Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 144)

A person using the TopCon’s RL-H5A Laser Level for surveying during testing.
Building & Installing

TopCon’s RL-H5A Laser Level: A Tested Review

Rotary laser levels are game changers for establishing a perfectly level plane over a 360-degree area. Find out what happened when I tested one of the best-selling models on the market.

An exterior shot of a brick sunroom with a skylight.
Interior

Building a Sunroom: Costs and Key Considerations for Today

Building a sunroom is a complex project with awesome benefits like extra entertaining space and a healthier lifestyle. An average sunroom cost is $47,000, but it ranges between $20,800 and $72,600.

A flat-screen TV sits stop a TV stand against a white wall with a couch in the foreground.
Interior

Here’s How Much TV Screen Repair Costs in 2025

TV screen repair costs between $200 and $1,000—but is it worth it? Find out how repairs are priced, and when replacement is a better option.

The Ryobi RY40710 Cordless Earth Auger partially embedded in a field during testing.
Tools

Is the Ryobi Auger a Must-Have for Digging Holes? Find Out in This Tested Review

Handheld power augers reduce the time and labor it takes to dig holes. Find out what happened when I tested a best-selling cordless model.

A person kneeling next to a garden bed planting flowers and vegetables in May.
Gardening

What to Plant in May for a Thriving Spring, Summer, and Even Fall Garden

May is the month when many gardeners can finally begin to plant species that won’t tolerate frost, as well as those that require heat.

The Oregon 410-120 Bench Grinder Chain Sharpener mounted to a board during testing.
Tools

Precise, Fast, Adjustable: Oregon Chainsaw Sharpener Review

If you’re looking for a way to keep your saw chains in top condition, here’s why the Oregon 410-120 could be the best choice.

Woman pours a cup of water into a large bucket, a can of white paint next to the bucket.
Painting & Finishing

How to Thin Latex Paint

Don’t throw away latex paint that has thickened in the can! Follow this 10-minute process to thin it out to the proper consistency, and save yourself the cost of buying new paint.

Man's hand holding a hand full of grass seed near a patch of green grass.
Lawn Care & Gardening

When to Plant Grass Seed to Get the Lushest, Greenest Lawn

Dreaming of a lush lawn? Successful sowing depends partly on proper soil preparation, an understanding of your climate, and having a good understanding of the best time to plant grass seed for your area.

A person holding an edamame plant in a home garden with a graphic overlay that says Plant Care 101.
Gardening

How to Grow Edamame in Your Home Garden

We’ll spill the beans on what it takes to grow this nutritious Japanese vegetable.

Woman slides neodymium magnet along the shaft of a screwdriver to magnetize it.
Tools

How to Magnetize a Screwdriver

Try this simple trick and you’ll never drop a screw again!

The Lettuce Grow Farmstand full of growing plants in a home during testing.
House Plants

A Review of the Lettuce Grow Farmstand: Is It Worth the Price?

This innovative system grows 36 full-size plants in just 4 square feet with no app access required.

A group of the best self-watering planters outside before testing.
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Self-Watering Planters for Low-Maintenance Gardens, Tested

A self-watering planter will let you enjoy houseplants, herbs, and even vegetable plants without worrying about how much water to give them.

Ingredients to make DIY Dawn Powerwash, including dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils.
DIY

Dawn Powerwash Recipe: How to DIY the Ultimate Dish Soap

Love Dawn Powerwash? See how easy it is to make a DIY version of it at home for a fraction of the price.

A woman holds her nose while looking at green mold growing on a wall.
Mold & Mildew

What Does Mold Actually Smell Like?

What does mold smell like? Mold can cause a nasty, musty smell. Here are what those smells are and how you can identify them.

Mother's day gift collage set on purple background
Deals

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Deals: The Top Deals on Gifts Mom Will Use, Chosen By Bob Vila Moms

We've hand-picked the top Mother's Day deals on gifts your mom will actually use! From Yetis to beautiful plants, check out these deals now.

A person with only their hands visible installs a bathroom exhaust fan on a ceiling.
Bathrooms

Here’s Exactly Who Installs Bathroom Exhaust Fans

If you need to know who installs bathroom exhaust fans, the answer relies entirely on your specific needs and the home’s setup. Here’s who you can call to get the job done right.

A peeling soffit and fascia that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Gutters

Who Repairs Soffit and Fascia? Everything You Need to Know

You might not pay attention to this area of your house, but damaged soffit or fascia can be a real eyesore—and a structural hazard. When you’re looking for a professional who repairs soffit and fascia, here’s who you should call.

A team of people cleans a home using cleaning spray, wipes, mops, and window cleaner.
Cleaning

House Cleaning Costs: A Homeowner Budget Guide

Hiring a house cleaner can help free up time for other tasks and hobbies. While many factors go into calculating the total house cleaning cost, customers can expect to pay between $90 and $600, or an average of $170.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles
Pests

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Carpet Beetle Larvae

Are you finding unexplained holes in your rugs, clothing, and bedlinens? Stop the insects that are intent on destroying the textiles in your home.

Woman whitewashes a wood dresser with two drawers removed.
Easy DIY Projects

How to Whitewash Wood

If you're looking for a way to brighten a room or revive an old piece of furniture, a whitewashed finish may be just the thing. Follow this simple how-to for best results.