Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 169)

Cost of Stucco vs. Siding
Siding

Cost of Stucco vs. Siding: 8 Pricing Factors to Know When Redoing a Home’s Exterior

When choosing an exterior finish for their home, homeowners will want to learn about the differences between the cost of stucco vs. siding to determine which best fits their budget.

How Much Does a Foundation Cost
Foundations

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Foundation Cost to Build?

A foundation is the underlying support structure of a building and is crucial to its stability and longevity. The average foundation cost is $9,100, though total costs can range from $5,200 to $148,000.

Person shoveling dirt
Lawn & Garden

19 Fall Gardening Practices That Will Protect and Enrich Your Soil in Winter

As the growing season comes to an end, it’s time to protect the garden bed from compaction, erosion, and nutrient depletion. These tips will help you preserve and improve the soil so it's ready for planting in spring.

Uncooked white rice
DIY

17 Things You Can Do with Rice Other Than Eating It

Rice isn't just a side for stir fry: It's surprisingly useful for things like cleaning, gardening, and pain relief. Here's why it's nice to keep lots of rice on hand.

Various potted plants
Lawn & Garden

15 Trees and Shrubs That Thrive in Containers

If you have just a small patio or balcony, or you wish to grow a plant that needs to overwinter indoors, consider outfitting your home with portable greenery.

gardener in vest and cap holding the branch of a tree while inspecting it
Lawn & Garden

7 Signs Your Tree is Dying—and How to Save It

A sick tree may be saved, but a dead tree can pose a safety risk to your home and family. Is your tree healthy, or on the way out? This checklist will help you diagnose it. 

Man holding plant in glass with stones
Lawn & Garden

10 Plants You Can Grow Without Soil

Exercise your green thumb without getting dirt under your fingernails with these fun plants that grow in water, on other plants, and even in the air.

Quaint cottage garden with vintage white picket fence and colorful flowers
Lawn & Garden

20 Pretty Plants That Will Make Your Garden Smell Great

Love the sweet smell of spring? Introduce these fragrant flowers into your garden, and you’ll be greeted with beguiling aromas whenever you leave the house.

How Much Does AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost?
Interior

How Much Does AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost?

An evaporator coil is a crucial component of residential and commercial air-conditioning units and refrigeration systems, but it won’t last forever. The average evaporator coil replacement cost is $1,325, falling within a typical range of $600 to $2,000.

Cleaning supplies arranged in circle
Interior

18 Household Items You Had No Idea Were Flammable

Who knew? Ordinary kitchen ingredients and popular DIY supplies can pose significant fire hazards.

a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall in a hallway with view into cozy living room space
Interior

8 Places Around the House You Should Have a Fire Extinguisher

Preparedness is a key element of fire safety. Learn about the strategic locations around your home where a fire extinguisher could be a lifesaver.

modern loft staircase with black and light colored wood square cubby hole shelving underneath
Interior

17 Clever Uses for the Space Under the Stairs

Creative solutions, ranging from sneaky storage to cozy nooks, tackle the home's trickiest triangle.

Couple relaxing in their garden
Lawn & Garden

9 Brilliant Ways to Put Your Garden on Autopilot

Whether you want to be able to go away for a week without having to worry about your garden or you just can’t spend every afternoon in the yard, there’s a lot you can do to, well, do almost nothing in your garden.

Woman giving gift wrapped in gold paper
Design

15 Gifts You Should Never Give

However well intended it might be, a poorly chosen gift can offend or embarrass your recipient. To be sure you're not the person who spoils a birthday or holiday, give your loved ones anything but these items.

decor with candles - lit grey and white candles clustered
Design

15 Ways to Light Up Your Decor With Candles

For an affordable way to add mood and ambience to your space, get creative with these ideas for decorating with candles.

low light house plants woman potting spider plant room full of plants
Lawn & Garden

20 Low-Light Houseplants You Can Grow Practically Anywhere

Even if the interior of your home doesn't get a lot of sunlight, you can still enjoy the beauty and benefits of indoor greenery. Try brightening up your living space with a few of these easy-care houseplants that thrive in limited light.

Bat house hanging on a tall tree
Lawn & Garden

7 Bat House Plans for DIY Mosquito Control

Support bat conservation and give these creatures a safe space to live, while benefiting your home and garden at the same time.

closeup of colorful painted birdhouses
DIY

12 Birdhouse Plans for Building Homes for Your Feathered Friends

Building a DIY birdhouse is a simple woodworking project that can completed in an afternoon. Bring all the birds to your yard this spring with these clever birdhouse plans.

zen garden ideas - large japanese sand garden
Lawn & Garden

11 Zen Garden Ideas to Bring Peace and Relaxation to Your Outdoor Space

The term “Zen” has come to serve as shorthand for a state of being chill, calm, and copacetic. Here’s what to know about the modern Zen garden aesthetic, and how you can use it to transform your outdoor living spaces.

The Best Bathroom Storage and Organizers for All of the Essentials
Reviews

The 12 Best Storage Products and Organizers to Declutter Your Bathroom

Take advantage of limited space and reign in clutter with the best bathroom storage ideas.