Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 181)

The Best Gas Garage Heater Options
HVAC

The Best Gas Garage Heaters to Keep You Warm in Chilly Months

Don’t let cold temperatures keep you from your hobbies or projects. These top gas garage heaters are sure to keep your workspace warm.

Tuckpointing Cost
Exterior

How Much Does Tuckpointing Cost?

Tuckpointing, which is removing old mortar between bricks and replacing it with new, can restore the structural integrity of brickwork. Repairing and replacing mortar joints costs between $500 and $2,500, with tuckpointing cost averaging $1,500.

Softly Illuminated Open Plan Living Room at Nighttime
Paints & Finishes

The 13 Best Paint Colors for Low-Light Rooms

Looking to update a finished basement, or windowless bathroom? Our expert recommends paint hues that can brighten dark, shady spaces in your home.

A cat walking past a cat repellent
Reviews

The Best Cat Repellents to Deter Your Feline Frenemies

Keep cats away from specific areas in a safe and humane manner with one of the best cat repellents on the market.

The Best Can Openers for Seniors Options
Reviews

The Best Can Openers for Seniors, Vetted and Reviewed

When muscle weakness, pain, and stiffness from arthritis become a factor in everyday activities, the best can openers for seniors provide assistance in the kitchen.

White home with porch and Christmas decorations with snow-covered driveway.
Driveways & Walkways

Sick of Shoveling? The Pros and Cons of Heated Driveways

Toss the snow blowers, throwers, and shovels: Installing a radiant heating system under your driveway can keep ice and snow at bay for many winters to come. Is it a good solution for your home?

Older woman wiping counter.
Cleaning & Organizing

How to Deep Clean Your House Room by Room

With the right tools, a plan of action, and some good old fashioned elbow grease, tackling deep house cleaning may be easier than you thought.

The Best Wall Safe Options
Safety & Security

The Best Wall Safes for Your Prized Possessions

Make good use of the empty spaces between wall studs to secure your valuables in a quality safe. Hide it with a piece of art and no one will even know it’s there.

Woman washes her hands with foamy soap under a running faucet.
Cleaning

How to Make Homemade Foaming Hand Soap

Stop paying retail price for your favorite hand soap. It’s super easy—and takes just 5 minutes—to make a high-lather cleanser in your favorite scent.

Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents
Mold & Mildew

All the Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents and What to Do About It

Black mold in air vents isn’t always visible, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a major health hazard. Find out how to identify this problem and what to do about it.

how much does sandblasting cost
Exterior

How Much Does Sandblasting Cost?

When the time comes to remove rust, paint, dirt, or grime from a large surface, sandblasting is an efficient and cost-effective option. Sandblasting costs range from $437 to $1,656, with the national average at $1,000.

Portrait of a young family standing in front of house, holding a Home For Sale sign with arms raised enthusiastically.
Selling

17 Things You Should Never Say in Your Real Estate Listing

Say the wrong thing in your real estate listing and potential buyers won't even bother checking out your house.

Used Christmas tree in front yard by curb, waiting for recycling pickup. Pile of cut and wasted christmas trees.
Holidays & Celebrations

7 Ways to Recycle Your Tree After Christmas

Once the lights and ornaments come off, don’t drag your tree to the curb! Learn how an old Christmas tree can feed your garden, birds—even fish in local waterways.

The Best Things to Buy in January Option
Reviews

The Best Things to Buy in January, According to Experts

There are still plenty of deals to be found post-holiday season, which is perfect if you’re reinventing your space or lifestyle in the new year.

The Best Innovations We Saw in 2023
Reviews

The 20 Best Home Innovations We Saw in 2023

From high-powered vacuums to portable pizza ovens, here are our favorites.

A person removing a 3m command strip stuck to the top of a wall inside a home.
Repair & Maintenance

How to Remove Command Strips—Even Tricky Broken Ones

3M Command Strips are designed to be easy to remove, but things don’t always go as planned. If they get stuck on the wall, here’s how to get them off without damaging your paint or drywall.

Colorful flowers and tire pots
Repurposing

Reinventing the Wheel: 12 Smart New Uses for Old Tires

Think twice before hauling old tires off to the trash. Instead, use them to DIY outdoor seating and recreation, trash receptacles, and even a snuggly spot for pets.

Peoples-legs-are-a-blur-as-they-walk-quickly-past-a-neon-sign-that-says-Christmas.
Gifts

Attention Last-Minute Shoppers: Here Are 6 Bob Vila Editors’ Go-To Gifts

From whimsical to wacky, these gifts show up year after year under our trees.

How to Get a Plumbing License
Plumbing

How to Get a Plumbing License: Steps for Every State

Plumbing can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Before they start down this career path, aspiring plumbers will need to learn how to get a plumbing license to operate legally in their state.

Brick house covered in holiday wreaths and lights.
Lighting & Electrical

Do Christmas Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?

Displaying holiday lights at home can cost you. Learn the steps you can take to keep your electricity usage and utility bills to a minimum.