Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 228)

Dreaming of less home maintenance, lower utility bills, and a more laidback lifestyle? These small house designs will inspire you to build your own charming new abode (or hire a pro to do the work for you).

Thinking of building a custom bar for your home, but need some inspiration (and instructions)? Whatever your style or budget, one of these DIY bar plans is sure to suit.

Investing in a house can be a difficult process, but is it really that different from what your parents went through? Turns out, home buying has changed in almost every way over the past half century.

When it’s time to deck the halls as well as the yuletide conifer, check out these suggestions for some of the best places to buy Christmas trees.

Enhance the shower experience and keep products organized with the ideal caddy for your space, style, and budget.

Find out what makes a home eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and learn about the benefits and drawbacks of owning a listed historic home.

Find out who’s responsible for trees, shrubs, and other plants that straddle the boundaries between properties.

Regular maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your household appliances

Greenhouses can simply overwinter plants or serve as a safe space in which to grow food or flowers when temps drop.

Custom closets help keep clothes, shoes, and other items neatly organized and stored away. Custom closet cost ranges from $1,067 to $2,981 or $2,005 on average.

Your old thermostat may be ratcheting up heating and cooling costs, and a new one could save a bundle. The average thermostat replacement cost is about $175—it can actually pay for itself in a single season.

Residential concrete floors are so much more than the dull, gray slabs homeowners often envision. For those interested in this fun flooring option, the average polished concrete floor cost falls within a typical range of $1,536 to $3,840.

Keep your essential oil diffuser working properly by cleaning it after every use and giving it a deep cleaning once a month.

Fashion your floors by selecting just the right types of rugs for your home.

The pantry staple is good for more than just making sandwiches.

Gas fireplace on the fritz? You’ll need a certified professional to diagnose this issue—here’s who repairs gas fireplaces.

TSP is an effective cleaning agent, but using it could be risky for your health and the environment. Learn when cleaning with trisodium phosphate is probably safe—and when you should have a Plan B.

Extreme temperatures—from heat waves in the western United States to ice and snow in the south—have put a strain on utility companies. As a result, your power company may start controlling your home’s thermostat.

The best way to get rid of aerosol cans depends on whether the cans are empty or full.

A heated mattress pad can keep you more comfy on a cold night than a fluffy pile of blankets, and it adds cushioning to your bed.