Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 307)

It’s easy to make your own DIY potting soil. Follow these tips to save money, avoid problems, use safe ingredients and be more sustainable.

Buying a new property? Get a head start on your home inspection by reviewing the typical checklist.

The sheathing on older homes may have been attached with nails that are too small or the sheathing may simply need shoring up due to routine wear and tear. Learn how to weather any storm by strengthening the roof sheathing in your home.

There's nothing more frustrating than seeing weeds flourish in your garden while the veggies and flowers languish. Even worse is seeing weeds pop up in those hard-to-pull areas between flagstones or within concrete expansion joints. Yet, while we hate weeds, we're just not comfortable dousing our yards with harsh, weed-killing chemicals to take care of the problem. That's where these effective and affordable options come in.

Just the addition of a faux fireplace—no flame required—can make a space cozier.

Stop jiggling the handle and replace that worn-out toilet flapper.

Birding in the backyard is about to get a major upgrade.

The beneficial pollinators look similar, but there are important differences between carpenter bees and bumblebees. Here’s what you should know about these two types of bees.

Proper stacking is paramount when it comes to storing firewood.

Whether you’re looking to learn about lawn care or tool maintenance, DIY fixes or safety reminders, we know a guy who knows a few things about home care and repair. Here are some of our favorite tips, tricks, and nuggets of advice from the man himself.

The differences between hardwood and softwood are key to picking the right material for flooring, furniture, decks, and other home projects. 

An herbicide that's strong enough to kill all the way to the roots of a tree stump? Yes, and quickly.

Long winter storage and infrequent use can wreak havoc inside gas-powered equipment. The best fuel stabilizers can keep gas tanks fresh and fuel systems running smoothly.

Kick these items to the curb to cut clutter and make way for new things you really need.

Maintain your deck’s appearance and prevent graying by using one—or more—of these tried and true methods.

If you’re ready to upgrade your patio furniture, these are the best times to score a bargain.

While both of these cleaning methods have pros and cons, we’re here to explain which option is best in a range of scenarios. 

Whether you want a dramatic chalkboard wall on which your kids can doodle or a small space to write the weekly grocery list, choosing the best chalkboard paint is the first step.

Wet rooms can be luxurious, spa-like bathrooms that are a good return on investment, if you plan carefully.

It was recently disclosed that some of the homeowners on the popular HGTV series "Fixer Upper" had already purchased their home before the show started filming—shocker! But there's good reason for the deception: If you’re buying a new home, you can’t expect to tour it, bid, and close in time for next week's episode! Behind the quick turnaround and flashy reveal lie a sea of paperwork, stressful waiting, and unexpected costs that would make a true-to-life television series a real flop. So, if you're you're considering an as-seen-on-HGTV-style renovation, keep in mind these 10 things that home makeover shows never tell you.