BOB VILA RADIO

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Bob Vila's 75 Best Tips for Homeowners
Whether you’re looking to learn about lawn care or tool maintenance, DIY fixes or safety reminders, we know a guy who knows a few things about home care and repai...
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Bob Vila Radio: Driveway Aprons 101
The driveway apron, also known as the approach, is the 8 to 15 feet of the hardscaping located closest to the road. I...
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Bob Vila Radio: Quick Tips Before You Install Recessed Lighting
Whether you need task lighting above a desk or countertop or accent lighting to brighten a dark corner, recessed ligh...
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Bob Vila Radio: The One Place You Shouldn't Mount Your TV
Homebuilders often install electrical and cable outlets over the fireplace mantle to allow homeowners to set up a fla...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Identify a Queen Anne House
There’s nothing quite like the Revival Queen Anne style of homes that swept through America at the turn of the 19th C...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Kitchen Layout You're Overlooking
To improve flow and add structure to a home’s open floor plan, consider the kitchen peninsula. This connected half-wa...
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Bob Vila Radio: The One Detail You Don't Want to Forget in Your Bathroom Renovation
When upgrading your bathroom, don’t forget to think beyond backsplashes and vanities to consider what lighting elemen...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Key Differences Between These Popular Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingles have long been known for their cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. But now there’s a variety...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Rules and Risks You Need to Know About This Landscaping Hack
Just when you think you’re done raking leaves, one gust of wind can scatter your piles, shake your trees, and make mo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Picking the Right Poly: Polycrylic vs Polyurethane
Don’t let their names confuse you: Though polycrylic and polyurethane may sit on the same shelf at the store, they ar...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Best Sandpaper Type for Your Next DIY
If you’ve ever worked with wood, you’re likely familiar with instructions to sand all edges after cutting, before app...
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Bob Vila Radio: This is How Many Coats of Primer You Need
Look up instructions for almost any paint job, and you’ll consistently see primer mentioned in one of the first steps...
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Bob Vila Radio: This Is What You Need to Know About Painting Over Oil-Based Paint
If you’re painting over oil-based paint—say, on kitchen cabinets or trim—it’s best to use more oil-based paint. Switc...
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Bob Vila Radio: Quick Tips for Pulling Weeds
Rampant weeds steal water and valuable nutrients from the soil—and they crop up daily. Follow these tips to make remo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Brush Up Your Paint Technique to Avoid This Problem
How can you avoid those bothersome blisters that sometimes appear on painted surfaces? Here are some pointers:CM_BVNO...
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Bob Vila Radio: Why Metal Roofs Are on the Rise
Curious about metal roofing? You're certainly not alone. Though at one time its use had been relegated to utility str...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Pros and Cons of Butcher-Block Kitchen Counters
Butcher block countertops are a popular choice for kitchens these days, but as with any countertop material, there ar...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Pros and Cons of Gel Stain
With traditional wood stain, you have a choice to make: do you choose a light finish that lets the wood grain shine t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Picking the Right Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Want to update your kitchen but don't have the budget for a complete renovation? You're certainly not alone. Here's a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sod Success
Laying sod isn't a trivial, low-effort project, but careful preparation makes the job a whole lot easier and signific...
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Bob Vila Radio: Figuring Out When to Fertilize
When’s the best time to fertilize your lawn? Opinions do vary but generally speaking, most agree that it's best to fe...
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Bob Vila Radio: Basement Flooding Damage Control
Basement flooding easily ranks among the top ten homeowner nightmares. Though recovering from a flood certainly isn't...
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Bob Vila Radio: Surveying Your Soil
Got your sights set on a major building project? Not so fast. First, you need to know more about how the site soil wo...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Protect Your Home When You're Not There
Heading out on vacation? Ensure that your home remains safe and sound while you're away. Here are some crucial items ...
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Bob Vila Radio: What's the Difference Between Drywall and Plaster?
Drywall and plaster both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some points to keep in mind when deciding ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Best-Bet Flooring Options for Pets and Their Owners
Pets may be great companions, but they're not always kind to their owners' homes, and that's especially true of floor...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Right Plunger for Your Plumbing Repair
Stopped-up drain? Overflowing toilet? For these and many more plumbing repairs, homeowners reach for the plunger—a tr...
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Bob Vila Radio: Drive Away Stains on Your Driveway
Nobody buys a house for its driveway. But there's no denying it—an attractive driveway adds curb appeal. If yours has...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Right Range Hood for Your Kitchen
If you’re thinking of upgrading your kitchen with new appliances, don’t forget the range hood. There are a dizzying a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Top Tips for Patching Peeling Paint
If you painted an interior wall not too long ago but have noticed that it’s already peeling, cracking, or flaking, he...
