Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 241)

Both sellers and prospective buyers benefit from knowing just how long the average home inspection can take.

A traditional Christmas tree is only one way to decorate for the holidays. Consider one of these less familiar options to bring the Christmas spirit to your home in a new way this season.

Today’s gas chainsaws are quieter, cleaner, and easier to use than ever. Consider one of these gas chainsaws for your landscaping needs.

Keep your backyard fresh and trendy by incorporating these design ideas into your space.

Did your purchased Christmas cactus plant promptly drop its buds once you brought it home? Learn how to keep this succulent healthy, so it will look more festively flowerful next year.

Add a splash of color to your garden with beginner-friendly purple heart plants.

If the finicky gerbera flower is a loves-me-not daisy for you, we have some hints that may help you win it over.

What's in vogue today is often gone tomorrow, but some elements of home decor have undeservedly gone the way of the dodo. Though seldom seen today, features such as vintage wallpaper and checkerboard floors are ripe for a warm welcome into modern homes.

Picking out a perfect tree isn't all about looks: A tree's scent, strength of branches, and needle retention all matter, too. Learn which evergreens make the best Christmas tree types, and why.

Learn why your neighbors are burning candles for all to see, and get intel on the meaning behind a candle in the window.

Instead of letting a smile be your umbrella, let a smile-inducing schefflera with whorls of shiny foliage be your umbrella tree.

Little pitchers that grow on plants have big mouths rather than big ears—for digesting insects!

A 50-gallon gas water heater is the optimal size for most homes. Read on to see how we chose the best in both performance and economy.

Home automation is only getting better. Smart plugs help increase the intelligence of your old-school devices, inexpensively bringing your home into the 21st century.

Looking for houseplants that don’t make a watery mess? Try a plant that doesn’t require a pot with drainage.

What better way to give back to those who served than by giving them the bathtub or shower of their dreams this Veterans Day? That’s just what Baths for the Brave does, with the help of local contractors.

Most of us don't give much thought to the carpet, hardwood, or tile beneath our feet until something is wrong with it. Rather than sweeping your flooring issues under the rug, learn what you can do to fix them. 

If you're deciding between prefinished hardwood flooring or unfinished wood floors, consider these nine key differences to make an informed choice.

Don’t let the variety of options floor you! Find out which wood surface will look best and wear longest underfoot—at a price you can afford!