Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 143)

Side view of handyman, technician using screwdriver while fixing boiler or water heater, working on heating system in apartment. Manual work, maintenance,
Interior

This Is When a Handyman Can Install a Water Heater—And When You Need to Hire Someone Else

Does water heater installation fall within the skill set of an experienced handyman? The answer depends on the handyman, the complexity of the project, and the needs of the home.

icicles tan house
Exterior

How to Prevent and Remove Ice Dams

If your roof is weighed down by heavy icicles every winter, you could have an ice dam problem. Follow these techniques for removing ice dams before they damage your home—or hurt someone.

January BV Readers' Projects
DIY

6 Crucial Tasks BobVila.com Readers Are Doing Right Now—Including 1 That Shocked Our Editors

There are some projects you should take on during the dark and dreary first months of the year. We’ve rounded up the ways BobVila.com readers are filling their time right now, and why these tasks should be done ASAP.

A woman rolling out a large high-pile area rug out on the floor of her home.
DIY

This Is the Best (and Cheapest) Way to Flatten a New Area Rug

Try these tips to keep a rug from curling up and creating a trip hazard.

Various palm houseplants in living room.
Lawn & Garden

13 Stunning Palm Plants That Are Easy to Grow Indoors

Long a symbol of victory, palms are easy-care plants that flourish in your indoor garden.

A residential gas meter outside of a home for reading how much to charge on a gas bill.
Interior

Solved! Why Is My Gas Bill So High?

Learn what could be causing higher than expected gas bills and, more importantly, what you can do to help get the costs under control.

A cast iron houseplant sitting on a window sill inside a house with a graphic overlay that says Plant Care 101.
Lawn & Garden

This Cast Iron Plant Care Routine Is About as Easy as It Gets

If you have a bit of brown thumb, try the cast iron plant, a leafy beauty that tolerates low light and intermittent watering.

A person painting a drawer with graphic overlay that says New Year, New Skill.
DIY

How to Paint Furniture Like a Pro

Flex your creativity, redecorate on a budget, and reduce bulky waste—you can achieve all three by learning the art of furniture painting with Bob Vila.

Swarm of gnats.
Interior

How to Get Rid of Gnats, Indoors and Out

Are gnats plaguing your houseplants and living areas? Try these DIY remedies for how to get rid of gnats fast—and naturally—to eradicate them for good.

Lease vs. Finance Solar Panels
Energy & Power

Home Security Giant ADT to Exit the Solar Industry

ADT's struggles with its solar business finally came to a head just a couple of months after announcing the closure of half of its branches.

Antiquing vs. Distressing: 8 Tips on Creating the Look and Patina of a Genuine Antique
Interior

Antiquing vs. Distressing: 8 Tips on Creating the Look and Patina of a Genuine Antique

Celebrated DIY style maker, home blogger, milk paint purveyor, author, and photographer Marian Parsons—aka Miss Mustard Seed—gives advice on antiquing and distressing furniture.

Kitchen demolition after a burst pipe.
DIY

11 Ticking Time Bombs in Your House—and What to Do About Them

If you ignore necessary but manageable maintenance issues today, you might end up with bigger—and more expensive—problems on your hands down the road.

A newly clean dryer vent hose with a small pile of dryer lint in front of the hose.
Interior

How to Clean a Dryer Vent in 5 Simple Steps

A dryer vent that's clogged with lint doesn't just reduce the appliance's efficiency—it is a potential fire hazard. Here’s how to get your vent clean and keep it that way.

Green shiplap walls with natural bench and colorful green and pink tile on the floor.
Interior

The 10 Best Painted Tile Floor DIYs We’ve Ever Seen

If your tile floors are dated but structurally sound, there's an alternative to replacing them outright: Paint them! It doesn’t cost much to prep, paint, and stencil them to match your style, and your guests will be none the wiser.

A group of the best indoor gardens together on a tiered table before testing.
Reviews

The Best Indoor Gardens for Flowers and Herbs, Tested

Ready to perk up your home or office with herbs, fresh flowers, or even vegetables? We tested today’s most popular indoor gardens—find out how they fared in our hands-on trials.

Woman Outside caulking
DIY

15 Problems Around the House That You Can Solve With Caulk

Flexible and versatile, this inexpensive material can prevent more expensive home issues down the road.

A close-up of the Jolie shower head installed in a tiled shower
Reviews

Is the Jolie Shower Head Worth the Investment? Check Out Our Review!

The Jolie shower head claims to improve your overall beauty and personal care routine, but does it live up to its claims? We tested it to find out!

A couple crouched on their kitchen floor with a flashlight while spraying the best roach killer option under their appliances and cabinets.
Reviews

The 10 Best Roach Killers and Baits to Safely Handle a Pest Problem

Get rid of a roach infestation quickly and safely with these proven products.

The Best Tool Deals to Shop in January
Reviews

The Absolute Best Tool Deals to Shop This January

Enjoy impressive savings on DeWalt, Milwaukee, Craftsman, and more.

Woman holding lit white candle in hands.
DIY

You’re Probably Burning Candles Wrong—Here’s How to Do it Safely

From lighting a candle with a match to putting it out with your breath, learn what to avoid and what to do instead.