Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 121)

Modern kitchen island with black boho chairs.
Design

14 Ideas for Kitchen Island Seating

Whether eating or entertaining, island seating offers families and guests a place to relax and connect. Get inspiration for stools, benches, and chairs that can be put on display or tucked away.

A burglar in a black ski mask is seen breaking into a home through a window.
Exterior

9 Ways to Secure and Burglar-Proof Your Windows

One of the best ways to protect your home is with burglar-proof windows. From installing entry sensors to upgrading locks, here’s how to easily secure your property.

A frog swims in a pool.
Pest Control

10 Ways to Keep Frogs From Hopping Into Your Pool

The very features that make a pool pleasant for homeowners and their guests (such as warm, clean, bug-free water) can also keep amphibian intruders at bay.

An aerial shot of a landscaped lawn.
Lawn Care & Gardening

5 Unmistakable Signs You Hired the Wrong Landscaper—And How to Avoid Making the Same Mistake Twice

Letting someone else do the heavy lifting of landscaping can be a weight off a homeowner’s mind—but having the wrong landscaper can make the process miserable. Know the signs so you can move on to another service if necessary.

no mow may
Landscaping

I Let My Lawn Grow for No Mow May—Here’s What Happened

I enjoyed a much-needed break from lawn upkeep this spring, and an up-close view of nature I might not otherwise have seen. Here's why I'm doing No Mow May again next year.

Visual 1 - HomeAdvisor - above ground pool cost - cost range + average - May 2024
Exterior

How Much Does an Above-Ground Pool Cost? 

Homeowners can install an attractive above-ground pool at a fraction of the cost they might expect. An above-ground pool costs around $1,010 to $11,200, or an average of $3,940.

A person is picking tomatoes from a tomato plant in a garden.
Lawn Care & Gardening

Succession Planting: 6 Tips to Multiply Your Harvest This Year

Make the most of your garden space and produce more vegetables—no matter how long your growing season—with succession planting.

The water in a backyard swimming pool is clean but cloudy.
Pools & Water Features

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water

Try these straightforward fixes for cloudy pool water so you can get back to enjoying your swimming pool.

A home with a 2-car garage with wooden doors.
Garages

Wood Garage Door Cost: A Homeowner Budgeting Guide

Spruce up a garage with a beautiful, customizable wood door that can catch the eye of passersby and prospective buyers. Most wood garage doors cost between $900 and $4,500.

A view of a large pool.
Pools & Water Features

The Top 2 Reasons Your Pool Is Losing Water, According to Experts

Either one can also drain your wallet if left unaddressed.

A grey shed sits on a lawn with tress in the background.
Sheds & ADUs

Moving a Shed: How Much It Costs and What to Expect

Moving a shed can save homeowners money on building or buying a new one. The cost to move a shed ranges from $200 to $1,000, with a national average of $500.

A family leaves for vacation.
Exterior

9 of the Most Important Vacation Safety Tips to Shore Up Your Home Security

Understanding how to protect your home while on vacation won’t just keep your property safe—it’ll also give you peace of mind.

A cockroach peeks out from a drain.
Pest Control

Wondering What to Pour Down the Drain to Kill Roaches? You’ll Want to Rethink Your Approach

Most common DIY solutions used to kill roaches in drains do more harm than good. Here’s how to address the issue safely.

A view of a patio door wide open.
Doors

Patio Door Replacement: Costs and Key Considerations, Explained

Patio doors may require replacement after damage or years of wear and tear. The typical patio door replacement cost ranges from $1,550 to $6,250, or $2,500 on average.

A group of the best folding hand trucks in front of a garage door before testing.
Hand Tools

The Best Folding Hand Trucks, Tested

Moving heavy items is easier and more comfortable with a hand truck. Find out how the top folding models fared in our tests.

Person cleaning kitchen sink with sponge and spray bottle.
Cleaning

The 10 Germiest Spots in Your Home, According to Scientists

You already take extra precautions to avoid germs in public, but what about at home? Microbiology and immunology professor Stephen Thomas, M.D., reveals areas in your house that are especially—and perhaps, surprisingly—gross.

A close up of weeds in a yard.
DIY

Dealing With Your Neighbor’s Weeds: Lawn Care Nightmare, Or Annoying Eyesore?

This guide can help you navigate a hard conversation with your neighbor and take back control of your lawn, even when the root of the issue lies on the other side of the property line.

A photo of a blue pool against a lush and green background.
Exterior

Smart Swimming: 7 of the Most Essential Pool Safety Tips

Pools offer a great way to stay cool during warm summer months. But unless you have a firm grasp on pool safety tips, they can also become a hazard.

A view of a wild hog.
Wildlife

Not Wild About Wild Hogs? Here Are 7 Ways to Keep Them Out of Your Yard

Learning how to get rid of wild hogs can help protect your yard from the damage they do as they search for food.

A man seeds a lush green lawn.
DIY

Road Salt Destroyed My Lawn. What Can I Do to Save It? 

We asked a pro, and he answered. That, and answers to more of your most burning lawn care questions.