Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 142)

Luxury Brooklyn House with Christmas Lights at night, New York.
Lawn & Garden

Front Yard Inflatables: Delightful Holiday Decor or Tacky Eyesore?

The holidays are supposed to be a time to come together. However, our readers can’t seem to agree on whether inflatables help or hinder the good cheer.

How to Get a Plumbing License
Interior

How to Get a Plumbing License: Steps for Every State

Plumbing can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Before they start down this career path, aspiring plumbers will need to learn how to get a plumbing license to operate legally in their state.

Brick house covered in holiday wreaths and lights.
Interior

Do Christmas Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?

Displaying holiday lights at home can cost you. Learn the steps you can take to keep your electricity usage and utility bills to a minimum.

Ultra Powerful Products That Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half
Interior

11 Ultra Powerful Products That Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half

Save time without sacrificing cleanliness with these mighty cleaning products for the home. No stain, scum, or smell can handle the battle against them.

Apartment Door Security
Exterior

7 Practical Ways to Enhance Apartment Door Security When Renting

Securing the door against unwanted intruders is only the beginning. Renters can bolster their apartment door security by following several simple steps.

Lighting decor macro
Reviews

Types of Light Bulbs and Light Bulb Shapes Every Homeowner Should Know

Ever been confused by the new types of light bulbs in the lighting aisle? Here, we clear away the confusion with a helpful breakdown of the different varieties on the market and their best uses.

Foxglove flowers growing in a home landscape.
Lawn & Garden

Add Interest to Your Home Landscape With This Guide to Growing Foxglove

Tall spikes packed with flowers that bloom all summer make foxglove a favorite. But the easy-care beauty packs a surprise by blooming only in its second year—and it comes with a safety warning.

A bottle of the best cutting board oil, Clark's Cutting Board Oil, on a dark kitchen counter with two cutting boards in the background.
Reviews

The Best Cutting Board Oils for Maintaining Butcher Block

Use the right oil to ensure your butcher block or cutting board is protected from water damage, safe to use, and shining like it's brand new.

Night-Home-Invasions-frontpointsecurit
Interior

Home Security 101: A Comprehensive Guide to the Basics of Securing Your Home

When it comes to home security, options range from pricey, high-end systems to low-tech, common-sense approaches. These home security basics can help shoppers identify what they need to provide peace of mind for any budget.

Smoke from downstairs has set the family smoke detector off. Two members of the family can be seen out of focus at the top of the stairs.
Interior

New Fire Safety Standards: What You Need to Know and Which Fire Alarms Can Meet Them

Learn how the new smoke alarm standards will help save lives.

What Our Readers Bought in November
Reviews

The 25 Items Our Readers Bought in November

From space heaters to wall scanners, here are Bob Vila reader’s must-have home improvement buys from November.

Mug on books and blanket.
DIY

Drafty Windows? Try These 12 Solutions for Every Budget

Stop those drafty windows from driving up your heating bill.

A-guest-room-in-beige-and-blue-decor-has-a-sofa-with-a-guest-sleeper-on-one-end.
DIY

7 Easy Ways to Make a Sofa Bed More Comfortable

Don’t let an uncomfortable sofa bed get in the way of hosting guests at your home.

Decorated Christmas Tree Near Fireplace at Home
Design

How to Make a Fake Christmas Tree Look Good—For Less

Transform your artificial tree—and make it look just as stunning as a real one—with these simple tricks.

What Does Asbestos Look Like
Interior

What Does Asbestos Look Like? Beware of This Danger Hiding in Plain Sight

Asbestos in a home can be a health hazard, but how does a homeowner know whether they have asbestos? Understanding how to visually identify asbestos in all its variations can help avoid exposure to this dangerous building material.

Nails vs. Screws: Which to Use in Your Project
DIY

Nails vs. Screws: Which Fasteners Are Right for My Project?

When is it better to use nails, and when are screws the better option? It depends on the materials you're working with, and how durable the connection needs to be.

Bucket of concrete with dry cement powder.
DIY

How to Mix Concrete Properly

Mixing concrete yourself might sound a little intimidating—what happens if your tools get stuck?—but the process is pretty simple. Here's what you need to do it right.

Electrical socket components.
DIY

10 Pro Tips to Navigate Electrical Projects without the Shocking Results

Illuminate your home improvement game with these expert tips.

Woman lighting candle at wooden table in living room.
DIY

5 Tricks to Fix a Broken Candle Wick

Don’t toss that candle quite yet—these clever methods can help you rescue a candle with a broken or buried wick.

Aerial view of warehouse workers Working and Walking in The Distribution Warehouse
Reviews

IKEA Mirrors and ZLINE Gas Ranges: 9 Recalls You Need to Know from November 2023

Stay updated on the latest product recalls to help keep your home and family safe.