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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 209)

Exterior

Building a Pool Screen Enclosure: Costs and Key Considerations

A pool screen enclosure offers protection from insects and debris, as well as additional security. Pool screen enclosure costs range from $5,708 to $16,608, with the national average at $10,675.

Deck, Patio & Porch

How to Stain a Wood Deck

Staining a deck can make it look new again, and is a project a novice DIYer can undertake. See how easy it is to give your deck a new look this weekend!

Bathrooms

The Basics of Good Bathroom Design: Measurements to Know

Lawn & Garden

Forget Ragweed. This Shrub Is Bringing Misery to Allergy Sufferers Throughout the Country

Marsh elder is a common allergen in the southern United States, but it may affect allergy sufferers in other areas, too.

Lawn & Garden

Garden Hose Storage: 16 Stylish Solutions

Looking for a way to remedy kinks and knots in your garden hose? Consider one of these 11 decorative hose management solutions.

Wildlife

8 Humane Methods for Keeping Iguanas Out of Your Yard

Iguanas make interesting pets in captivity, but in the wild they may be destructive and dangerous. Iguana-proofing your yard can keep you and your property safe.

Pools & Water Features

Pool Repair Cost Guide: What to Know and How Much You’ll Pay

If the pool springs a leak or the pump malfunctions, then pool repair costs can range from $238 to $1,134, with a national average of $680.

Gardening

How to Grow Picture-Perfect Sunflowers at Home

Van Gogh loved to paint them. Birds love to eat their seeds. Pollinators love to visit them, and many gardeners love to grow these soaring, cheerful flowers. Here’s how to do it right.

Gardening

The 16 Easiest-to-Grow Vegetables for Novice Gardeners

Want to grow your own vegetables, but don't know how to get started? Our advice: Plant the easiest, no-fuss plants this first season.

Lawn & Garden

The 7 Most Effective Muskrat Removal Methods—And When to Call a Pro

Muskrat damage is unsightly at best, and at worst, outright dangerous. Fortunately, there are ways to stop these pests in their tracks without resorting to harming them.

Exterior

8 Ways to Pay for Foundation Repair—And Even Reduce the Cost

Foundation issues can require expensive repairs. Knowing how to pay for foundation repair can help homeowners cover the cost without breaking the bank.

Power Tools

The 8 Best Small Chainsaws, Tested and Reviewed

For cutting firewood and maintaining a property, these small chainsaws made the cut in our real-life tests.

Pest Control

Mystery Brown Stains on the Walls? One of These 5 Pests May Be to Blame

Brown stains on the walls can be a valuable clue toward discovering which pest is infesting your home—and some of the culprits are much worse than others.

Landscaping

Here’s Why You Should Consider Xeriscape Landscaping—and How to Do It—No Matter Where You Live

Battling drought year after year? It might be time to explore some xeriscaping ideas to protect and enhance your yard.

DIY

Tools and Equipment You Should Actually Rent, Not Buy (Plus, How to Get Started)

Ownership isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be—here’s when to rent vs. buy equipment, and a few essential tips for a seamless rental experience.

Home Services

7 of the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies Today, Vetted

The best homeowners insurance companies offer reliability, flexibility, and multiple coverage options to appeal to a wide range of homeowners.

DIY

We Asked 5 BobVila.com Editors to Try Sunday Lawn—and the Results Shocked Every Single One 

We put Sunday lawn care products to the test in New York, Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, and Colorado for three months—and the results speak for themselves.

Cleaning & Organizing

Yes, It’s Possible to Undo a Zip Tie—Here’s How

Contrary to popular belief, zip ties can be undone and reused.

Pest Control

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Safely

Don’t let carpenter ants damage your home. Learn the best way to get rid of them—and how to keep them from coming back.

Paint Needs

The Best Low-VOC Paints for the Chemical-Conscious Painter

Keep your indoor air quality healthy with eco-friendly paint that has fewer toxic chemicals.