Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 68)

A group of people listening to an older man with a beard present at a Home Owners Association meeting.
Real Estate

14 Unenforceable HOA Rules—and How to Fight Them

HOAs do not have absolute authority in a community if the regulations they enact are against state or federal law. Learn which HOA rules may be unenforceable and worth disputing.

A person loading a washing machine with clothes.
DIY

Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?

If your washer isn't filling with water, the reason might be simpler than you think. From clogged hoses to faulty valves, learn how to diagnose and fix common issues yourself.

Tick walking on a piece of grass being held by a human hand.
Garden Pests

5 Plants That Repel Ticks and Keep Them Away

Some of the best-smelling plants that you can use in your kitchen also help keep ticks away.

A hand holds a fistful of weeds recently pulled from they nearby yard.
Lawn Care

Pulling Weeds Is Our Least Favorite Garden Chore—But There’s an Easier Way to Do It

Banish weeds the right way—and keep them from coming back—with these tips, tools, and techniques.

tick in house
Pests

What to Do When You Find Ticks in the House

Whether you find ticks in the house or out back, we have a game plan to help you reduce your health risks and prevent an infestation on your property.

A split image showing fiber cement siding on the left and vinyl siding on the right.
Curb Appeal

Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl Siding: Important Factors to Consider When Updating Your Home’s Exterior

Both options are highly durable and come in a wide variety of styles, but that’s about where the similarities end.

The Ryobi 21-inch self-propelled all-wheel-drive mower on a neatly trimmed lawn
Reviews

I’ve Used This Ryobi Battery Mower for 2 Years and the Cut Quality is Still Perfect

Ryobi promises gas-powered cutting performance with all the advantages of electric in its 21-inch Whisper Series lawn mower. Does it deliver?

The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Reviews

This Battery-Operated Tool Makes Quick Work of Large Hedgerows and Shrubs

Depending on the operator and the yard, a battery-operated hedge trimmer may do the trick. We put various models to the test to find the top options.

The Best Power Hedge Trimmers
Lawn, Garden & Pool

Transform Your Home’s Curb Appeal With This Power Tool

The right hedge trimmer can help maintain shrubbery, keeping the landscape looking sharp. After testing various models, here are our top picks.

Woman kneels on tile floor sponging floor next to orange bucket.
Cleaning & Organizing

How to Remove Grout Haze

Does your new kitchen floor look cloudy just days after you've installed it? Learn a few easy ways to clean grout haze from your tile surfaces.

Metal roofing on a residential home.
Roofing

The Home Investment That Puts Money Back in Your Pocket Year After Year

Learn how a metal roof can save energy and money while elevating the performance and aesthetics of your home.

Squirrel peeking out through an vent under an attic peak.
Pest Control

What to Do About Squirrels in the Attic: DIY Solutions—and When to Call a Pro

If you’ve got uninvited visitors overhead, a little patience and a handful of smart strategies can prevent damage to your home and restore peace and quiet up above.

Lowe's SpringFest Deals
Deals

Save Big on Ego Power Tools During Lowe’s SpringFest

Here are my top 5 picks from Lowe’s SpringFest event. Save big on yard tools, patio upgrades, and spring-ready essentials.

The Best Grow Bags
Lawn, Garden & Pool

We Used Grow Bags to Grow Thriving Plants—These Were Our Favorites

Grow bags are not only convenient and transportable, but they also promote healthy plant growth. Cultivate flowers, vegetables, herbs, and more—even with limited space—with the help of one of our top picks.

Things You Can (and Can't) Put on Your Septic Field
Exterior

Things You Can (and Can’t) Put on Your Septic System’s Leach Field

Is it OK to install an aboveground pool on a leach field? What about a deck, or a garden? Learn what you should and shouldn't put over a septic drain field in order to keep your septic system in good working order.

Flying Pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) action shot of hunting animal on wooden attic of city church. This species is know for roosting and living in urban areas in Europe and Asia.
Garden Pests

How to Get Rid of Bats—and Keep Them Away for Good

Though bats are key to keeping the insect population around your home in check, you definitely don’t want them living under your roof. Here’s what to do if you find bats in your home.

Aosu Solar Security Cam 01 close-up
Reviews

This Security Camera Requires Zero Maintenance and Keeps My Home Monitored Without Added Costs

This wireless camera offers sharp video quality, smart motion detection, and continuous monitoring without a complex installation or the need for constant recharging.

A person using the best riding mower option to mow a very large yard
Mowers

Our Favorite Riding Mower Is a Step Above the Rest—See Why

Don’t spend half the day mowing your lawn when you can purchase a riding lawn mower to better manage your expansive yard.

The Best Dethatching Blades Options
Reviews

Dethatching Leads To a Healthy and Properly Maintained Lawn—and These Blades Make It Cheap and Easy

Dethatching blades attach directly to your lawn mower, enabling quick removal of excess organic material that prevents your grass from absorbing essential nutrients.

The Best Pet-Safe Weed Killer Natural Elements (2)
Lawn, Garden & Pool

Say Goodbye to Brushwood in as Little as 24 Hours With Our Favorite Brush Killer

Woody, thorny, and vining weeds can get out of control quickly. Get rid of them once and for all with the right brush killer for your property.