Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 249)

Regular maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your household appliances

Custom closets help keep clothes, shoes, and other items neatly organized and stored away. Custom closet cost ranges from $1,067 to $2,981 or $2,005 on average.

Your old thermostat may be ratcheting up heating and cooling costs, and a new one could save a bundle. The average thermostat replacement cost is about $175—it can actually pay for itself in a single season.

Residential concrete floors are so much more than the dull, gray slabs homeowners often envision. For those interested in this fun flooring option, the average polished concrete floor cost falls within a typical range of $1,536 to $3,840.

Keep your essential oil diffuser working properly by cleaning it after every use and giving it a deep cleaning once a month.

Fashion your floors by selecting just the right types of rugs for your home.

The pantry staple is good for more than just making sandwiches.

Gas fireplace on the fritz? You’ll need a certified professional to diagnose this issue—here’s who repairs gas fireplaces.

TSP is an effective cleaning agent, but using it could be risky for your health and the environment. Learn when cleaning with trisodium phosphate is probably safe—and when you should have a Plan B.

Extreme temperatures—from heat waves in the western United States to ice and snow in the south—have put a strain on utility companies. As a result, your power company may start controlling your home’s thermostat.

The best way to get rid of aerosol cans depends on whether the cans are empty or full.

A heated mattress pad can keep you more comfy on a cold night than a fluffy pile of blankets, and it adds cushioning to your bed.

A cold basement is not just unpleasant—it’s also a source of potential problems. We’ve investigated a variety of excellent space heater solutions to keep your basement comfortable and trouble-free.

Find out the pros and cons of the most popular types of wood and composite decking.

Decorating for winter may seem like a challenge for those who don’t celebrate the holidays, but these tips will make it a breeze.

Calibrachoa care is easy with this simple guide to keeping your blooming plant happy and healthy. 

Prehung doors are easier to install than slab doors, but you still need to have a few skills in your belt to get the job done right. Follow these steps to achieve professional-looking results.

Watching your spending this holiday season? Decorate affordably by creating festive DIY masterpieces out of secondhand Christmas decorations or other thrift store items.

These two inexpensive household mainstays can each conquer stains, grease, and odors. When used together, however, their chemical reaction packs a cleaning punch that costs pennies—and doesn't harm the environment.

Save space and time when combining two of the most important areas of the home into one practical room.