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Bob Vila Radio: Screwdrivers, Explained
In any renovation project, you need the right tools to achieve success. That's obvious. But of all the many screwdriv...
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Bob Vila Radio: Your Quickstart Guide to Patching Drywall
Need to fix a ding in your drywall? Here are a few quick pointers. CM_BVNOTES-1727-3Listen to BOB VILA ON PATCHING DR...
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Bob Vila Radio: This Is When You'll Need to Replace Your Water Heater
‘Ever wonder how long your water heater will last? Well, that depends on quite a few factors. CM_BVNOTES-1802-4Listen...
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Bob Vila Radio: Arm Yourself with the Right Type of Handsaw
Everyone knows the traditional handsaw, with its long, wide blade and sturdy handle. But not everyone knows there's m...
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Bob Vila Radio: The 1 Thing You Shouldn't Pay for When Moving
Moving to new digs? Make sure your belongings are well packed, so they make the trip safely. Of course to do that, yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
Home inspections are not cheap. But if you’re looking to purchase a home, having it thoroughly inspected before you c...
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Bob Vila Radio: Regulating the Refrigerator Temperature
When it comes to meal planning, you definitely want to keep bacteria off the guest list.  Maintaining your fridge at ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Top Tips for a Leaking Toilet
Got a leaky toilet? Believe it or not, it's a common problem. Continue reading to find out the likeliest causes and t...
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Bob Vila Radio: One Key Painting Step You're Overlooking
If you’re taking on an interior painting project, you’ll want to ensure each coat is completely dry before adding ano...
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Bob Vila Radio: Freezer on the Fritz?
The average freezer lasts 10 to 15 years before you need to replace it. If yours is only a few years old and still no...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Quick Way to Clean a Cast Iron Pan
It's no wonder cast-iron cookware is popular: They are non-toxic, evenly heated, and durable enough to last for gener...
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Bob Vila Radio: Baring It All—The Many Methods of Wallpaper Removal
If you’re thinking of removing wallpaper, first make sure you know what type of wallpaper you’re dealing with. CM_BVN...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fixes for Foul Trash Odor
If your trash can persists in emitting an unpleasant odor—even when you change bags and wash it regularly—here are so...
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Bob Vila Radio: Screw Review
Knowing exactly the right screw to use for your project saves time and energy. Plus, it ups the chances of whatever y...
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Bob Vila Radio: What's Whetstone?
Keeping kitchen knives sharp makes food prep faster, easier, and practically painless—it actually lessens the chance ...
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Bob Vila Radio: LED Light Bulbs Explained—Finally
More and more homeowners these days are switching to LED lighting, and there are a bunch of reasons why. CM_BVNOTES-1...
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Bob Vila Radio: Picking the Right Polyurethane
Trying to decide which polyurethane is right for your DIY project? Here are some points to consider. CM_BVNOTES-1744-...
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Bob Vila Radio: Finding the Right Fertilizer
CM_BVNOTES-1742-2Listen to ORGANIC VS. SYNTHETIC FERTILIZERS or read below:Organic versus synthetic fertilizers—here’...
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Bob Vila Radio: Quick Tips for Raking Leaves
Autumn leaves are lovely – at least until they’re carpeting your lawn…and raking them has become yet another item on ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Solid vs. Engineered Wood Flooring: What's the Difference?
When it comes to choosing wood flooring, you’ve got loads of options. One of the decisions you’ll be making is whethe...
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Bob Vila Radio: The One Mowing Mistake You Might Be Making
In general, cutting wet grass isn’t a good idea. Here’s why:CM_BVNOTES-1740-4Listen to BOB VILA ON CUTTING WET GRASS ...
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Bob Vila Radio: What the Heck Is Shiplap?
What is shiplap? For one thing, it's a trendy wood wall treatment. More specifically, the term "shiplap" refers to ro...
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Bob Vila Radio: What The Deck? Understanding The Many Options in Decking Materials
Adding a deck? You have lots of materials to choose from. CM_BVNOTES-1737-1Listen to BOB VILA ON DECK MATERIAL OPTION...
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Bob Vila Radio: Transform Your Home with Transom Windows
Transom windows rest on the horizontal support beam above a window- or doorframe, enhancing natural light while addin...
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Bob Vila Radio: 4 Top Options in Wood Fencing
There's no shortage of wood fence options. Which is the right type for your property? In the end, it really comes dow...
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Bob Vila Radio: 4 Landscaping Projects That Pay You Back
True—maintaining your landscape isn't necessarily cheap. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever little ways to save ...
