Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 172)

Now I can make a truly informed choice about my drinking water thanks to this comprehensive, EPA-certified lab test.

Opt for a low-maintenance, more natural yard by growing a tapestry lawn—a wilder mixture of flowering plants and grasses that don’t require weekly mowing. Pollinators will thank you.

Homeowners with a swimming pool may come across some telltale signs of having a pool leak and need to look into repairing it. Pool leak repair costs run from $10 to $3,500.

Don’t let an impending storm or emergency force you to miss out on a crucial generator purchase.

When it comes to black mold vs. wood rot, it’s important to know how to differentiate between the two and what steps to take next. The following guide can help.

Discover which states have the highest average relative humidity levels.

Thermacell’s latest mosquito repellent is like no other. Here's how it works.

Send ticks packing by clearing away their favorite foods and habitats, and adopting repellents and landscaping techniques they hate. Banish these disease-carrying pests from your property with these simple techniques.

Some of the gear we use every day can’t just be tossed in the trash after use. Learn which everyday products you're using can harm humans, water supplies, and wildlife.

Struggling with a tough clog? Learning how to use a drain snake is simple—and can save you the cost of a plumber's visit.

Even a brief power outage can potentially endanger you and your family if you don’t respond properly. Here’s how to make sure you're prepared the next time the lights go out.

The best leather cleaners wipe away grime and soil, keep your leather soft and supple, and are easy to use.

It might as well be one of the laws of nature: As outdoor temperatures drop, electricity bills rise. In much of the country, it takes a lot of energy to keep your home warm during the coldest months of the year, which is why it pays to weatherproof your house with added insulation, weatherstripping, and storm windows. But if you've already employed your regular suite of winter weather tricks to eliminate drafts and wasted energy, but your heating bills continue to rise, check out this collection of genius little gadgets that can help you save money on your bills this year and in the years to come.

A well-stocked nightstand is the backbone of every bedroom. In addition to the essentials (think tissues, books, and your cell phone ), consider sparing some precious real estate for these 10 clever products. They’ll help you get organized, sleep better, and wake up feeling refreshed for the day ahead.

If you shop on Amazon, you already know it's a one-stop shop to buy brand name home goods and pantry staples. But did you also know that Amazon sells its own private label products at prices that are priced comparably or lower than other brands? Here are some of the most interesting and essential buys from Amazon's own line of products.

The kitchen island is often the gathering spot in a home. Not just a functional place for cooking and storage, it's also where you typically wind up chitchatting and sharing a bite to eat with family and visitors. There are plenty of standalone kitchen islands to fit your needs, whether that's style, size, storage, or all of the above. Here's a roundup of the best kitchen islands for under $500 whether you have a big kitchen, little kitchen, farmhouse kitchen, contemporary kitchen, or something in between.

The bright lights and swinging night life of the big city is fine for some, but others will appreciate the subtle pleasures of small town living. Here are some of the best small towns in America, whether you're looking to visit or settle down and start a new life.

IKEA, the Swedish home furnishings giant, has earned a reputation among Americans for their affordable flat-packed furniture. The prices may be low, but that's not the only reason to consider IKEA as your source for home decor. Plenty of designers turn to IKEA for budget remodels and quick redesigns. Read on to see which products are most loved by the pros.

Vibrant and colorful flowers elevate any yard. But caring for blooms can seem like intimating endeavor for a beginner gardener, a busy homeowner, or anyone without a green thumb. Check out these 10 foolproof flowers, all of which are easy to grow and maintain, allowing you to bring seasonal beauty to your landscape with minimal effort.

Shopping for furniture can be a stressful experience. While some people can find the perfect "forever" piece in a furniture showroom, those with more eclectic tastes may have better luck with an online search—as long as they know where to look. We've picked some of our favorite shops from Etsy, an online marketplace for handmade goods, to put you on the path to a uniquely furnished home.