Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 172)

Covered Patio Cost
Exterior

How Much Does a Covered Patio Cost?

A covered patio provides shelter and privacy in a homeowner’s backyard. Installing a covered patio costs between $8,243 and $26,255, or an average of about $17,154.

House exterior on a stormy evening
Exterior

How to Choose a Generator for Your Home

Learn how to find the right generator for home backup or emergency power.

firehouse in rough and ready california
Design

The 27 Weirdest Town Names Ever Put on the Map

They may be underpopulated, unremarkable, or remote, but these oddly named American communities are places to see and be seen.

man using a portable generator on a camp ground
Lawn & Garden

9 Ways to Save Gas When Mowing, Trimming, or Using a Generator

Master the art of fuel efficiency with these tips and tricks for your gas-powered equipment.

Is My Dishwasher Making a Loud Noise
Interior

Solved! Why Is My Dishwasher Making a Loud Noise?

The source of loud noises coming from a dishwasher could be a minor matter or a huge headache. Find out how to diagnose dishwasher sounds and what to do about them.

bathroom shelf with towels, loofah, brush, and tooth brushes
Interior

10 Items It’s Time to Replace in the Bathroom

It’s no secret that our bathrooms harbor billions of bacteria, viruses, and other unsavory elements, but are you replacing these items as often as you ought to?

Man holding ashes from a fire pit
DIY

20 Surprising Ways You Can Use Ashes From Your Fire Pit or Fireplace

Don’t let the remnants from last night’s fire go to waste! Repurposing ashes in these surprising ways can help you save money and lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

senior couple in kitchen drinking mugs of coffee together
Interior

Aging In Place Remodeling: 14 Ways to Get Your House Ready for Your Next Chapter

If you plan on staying put as you enter the next phase of your life, make sure your house can meet your changing needs.

Close up of human hands, sowing chilli pepper seeds in eggshells and carton.
Lawn & Garden

How to Save Seeds

Seed saving allows the budget-conscious gardener to cut costs when replanting the following year.

Backhoe digging for a residential swimming pool
DIY

13 Home Improvements You Might Make That Your Neighbors Will Probably Hate

Trust us: Your neighbors are a lot less excited about your front-yard trampoline and swimming pool excavation project than you are.

gloved hand using a paint brush with bright yellow paint on it and painting a white wooden window shudder yellow
Interior

Solved! Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside?

Find out why it’s a bad move to use leftover exterior paint for an interior project.

person holding temperature and humidity monitor to show indoor temperature and humidity levels inside the home
Interior

How to Lower Humidity in the House

Keep indoor humidity levels down to ensure that your home is comfortable and safe for everyone who lives there.

Man standing under dark clouds
Interior

15 Things You Should Never Do During a Thunderstorm

The next time lightning is in the forecast, take cover—and take care—by steering clear of these activities.

The Wagner Paint Sprayer set up next to a barn alongside all its accessories
Reviews

The Wagner Paint Sprayer Provides the Best Bang for the Buck in Our Latest Test

I put the Wagner Control Pro 170 to the test. Find out what I loved about this airless paint sprayer—and what I’d change.

The best Bosch dishwasher option with the door slightly open to reveal the hidden top controls
Reviews

The Best Bosch Dishwashers You Can Get

With a Bosch dishwasher, you’ll have both clean dishes and a quiet kitchen.

Best Home Decor Store Options
Reviews

The Best Places to Shop for Home Decor

Furnish your home with stylish and functional pieces by shopping at one of these top homeware retailers.

Portrait of smiling african american man holding light bulbs bought at household goods store, happy with his choice
Interior

Incandescent Light Bulb Ban—All of Your Questions Answered

Most incandescent bulbs can no longer be manufactured or sold in the United States. Learn how this change will impact you and why this is an opportune time to make the switch.

garden with pink and red flowers and a butterfly perched on one of the flowers
Lawn & Garden

The 3 Most Important Attractions in Every Successful Pollinator Garden

Turn your pollinator garden into a replete habitat with these essential elements.

Aptive Pest Control Review
Reviews

Aptive Is a Small Pest Control Company Generating Some Big Buzz

Aptive exploded onto the scene in 2015 and has already been lauded as one of the top pest control companies in the country. But how does it stack up to the competition? Find out in this Aptive pest control review.

family standing in front of electric car with house in the background with solar panels
Exterior

7 Ways to Get Help from Federal, State, and Local Government for Improved Energy Efficiency

Government programs at all levels can provide assistance in creating a more eco-friendly home. Find out what your local or state government does to help.