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Bob Vila Radio: 3 Simple Solutions for Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters: Sort of a good-news-bad-news situation. The bad news is that they're a common headache for homeowner...
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Bob Vila Radio: 3 Hidden Spots That It Pays to Keep Clean
We all want our homes to be comfortable and inviting. Unfortunately, if you don't clean often or comprehensively enou...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kick Out the Ticks
As you enjoy outdoor fun this summer, keep family, friends and pets safe from disease-carrying ticks. CM_BVNOTES-1734...
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Bob Vila Radio: Extinguishing Grease Fires
Grease fires are serious business. Would you believe they account for nearly a quarter of at-home fire-related deaths...
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Bob Vila Radio: 3-Step Deck Maintenance Anyone Can Do
Do you spend countless happy hours on your wood deck every summer? Then why not give it the same love and attention y...
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Bob Vila Radio: This Is When You Should be Watering the Lawn
Drought conditions, combined with scorching summer temperatures, can make it hard to keep your lawn properly watered....
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Bob Vila Radio: Say Goodbye to Fruit Flies with This 3-Step DIY
Fruit flies may be tiny, but they can be a huge pain. If your arms are tired from all that swatting, here's a homemad...
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Bob Vila Radio: Do Electric Lawn Mowers Cut It?
They've been around for years, but electric lawn mowers never quite caught on. That may be changing, though, as elect...
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Bob Vila Radio: Putting a Squash on Mushrooms
Unless you live in an area with drought conditions, rain usually supplies a good bit of moisture for our lawns. But t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Troubleshooting a Washing Machine
Clothes sopping wet at the end of a wash? That's not a good sign. The likeliest culprit? The spin cycle. Here are a f...
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Bob Vila Radio: All Your Organic Mulch Options
When used effectively, mulch insulates soil, locks in moisture, keeps out weeds, protects sensitive plants, plus it g...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Secret Solution to Your Garden Pest Problem
If garden pests are bugging you, but you’d rather not nuke them with toxic chemicals, maybe you should give insectici...
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Bob Vila Radio: Get a Taste of Lasagna Gardening
Also known as sheet mulching, lasagna gardening provides for richer soil and fewer weeds. The best part? You don't ha...
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Bob Vila Radio: Prepping the Pool
‘Bet you’re good and ready for your first plunge in your beloved backyard pool. Before you start splashing, though, y...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Hard Facts of Water Softening Systems
When you take glasses out of the dishwasher, do you notice hazy white polka dots? What about your faucets—are they co...
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Bob Vila Radio: Good Reasons to Get Your Hands Dirty
With the arrival of spring, homeowners return to the outdoors, setting sights on new ways to bring beauty, fragrance,...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Evolution of Energy Efficient Windows
For decades, window manufacturers have been coming up with incredible new ways to make glazing more like a wall—that ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cutting the Crud on Your Kitchen Cabinets
In any home, no matter its age or design, the kitchen always seem to serve as the hub of daily activity—a gathering s...
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Bob Vila Radio: The #1 Cause of Poisonings in America?
What’s the number one cause of poisoning deaths in America?  It’s carbon monoxide (CO). CM_BVNOTES-1714-2Listen to BO...
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Bob Vila Radio: Quick Tips on Preventing Chimney Fires
A wood-burning stove or fireplace provides warmth and ambiance, but it also poses some risks. The most serious? Chimn...
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Bob Vila Radio: What's the Deal with Duct Cleaning?
Is it really necessary to have the HVAC ductwork in your home professionally cleaned? Of course, people who provide t...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Lowdown on Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure: It's a real nuisance, not least because of regrettable situations like having to slow dance in yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Brick Treatment You Should Try
Looking for a way to improve the look of a brick exterior, interior wall, or fireplace surround? Consider German smea...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Right Way to Store Gasoline
What’s the best way of storing gasoline so that it's not only safe, but ready for use the next time you need it? Here...
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Bob Vila Radio: Melt Driveway Ice the DIY Way
Winter storms sometimes have a way of sneaking up on us. If that happens, and you get another surprise—no ice melt on...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Easiest Way to Clear a Snowy Driveway
Some folks consider the winter to be their favorite season. But very few do not dread the task of shoveling the walk ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pinpointing Property Lines
If you’re thinking of building out toward the edges of your lot, you first need to determine the exact location of yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Winterizing Wooden Furniture
When your heating system is cranking, dry indoor air can do a number on your wood furniture and, for that matter, any...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is Old Wiring Putting Your Home at Risk?
How up to date is the electrical wiring in your home? If you’re not sure, it'd be a good idea to have a licensed cont...
