Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 317)

15 Old House Features We Were Wrong to Abandon
Design

15 Old House Features We Were Wrong to Abandon

We were probably right to leave behind many hallmarks of yesterday's home, but it's time to reconsider these 15 once-popular details, not for their novelty, but for their practicality.

The Best Storm Windows Options
HVAC

The Best Storm Windows for Added Insulation

Insulate older windows and add a layer of defense against cold outdoor temperatures by installing the best storm windows for your home.

14 of the Fastest-Growing Houseplants for a Nearly Instant Indoor Garden
House Plants

14 of the Fastest-Growing Houseplants for a Nearly Instant Indoor Garden

Do you want your houseplants to grow like a house afire? Try a few of these old reliables known for flourishing fast.

Before & After: Two Tiny Bedrooms Become a Spacious Open Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Remodeling

Before & After: Two Tiny Bedrooms Become a Spacious Open Kitchen and Dining Room

With a little design inspiration and a lot of DIY demolition, two adjacent 9-by-12 bedrooms became an open-plan 18-by-12 kitchen and dining room.

13 Stunning Gazebo Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard Retreat
Sheds & ADUs

13 Stunning Gazebo Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard Retreat

Gazebos aren’t just for poolside shade or privacy from prying neighbors. Whether for a deck or an outdoor kitchen, here are some gazebos ideas to jazz up every outdoor space.

Bob Vila and Tim Allen on Home Again
Home Technology

Proof That Bob Vila Still Lives in Tim Allen’s Head Rent-Free After All These Years

Tim Allen is back on TV—and Home Improvement fans will get a kick out of his new show.

What Causes Condensation on Pipes in the Summer, Solved!
Plumbing

Here’s Why Your Plumbing Sweats in the Summer

Are you tired of finding condensation puddling up around your plumbing pipes and fixtures this time of year? With these five solutions, you can relax and stop mopping up the water.

Woodworking Workshop Layout Design
Workshop

Setting Up Shop: The Ideal Layout for Your Woodworking Workshop

Whether you're setting up a woodworking workshop for the first time or the tenth time, follow these guidelines to ensure that the design and layout of your work area actually works.

Air Conditioner AC Pipe Insulation
Cooling

Replacing Air Conditioner Pipe Insulation for Maximum Energy Efficiency

If your air conditioning system's pipe insulation has degraded, you may be spending more than is necessary to adequately cool your home.

historic-paint-colors
Paints & Finishes

Historic Paint Colors: New Insights and Ideas for Owners of Centuries-Old Homes

Today, the science of paint analysis is providing new insights into early decorative schemes, to the benefit of homeowners seeking historically accurate paint color ideas for centuries-old homes.

Bags of Sheep Wool
Insulation

6 Things to Know About Sheep’s Wool Insulation

When it’s time to update your home’s insulation, consider what sheep’s wool has to offer.

Best Sponge Mop Options
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Sponge Mops for Cleaning Your Floors

Mopping can feel like a tedious chore, but an effective mop can make the job easier. Scrub away dirt, scuffs, and stains with these practical and lightweight sponge mops.

Above-Ground Swimming Pool Planning
Pools & Water Features

Planning Guide: Above-Ground Swimming Pools

An above-ground swimming pool is a great addition to any backyard, but don’t overlook these essentials before taking the plunge!

How to Seal Concrete with Quikrete Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealer
Easy DIY Projects

The Right Way to Seal Concrete

After you complete a concrete job, don't neglect the single most important step to ensure that it lasts a lifetime: sealing. With a high-quality sealant—and this helpful guide—you can waterproof and protect your new concrete surfaces for years to come.

Jakabare.com-Admiral-bathroom-pictures-white-Cast-iron-bathtubs
Tubs & Showers

The Pros and Cons of Free-Standing Bathtubs

Central to many of today’s spa-inspired baths are freestanding tubs, which have replaced the Jacuzzi as America's new favorite way to enjoy a relaxing soak.

Homemade Carpet Cleaner
Cleaning

How To: Make Your Own Carpet Cleaner

Whether caused by foot traffic or just long-term wear and tear, dingy carpet can really bring down the appearance of an entire room. Get your carpeted spaces looking as good as new by using this homemade solution to get rid of stains and lingering dirt.

Vole vs. Mole: How to Tell Which Pest is Tunneling Through Your Yard and Garden
Wildlife

Vole vs. Mole: How to Tell Which Pest is Tunneling Through Your Yard and Garden

Both moles and voles can burrow through a backyard, laying waste to carefully tended gardens and lawns—but that’s where their similarities end. Read on for a rundown of vole vs. mole characteristics and how to tell these two pesky animals apart.

Best Waterproof Tape
Tools & Materials

The Best Waterproof Tape to Use Around Your Home

Keep a roll of waterproof tape available to quickly fix leaks, create nonslip surfaces outdoors, and clearly mark obstacles, like the mailbox or garage door. 

Best Hose Clamps Options
Plumbing Supplies

The Best Hose Clamps to Secure Pipes and Hoses

It’s time to clamp down on those pesky leaks before they cause bigger issues. This list of the best hose clamps will help.

How to Build a Door - Screen Door from The DIY Dreamer
Doors

Weekend Projects: 5 Designs for a DIY Door

Transforming a basic set of door plans into a grand entrance—be it to the house or to the closet—takes less effort than you might imagine. Come right in and check out these inspiring do-it-yourself constructions.