Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 227)

7 Things That Might Surprise You About Your Home’s Alarm System
Exterior

7 Things That Might Surprise You About Your Home’s Alarm System

Home security systems can be quirky and may not work as we expect them to—or not work at all. What happens when you forget your password? Can the system be hacked? Here's what you need to know.

How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
DIY

How To: Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

If a swarm of these stinky pests has infiltrated your property, apply these techniques—for indoor and outdoor use—to send them packing.

Homemade Wasp Trap - Wasp Nest
DIY

How to Make a DIY Wasp Trap from a Bottle and the Right Bait

Save yourself and your family from stings this season by crafting this homemade wasp trap from your kitchen recyclables.

The Best Guest Bed Options
Reviews

The Best Guest Beds

Finding a spot for overnight guests can be easy—even for those who live in a small space. Today's guest beds are portable, compact, and often double as other types of furniture.

Intro
Lawn & Garden

The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Your Property

These ground covers serve practical purposes—including filling bare spots, warding off weeds, and preventing erosion—while boosting your home’s curb appeal.

iStock-1449538445 Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer woman cutting flowers.jpg
Lawn & Garden

6 Ways to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer

Although there's no fountain of youth for fresh cut flowers, there are a few clever ways you can keep your bouquets blooming.

10 things every new gardener needs to know woman watering plants on deck
Lawn & Garden

10 Things Every New Gardener Needs to Know

Is starting a garden on your to-do list this year? Here's what you need to know before lifting a shovel or planting a seed.

iStock-1174841857 cut flower garden man cutting flowers from backyard garden.jpg
Lawn & Garden

How to Grow a Cut Flower Garden at Home

By growing a cut flower garden at home, you can avoid florist prices, enjoy unique heirloom flowers, and harvest the freshest blooms—all while adding color and beauty to your landscape.

iStock-1420791890 how to clean an electric oven woman cooking big meal in kitchen overhead shot.jpg
DIY

How to Clean an Electric Oven

You don’t have to use caustic commercial cleansers to get your splattered, stained oven clean again. The next time you tackle this tiresome task, try a gentler approach.

new year new skill 2023 - woodturning - how to turn wood
DIY

How to Turn Wood Accessories for Your Home

Learn something new in the New Year: Bob Vila explains how to craft practical, custom items with woodturning.

Cost to Rewire a House
Interior

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

Modern electrical appliances run best in a home with adequate wiring. The cost to rewire a house ranges from about $561 to $2,308 with the national average at $1,432.

Zen-like bathroom with plants in shower
Lawn & Garden

12 Plants You Can Grow Successfully in the Shower

Turn your bathroom into a rainforest garden with these lush shower plants.

most expensive things readers bought in 2022
Reviews

20 Most Expensive Things Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2022

We’ve tried and tested tons of products, and in 2022 our readers leaned on our recommendations to make some expensive purchases that have really paid off.

types of welds - man grinding down weld
DIY

9 Types of Welds and When to Use Them

Using the right type of weld is vital for the strength and durability of the finished job.

how to grow salvia - salvia plant care 101
Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Salvia

Proper salvia care produces tall stocks of vibrant, long-lasting flowers in the garden from spring through fall. Pollinators love these fragrant beauties, and so will you.

anode rod replacement - new anode rod for water heater tank
DIY

This One Repair Can Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

Instead of replacing the entire water heater, learn how to replace the anode rod to prolong the life of the unit.

home-decor-trends-2023-furniture-floating-away
Design

Bye 2022: Home Design Trends to Ditch in 2023

Say goodbye to the colors, knickknacks, and patterns of 2022 and hello to a fresh new look for your space.

The Best Lawn & Garden Gear Tested in 2022
Reviews

The Best Lawn and Garden Products Tested in 2022

To improve your year-round care of the nature surrounding your home, we tested nearly 200 pieces of outdoor gear. See our 21 favorite products, from snow blowers to robot mowers.

Bedroom Soundproofing Ideas
Interior

7 Simple Soundproofing Solutions for Your Bedroom

You can’t always control the noise that surrounds your bedroom, especially if it's coming from the street or your neighbor's house. But you can mitigate it with these simple soundproofing solutions.

easter cactus plant care 101 - how to grow easter cactus indoors
Lawn & Garden

Easter Cactus Care: How to Get Your Holiday Succulent to Flower Each Year

Hang onto that Easter cactus after its flowers fade and you’ll be rewarded with a low-maintenance houseplant that lasts for years.