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Bob Vila Radio: Why You Shouldn't Trash Leftover Tiles
When you take on a tiling project, it's always a good idea to buy about 10% more than you'll need for the job—just in...
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Bob Vila Radio: The DIY Drain That Will Save You Thousands
Runoff from rain or melted snow can cause serious damage to your foundation and basement. The best solution to lead a...
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Bob Vila Radio: 3 Bright Ideas for Beating the Winter Blues
You've probably already heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the illness triggered by a lack of light during t...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Cost-Cutting Secret Only Contractors Know
There's no reason to wait until spring to tackle that home improvement project. In most areas of the country, winter ...
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Bob Vila Radio: How Old Is Your House?
You might not think of yourself as much of a detective, but piecing together the history of your house is easier than...
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Bob Vila Radio: Concrete Needs TLC Too
Concrete is tough stuff but over time, environmental exposure and wear-and-tear almost inevitably lead to cracks and ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Nailing Your Remodel with a Contractor
Already found a contractor for your next project? You might be happy with your hire, but planning ahead is the best w...
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Bob Vila Radio: Recipe for a Retro Kitchen
If you love classic kitchens but can’t afford a renovation, there are still plenty of ways to add retro appeal. Start...
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Bob Vila Radio: Planning a Pet-Friendly Yard
Cats and dogs need just as much time outside as people do, but designing a safe space for pets and protecting your la...
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Bob Vila Radio: A Case for the Classic Wood Stove
Plenty of us recall nestling around the cozy warmth of wood stoves, whiling away the winter-evening hours among famil...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Key to Choosing a New Front Door
When shopping for a new front door, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, your choice should complement th...
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Bob Vila Radio: Where to Get Shipping Pallets
Shipping pallets have all sorts of uses for do-it-yourselfers, but versatility isn't their only virtue. Additionally,...
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Bob Vila Radio: Stop Deer in Their Tracks
You might enjoy their pastoral presence, but there’s no doubt that deer wreak havoc on garden vegetables, plants, and...
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Bob Vila Radio: 4 Ways to Fix Scratched Wood Flooring
Hardwood flooring adds beauty to your home, and it's durable enough to last a lifetime (or more). But that's not to s...
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Bob Vila Radio: Outdoor Speakers Hit a High Note
Audio speakers designed for the outdoors? They’ve been around for years—but recent innovations in weather-resistant c...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replace Your Roof Without Getting Ripped Off
Worried your roof won't make it through another season? If you spot sagging, raised shingles, and ceiling leaks, you ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Extinguishing Fire Ants
Although fire ants are more common in southern states, they can thrive nearly anywhere. Ranging from reddish brown to...
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Bob Vila Radio: Going Green in the Garden
Playing nice with the planet includes conserving resources, and good old H2O is at the top of the list. Every gardene...
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Bob Vila Radio: Quick Fixes for Furniture
When furniture fixes fall apart, it's usually because the tools and supplies weren't right for the job. Always rememb...
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Bob Vila Radio: Keeping Backyard Mosquitos at Bay
With Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses on the rise, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the mosquito contr...
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Bob Vila Radio: Reviving Old Metal Furniture
Did your most recent trip to the thrift store pay off in a big way? Vintage furniture adds character to any builder-g...
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Bob Vila Radio: An "Old School" Storage Staple Comes Home
Remember twisting the dial of your combination lock to retrieve a textbook from your high school locker? Well, you're...
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Bob Vila Radio: Choose the Right Fuel for Your Fire Pit
A fire pit introduces a festive yet intimate feeling to any outdoor living area, and perhaps best of all, there are c...
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Bob Vila Radio: Solving a Ladybug Infestation
This winter, you may find yourself with uninvited guests—orange-red Asian ladybugs. Imported to combat garden pests, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Quick Fixes for Drafty Windows
Here’s a cold-weather tidbit: Did you know that in many old homes, as much as a quarter of the heat generated by the ...
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Bob Vila Radio: 3 Popular Paths to Radon Reduction
If radon tests have found unacceptably high readings in your home, there are at least a few effective ways to address...
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Bob Vila Radio: Look Again at Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting has always been a discreet choice that occupies next to no space in the room where it appears. Maki...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fending Off the Next Flood
With severe weather events becoming ever more common, it may be wise to prepare for the possibility of your home bein...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Clear Benefits of Insulated Windows
In an insulated window, the panes are comprised of multiple layers, each separated by an inert gas. Not only do they ...
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Bob Vila Radio: For a Warmer Winter, Run Your Ceiling Fans in Reverse
Everyone knows that ceiling fans provide low-cost cooling in summer. But did you know you can also use ceiling fans t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Ultimate Protection Against the Most Severe Storms
Hurricane Sandy served as a stark reminder that in every part of the country, severe storms pose a grave threat. To g...
