Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 174)

Couple painting wall.
DIY

Do you have a long list of around-the-house to-dos you want to get through in 2024? Here are the tasks to prioritize—and when you should do them.

A person hand-washing a pink sweater in a white basin full of soapy water.
DIY

When your washing machine can only do so much, laundry stripping deep cleans and removes built-up oils, deposits, and gunk from your fabrics.

Mold on Insulation
Insulation

Mold growth on insulation is a problem that's best eliminated quickly, since it can affect more than just your health.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Septic Tank and Drain Field: The process of excavating land to replace a septic tank and drainfield
Plumbing

A septic tank and its accompanying drain field are essential parts of some home wastewater management systems. The average cost to replace a septic tank and drain field is $6,000, or anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000.

Visual 1 - HomeAdvisor - Modular Home Prices - Cost Range + Average - November 2023
Real Estate

Looking to save money on building a home? An economical option is to consider modular home prices, which range from $180,000 to $360,000, with the national average at $270,000.

Drop Ceiling Cost Implications: Multi-Level Ceiling with 3D Projections
Walls & Ceilings

Drop ceilings are popular in both commercial and residential buildings to hide existing ductwork and offer additional sound dampening. The national average drop ceiling cost is $2,127, though a typical range of $1,063 to $3,190 is common.

The best electric fireplace TV stand set up in a bright living room and displaying a fire while holding a TV and other decor items.
Reviews

Add a touch of class to a den or living room with an electric fireplace TV stand.

The Best Online Interior Design Courses Options
Home Services

If the interior design bug has bitten you, it might be time to ramp up your skills by taking a course. Here are some of the best online interior design courses available.

Several strings of the best Christmas lights side by side during testing.
Holiday Decorations

Show your holiday spirit with sparkling string lights that are just right for your style and space—indoors or out.

The DuroMax XP12000EH Generator on a gravel pad and hooked up to a propane tank with a truck in the background.
Reviews

I tested the DuroMax XP12000EH generator to see if it’s all it’s touted to be at such an affordable price. You might be surprised to find out the answer.

A house cat sitting under a spider plant houseplant that is safe for cats.
House Plants

Are you wondering which houseplants are safe for your cats and which ones could be cat-astrophic? We can help with that.

White room with many tropical houseplants hung from ceiling and in planters.
House Plants

Add a touch of Hawaii to your living space by growing tropical plants indoors so that you can keep gardening all winter long.

The best jigsaws next to each other on a shelf before undergoing extensive hands-on testing.
Power Tools

Manage tight curves and other useful cuts with a versatile quality jigsaw that’s right for your projects, skills, and budget.

Ice Maker Not Working
Interior

Have an ice maker that isn’t working? Discover potential reasons (and solutions) for a broken ice maker in this handy guide.

Washer not draining
Interior

Opening a washer to find standing water can put a damper on anyone’s day. Find out what could be the cause of a washer not draining, and whether the solution is a minor fix or a major repair.

A group of the best winter work gloves on a picnic table before testing.
Clothing & Gear

Don’t drop the ball on tough chores when the temperature plummets. These winter work gloves will help you get the job done while protecting your hands from the elements.

The birds-eye-view of a tiny half-bathroom with white tile, wood accents, and a washer.
Bathrooms

These small lavatories are short on space, but they make the most of their size with clever architectural details, surprising storage nooks, and brilliant color schemes.

The best Christmas tree topper on a tree decorated in white, silver, and gold with a grey brick fireplace and windows in the background.
Holiday Decorations

Tinsel, ornaments, and garlands make the Christmas tree sparkle, but it’s not complete without the perfect Christmas tree topper; this guide has plenty to suit each style, tree size, and budget.

The Best Christmas Tree Stand Option supporting a decorated Christmas tree with a few presents around it.
Holiday Decorations

The right stand keeps a Christmas tree of any size and type safe and upright throughout the holiday season. Here are our top picks.

Person holding empty cardboard box.
Repurposing

Have your online orders left you with more cardboard boxes than you know what to do with? Once their contents have been gifted, don't recycle the boxes—put them to good use instead.