Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 178)

Liberty Home Guard vs. American Home Shield
Real Estate

Liberty Home Guard vs. American Home Shield: Which Home Warranty Company Should You Choose?

Our Liberty Home Guard vs. American Home Shield comparison takes a close look at two of the leading home warranty companies so homeowners can decide which option is right for them.

KOHLER 26kW Home Generator in the rain
Exterior

How to Use a Generator When the Power Goes Out

Learn how to keep the electricity on when the rest of the neighborhood goes dark.

The best wood-burning fireplace inserts option set in a large stone chimney in a spacious living room
Reviews

The Best Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts for Warmth and Efficiency

Modern wood-burning inserts offer high efficiency without sacrificing the look of a natural fire. Find out how to pick the best option for your home.

boy-looking-through-binoculars-from-a-treehouse
Lawn & Garden

11 Ways to Prep Your Backyard Tree for Playtime Fun

Do you want your backyard trees to do more than provide shade? Use this guide to turn suitable trees into play structures that make childhood memorable.

woman-stands-in-a-garden-of-various-plants-with-a-shovel
Lawn & Garden

10 Popular Landscaping Plants You Should Get Rid of ASAP

Many of the plants we’ve loved, purchased, and planted for years are invasive non-natives that can harm other plants, our ecosystem, and structures.

red-brick-house-with-a-green-freshly-mowed-lawn
Lawn & Garden

Does Liquid Lawn Aerator Actually Work?

When it’s time to address compacted soil, consider which solutions have the best results.

Man in orange shorts situates a pool vacuum in deep end of blue pool.
DIY

How to Vacuum a Pool Like a Pro

Learn how to keep the pool clean with regular vacuuming.

10 Historic Homes That Were Part of the Underground Railroad
Design

10 Historic Homes That Were Part of the Underground Railroad

These unassuming homes once played vital roles in the fight against slavery, serving as shelter for those escaping to freedom.

50 Plants That Thrive in Any Yard
Lawn & Garden

50 Plants That Thrive in Any Yard

With a pinch of effort and almost no upkeep, you can have the lush, beautiful garden of your dreams. The secret is to choose plant varieties that enjoy a little hardship. We’ve compiled the essential list of hardy flora, with tips for care and maintenance.

12 Surprising Ways to Use Zip Ties
DIY

12 Surprising Ways to Use Zip Ties

Originally intended to corral cables and wires, zip ties are probably not the first product that comes to mind when you need to fix a broken zipper or pack for a trip. But these toothy plastic or nylon strips can do much more than contain cords. Read on to discover why you should add zip ties to your DIY arsenal to help you with storage, gardening, and other household tasks.

10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants to Keep Indoor Air Fresh
Lawn & Garden

10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants to Keep Indoor Air Fresh

Can houseplants clean the air inside your home? Learn about the research behind this health benefit and see the low-maintenance plants that will give your home a boost.

10 Plants That Grow Better with Companions
Lawn & Garden

10 Plants That Grow Better with Companions

Some things just work better together.

8 Landscaping Features That Buyers Love
Exterior

8 Landscaping Features That Buyers Love

Entice buyers and increase your home’s value by following these landscaping tips.

8 Creative Uses for Castor Oil Around the House
DIY

8 Creative Uses for Castor Oil Around the House

Castor oil may be known for its health and beauty benefits, but it also has a number of surprising uses in the home and garden.

20 Crazy Cleaning Tips That Actually Work
DIY

20 Crazy Cleaning Tips That Actually Work

You may have your allegiances to certain brands of cleaning products, but are they really getting the job done? If you have an especially tough cleaning problem to solve and the usual supplies just aren’t cutting it, maybe it's time for a slightly more unconventional approach, one that involves grabbing a few items from the pantry or trying a wacky, off-the-wall cleaning trick. Ready for a little adventure? Here are 20 crazy cleaning tips that actually work.

8 Space-Saving Loft Bed Ideas for Cramped Quarters
Interior

8 Space-Saving Loft Bed Ideas for Cramped Quarters

Leave it to college kids to devise the biggest space-saving trick for the bedroom: a lofted bed.

The Coolest House You Can Tour in Every State
Design

The Coolest House You Can Tour in Every State

These enchanting estates, one in each of the 50 states, can be savored up close.

This Is the Average Home Size in Every State
Real Estate

This Is the Average Home Size in Every State

If you're wondering how big the houses in your state are compared with houses in the other 49, this quick look will let you size up your neighbors.

large patio with marble floor with sun shining on patio furniture
Exterior

Solved! What Is a Lanai?

We know what a porch or patio is, but what in the world is a lanai?

Father and son mowing grass
Lawn & Garden

Solved! This Is How Often You Should Mow Your Lawn

Regular mowing will help keep your grass green, lush, and healthy. The trick is figuring out what “regular” means for your lawn.