Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 326)

How to Fix a Hole in the Wall
Repair & Maintenance

3 Fixes for a Hole in the Wall

Sure, you can go out and buy some spackle and a wire mesh patch to repair a hole in the wall—or you can use what you happen to have lying around at home with these 3 creative fixes guaranteed to leave your wall looking smooth again.

repointing brick
Siding

How To: Repoint Brick Walls

Repointing brick walls and chimneys with new mortar will not only enhance their beauty, but ensure that they remain secure, stable, and sound for years to come.

How to Fix and Prevent Wallpaper Peeling
Easy DIY Projects

Solved! How to Fix and Prevent Wallpaper Peeling

Repair peeling or bubbling wallpaper yourself with a few simple supplies and these pro techniques.

How to Change a Furnace Filter
Heating & Cooling

Change Filters Frequently to Optimize Furnace Efficiency

Find out how to keep your air clean, your appliances running efficiently, and your energy bills down all in one go.

10 Tips to Improve Your Garage Lighting
Energy & Power

10 Ways to Improve Your Garage Lighting

Rethink your garage lighting plan with these bright ideas.

How Often You Should Clean Your Air Vents
Heating & Cooling

5 Things to Know Before Cleaning Your Home’s Air Ducts

Find out if cleaning the ducts that keep dust at bay will actually improve the air quality inside your home—or if the job may do more harm than good.

The Ideal Light Switch Height, Solved!
Building & Installing

Solved! How High to Install a Light Switch

Before you get to wiring and mounting a light switch in a newly added or recently converted space without a wall outlet, learn how high to install the light switch for easy access and mounting.

Too Hot Upstairs, Too Cold Downstairs? Here’s What to Do
Cooling

Too Hot Upstairs, Too Cold Downstairs? Here’s What to Do

Do you dream of even, all-encompassing warmth throughout your house? If so, maybe it's time to turn to a highly efficient system that can keep your family toasty warm all winter long, no matter where in the house they happen to be.

How to Remove a Doorknob - With Hidden Screws
Skills & Techniques

How To: Remove and Replace a Doorknob

Hidden screws may make this task seem mysterious. The right tools—and this guide—turn it into a simple matter.

How to Paint Laminate Countertops - Outdated Kitchen
Painting & Finishing

How to Paint Laminate Countertops

Restore your work surface and give your kitchen or bathroom a whole new look with this simple paint project.

9 Types of Electrical Outlets You Can Have in the Home
Lighting & Electrical

9 Types of Electrical Outlets You Can Have in the Home

Different types of electrical outlets are good for different use cases. Learn if you have the right ones installed at home.

5 Types of Plumbing Pipes Found in Old and New Homes
Plumbing

5 Types of Plumbing Pipes You’ll Find in Homes

Get expert insight into the types of plumbing pipes that have been used in homes over the years and find out how their uses vary.

5 Things to Know Before Installing a Shower Drain
Building & Installing

5 Things to Know Before Installing a Shower Drain

"Be prepared" isn't just a motto for Scouts—plumbers know all too well that it pays to have a plan for every worst-case scenario. Before you begin what may seem like a simple drain replacement, brush up on the possible challenges and equip yourself appropriately so you won't be left without a working shower for more than an afternoon.

How to Texture a Ceiling - Dining Room
Walls & Ceilings

How To: Texture a Ceiling

Things are looking up if you hope to add new character to a room. You can easily bring visual interest by texturing your ceilings, where DIY options abound.

This One Crop Could Give You Your Best Vegetable Garden Yet
Gardening

This One Crop Could Give You Your Best Vegetable Garden Yet

It doesn't just taste delicious.

Radiant Heat vs. Forced Air
Heating

Radiant Floor Heating 101

Radiant floor heating, popular in new construction, has become a viable retrofit option.

15 Black-Owned Home Decor Brands to Support This Month and Every Month
Interior Design

15 Black-Owned Home Decor Brands to Support This Month and Every Month

Supporting underrepresented groups and small businesses is always a good way to spend your money.

6 Tips for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint
Painting & Finishing

Solved! The Rules for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint

Use these tips to avoid cracking and peeling when you paint over oil-based paint.

15 Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro
Cleaning

15 Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro

It’s Saturday morning and you’re in a hurry to finish the cleaning chores so you can get on with your weekend. Pro cleaning techniques will help get your house sparkling clean in short order—freeing up time for other activities.

11 Ways to Make a Small Pool Work in Your Backyard
Pools & Water Features

11 Ways to Make a Small Pool Work in Your Backyard

Get inspired and transform your outdoor space with one of these perfectly proportioned water features.