Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 116)

9 paint brushes for trim together before testing.
Reviews

The Best Paint Brushes for Trim for the Cleanest Lines, Tested

Not all paint brushes are suitable for trim. We tested the top options—find out which brushes made us feel like painting pros.

How to Make a Carpenter Bee Trap
Lawn & Garden

How to Make a Carpenter Bee Trap

Prevent an infestation and damage to your deck or home by exploring these tips for how to make your own carpenter bee trap.

A view of a person's hand adjusting a lawn sprinkler.
Lawn & Garden

Lawn Sprinkler System Cost: What to Know and How Much You’ll Pay

Installing a sprinkler system promotes consistent watering to help establish a lush, healthy stand of grass. A sprinkler system costs between $1,679 and $3,541, with a national average of $2,540.

An above ground pool on a lawn on a bright day.
Exterior

How to Level Ground for Pool Installation: 8 Steps to Follow

Homeowners who are ready to learn how to level ground for a pool but are unsure how to handle the terrain can follow this guide for leveling ground for a pool properly.

Baltimore Oriole perched on branch with blooming pink flowers.
Lawn & Garden

How to Attract Orioles to Your Property—Smart, Safe Tips From a Bird Expert

Early harbingers of spring, orioles are beloved for their bold orange coloring and easily recognizable song. Learning how to attract orioles to your yard can result in hours of enjoyable avian observation.

A homeowner using a hose to rinse window screens.
Exterior

How to Clean Window Screens

Is the view out your window ruined by the bugs and debris stuck in your screens? Cleaning window screens is a cinch with this step-by-step guide.

Two workers in hard hats smile and assess an electrical panel.
Interior

Electrical Panel Replacement Cost: A Homeowner Budget Guide

An outdated electrical panel can be a fire hazard. The cost to replace an electrical panel runs from $522 to $2,082, with the national average at $1,274.

A close up of someone holding up a small home model.
Real Estate

Are Home Warranties Actually Worth It?

A home warranty can help protect homeowners from unexpected appliance and system repair costs. Is a home warranty worth it? In general, yes, though the answer depends on several factors.

A view of a finished basement.
Interior

Finishing Your Basement: Costs and Key Considerations, Explained

Finishing a basement can convert an unused area into a livable space, but how much does it cost to finish a basement? The cost ranges from $2,800 to $34,500 with the national average at $18,398.

A view of a worker installing vinyl siding on a house.
Exterior

Vinyl Siding: Costs and Key Considerations, Explained

Low maintenance and easy to customize, vinyl siding is a popular and low-cost choice to refresh a home’s exterior. The average vinyl siding cost—including materials and installation—is $11,676, with prices ranging between $6,370 and $17,615.

A view of two heat pumps outside.
Interior

Heat Pump Costs: A Budgeting Guide for Installation and Replacement

In moderate climates, heat pumps can be more energy-efficient than furnaces. They typically range in price from $4,206 to $7,688, with a national average of about $5,947.

A worker in blue overalls renovates a shower.
Interior

Shower Remodel Cost Guide: Here’s What to Expect

A remodeled shower can provide a soothing retreat at the end of the day while also adding to the resale value of a home. Shower remodel costs fall between $200 and $15,000, with the national average at $8,000.

Chamomile lawn in front yard.
Landscaping

It’s Possible to Replace Your Turfgrass Lawn With Chamomile—But Should You?

Could this low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, aromatic ground cover be the turfgrass replacement you’ve been looking for?

A close up of a worker in a riding lawn mower mowing lush green grass.
Reviews

Sunday Lawn Care vs. TruGreen: Which Lawn Care Service Is Best?

When it comes to Sunday Lawn Care vs. TruGreen, which one is more outstanding in this field? This guide will break down everything customers need to know before they choose a lawn care service.

A group of the best floor cleaners before testing.
Reviews

The Best Floor Cleaners for Every Type of Hard Flooring in Your Home, Tested

Are your floors ready for new treatment? These products can help keep your home sparkling clean.

Person holding toilet handle.
Interior

Solved! What to Do When the Toilet Won’t Flush

If one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home isn’t doing its job, don’t call the plumber just yet. Here's what to do if your toilet won’t flush—without flushing extra money down the drain.

A man adjusting the Best Pool Vacuum Option in preparation for putting into a pool
Reviews

Say Goodbye to Manual Scrubbing—Our Top Pool Vacuum Does All the Work for You (and in Just 2 Hours) 

Don’t let pool maintenance leave you feeling all wet. Take a bit of the workload off yourself with these pool vacuums.

Roof contractors at work on a sunny day.
Exterior

5 Foolproof Steps to Hiring the Right Roofer for Your Project

Roofing ranks among the largest and most expensive projects a homeowner can undertake, so take the time to be certain you find a roofing contractor you trust to put a roof over your head.

A suited worker points at mold growing on walls.
Interior

Mold Remediation and Removal: What to Know and How Much You’ll Pay

Mold remediation costs typically range from $1,125 to $3,439 with an average cost of $2,254, but there are many factors that can affect the total cost.

A view of an open garage door.
Exterior

Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost Guide

Garage door springs can break with a bang, but a pro can get them safely working again in a flash. Most garage door spring replacement costs are $150 to $350, or an average of $250.