Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 313)

wet room bathroom
Bathroom Design

The Pros and Cons of Wet Room Bathrooms

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

9 Things Home Makeover Shows Never Tell You
Buying

9 Things Home Makeover Shows Never Tell You

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.

closeup of a young caucasian man painting an old wooden table with a brush
DIY

Lumber-Cost Lunacy: Clever Ways to Save Money on Wood for Your DIY Projects

Lumber and other wood products are expensive, and sometimes hard to come by. Here’s how you can complete your DIY projects without breaking the bank.

A lot of blooming dandelion flowers in green grass. Directly above shot. Nature background.
Lawn & Garden

3 Surprisingly Good Reasons to Let Dandelions Grow in Your Yard

Here’s why it might be a good idea to keep those fluffy, yellow flowers around.

how to start a charcoal grill
Grills

The Best Charcoal Chimney to Start Your Grill Naturally

Take the frustration out of lighting your charcoal grill with the best charcoal chimney starter.

10 Ways to Make Your Garden More Bee-Friendly
Garden Pests

10 Ways to Make Your Garden More Bee-Friendly

Create a welcoming environment for bees and other pollinators by following these helpful tips.

hugelkultur
Gardening

7 Things to Know About Hugelkultur Gardening

Move over, raised beds, and make room for hugelkultur. This time-honored German gardening technique amplifies surface area and maximizes soil quality, while using materials that might otherwise go to waste.

food forest - how to plant a food forest at home
Gardening

How To: Plant a Food Forest for Foraging at Home

Create a self-sustaining, eco-friendly forest garden on your property by following these steps. 

10 Tips for a Money-Making, Hassle-Free Yard Sale
DIY

10 Tips for a Money-Making, Hassle-Free Yard Sale

When it comes to yard sales, it's easy to make a wrong turn: setting prices too high, forgetting to advertise, or shadowing buyers are all simple mistakes sellers make. But a well-planned yard sale will leave your wallet fatter and your home decluttered. Proper planning, skillful organization, and a sense of humor will save the day—and your sanity. Here are 10 tips to ensure success.

10 Fast-Growing Plants for (Almost) Instant Curb Appeal
Curb Appeal

10 Fast-Growing Plants for (Almost) Instant Curb Appeal

Bright flowers and colorful foliage are the easiest ways to amp up your curb appeal. If you're in a rush to get things growing, try one of these fast-blooming varieties to add instant charm to your facade.

Rain Chain
Lawn & Garden

Solved! What is a Rain Chain?

Alternatives to downspouts, rain chains guide water down from the gutter—with a lot more charm.

landscaping-in-green-home-garden-landscape-design-with-plants-and-at-picture-id1196211272
Landscaping

7 Types of Pine Trees That are Great for Home Landscapes

While deciduous trees shed their leaves in fall, these trees keep their foliage all year long.

Residential backyard deck overlooking lawn and lake
Deck, Patio & Porch

Decking Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make

As outdoor relaxation season heats up, be sure to check your deck and take care of any necessary repairs. Here’s what to look for.

10 Gazebo Kits You Can Buy and Build Yourself
Sheds & ADUs

10 Gazebo Kits You Can Buy and Build Yourself

Relax in the yard while enjoying privacy and protection from the sun with these cool, ready-to-assemble gazebo kits.

garage entryway drop zone makeover before
Garages

Before & After: A Cluttered Garage Entryway Becomes a Useful, Beautiful Drop Zone

Upgrade the drop zone with an attractive bench and set of hooks in a single weekend.

6 Things to Know Before Painting Rust
Painting & Finishing

6 Things to Know Before You Paint Over Rust

Get a primer on a metal makeover you can use to restore rusted relics to better-than-new condition.

Repairing a Garden Hose that Leaks at the Spigot
Repair & Maintenance

Garden Hose Repair: 4 Fast (and Frugal) Fixes

Repair rather than replace your most essential lawn care accessory with these quick and easy techniques.

DIY Pipe Curtain Rod
Interior

DIY Plumbing Pipe Curtain Rod

We think the size and shape of plumbing pipes make them a perfect stand-in for a curtain rod. Spray painted dark for a more industrial flair, this DIY project helps pull together DIY office decor.

Homemade Fertilizer for Lawns - Grass
Lawn Care

Homemade Fertilizer Makes the Grass Always Greener

While it doesn't guarantee a lush, green lawn, applying your own homemade fertilizer is an inexpensive, satisfying step in the right direction.

20 Cheap Home Repairs That Could Save You Thousands
Repair & Maintenance

20 Cheap Home Repairs That Could Save You Thousands

If your house could talk, it would tell you that spending a little money now on small repairs could save you big bucks down the road. We’ve put together 20 of the best small updates for keeping your home happy and your wallet full.