Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 219)

cheap old houses for sale old victorian home
Real Estate

Are Old Houses Cheaper Than New Ones?

Break down the true cost of cheap old houses by factoring in maintenance costs, energy costs, and insurance.

old houses for sale midwestern old house
Real Estate

9 Resources for Finding Amazing Old Houses for Sale

Find the historic home of your dreams by perusing these websites, apps, and social media accounts.

guide to buying old homes by decade couple admiring old yellow house
Real Estate

Guide to Buying Older Homes by Decade

Older homes are chock-full of character and style and, depending on when they were built, may also come with a few surprises.

American Home Shield Review
Reviews

American Home Shield Review: A Jack-of-All-Trades Among Home Warranty Companies

American Home Shield promises to help homeowners pay to repair or replace home systems and appliances that are no longer working. Our American Home Shield review looks closer at the company’s services to see exactly what customers can expect.

The Best Sprinkler Pump Option
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Sprinkler Pumps, Vetted

Keep your lawn and garden hydrated by equipping the sprinkler system with a new sprinkler pump.

Choosing the Right Bathroom Fan Size
Bath Fixtures & Fittings

Solved! What Size Bathroom Fan Best Supports Your Space

Has it been a while since you've shopped for a new bathroom ventilation fan? Get started with this handy cheat sheet of formulas that will help you select the right size fan for your bathroom, and then learn about a few cool features that are worth a look.

diy hydroponics
Lawn Care & Gardening

DIY Hydroponics 101: All You Need to Know About Growing Plants Without Soil

Growing an abundance of plants in a small space without soil sounds too good to be true. Learn about some of the benefits that have more and more gardeners trying hydroponics at home.

How to Build Scaffolding (and When It’s a Better Idea Than Using a Ladder)
Exterior

How to Build Scaffolding (and When It’s a Better Idea Than Using a Ladder)

Build scaffolding yourself makes it easier for you to work safely and comfortably on the upper portions of your home’s exterior. Read this guide to reach new heights outside your home.

Firefighter spraying water on a big house fire
Interior

25 Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House

Careless mistakes in the home's laundry room, garage, and kitchen can lead to dire consequences. Reduce the likelihood of accidental fires at your place by learning these fire safety tips.

The Bluetti EP900 Home Power System outside of home
Reviews

Take Charge: The Bluetti EP900 Home Power System Protects You From Outages and Rising Energy Costs

Power outages and expensive electricity bills may be inevitable, but their negative effects are not. A backup home power system keeps you always up and running, with money-saving efficiency.

spring-home-maintenance-checklist
Foundations

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

As winter ends, give your home a complete physical—inside and out—to ready it for those warm-weather months ahead.

Cost to Repipe a House
Interior

How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House?

Old, damaged, or outdated pipes may benefit from a full replacement rather than repair work. The cost to repipe house water supply lines is typically between $1,500 and $15,000, with a national average of $7,500.

The Best Lawn Fertilizers Options
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Lawn Fertilizers

Get our best tips and recommendations for choosing the best lawn fertilizer for the yard—and don't miss our top picks!

The Best Fertilizer for Hibiscus Options
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Fertilizers for Hibiscus Plants

Keep tropical hibiscus growing, blooming, and healthy with the best fertilizer for hibiscus plants.

no mow may
Lawn & Garden

No Mow May: 8 Reasons to Let Your Lawn Grow for a Month

When it comes to spring yard work, what if you could actually do more by doing less? By participating in No Mow May, you’ll spend less time, money, and energy on your lawn while helping to improve the planet.

iStock-462777985 ways to dress a window Window treatment installer installs wooden shutters
Reviews

The Best Window Treatments for Sliding Doors

Both practical and stylish, the best window treatments for sliding patio doors add function and flair to indoor living spaces.

vertical garden ideas showing planter boxes mounted to exterior wood wall
Lawn & Garden

21 Vertical Garden Ideas for Those Short on Space

Transform your small outdoor or indoor space with these creative vertical garden ideas.

Blue gloved hands opening yellow bottle of bleach
DIY

How to Dispose of Bleach Safely

If not disposed of properly, bleach can pose a threat to people, animals, or the environment. Learn the right way to get rid of this potent household cleaning product.

The Best Stackable Washer and Dryer Options
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Stackable Washer Dryers, Reviewed

Find the best stackable washer dryer to thoroughly clean and dry clothing and linens, all while conserving space.

brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide
DIY

23 Surprising Hydrogen Peroxide Uses Everyone Should Know

Solve your worst cleaning conundrums—from grubby grout and rusty tools to skunky-smelling clothing—with nothing more than an inexpensive bottle of hydrogen peroxide and these how-to hacks.