Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 132)

A close up of someone holding up a small home model.
Home Warranties

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.
Basements

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.
Curb Appeal

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.
Cooling

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.
Tubs & Showers

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.
Home Services

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.
Cleaning Supplies

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.
Toilets

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.

Roof contractors at work on a sunny day.
Roofing

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.
Mold & Mildew

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.
Garages

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.

A worker installs a red fence.
Fences

Installing a Fence: Costs and Key Considerations for Homeowners Today

Installing a new fence can secure a property and boost its curb appeal in one fell swoop. The average fence installation costs between $1,743 and $4,431, with a national average of $3,059.

A contractor in a hard hat inspects siding on a house.
Siding

How Much Does New House Siding Cost to Install? These Are the Main Factors

Clean, attractive siding has a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal, so it’s a worthwhile investment. Expect to spend between $5,576 and $17,529 on house siding costs, or an average of $11,435.

Woman scrubbing the inside of a terra-cotta pot, with a bucket of soapy water next to the pot.
Cleaning & Organizing

How To Clean Terra-Cotta Pots 

To keep your plants healthy year after year, it's important to clean mineral deposits and algae from your terra-cotta pots after each growing season. Here's how to do it properly.

An inspector uses a phone to photograph mold in a shower.
Mold & Mildew

This Is the Only Pro You Need to Call for Mold Inspection

Whether your home has experienced a small leak or a large flood, here’s who to call for a mold inspection.

A mound of dirt is on a green lawn.
Gardening

How to Hire a Topsoil Delivery Company

New plants for a garden require healthy topsoil to grow strong. If you do not have the time to make compost or need an extensive amount for landscaping, a topsoil delivery service near you brings what you need directly to your door.

A hand reaches out to grab a handle covered in foil.
Exterior

PSA: This Dangerous Hack Claims to Foil Burglars—But It Can Cost You

You may have seen a home security hack online that claims placing aluminum foil around door knobs can deter intruders—but evidence shows it’s a myth. Here are some proven methods that can help secure your home instead.

A person using the best mold test kit option in a bedroom
Safety & Security

The Best Mold Test Kits to Ensure Healthy Air in Your Home

Check for mold in the air and on the surfaces in your home with a mold test kit.

Workers are installing a new roof on a clear day.
Exterior

10 Smart Financing Options That Can Help You Pay for a New Roof

Wondering how to pay for a new roof? Homeowners embarking on this major home project may want to consider these roof financing options.