Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 283)

Feit Electric String Lights
Reviews

Feit Electric String Lights Review: Do They Work?

String lights add ambience and extend outdoor entertainment long after the sun sets. Find out how a popular set of string lights fared in our hands-on testing.

Toro Leaf Vacuum
Reviews

Toro UltraPlus Leaf Vacuum Review: Does it Work?

We tested Toro’s compact, lightweight leaf blower/vacuum and found it to be a top-notch tool for keeping a small property tidy.

Bosch Laser Level
Reviews

The Feature-Rich Bosch GLL3-330GC Laser Level Comes With a Hefty Price Tag. Is It Worth It?

Bosch is a longtime leader in the laser level game, but is this high-end, feature-rich model worth the investment?

Thinking About Buying an Old House? Be Prepared to Live with These Quirks
Real Estate

Buying an Old House? Be Prepared to Live With These 12 Quirks

Old houses are rife with peculiarities that are cute, quaint—and sometimes problematic.

how to stop a washing machine from shaking
Interior

How to Stop a Washing Machine From Shaking

Prevent excessive noise and potential damage by taking these steps to stop a shaking washing machine.

do you tip a plumber
Interior

Solved! Do You Tip a Plumber?

Find out whether it’s ever appropriate to tip a plumber and, if so, how much of a tip is suitable for an exceptional job.

types of welding
DIY

4 Different Types of Welding Every DIYer Should Know

Affordable equipment has helped make welding a popular hobby, but there’s often confusion about which type of welding best suits beginners, and those developing their skills. This concise article offers invaluable advice for newer welders.

The Best Gas Grills Under $1,000 Option
Reviews

The Best Gas Grills Under $1,000

Add a gas grill with the features and build quality worthy of a grill master.

nerve plant care 101 - how to grow nerve plant indoors
Lawn & Garden

This Guide to Nerve Plant Care will Yield Flashy Foliage for Your Living Decor Collection

Add a little splash of color to your home with this compact, easy-care houseplant.

hornet vs wasp
Lawn & Garden

What’s the Difference? Hornet vs. Wasp

We take a look at how to tell a hornet from a wasp, and whether either insect poses a threat to your property or personal safety.

Man from waist down using a pump sprayer to apply herbicide to a yard.
Lawn & Garden

When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide to Prevent Weeds in Your Lawn

Stop weeds before they get a foothold in your lawn by applying a pre-emergent herbicide at just the right time.

How to Fix a Hole in a Door
DIY

How To: Fix a Hole in a Door

Restore that busted hollow core door to good-as-new condition with these simple steps.

How to Freshen a Stinky Sink
DIY

Solved! What to Do About a Stinky Sink

If your kitchen sink is raising a stink, neutralize the situation with one or more of these seven fresh solutions.

15 Cleaning Tasks to Tackle Every Fall
Interior

15 Cleaning Tasks to Tackle Every Fall

Getting the house shipshape isn’t just something that’s done every spring. Ready your abode for cozy indoor activities this fall and winter with these cleaning tasks.

The Best Things You Can Do for Your Yard This Fall
Lawn & Garden

The Best Things You Can Do for Your Yard This Fall

You may think of spring as the season to really get going on the garden, but professional landscapers know that fall is actually the best time to work in the yard! Great growing conditions make fall ideal for laying the groundwork for a year of blooming flowers and bright-green leaves ahead, and the typically mild weather makes it pleasant to tackle bigger outdoor projects. Plus, it's important during these autumn months to prep your yard for winter before icy conditions set in. Don't waste this all-important season! Get moving on these 13 things that landscapers do to their yards every fall.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last
Interior

Solved! This is How Long a Water Heater Actually Lasts

Enjoy lower energy bills—as well as uninterrupted access to hot showers—by keeping tabs on your hot water heater's age and condition so you'll know when to replace it. 

annuals vs perennials
Lawn & Garden

Annuals vs. Perennials: 8 Important Considerations Every Home Gardener Should Know

When choosing annuals vs. perennials, know that annuals live for only one growing season while perennials return for several years. Find out the advantages of growing both.

Side by side image of a cultivator and a tiller.
Lawn & Garden

Cultivator vs. Tiller: Which Is Best for Your Garden?

If you dig gardens, it's important to get the machine that's right for the job.

slime mold - how to get rid of dog vomit slime mold
Interior

How to Get Rid of Dog Vomit Slime Mold

Learn the necessary steps and tools you’ll need to clear your yard of “dog vomit fungus” and other slime molds.

steam cleaner uses
DIY

11 Things You Didn’t Know Your Steam Cleaner Could Sanitize

Steam cleaners are versatile appliances for sprucing up many surfaces throughout the home, indoors and out. Here are just a few little-known uses for this handy gadget.