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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 335)

Roofing

7 Signs You Need a New Roof

Most people don’t really think about the roof over their heads…until it springs a leak! Don’t wait until water is pouring through the ceiling and you have to break out the buckets to pay attention to your roof. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners should perform a regular roof inspection twice a year, in the spring and fall. This year, a spring roof inspection is particularly critical, in the wake of the severe snow and ice accumulation this past winter. Homeowners should remove debris from rooftops, drains, gutters and downspouts, and at the same time, check for signs of damage. Here are a few things to look for that might indicate it is time for a new roof.

Budgeting & Home Finance

The Worst Money Mistakes Homeowners Ever Make

While homeownership undeniably comes with plenty of expenses, there’s no reason to spend more than you have to. If your home seems more like a money pit than an asset, it could be that you are making one of these 12 common money mistakes.

Basements

Thinking About Installing a Basement Bathroom? Here’s What You Need to Know

Building a new bathroom below grade presents all kinds of challenges, from low ceilings to a lack of natural light. Learn why basement bathroom plumbing is usually the biggest obstacle of all, and what you can do to ensure a smooth renovation.

DIY

How to Dispose of Knives Properly: 3 Safe Solutions

Not all knives last forever, but there are safe ways to recycle, donate, or discard them.

Curb Appeal

Dutch Doors: An Open-and-Shut Way to Instantly Boost Curb Appeal

Old-fashioned, farm-style Dutch doors are making a comeback for interior and exterior applications. From cost and installation to safety concerns, here's all you need to know about these country classics.

Tools & Materials

The Best Utility Knives, Tested and Reviewed

Find the safe and sturdy utility knife that's right for your needs with our top tips and roundup of favorites.

Lawn & Garden

12 Rabbit-Resistant Plants for Your Home Landscape

Keep hungry bunnies away by planting these rabbit-proof plants.

Reviews

The Best Dryer Vents

A top-quality dryer vent will keep your dryer working at peak efficiency—and keep bugs, rodents, and cold air out of your home.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Flea Sprays

Fleas and other pests can be troublesome, but the right product can help you eliminate them and prevent future infestations.

Appliances & Cookware

The Best Convection Ovens

Convection ovens offer fast, even cooking and use less energy than conventional ovens. The following list of convection ovens will help you crisp, air fry, roast—even dehydrate—food to perfection.

DIY

How to Change a Circular Saw Blade

Changing a circular saw blade is one of the simplest tool-maintenance tasks—here’s how to do it in quick order.

DIY

How to Properly Dispose of a TV

Identify acceptable methods to dispose of an old, broken, or still-functioning TV.

Lawn & Garden

What Does Root Rot Look Like in Houseplants?

If your plant is drooping or dropping leaves, get to the root of the problem by checking for root rot.

Interior

Quartz vs. Marble Countertops: 6 Key Differences and 1 Enticing Similarity

Explore the pros and cons of these two popular countertop materials.

Cleaning & Organizing

21 Money-Saving Tricks That Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Putting a dent in your home improvement to-do list can often put an even bigger dent in your wallet. But these 21 humble DIY projects reduce, reuse, and reimagine what’s already under your roof to yield big results—and even bigger savings.

Energy & Power

11 Mistakes Homeowners Make Every Winter

Winter is no time for hibernating from chores. In fact, there are plenty of important maintenance tasks that all homeowners need to take care of to keep their house in tiptop shape during these cold months.

DIY

How to Stack a Washer and Dryer

Save space and streamline your laundry room by stacking your washer and dryer with a stacking kit.

Reviews

The Best Whirlpool Dishwashers

Get sparkling clean dishes at the press of a button with the best Whirlpool dishwashers.

Curb Appeal

These 11 Repairs Aren’t Worth Your Time or Money

There are a lot of decisions to make when you put your home on the market, and one of the biggest is your asking price. While you can’t change the number one factor in your home’s value—its location—you do have control over almost everything else that might encourage a buyer to make a good offer. But many sellers mistakenly believe that to get top dollar, they have to invest a bundle in repairs and upgrades. Unless you're planning on selling your home as a fixer-upper, some repairs are must-dos—for instance, plumbing leaks, electrical system issues, nonfunctioning central air conditioning or heating, structural problems, and pest infestations. Other fixes and renovations, though, simply aren’t worth the time and expense, particularly if you live in a hot real estate market. So, before you embark on extensive improvements, rest assured that your home will still be competitive if you skip the following repairs and renovations.

Lawn & Garden

This Purple Houseplant Is the First New Genus to Be Introduced in Decades—And You Can Get it Now

The distinctive and elegant Geogenanthus will make an attractive addition to your houseplant collection.