Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 109)

Dark colored mold grows in the corner of a wall with some cleaning product bottles and yellow gloves seen in the foreground.
Mold & Mildew

Here’s What Really Kills Mold

It can be tricky to determine the correct products and procedures that get rid of mold entirely. Here’s what kills mold once it’s identified.

Young person's hands hold garden hose with squirting water on the garden.
Lawn & Garden

14 Ways to Help Your Garden Survive a Heat Wave

Summer temperatures are hotter than ever, so much so that gardening sometimes feels like an extreme sport. Here's how to save your plants from dying when temperatures approach triple digits.

The best fireplace screen protecting a brick surround from a burning fire.
Reviews

The Best Fireplace Screens for a Safe, Inviting Hearth

A good fireplace screen combines safety with visual appeal. A wide range of beautiful designs with functional protection make up this list.

A spot of mold growing in the corner of a ceiling.
Cleaning & Organizing

How to Test for Mold in Your Home in 6 Steps—(Even If You Can’t See It)

If you suspect that mold spores are polluting your indoor air quality and aggravating allergies or making you sick, testing your environment is the best option. Here’s how to test for mold and get an accurate reading.

Pickleball equipment on the ground.
Outdoor Living

Can You Build a Pickleball Court in Your Driveway?

Building a pickleball court in your driveway is possible with the right planning and preparation. Here’s everything you need to know.

A fig tree in a residential yard with a graphic overlay that says Plant Care 101.
Gardening

Expand Your Edible Landscape by Learning How to Grow Fig Trees at Home

Learn a few tips about fig tree care so you can maximize your harvest of delicious, sweet, nutritious fruit.

A man is caulking an interior window with a caulking gun.
Repair & Maintenance

The Dos and Don’ts of Caulking Windows

Caulking your home's windows keeps water and insects outdoors, where they belong. A window and siding pro explains how DIYers can get the best results.

Craftsman Fan Deal
Deals

Beat the Summer Heat With This Craftsman Fan That’s 20% Off Right Now

Score a top-rated Craftsman fan on sale just in time for summer!

An old armchair with red and beige plaid material in the process of being reupholstered.
Design

How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair?

Is your favorite chair looking old and tired? The cost to reupholster a chair ranges from $50 to $2,000, with the national average at $800.

Person using grilling tongs
Reviews

The Best Father’s Day Sales 2024: Score Last-Minute Deals for Dad Including Free Tools!

Score a great last-minute gift for Dad with fast shipping or store pick-up.

A worker repairs a foundation.
Basements

Basement Waterproofing: Costs and Key Considerations, Explained

Water in the basement can lead to issues such as mold and structural damage. Basement waterproofing costs can range anywhere from $2,300 to $7,575, with the national average at $4,920.

An open, modern-looking kitchen with clean white cabinets and quartz countertops.
Bathrooms

Quartz Countertops Cost: A Budgeting Guide

Interested in upgrading your countertops to quartz? Quartz countertops cost ranges from $1,500 to $12,000, with the national average at $4,500.

A close-up of a sparkling backyard pool.
Pools & Water Features

How to Find a Leak in a Pool in 6 Steps

Although pool water can evaporate, excessive water loss typically indicates a pool leak. Homeowners can learn how to find a leak in a pool so they can fix the cause of the water loss.

The Best HVAC Brands Options
HVAC

The Best HVAC Brands for Every Budget

Get a reliable and efficient HVAC system by choosing one of the top brands.

chicken coop plans
Building & Installing

14 Chicken Coop Plans Perfect for Big or Small Homesteads

Establishing a homestead, and need a place to house your hens? Get inspiration from these chicken coop designs—and build one for your own backyard.

Materials needed to spackle a wall: sanding block, putty knife, and spackle.
Walls & Ceilings

How to Spackle a Hole in the Wall

Here’s a quick, easy way to repair minor damage to plaster and gypsum board surfaces.

Close up view of a woman holding a drywall anchor between her fingers, with a screwdriver in the anchor.
Skills & Techniques

How to Use Drywall Anchors

Follow these simple steps to provide whatever you're hanging on the wall—a towel rack, photo ledge, or gilded mirror—a little extra support.

A woman is using a digital thermostat to change the air conditioning temperature.
Cooling

This Is the Best AC Temperature for Energy Savings, According to Experts

Keep your utility bills as low as possible while still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature this summer.

Photo of a couple working on a raised garden bed in their yard by the river. The man pours a bag of soil into the bed, standing next to a wheelbarrow.
Gardening

This Is the Best Way to Fill a Raised Garden Bed—Plus 4 Alternative Methods

Lasagna, hugelkultur, Ruth Stout—there are many interesting choices of how to fill a raised garden bed. Your choice should reflect the availability of time and materials at hand.

The Best Air Conditioner Brands Options
HVAC

The 16 Best Air Conditioner Brands

Knowing the best air conditioner brands is key to picking the right cooling system for your home.