Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 326)

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

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.

10 Reasons Why I Should Have Never Bought That Fixer-Upper!
Buying

Who doesn’t harbor fantasies of transforming a seen-better-days abode into a showplace? Whether hoping to live in the resulting residence, use it as a rental property, or flip it for profit, it’s natural to think: “I’m pretty handy, so how tough could it be?” Ask Andy Kogan, a real estate professional in Kansas City, Kansas, and he’ll tell you: Pretty tough! "It was fun at first, then fun with problems, and finally it was just problems,” says Kogan, who bought a 1957 two-bedroom ranch for $115,000 that he hoped to fix up and turn over quickly. While the kitchen and bathroom remodels were fairly simple, other issues kept cropping up. The job came in $15,000 over budget—and Kogan reaped a mere $500 when the house finally sold. What went wrong? Start clicking!

family looking out large thermal window
Windows

Thermal pane windows enhance a home’s insulating envelope, reducing utility bills while boosting comfort. Sometimes, however, one of these windows inexplicably shatters.

These Cabinet Customizations are Totally Worth It, According to Pro Organizers
Cabinets

Ensure every cooking utensil and pantry item has its own space by following these tips and tricks from professional organizers.

diy macrame plant hanger
House Plants

Create a simple, stylish hanger and make room for more plants!

How to Cut in Paint
Painting & Finishing

While a fresh coat of color can quickly update any room, the crisp lines where your walls meet trim or ceiling are really what set apart a stand-out paint job. Read on for how to achieve such a professional touch on your next project.

Smelly Towels - Dirty Laundry
Cleaning & Organizing

Smelly, mildew-infested towels can put a damper on a relaxing bath. Turn dank towels fresh and clean again with this life-changing tip!

Homemade Paint - Five Types of DIY Paint
Painting & Finishing

There’s no need to shell out the big bucks for your next painting project. Instead, try one of these five recipes to mix up your own paint—and the perfect color—from scratch.

How to Build an Outdoor Shower
Skills & Techniques

Outdoor showers are becoming increasingly more popular. Here's one you can build yourself this weekend.

How to Drill Hole in Tile
Easy DIY Projects

This quick trick makes easy work of drilling holes through slick tiles.

How to Clean Paint Rollers
Painting & Finishing

The cost of new rollers for every paint project adds up fast! Save money with some seriously easy tricks that will extend the life of this essential tool.

Heat the Patio Year-Round with Outdoor Radiant Heat
Driveways & Walkways

You don’t have to wait for the first signs of spring—or shovel a load of snow from your patio—to enjoy an alfresco meal in your home’s outdoor space.

Building a Carport - Attached to the Home
Garages

If you're looking to build an inexpensive shelter for your vehicle, a carport can be a great alternative to a costlier, more ambitious garage. But erecting a carport involves more than just slapping a kit together. Read on for just a few issues you should consider before you decide to put a carport on your property.

This Popular House Style in Chicago Is Going Extinct
Architecture

Workers cottages, once a staple of Chicago’s middle-class culture, came to define the character of its residential neighborhoods. Now they’re being demolished in the name of urban development. Can they be saved, or will they slip, one by one, into obscurity?

7 Fertilizer Mistakes Most Home Gardeners Make
Gardening

These innocent missteps may be working against you. Feed your garden the right way and watch it thrive.

diy-roof-rake-snow2
Roofing

Letting snow pile up on your roof can lead to ice dams, leaks, and other costly repairs. Make this easy avalanche roof rake for the winter, and let a clever DIY design do all the work for you.

How To Make Wallpaper
Painting & Finishing

Don't let a blank wall get you down! Create a truly custom interior that suits your style and needs—be they temporary or permanent—with one of these two DIY wallpaper methods.

How to Install Chair Rail - Painted Chair Rail
Walls & Ceilings

Historically used to protect walls from being damaged by the seat backs of chairs, chair rails now serve primarily as a stylish embellishment. With these straightforward instructions, you'll be able to install chair rail molding in a weekend—and reap its visual and practical benefits for years to come.

SQ4D Press Riverhead
Real Estate

Building methods haven't changed much in years, but then 3D printing arrived on the scene. Now, builders who use computer-automated technology are able to construct homes more quickly and affordably.

15 Ways to Freshen Up Your Exterior Entryway Right Now
Curb Appeal

From stoops to wrap around porches, there’s plenty of creative ways to add style to the entryway.