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Bob Vila Radio: Remove Old Paint with a Heat Gun
Looking for a quick way to remove old layers of paint? Your best bet might be a heat gun—and it's easy enough to use ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cabinets or Shelves in the Kitchen?
These days, a lot of homeowners are trading kitchen cabinets for open shelving, and there are some great reasons why!...
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Bob Vila Radio: Making the Most of Your Available Natural Light
If there's a room in your home that just doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, your low-cost option is to make the most of t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hosting Seniors for the Holidays
If you're lucky enough to be part of a large, multi-generational family, your holiday gatherings are likely to includ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Holiday Season Fire Safety
House fires take a devastating toll during the holidays. This year, be a cautious and make fire safety an integral pa...
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Bob Vila Radio: Safe Outdoor Holiday Lighting
If you’re planning to add holiday lights, not only to the tree in your living room, but to the trees and bushes outdo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing a Damaged Gutter
Wind, rain, snow, hail and falling tree branches can wreak havoc on your rain gutters. After an especially severe sto...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dealing with a Damp Basement
Though you don't live in the tropics, the most humid days might make you feel like you do. That dampness is not only ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing a Shower Diverter
You know that little knob on top of the bathtub spout? It's tiny but not insignificant, as it performs the vital role...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is It a Three-Way Lamp Socket?
How can you distinguish between a standard lamp socket and a three-way? It’s simple! Standard sockets have only two e...
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Bob Vila Radio: Power Strips vs. Surge Protectors
Not quite sure of the difference between power strips and surge protectors? You’re not alone. Home improvement center...
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Bob Vila Radio: Prevent Electrical Shocks in Your Workshop
If you’re setting up a home workshop for your do-it-yourself projects, recognize that in a room with so many power to...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Reclaimed Wood
Looking to add a sense of warmth and history to your home? For your next project, eschew stock lumber in favor of sal...
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Bob Vila Radio: Do's and Don'ts of Mold Removal
No doubt the best way to manage mold is to prevent it. But if your basement floods and mold gets a head start, there'...
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Bob Vila Radio: Every DIYer Needs a Random Orbital Sander
If you’re looking to create a really smooth finish on woodwork, your best bet is to use a random orbital sander—a pow...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dodge Disaster with a Wi-Fi Flood Alarm
Flood alarms have been around in one form or another for decades. At its most basic, the technology isn't new. But of...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is a Mossy Roof Cause for Concern?
You might like the look of moss on your roof, thinking the soft, green fuzz adds a bit of rustic charm to your curb a...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Cut PVC Pipe
If you’ve ever tried using nothing but a hacksaw to cut through PVC pipe, you know it can be challenging. Often, part...
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Bob Vila Radio: Be a Pro at Patching Stucco
Stucco is a wonderfully versatile wall treatment—durable, weather-resistant, and attractive. It's been used in countl...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sharpening Your Hedge Trimmer
Powered hedge trimmers are a tremendous time-saver for any homeowner who prefers to handle his own landscaping. But i...
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Bob Vila Radio: A Tidier Garden Hose
Is your green thumb confined to a small space? If you’re watering window boxes, a container garden on your deck, or a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Focus on Framing Fasteners
If you’re framing new construction—a simple backyard deck, for example, or even an entire house—framing fasteners all...
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Bob Vila Radio: TLC for Your Window AC
Window air conditioners: We turn to them in the dog days of summer, turn them off when the weather cools down, and fo...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Easy Way to Remove Stubborn Screws
Stymied by a stripped screw, or a screw without a head? No worries! There’s a brilliant little tool that can help you...
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Bob Vila Radio: Block Out Blazes with a Fire Door
All too often, it seems tragic house fires lead the evening newscast. If you’re looking for better ways to protect yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Be Good to Your Garage Door
No matter whether you use muscle or a motor to open and shut your garage door, it's going to need TLC every so often ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Your Quick Guide to the Contour Gauge
Cutting flooring or siding to fit around curved surfaces can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right tool. ...
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Bob Vila Radio: What Is a Rain Garden?
Rain gardens are essentially natural or man-made depressions on the property, which the homeowner fills with a variet...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing the Knockouts in Electrical Boxes
Knockouts are partially stamped, quarter-size openings in the electrical boxes that service such things as outlets an...
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Bob Vila Radio: Use a Hairdryer to Fix Torn Vinyl Flooring
If your vinyl flooring (or linoleum) has developed a tear, don't despair! There's an easy—and yes, rather unexpected ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Controlling Carpenter Bees
Given enough time, carpenter bees can bring down an entire house. The good news: These bees prefer to nest in untreat...
