Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 149)

Visual 1 - HomeAdvisor - Home Elevator Cost - Cost Range + Average - January 2024
Home Technology

How Much Does a Home Elevator Cost to Install?

Residential elevators solve multistory mobility challenges. Home elevator costs have a wide price range of $2,724 to $6,076, so an installer can provide a custom quote.

Water Heater Making Noise
Water Heaters

Water Heater Making Noise? Every Sound That’s Cause for Concern, Explained

Water heater noises can be concerning. Here are some possible causes for a water heater making noise and what can be done to address them.

How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement
Basements

How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement?

Fully finishing a new basement is a big job, but the payoff is additional livable space and added home value. The cost to frame a basement is $500 to $1,600 or an average of about $1,200.

How to Stretch Carpet - Carpeted Living Room
Skills & Techniques

How to Stretch Carpet

If your wall-to-wall carpet begins to bunch or loosen, you can fix it in an afternoon. Move some furniture, rent a few key tools, and follow these steps to be back in business in no time.

How to Get an Electrician License in 7 Steps
Lighting & Electrical

How to Get an Electrician License in 7 Steps: Requirements by State

Understanding the steps involved in how to get an electrician license will help aspiring electricians make a realistic plan to achieve their dream career.

Stained shirt next to vinegar and other cleaning supplies.
DIY

How to Use Vinegar in Laundry: 6 Dos and Don’ts You Need to Know

Transform your laundry routine with our expert tips for using eco-friendly, effective vinegar.

Stack of different colored microfiber towels.
Laundry

You’re Probably Washing Your Microfiber Towels Wrong—Here’s How to Do It Properly

Learn the best way to wash and dry your microfiber cleaning cloths to maximize their effectiveness and increase their lifespan.

Women in striped shirt and jeans adjusts thermostat temperature.
Heating

What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat in Winter?

Is there a “sweet spot” temperature that’s both comfortable in winter and won’t cost an arm and a leg? We asked an HVAC expert to weigh in.

overhead shot of woman painting tile floor
Painting & Finishing

Thinking About Painting Your Tile Floors? Here’s What You Need to Know

Want the luxurious look of decorative tile flooring at a fraction of the cost? Painting the tile can transform a room in just a few days—no demolition or power tools required!

Reliable and powerful outdoor motion-activated lights grouped together on a table.
Lighting

7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your home safe and visible at night while saving energy via quality outdoor motion sensor lights. We tested today’s top motion sensor lights—see how well each model performed.

Best Mouse Trap Options for DIY Pest Maintenance
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Mouse Traps to Keep Your House Rodent-Free

Stop marauding mice from spreading germs throughout your home with one of these top mouse traps.

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

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
Gutters

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.
Skills & Techniques

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.
House Plants

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.
House Plants

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.
Furniture & Design

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.
Pests

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.