Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 336)

How to Repair Stucco
Exterior

What Would Bob Do? Repairing Cracked Stucco

If you have a small crack in your exterior stucco, you can patch it pretty easily—and you definitely should, or you may be in for more extensive repairs down the line.

How to fix a sticking door
Interior

What Would Bob Do? Repairing a Door That Sticks

Wood doors can be sticky, but the repair doesn't need to be. If your doors have been a little temperamental lately, try one of these fixes to get them opening freely again.

11 Vintage Houses That Came from a Catalog
Design

11 Vintage Houses That Came from a Catalog

In the early 20th century, a handful of companies, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., sold tens of thousands of mail-order homes. Available in a variety of styles and at a range of price points, these “kit houses” would arrive via railroad boxcar as precut and fitted materials, which the owner or a local contractor would assemble into a new house. Sears ceased production of their catalog homes in 1940, but many still stand today. Check out these 12 mail-order houses that have not only survived, but look very much like they did in the heyday of the kit home.

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace—and Extend Patio Season
DIY

So, You Want to… Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Before you put any marshmallows on a stick, read this to determine if a DIY hearth is a project you’re prepared to take on.

5 Ways to Make Worn-Out Concrete Look Great
DIY

5 Simple Fixes for Worn Concrete

Concrete surfaces are built to last, but sometimes you need to intervene to make sure they stay as good-looking as they are hardworking. Read on to learn how to tackle five common superficial concrete flaws—and which products are best for each repair.

Fixing a Squeaky Floor
Interior

How To: Fix a Squeaky Floor

Any handy homeowner can silence all squeaks and creaks that occur beneath the subfloor using one of these three easy techniques.

How to Build a Fireplace - Masonry
Interior

Planning Guide: Fireplaces

Fireplaces not only add exceptional ambiance to a home, they can provide valuable, cost-efficient heat as well. If you're not lucky enough to have a fireplace in your house, you can certainly have one installed—but first review the options.

Pole used to prop sagging closet rod.
DIY

How To: Fix a Sagging Closet Pole

If your closet rods are straining under the weight of the clothes they need to carry, give them a lift—and a break—with this clever how-to.

Here’s How Much House Flippers Actually Make
Real Estate

Here’s How Much House Flippers Actually Make

The reality shows make it seem like a surefire way to rake in some dough, but is flipping a house truly a royal road to riches? Read on to find out what real people make on a flip.

12 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving to a Small Town
Real Estate

12 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving to a Small Town

Thinking about escaping your small apartment in a big city for a big house in a small town? Learn from folks who have already made this major move, so you can properly prepare for the differences.

11 Retro Living Rooms Ideas We Almost Forgot About
Design

11 Retro Living Rooms Ideas We Almost Forgot About

While some vintage home decorating trends are burned into the collective memory, and a few even continue to be emulated today, others are less well remembered. Read on to see some of the most confounding living room fashions of decades past.

Which Tile Underlayment is Right for Your Project
DIY

Don’t Mess Up This First Step When Tiling a Floor

Learn all about tile underlayment materials and installation to ensure a smooth, stable surface beneath your tile flooring project.

Solved! How Long Does Grass Take to Grow?
Lawn & Garden

Solved! How Long Does It Take for Grass to Grow?

Your perfect lawn is right around the corner. Here’s all you need to know about growing grass from seed.

6 Things to Know Before Switching to a Smart Thermostat
Interior

6 Things to Know Before Switching to a Smart Thermostat

Gain extra control over your indoor comfort level and enjoy year-round savings when you switch to a smarter thermostat. Here is all you need to know about the upgrade.

All You Need to Know About Building and Maintaining a Driveway Apron
Exterior

All You Need to Know About the Driveway Apron

Learn the facts about replacing the approach to your driveway so you can conform to community regulations while getting the great-looking curb your home deserves.

Choosing a High-Velocity HVAC System
Interior

4 Considerations for Choosing and Installing a High-Velocity HVAC System

If it's time for an HVAC upgrade, are you ready to reap the benefits of the newer high-velocity technology? Ensure that you're investing in a climate-control system that meets all your needs by first weighing these crucial factors.

Ductless HVAC
Interior

Ditch the Ducts: Choose Ductless HVAC for Savings and Comfort

As technological advancements have reshaped so many other avenues of life, so too have they transformed the HVAC landscape. For years, homeowners put up with the pitfalls of traditional ducted heating and cooling. Now, thanks to newer ductless alternatives, cost-effective and customizable comfort have finally come within reach.

Planning Guide: Driveways
Exterior

Planning Guide: Driveways

Whether you want a driveway that is simple and functional or eye-catching and elegant, you need to consider a number of factors and options to achieve the best results.

How to Prevent and Repair Wood Rot's Damage
Exterior

Homeowners, Beware: This Hidden Problem Could Cause Your House to Crumble

Find out if wood rot has affected your home—and what repair and prevention methods to employ.

Finding the Right Upper Cabinet Height
Interior

Solved! How to Find the Correct Upper Cabinet Height

Learn how high to mount upper cabinets in any interior for easy access—no tip-toes or step-stools required!