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Bob Vila Radio: Give Your Mower a Tune-Up
With the summer season nearing its peak, chances are that your lawn mower would benefit from a bit of mid-season TLC....
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Bob Vila Radio: Nails or Screws? Screws or Nails?
Nails or screws? Sometimes it’s difficult to decide which to use for a given do-it-yourself project. The next time yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: A Simple Tweak for Any Caulk Gun
Your good old caulk gun is a user-friendly tool—until you need to use it in a tight spot (say, the back side of a toi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Add Security with Tamper-Proof Screws
For years, companies have been trying to keep one step ahead of vandals and thieves by manufacturing so-called securi...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Best Screws for a Strong Hold
If you need to securely fasten boards together—for framing or other heavy-duty applications—you might want to check o...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Easiest Way to Fertilize Trees and Shrubs
Looking to give your trees and shrubs a nutritional boost? If so, consider fertilizer spikes. Filled with vital nutri...
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Bob Vila Radio: Why Is the Tap Water Brown?
Does the water coming out of your faucet look a bit like the Mississippi River after a rainstorm? There are at least ...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Importance of Water Shutoff Valves
Protect your home with a little added insurance—insurance that doesn't cost a nickel—by making sure everyone in your ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Stainless vs. Galvanized Steel
Have you ever wondered which holds up better against the elements, stainless or galvanized steel? Well, that depends ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Texture Ceilings to Hide Imperfections
Adding a little texture to drywall compound can go a long way toward hiding imperfections in ceilings. And it’s an ea...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing a Wall Anchor
Wall anchors allow you to hang almost anything almost anywhere. But what does one do to remove a wall anchor?mp3 file...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Right Way to Hammer
There may be no tool more basic than the humble hammer. But however straightforward it may be in design and utility, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Separating Squirrels from Your Bird Feeder
What’s the best way to keep those persistent squirrels from pigging out at your bird feeder? Here's an assortment of ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Plugging Leaks in Concrete or Masonry
A special type of cement, similar to mortar and easy to use, hydraulic cement is handy for preventing water from seep...
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Bob Vila Radio: A Primer on Patching Concrete
Does your concrete walkway or driveway need patching? That’s an easy fix! Here’s how to do it. mp3 fileListen to BOB ...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Right Caulk for the Job
Few items in the toolbox can help you out more than a caulk gun. And one thing you may not know is that, even though ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Give Your Gas Grill a Tune-Up
Grilling season is back, and not a minute too soon! To avoid any unpleasant surprises on your inaugural cookout, give...
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Bob Vila Radio: Safe Setup for Extension Ladders
For committed do-it-yourselfers, extension ladders are a must-have. When you’re using them, though, it’s important to...
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Bob Vila Radio: Best Practices for Mounting Outdoor Speakers
If you often host outdoor get-togethers and seek a better method of providing music, installing outdoor speakers is t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning (or Concealing) Wall Stains
If you spy some ugly stains on your walls, don’t despair. Chances are there’s a way to either remove those walls stai...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Exterior Brick
Keeping exterior brick masonry walls looking their best requires time and effort. When you paint, proper preparation ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Patching Large Holes in Drywall
Need to patch a hole in drywall? While you can resolve smaller problems with spackling paste, larger jobs call for a ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Does Pressure Washing Ruin Your Landscape?
Want to remove years of dirt and grime from the exterior of your home? A power washer might be the right tool for the...
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Bob Vila Radio: Raising Sunken Pavers
If a few of the pavers in your patio or driveway have begun to sag, don't fret—there’s an easy, DIY-friendly fix. Her...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replace a Worn-Out Window Screen
Replacing a screen on a wooden window frame? It's a straightforward job. To get it done right, and with a minimum of ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replace Rot-Damaged Trim ASAP
Exterior trim performs a couple of roles. Besides adding a decorative touch, it seals up corners and edges to keep ou...
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Bob Vila Radio: Your Finished Basement Needs an Egress
Transforming a dark, dank basement into welcoming living space isn't a small job. But once complete, a finished basem...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pros and Cons of Metal Adhesives
When you want to join two pieces of metal, your first impulse may be to go for a rivet or even a soldering iron. But ...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Reason for Rafter Vents
Seasonal extremes in temperature put your attic insulation to the test. To get the best performance out of your insul...
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Bob Vila Radio: Why Not a Wainscot?
If you’re looking to dress up the interior of your home but are working on a limited budget, why not consider adding ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Repelling Raccoons
Different people have different opinions about raccoons. Some think they're terrible pests, while others consider the...
