We have updated our Privacy Policy. Please review to learn more. By continuing to use our services, you agree to these updates.

Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 220)

Reviews

Spring Black Friday is Here—Shop Huge Sales at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and More

Get Black Friday-level savings this season with these amazing sales.

Insulation

Soundproofing a Room: The Two Best Ways to Dampen Noise Without Tearing Down Your Walls

No more noise pollution! Enjoy the sounds of silence with these easy techniques.

Exterior

How Much Does Composite Decking Cost?

Composite decking is easy to install, durable, and sustainable. Homeowners can install a composite deck for $3,600 to $7,800 or an average cost of about $5,450.

Landscaping

15 Gorgeous Rock Garden Ideas for Your Landscape

For a backyard that’s both beautiful and practical, you can’t do much better than sourcing materials from Mother Nature. Incorporating elements from the local landscape into a rock garden will lend authenticity and originality to an outdoor space.

Garden Pests

How to Make a Carpenter Bee Trap

Prevent an infestation and damage to your deck or home by exploring these tips for how to make your own carpenter bee trap.

Landscaping

Lawn Sprinkler System Cost: What to Know and How Much You’ll Pay

Installing a sprinkler system promotes consistent watering to help establish a lush, healthy stand of grass. A sprinkler system costs between $1,679 and $3,541, with a national average of $2,540.

Pools & Water Features

How to Level Ground for Pool Installation: 8 Steps to Follow

Homeowners who are ready to learn how to level ground for a pool but are unsure how to handle the terrain can follow this guide for leveling ground for a pool properly.

Lighting & Electrical

Electrical Panel Replacement Cost: A Homeowner Budget Guide

An outdated electrical panel can be a fire hazard. The cost to replace an electrical panel runs from $522 to $2,082, with the national average at $1,274.

Budgeting & Home Finance

Are Home Warranties Actually Worth It?

A home warranty can help protect homeowners from unexpected appliance and system repair costs. Is a home warranty worth it? In general, yes, though the answer depends on several factors.

Basements

Finishing Your Basement: Costs and Key Considerations, Explained

Finishing a basement can convert an unused area into a livable space, but how much does it cost to finish a basement? The cost ranges from $2,800 to $34,500 with the national average at $18,398.

Curb Appeal

Vinyl Siding: Costs and Key Considerations, Explained

Low maintenance and easy to customize, vinyl siding is a popular and low-cost choice to refresh a home’s exterior. The average vinyl siding cost—including materials and installation—is $11,676, with prices ranging between $6,370 and $17,615.

Cooling

Heat Pump Costs: A Budgeting Guide for Installation and Replacement

In moderate climates, heat pumps can be more energy-efficient than furnaces. They typically range in price from $4,206 to $7,688, with a national average of about $5,947.

Tubs & Showers

Shower Remodel Cost Guide: Here’s What to Expect

A remodeled shower can provide a soothing retreat at the end of the day while also adding to the resale value of a home. Shower remodel costs fall between $200 and $15,000, with the national average at $8,000.

Landscaping

It’s Possible to Replace Your Turfgrass Lawn With Chamomile—But Should You?

Could this low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, aromatic ground cover be the turfgrass replacement you’ve been looking for?

Home Services

Sunday Lawn Care vs. TruGreen: Which Lawn Care Service Is Best?

When it comes to Sunday Lawn Care vs. TruGreen, which one is more outstanding in this field? This guide will break down everything customers need to know before they choose a lawn care service.

Cleaning Supplies

The Best Floor Cleaners for Every Type of Hard Flooring in Your Home, Tested

Are your floors ready for new treatment? These products can help keep your home sparkling clean.

Toilets

Solved! What to Do When the Toilet Won’t Flush

If one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home isn’t doing its job, don’t call the plumber just yet. Here's what to do if your toilet won’t flush—without flushing extra money down the drain.

Roofing

5 Foolproof Steps to Hiring the Right Roofer for Your Project

Roofing ranks among the largest and most expensive projects a homeowner can undertake, so take the time to be certain you find a roofing contractor you trust to put a roof over your head.

Mold & Mildew

Mold Remediation and Removal: What to Know and How Much You’ll Pay

Mold remediation costs typically range from $1,125 to $3,439 with an average cost of $2,254, but there are many factors that can affect the total cost.

Garages

Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost Guide

Garage door springs can break with a bang, but a pro can get them safely working again in a flash. Most garage door spring replacement costs are $150 to $350, or an average of $250.