Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 198)

who to call for home repairs
DIY

Solved! These Are the 7 Types of Professionals to Call for Home Repairs

Knowing who to call for home repairs is invaluable when budgeting for a home improvement project.

signs of mold in house
Interior

Solved! These Are the 8 Telltale Signs of Mold in the House

Whether or not mold is present in a home doesn’t have to stay a mystery. These visual cues, odors, and health symptoms could be signs of mold in the house.

a large white bottle pouring a stream of clear bleach with a blue background
Interior

13 Surprising Uses for Bleach Around the Home

Chlorine bleach isn’t just for whitening clothing. This laundry room staple has myriad uses, from making bouquets last longer to emergency water purification and disaster cleanup.

Spraying window with windex
DIY

14 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Windex

Windex is not just for cleaning windows: The iconic blue spray (and its other formulations) can be used in the kitchen, laundry room, and more.

A person using the best vacuum for thick carpets option on a carpeted floor
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Vacuums for Thick Carpet

The best vacuums for thick carpets go deep to dislodge dirt and remove grime from plush fibers without doing damage to the carpet.

Laundry Room Remodel Cost
Interior

How Much Does a Laundry Room Remodel Cost?

Remodeling the laundry room can make a dreaded chore seem less daunting. Laundry room remodel costs range from $1,300 to $15,000, with the national average at $8,100.

woman in striped pants loading her dishwasher in narrow kitchen
Interior

Changing Your Dishwashing Routine Could Save You Money

Simply timing your cleaning cycles right can benefit both your wallet and the environment.

monstera plant care 101 - how to grow monstera indoors
House Plants

Monstera Plant Care 101

Growing lush, tropical Monstera plants indoors is easy when you get its growing conditions right. Learn about soil, light, and fertilizer requirements, and other key aspects of Monstera care.

Close view of hand wiping a TV screen with a microfiber cloth
DIY

How to Clean TV Screens the Right Way

Discover the best tools and techniques for cleaning a TV screen without scratching or otherwise damaging the surface.

calathea plant care 101 - how to grow calathea plant indoors
House Plants

Calathea Care 101

While prayer plant is considered fussy by some green thumbs, it’s not all that difficult to create an optimal growing environment for it.

Rear View Of Senior Couple Pointing Finger In Front Of House
DIY

How to Paint a House

Wondering how to paint a house exterior so you can decide whether to take the project on yourself? These steps can help DIYers see the project through.

A close up photo of red sneezeweed flowers.
Lawn & Garden

30 Plants That’ll Bring Color to Your Yard This Fall

Your yard doesn't have to look drab just because summer is waning. Plant these flowers and shrubs to give your landscape color through the cooler months.

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.

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.
Gardening

How to Save Seeds

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