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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 258)

DIY

How to Embroider By Hand: 8 Key Stitches to Know

Adorn clothes, customize cloth napkins, and create handmade decorations with these basic hand-embroidery stitches.

Exterior

Should You Water Your Foundation?

In some parts of the country, watering your home’s foundation can prevent cracks and shifting, but this questionable practice has both pros and cons to consider.

DIY

17 Easy Fixes for a Botched Paint Job

Not every DIY paint job leads to a perfect outcome. With these fixes for the most glaring painting mistakes, however, you can pull off a pro-looking project.

Interior

Solved! Should I Replace My Blower Motor or Buy a New Furnace?

When something goes wrong with a furnace, homeowners may be left wondering whether they need to replace the entire unit or just the blower motor. It may take some troubleshooting to arrive at an answer.

Interior

Solved! Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Kitchen Island?

From custom builds to prefabricated options or a DIY, find out whether it’s cheaper to buy or build a kitchen island.

Interior

Trusscore vs. Drywall Cost: 5 Factors That Affect Pricing

Comparing Trusscore vs. drywall cost can help homeowners choose the best option for their needs and budget.

Interior

Heat Pump vs. AC Cost: 6 Factors That Affect Pricing

Homeowners who are researching air conditioning replacement may be wondering whether to opt for a heat pump or a traditional AC unit. Comparing heat pump vs. AC cost can help homeowners choose the best option for their needs and budget.

Interior

How Electrical Fires Start and How to Prevent Them

Avoid disaster by understanding the most common ways electrical fires start.

Exterior

7 Tips for Maintaining a Gravel Driveway

Protect your gravel driveway against damage from rain, snow, and other threats.

DIY

How to Prep Your Attic for Winter

Keep energy costs to a minimum this year by prepping your attic before the cold winter weather arrives.

Reviews

The 10 Best Bathroom Light Fixtures, Vetted

Give your bathroom a glow up with these top bathroom lighting picks.

DIY

15 Embroidery Patterns for Beginners

Embroidery patterns make it easier to create beautiful, handmade projects for your home. Start stitching with one of these beginner-friendly embroidery patterns.

Lawn & Garden

Add Color to Your Landscape by Planting These 13 Purple Shrubs

Grow purple-flowering or purple-foliage shrubs to give yourself and your property the royal treatment—and the trappings of success!

Painting & Finishing

Solved! This is the Best Paint to Use on Wood

When it comes to selecting paint for a wood project, there's no simple answer. Is the wood in a high-traffic area, or is it purely decorative? Learn the rules about the best paint to use on wood, both indoors and out.

DIY

21 Household Problems You Can Fix With Vaseline

Though it has long been a medicine-cabinet fixture, household uses for Vaseline—including furniture maintenance and DIY repairs—show that the petroleum jelly deserves a place in your toolbox, too.

Lawn & Garden

35 Plants That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs

These plants can add visual interest to the garden or your home, but they're toxic to your pets. Steer clear of fronds and blooms that can cause your furry friends serious problems.

HVAC

The Best Gas Fireplace Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts offer the attraction of a real flame and are easy to live with. Learn the key features to help you find the best model for your home.

Reviews

The Best Garage Door Keypads

These garage door keypads are dependable, secure, and convenient.

Skills & Techniques

How to Load a Dishwasher the Right Way

Are some of your plates and bowls still dirty when the dishwasher cycle ends? The problem might be how you're loading the machine.

Real Estate

15 Small American Towns That You Can Buy (Yes, Really!)

Aside from being elected mayor, there's at least one other way to get to run a town: Buy it. Discover American towns that have sold in recent years—and some that are still up for grabs.