your Own Plumber

Discover the skills and necessary tools to take on DIY plumbing projects at home.

Woman tracing a poster board template onto a piece of foam.
DIY

How to Cut Foam in 3 Easy Steps

New upholstery is an attractive way to update old seating, but cutting foam can sometimes be tricky. Here's how to get the job done using tools you may already own.

A person using a spider killer spray on a spider
Reviews

The Best Spider Killers for Stubborn Pests

Stop those eight-legged crawlers in their tracks with the best spider killer and repellent formulas on the market.

Preparing to change a drill bit on an impact driver.
DIY

How to Change a Drill Bit

Don’t let a power drill intimidate you. This guide will teach you how to change bits impact drivers, and drills with both keyless and keyed chucks.

A dragon fruit plant growing in a home garden with plant care 101 graphic overlay.
Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Dragon Fruit at Home

Despite its name, dragon fruit cactus isn’t scary to grow, though you can expect a few barbs in its tails!

Paint stripping DIY
DIY

How to Remove Paint From Wood

Want to restore your home's millwork to its original splendor, or prep thrifted furniture for a new hue? These are the best ways to remove paint from wood, no matter the situation.

A person cleaning house windows from outside using a homemade window cleaner recipe.
DIY

How to Make Homemade Window Cleaner

It's easier and less expensive than you think to achieve streak-free windows: Mix three common ingredients in a spray bottle, and get cleaning! Get the recipe here.

Glass window over a front door with the number 1 on it.
Exterior

Leaving These 13 Things by the Front Door Could Keep You Safe

A "Welcome" doormat and seasonal decor can improve your home's curb appeal, but they won't do much to deter burglars and protect your family. Outfit your entry with these items, and sleep easier.

woman person holding a wallet in the hand. Cost control expenses shopping in concept. Leave space to write descriptive text.
Interior

The 7 Most Expensive Countertop Appliances People Actually Buy

Grab your Amex Black Card and give your common sense the day off.

A person using a self-serve car wash to wash a car in winter.
DIY

How Often Should You Wash Your Car?

Learn how frequently experts recommend cleaning your car, and what factors could make it necessary to wash it even more regularly.

Roaring fire in indoor brick fireplace.
Interior

Whatever You Do, Don’t Burn These 15 Things in Your Fireplace

Tossing seemingly appropriate materials like driftwood and cardboard onto your fire can smoke up your house, provoke health problems, and even cause chimney fires.

How Much Does LeafGuard Cost?
Exterior

How Much Does LeafGuard Cost?

LeafGuard offers gutter protection against leaves and other debris. The typical LeafGuard cost to install runs between $3,000 and $10,500, with a national average of $6,800.

Cost of Stucco vs. Siding
Exterior

Cost of Stucco vs. Siding: 8 Pricing Factors to Know When Redoing a Home’s Exterior

When choosing an exterior finish for their home, homeowners will want to learn about the differences between the cost of stucco vs. siding to determine which best fits their budget.

How Much Does a Foundation Cost
Exterior

How Much Does a Foundation Cost to Build?

A foundation is the underlying support structure of a building and is crucial to its stability and longevity. The average foundation cost is $9,100, though total costs can range from $5,200 to $148,000.

Person shoveling dirt
Lawn & Garden

19 Fall Gardening Practices That Will Protect and Enrich Your Soil in Winter

As the growing season comes to an end, it’s time to protect the garden bed from compaction, erosion, and nutrient depletion. These tips will help you preserve and improve the soil so it's ready for planting in spring.

hallway in large house with view of staircase and doorway into other rooms
Design

6 Old House Features Making a Comeback in New Builds

They may have fallen out of style over the years, but these old house features have been making a comeback in new builds.

Uncooked white rice
DIY

17 Things You Can Do with Rice Other Than Eating It

Rice isn't just a side for stir fry: It's surprisingly useful for things like cleaning, gardening, and pain relief. Here's why it's nice to keep lots of rice on hand.

Cost to Paint Garage Door
Exterior

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Garage Door?

Freshening up a faded or peeling garage door is easier than ever. The cost to paint a garage door ranges from $120 to $500, with most homeowners spending about $300.

Various potted plants
Lawn & Garden

15 Trees and Shrubs That Thrive in Containers

If you have just a small patio or balcony, or you wish to grow a plant that needs to overwinter indoors, consider outfitting your home with portable greenery.

gardener in vest and cap holding the branch of a tree while inspecting it
Lawn & Garden

7 Signs Your Tree is Dying—and How to Save It

A sick tree may be saved, but a dead tree can pose a safety risk to your home and family. Is your tree healthy, or on the way out? This checklist will help you diagnose it.