Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 132)

A close up of a handyman wearing a tool belt shaking someone's hand.
Interior

How to Hire the Right Handyman for Your Project

Some jobs are a little too much for a DIY but not enough for a general contractor. The Goldilocks of these middle-of-the-road projects is a great handyman. Here’s how to hire a handyman near you.

How to Deal With Nosy Neighbors
Home Security

9 Ways to Thwart Nosy Neighbors and Protect Your Privacy

Nosy neighbors can turn an otherwise great community into a social nightmare. Here’s how to deal with nosy neighbors and regain your privacy.

Cabbage leaves with holes caused by pests.
Garden Pests

Garden Wreckers: 13 Pests That Will Tear Your Plants Apart This Spring

Spring has sprung, and gardens are bursting into bloom. Keep an eye out for the telltale damage caused by these destructive insects, and take take quick action against them to grow healthy vegetables, trees, and flowers this season.

Woman puts a dirty plate in the dishwasher that's loaded with other dirty silverware and dishes.
Appliances

16 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher

Think you can throw all of your cookware and dishware into the dishwasher after a meal? Think again. Discover which kitchen items can warp, melt, or corrode when they're exposed to a dishwasher's detergent and high temperatures.

11 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Kitchen Sponge
Cleaning

11 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Kitchen Sponge

Is your trusty kitchen sponge doing more harm than good? Find out if it’s time to toss it.

A rat sits on the edge of a toilet.
Pests

Yes, Rats Can Absolutely Come Up Toilets—Here’s How, and How to Flush Down the Problem if You See It

A rat in the toilet can come as a terrifying surprise. Knowing what steps to take can keep you safe and calm while dealing with these unexpected intruders.

11 Ways to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas
Holidays & Celebrations

11 Ways to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas

The aromas of gingerbread, pine, and peppermint are hallmarks of the holiday season. If you’re going tree-free this year and have no intention of baking, however, try one of these traditional ways to infuse your home with delightful, wintry scents.

A group of the best blankets folded on a couch before testing.
Bedrooms

The Best Blankets For Snuggling Anytime: Our Tested Roundup

Snuggle down and cuddle up in front of the fire, on the couch, or in bed with our favorite blankets, from the cute and kitschy to luxurious picks.

How to Close a Summer Home
DIY

How to Close a Summer Home

End-of-summer chores at the shore aren’t much fun, but will prevent leaks, smells, and pests in the long run. Follow our checklist for what needs to be done before you lock up your cottage or cabin.

17 Clever Ways to Use Toothpaste Around the House
Cleaning & Organizing

17 Clever Ways to Use Toothpaste Around the House

A multi-use cleaning product is always something to smile about! Here's why you should keep a few extra tubes of toothpaste in your kitchen, laundry room, and cleaning caddy.

17 Clever Household Uses for Rubbing Alcohol
Cleaning & Organizing

17 Clever Household Uses for Rubbing Alcohol

The perfect elixir for your next DIY project or cleaning endeavor may already be in your medicine cabinet.

25 Ways to Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space for Almost Nothing
Deck, Patio & Porch

25 Ways to Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space for Almost Nothing

Making a lasting impression on your outdoor living doesn't have to make a big dent in your wallet. Here are some of our favorite ways to DIY your own deck decor using materials you may already have around the house.

30 Things in Your House That Are Attracting Bugs and Rodents
Pests

30 Things in Your House That Are Attracting Bugs and Rodents

Behind every pest problem, there's a cause. Learn some of the factors that may be responsible for your infestation, and how to keep pests from parading into your home.

Buy or DIY: 12 Clever Solutions for Storing Pots and Pans
Kitchen Design

Buy or DIY: 12 Clever Solutions for Storing Pots and Pans

Keep cookware from taking over your kitchen by upcycling materials you already have on hand, or purchasing a ready-made cabinet organizer.

Beware of These 14 Pests That Only Come Out at Night
Pest Control

Beware of These 14 Pests That Only Come Out at Night

While you’re sleeping, these nocturnal insects and critters are busy scavenging your property, pillaging your garden, and may even be making their way indoors.

10 Easy, Budget-Friendly Backyard Makeovers
Outdoor Living

10 Easy, Budget-Friendly Backyard Makeovers

Create the space of your dreams with these easy, inexpensive ideas for upgrading your backyard and outdoor living areas.

16 Improvements Most Homeowners Get Wrong
Repair & Maintenance

16 Improvements Most Homeowners Get Wrong

Don't do what these homeowners did! Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and design disasters before you begin your next DIY renovation.

14 Types of Windows Every Homeowner Should Know
Windows

14 Types of Windows Every Homeowner Should Know

Windows are the eyes into (and out of) a home, and can utterly transform a space. Whether you want to ventilate and illuminate your interior or keep prying eyes and foul weather out, there's a perfect window for every room.

15 Products to Buy If You’re Always Cold
Tech & Electronics

15 Products to Buy If You’re Always Cold

Rejoice, cold-blooded homeowners! There are a million ways to heat up your home and not all of them require cranking up the furnace. Take a look at some of the most innovative, comforting ways to stay warm this season.

35 Things You Didn’t Know Your Home Appliances Can Do
Appliances

35 Things You Didn’t Know Your Home Appliances Can Do

Believe it or not, your appliances can do more than their intended purposes. Check out the surprising ways you can use your big and small appliances around the house.