Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 284)

How can air conditioners and car keys protect you from being burglarized? Read on for clever tips and tricks to improve your home's security.

Discover whether tipping a painter for a job well done is expected or even acceptable.

Whether you're home for the holidays or not, this festive season is a popular time for break-ins. Find out what mistakes you might be making that leaves your house vulnerable to burglars.

Winter has a way of wreaking havoc on the landscape, leaving in its wake heaved plants and wind-torn trees and shrubs. This year, don't just sit back and wait to see how your garden fares over the cold months. Take action now to make sure your landscape will be healthy and beautiful come spring.

Mix and match from this menu of alluring options to achieve the perfect lighting for your dining room.

Snip your front yard's shrubs into shape with our easy-to-follow pruning tips.

The best tech gifts aren’t just fun to use; they’re also useful. We found tech gifts that can enthrall a wide range of people, from the tech-savvy to those new to the smart-gadget scene.

Not all repairs can be completed before poor weather moves in. Learn how to protect a home under construction by tarping the roof.

Learn what to do with shattered pieces and how to dispose of them properly without injuring yourself or endangering others.

Learn a new skill (or brush up on an old one) by heading back to school again.

We get to the bottom of the dill-icious Christmas pickle tradition of hanging a cuke on the tree. 

Make the most of the space you have with these attic organization and storage ideas.

Whether you are buying a new set of woodworking tools or replacing a few that are past their best, this article offers invaluable help in making the right choice.

With just a little regular maintenance, you'll have clean conditioned air all year round.

If you’d like more indoor greenery, use easy-care philodendrons to “phil” up the empty spaces in your houseplant garden.

Find the best Christmas lights for your style and budget by shopping at one of these reputable retailers.

Are you dealing with a dripping faucet, low water pressure, or clogged pipe? You’re probably tempted to call a professional plumber, and with good reason. Homeowners usually don’t have the necessary skills for a DIY plumbing job. They can even make matters worse in the end, triggering thousands of dollars in property and personal damage. But don’t put your plumber on speed dial just yet! Here are 10 basic plumbing secrets every homeowner should know. Maybe one of these could save you a costly visit from your local expert.

Liven up the front door and share your holiday spirit with the whole neighborhood this year!

When a design trend catches fire, controversy is sure to follow. Sometimes the debate is purely aesthetic, but occasionally the objections run deeper, touching on environmental or cultural issues. Judge for yourself: Here are 10 popular but at times divisive trends that may—or may not—find a place in your home.

Have a ton of clothes and accessories in your walk-in closet, but you aren't sure what should go where? Whether your storage space is small and simple or large and luxurious, these walk-in closet ideas will help you keep your outfits in order.