Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 197)

Now I can make a truly informed choice about my drinking water thanks to this comprehensive, EPA-certified lab test.

Opt for a low-maintenance, more natural yard by growing a tapestry lawn—a wilder mixture of flowering plants and grasses that don’t require weekly mowing. Pollinators will thank you.

Homeowners with a swimming pool may come across some telltale signs of having a pool leak and need to look into repairing it. Pool leak repair costs run from $10 to $3,500.

Don’t let an impending storm or emergency force you to miss out on a crucial generator purchase.

When it comes to black mold vs. wood rot, it’s important to know how to differentiate between the two and what steps to take next. The following guide can help.

Discover which states have the highest average relative humidity levels.

Thermacell’s latest mosquito repellent is like no other. Here's how it works.

Some of the gear we use every day can’t just be tossed in the trash after use. Learn which everyday products you're using can harm humans, water supplies, and wildlife.

Struggling with a tough clog? Learning how to use a drain snake is simple—and can save you the cost of a plumber's visit.

Even a brief power outage can potentially endanger you and your family if you don’t respond properly. Here’s how to make sure you're prepared the next time the lights go out.

The bright lights and swinging night life of the big city is fine for some, but others will appreciate the subtle pleasures of small town living. Here are some of the best small towns in America, whether you're looking to visit or settle down and start a new life.

Vibrant and colorful flowers elevate any yard. But caring for blooms can seem like intimating endeavor for a beginner gardener, a busy homeowner, or anyone without a green thumb. Check out these 10 foolproof flowers, all of which are easy to grow and maintain, allowing you to bring seasonal beauty to your landscape with minimal effort.

DIY projects are everywhere these days. More than ever before, a great home improvement can be just a pallet, can of spray paint, or 2x4 away. But if you're new to the DIY scene, you can feel overwhelmed just figuring out where to start. Don't be discouraged! Instead, choose one of these Bob Vila-approved projects that are perfectly suited for the novice DIYer.

Ghoulish, ghastly, and downright clever decorations are popping up everywhere this time of year. That can only mean one thing: Halloween is just around the corner. Jack-o-Lanterns and giant cotton spider webs will always be classics in our book, but there's a lot more to this holiday than all of that. Break the mold and try one of these super resourceful—and really easy—Halloween DIY projects.

Pavers are more commonly thought of as sturdy patio bases than as useful design tools for your landscapes. But these outdoor essentials are endlessly versatile, perfect for creating an interesting pattern, a clever walkway, or even a backyard game. Incorporate this functional material in your own spaces by thinking outside the patio with these fresh ideas for ways to use pavers in your backyard.

Check out these fuss-free flowers and shrubs for a gorgeous landscape with minimal work.

Spring and summer bring longer days—but that doesn't mean it's much easier to squeeze in all the projects and repairs that you'd like to do. But when it comes to outdoor DIYs, you can accomplish more than you'd think in the span of a mere hour. We've rounded up 9 incredibly these simple outdoor projects that takes only 60 minutes to complete—and offer (at least) a full season of enjoyment!

Garden paths serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose in the yard. They provide a safe and easy walkway to and from the house and garden, and give you an opportunity to visually connect your yard and home. Garden paths also help define the spaces in your outdoor landscape, and can bring overall beauty to your property. There are many options to choose from for the material and design of a garden path. From pavers, to stepping-stones, to plain mulch, there’s something for every budget. Depending on the material you choose and the topography of your yard, creating a garden path is a very attainable DIY project, even for a beginner. Whether you are laying bricks or spreading gravel, there are a few general tips that will help make your DIY garden path project more successful. Lay out your path with spray paint or a garden hose before you start any work. Make sure it’s wide enough to accommodate an adult comfortably. Remember to level the area so that your materials lay properly, and so that your garden path is safe for guests and family to walk on. Hard surface materials like brick or pavers will need to slope away from your home 1/4 inch per foot to ensure proper drainage. And don’t forget to put a weed barrier under the base of your path to minimize maintenance in the future. Even if you don’t want to install lighting when you install your garden path, it’s a good idea to lay electrical conduit above the base, so you can add it later if you want to. We’ve rounded up some of the best ideas for attractive and affordable DIY garden paths. Your inspiration is just a click away.

How much do you pay for electricity each month? Whatever the answer, you probably wouldn't mind having a lower electric bill. The good news is, there are many simple ways to reduce your energy costs. We've compiled a list of some of our favorites. While a few involve installing a new device to measure your electrical output, many require no special tools whatsoever.

Do you dread laundry day? Even if you love the smell of freshly cleaned clothes, chances are you could be working smarter—or cheaper. So if you need a little extra help in the laundry room, turn to our list of some of the best hacks. From making your own bleach pens on the cheap, to building extra space for storage, to finally getting rid of that musty towel smell, there's surely a take-away for washers of all stripes. Click through to find out more.