Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 149)

How Much Does a Boiler Service Cost: Technician repairing a boiler, illustrating the cost of boiler service
Interior

Every Factor That Goes Into Boiler Service Cost

Don’t wait to service a boiler until there’s an emergency. A typical boiler service cost is $189 to $640, or about $413 on average.

Cost to Replace Light Fixture
Interior

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Light Fixture?

Homeowners won’t want to ignore burning odors and flickering lights, and outdated lights are worth modernizing. The cost to replace a light fixture averages $199, or between $112 and $287.

Minimal Built-in Gray Kitchen With White Tile Backsplash
Interior

Kitchen Backsplash Cost: Breaking Down Exactly What You’ll Pay

Whether made of ceramic, tin, or marble, a kitchen backsplash adds beauty and convenience. Kitchen backsplash cost falls between $600 and $1,300, with an average cost of $1,000 to install.

The Best Wood for Fireplaces
Interior

The Best (and Worst) Types of Wood for Burning in the Fireplace

Is it better to source hardwood or softwood for your fireplace? Is heat-treated wood a good thing? Get the details you need about how to build a safe, hearty fire indoors.

how to secure windows without bars
Exterior

How to Secure Windows Without Bars in 9 Easy Steps

Windows are a vulnerable point of access to a home, but they also create an open, airy feel that many homeowners don’t want to obscure with bars. Can windows be truly secured in other ways?

A small sitting area in a living room near a window with several green houseplants.
Lawn & Garden

15 Feng Shui Plants to Bring Good Energy Into Your Home

Live plants add one of the five feng shui elements to a home, increasing positive energy while they help purify the air. Bring some good “chi,” or energy, to your space by introducing biophilic decor.

A person unplugging a coffee maker in a kitchen.
Interior

Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity? Yes—and See the 8 Biggest Energy Hogs

Don’t let energy vampires suck power and increase your utility bills when you’re not even using them.

How to Secure a Door From Being Kicked In
Exterior

8 Ways to Secure a Door From Being Kicked In

Building up the strength and sturdiness of a door and its hardware can protect a home and its residents from those they'd prefer to keep out.

Basement Window Security Main
Interior

8 Steps to Take for Better Basement Window Security

Designed to let in light and provide an additional egress to a home’s lower level, basement windows are often overlooked when homeowners consider home security.

Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras
Exterior

Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras: 8 Differences To Know Before You Choose

When shoppers are choosing home security cameras, wireless may sound like a great option, but wired systems offer several benefits. Understanding the pros and cons of wired vs. wireless home security cameras will help customers make the best choice.

Does Ring Work With Google Home
Exterior

Solved! Does Ring Work With Google Home?

While Ring does work with Google Home to a certain extent, there are some limitations for customers to consider before choosing to use these two popular systems.

Garbage disposal installed under sink.
DIY

How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Intimidated by the idea of installing a garbage disposal yourself? Don't be. All you need is a little know-how about plumbing and wiring, and easy directions to follow.

How Much Does Range Hood Installation Cost: An expert tradesman connecting the ductwork for a newly installed range hood
Interior

How Much Does Range Hood Installation Cost?

A range hood can help cut down on grease, odors, loud fans, and excess heat in the kitchen. On average, range hood installation costs $750, but the cost can range from $400 to $1,500.

Excited young African American couple sit at desk at home kitchen give high five celebrate online lottery win on laptop. Happy biracial man and woman enjoy success working on computer. Luck concept.
DIY

20 Things You Should Stop Wasting Money on in 2024

Times change, and so do our budgets. As we approach a new year, it's time to to evaluate automatic payments and other purchases we make without thinking. Here's how to save big in the new year.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Flooring
Interior

7 Telltale Signs It’s Finally Time to Replace Your Flooring

Old, shabby flooring can make a home feel dated—but when is it finally time to replace flooring?

Person using old laptop.
DIY

What to Do With Old Computers: Environmentally Friendly (and Secure) Solutions

Learn how to dispose of old computers without compromising your safety or the health of the planet.

Adorned Christmas Tree, Wreath, and Garland Inside Living Room, Copyspace
Design

How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree the Right Way

A beautifully lit Christmas tree is a hallmark of the season that’s sure to spread holiday cheer. Avoid bald spots and clumps of lights on your tree by learning how to hang Christmas lights correctly.

A light green pothos plant on a window sill with long vines.
Lawn & Garden

How to Propagate Pothos Plants: 3 Foolproof Methods, According to Experts

If you desire more of the plant named for the Greek god of desire, rest assured that pothos propagation won’t leave you wanting.

A woman's hand places a cell phone in a small cardboard box full of electronics for donation.
DIY

What to Do With Old Cell Phones (Because You Can’t Throw Them Away)

There are right and wrong ways to get rid of an old cell phone. Choose a method that will protect your information and the planet at the same time.

Vivint vs. ADT
Reviews

Vivint vs. ADT: Which Home Security System Should You Buy?

In the battle of Vivint vs. ADT, Vivint comes out on top—but ADT comes through with strong offerings that keep it a solid second choice.