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Bob Vila Radio: Prep Your Snow Blower for the Off-Season
As winter begins to loosen its grip, start thinking about storing your snow blower for the off-season. But before you...
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Bob Vila Radio: For No-Hassle Decorative Painting, Use a Dual Roller
Want to add a designer touch to your next interior paint job? One option is to experiment with a dual roller, a tool ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Button Up Your Crawl Space
If you have a crawl space in your home that’s not adequately sealed and insulated, you’re probably wasting money on i...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sump Pumps Need Maintenance, Too
With melting snow and spring rains just around the corner, now is the most important time of year for sump pump maint...
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Bob Vila Radio: Child-Safe Power Outlets, Reinvented
You can't possibly pick a more important job to do around your home than keeping your family safe. And of course many...
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Bob Vila Radio: Restoring Rattan
Vintage rattan furniture is getting harder to come by, so if you happen to run across a nice piece at a garage sale, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Return of Murphy Beds
If you need an extra bed in your abode but don't have the space for an additional bedroom, why not choose a Murphy be...
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Bob Vila Radio: Every DIYer Needs a Rotary Tool
If you're a do-it-yourselfer and you're not familiar with oscillating tools, such as the type made famous by Dremel, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Shush Your Slamming Doors
Is a slamming door driving you nuts? Have you had noise complaints from neighbors? Here are a few simple and inexpens...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is Softwood Flooring Right for Your Remodel?
Think wood flooring has to strain your remodeling budget? Think again! Though hardwood flooring typically costs a pre...
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Bob Vila Radio: Master the Mighty Miter Box
If your next do-it-yourself woodworking project involves making angled cuts, then get to know the miter box, as this ...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Lowdown on Upflushing Toilets
Adding a toilet to your basement not only adds convenience, but it can also boost the value of your home. But before ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Keeping Concrete Floors Clean
Concrete floors are no longer found only in garages and basements. With elegant finishes now available—like stencilin...
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Bob Vila Radio: For a Quick Bathroom Refresh, Recaulk the Tub
If your bathroom is looking a bit dated but there’s no room in your budget for a full renovation, think in terms of s...
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Bob Vila Radio: Flashlights Get a Little Flashy
If you're in the dark about some of the latest advancements in flashlight technology, here's a quick summary. mp3 fil...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is MDF Better Than Plywood?
Medium-density fiberboard, MDF for short, can be a cheaper, more stable alternative to plywood, if used in the right ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Get the Right Recessed Lighting
Whether you're building a new home or remodeling the interior of an existing residence, recessed lighting offers to a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Level Out a Wobbly Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are great—until they get wobbly. What causes that to happen, and how can you go about fixing a wobbly ce...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Risks and Allure of a Ventless Fireplace
It's not hard to understand the allure of ventless gas fireplaces. On the one hand, they offer heat and a cozy ambian...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pipe Insulation, and Why It Really Matters
If a plumbing pipe ruptures inside your home, it's likely going to be a disaster. But properly installed pipe insulat...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is This the End of Oil-Based Paint?
For decades, if you wanted a smooth, resilient finish for a project you were painting, you would turn to oil-based pa...
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Bob Vila Radio: Does Attic Ventilation Help or Hurt?
Does ventilating your attic make sense? To a large extent, the answer to that question depends on the climate where y...
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Bob Vila Radio: It's a Snap to Patch Metal with Pop Rivets
Do you need a quick and easy way to fasten a patch onto sheet metal? Pop rivets make it pretty easy to do so. They co...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Basics of Drilling Through Metal
Provided you have the right tools, it's not difficult to drill through metal. But for the job to go smoothly and the ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fix Ice Dams—Fast!
If you live in an area of the country with cold winters, you are likely familiar with ice dams. These are the ridges ...
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Bob Vila Radio: 2 Quick Fixes for a Slow Kitchen Drain
Chances are that, somewhere along the line, you've had to deal with a clog in your kitchen drain. Even if you make a ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Why Is the Smoke Alarm Chirping?
Why do you do when there's a smoke alarm chirping in your home, seemingly without provocation? How can you keep that ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Make Plywood More Portable
Though plywood is a versatile and affordable material, ideal or at least serviceable for hundreds of uses, it's not t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fixing a Broken Window Pane
Has a pint-sized baseball player in your neighborhood recently hit a home run through your bedroom window? Here are s...
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Bob Vila Radio: A Trick for Splinter-less Cuts in Plywood
If you're planning to cut plywood, here are a few points to keep in mind. Cutting plywood usually creates a splintere...
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Bob Vila Radio: Locating a Leak in the Roof
The toughest part of fixing a roof leak is often to figure out where the water is getting in. It's not uncommon for w...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is It OK to Cut Protruding Tree Roots?
