Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 342)

Avoid major headaches (and repair bills) with one very affordable exterior update.

Air-conditioning systems keep getting better with each passing year, but of course not even the best can last forever. Continue now to learn how long cooling technologies typically last—and why, if your old system fails, you may view it as a new opportunity.

With regular maintenance and careful cleaning, you can keep your laminate floor looking shiny and new.

Planning a patio building project? Here's what you need to know to ensure a lasting, professional-looking result.

It's now easier to retrofit older homes with increasingly compact air conditioning systems.

While bringing natural light to interior spaces of a home was originally limited to costly, difficult-to-install, and problem-riddled traditional skylights, today's tubular devices are lighting up interiors with smart and sophisticated style.

Pick the perfect type, color, and pattern to wallpaper your ceiling—and take our tips to ensure smooth, flawless results.

For old house enthusiasts, the historic charm of a vintage home can outweigh even the most tempting of today's modern amenities.

Get the 411 on this handsome hardwood flooring option that’s currently enjoying a renaissance.

Don't underestimate the importance of this yearly checkup for your home.

Rock your home and garden makeovers with the natural look of stone veneer—a material that's surprisingly manageable for determined DIYers who have a little time or patience.

The secret to the shine on some of your most prized pieces of wood furniture could actually be a whole lot of shellac—hundreds of layers, even, all applied by hand. Learn about the high-gloss finish and how you can embellish any wooden piece with this labor of love.

Before committing to a granite or quartz countertop, learn what distinguishes these two rock star materials.

If you're tired of your kitchen cabinets and ready for a change, you have an important decision to make: reface or replace? To help figure out the best choice for your kitchen, let a professional give you the rundown on the benefits of each option.

Brand-new windows are always nice, but they can be a huge expense. You may be able to get much of the energy savings of new windows at a fraction of the cost by installing storm windows.

Use these techniques to remove unwanted aerosol paint from concrete, metal—even skin—quickly and easily.

Don't miss another important delivery or cherished guest! Troubleshoot these common problems to get your doorbell back to working condition.

With the number of multigenerational households increasing, an in-law suite can be one way to accommodate the change. But creating one takes planning and understanding.