You love that tree in your backyard. But one of the roots is protruding above ground, creating a sure toe-stubber, an...
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Bob Vila Radio: Prevent Roof Collapse with a Snow Rake
When it comes to snow on the roof, how much is too much? That depends a lot on the way your roof was constructed. mp3...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Right Height for Chair Rails
Chair rail molding adds a tasteful touch to rooms, especially when combined with wainscoting or crown molding. But if...
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Bob Vila Radio: An Easy DIY Way to Seal Your Garage Door
Though garage doors do a pretty good job of keeping bad guys away from your car, they're not so good at keeping out t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bleach + Vinegar = Toxic
When I talk to homeowners about safety, the discussion often centers around using tools and ladders and so forth. But...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing Shingles the DIY Way
If you've got a broken shingle or two on your roof, it's easy to repair the problem yourself. Most home centers sell ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is There a Leak in Your Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces have been showing up in more and more homes the past few years. They're clean, easy to use, and add a ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Venting a Fireplace Insert
With temperatures dropping, homeowners are resuming their seasonal quest to get the most heat for the least money. If...
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Bob Vila Radio: Troubleshooting Tips for Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are a must for any home security system, but sometimes they get out of whack, turning on and off...
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Bob Vila Radio: Measure Twice, Cut Once
You've heard the old saying, "Measure twice, cut once. " When it comes to do-it-yourself projects, there couldn't be ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Every 2 Years, Flush Your Water Heater
If you want to make sure you'll have hot water whenever you need it, it's a good idea to flush your water heater ever...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Tool-Free Way to Locate Wall Studs
If you've got a heavy mirror to hang on the wall, you'll need to find a stud that will support the weight. The easies...
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Bob Vila Radio: Avoid Common Mistakes to Minimize Heating Costs
Home heating bills are high enough already; don't push yours even higher by making these common mistakes. mp3 fileLis...
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Bob Vila Radio: Get the Fireplace Ready
When you're pulling your parkas and mittens from the back of the closet, it's also a good time to make sure your fire...
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Bob Vila Radio: Save Big Bucks with Attic Insulation
Looking to put a dent in your monthly heating and cooling bills? The answer may be right over your head. If your atti...
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Bob Vila Radio: Top Tips for Cutting Carpet
Installing wall-to-wall carpeting? It can be tricky to cut the floor covering so that it accurately fits the room. To...
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Bob Vila Radio: Prevent Basement Window Leaks
Basement windows are great for letting natural light into subterranean space, but what if they also let in water? The...
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Bob Vila Radio: Prepare Your Garden Tools for the Off-Season
Once you've put your garden to bed for the winter, why not clean your garden tools before storing them away? TLC star...
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Bob Vila Radio: Set the Stage for Thanksgiving
At Thanksgiving, it’s easy to lavish so much attention on preparing the meal that you forget about preparing the dini...
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Bob Vila Radio: Know the Signs of a Dying Tree
It's not always easy to spot when a tree is in trouble, but it's important to keep your eyes open for problems. Here ...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Remove Paint Spots from Wood Floors
When's the best time to remove paint spots from wooden floors? Right after the paint hits the floor, of course! But w...
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Bob Vila Radio: Think Before You Install a Kitchen Island
Installing a kitchen island doesn't just enhance the look of your kitchen. It can also make meal prep a lot more enjo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Are You Making a Big Mistake with Your Storm Windows?
This winter, before you shut your storm windows, make sure that at the bottom of each one, the weep hole is clear.  A...
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Bob Vila Radio: What Exactly Are Architectural Shingles, Anyway?
Ever wonder exactly what the difference is between conventional asphalt shingles and architectural shingles? Here's t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Choose the Right Saw Blade for the Task at Hand
When it comes to using reciprocating saws, choosing the right blade can make your jobs a lot easier. Among the many r...
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Bob Vila Radio: Save Time (and Water) with a Recirculating Pump
On chilly mornings, do you get impatient waiting for water from the faucet to get hot? If so, maybe you should think ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Adding a Fire Pit to Your Backyard
If you enjoy cozying up to the fireplace in your home, why not consider adding a fire pit in your backyard? Fire pits...
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Bob Vila Radio: This Winter, Remove Your Screen Door to Enjoy More Light
Maybe your cat has been using your sliding screen door for climbing practice. Or maybe, as we approach winter, you're...
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Bob Vila Radio: Safer Basement Stairs Prevent Mishaps
If you're aiming to reduce the risk of accidents in your home, one good place to start is your basement stairs. Here ...
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Bob Vila Radio: For Brighter Interiors, Clean Your Storm Windows
These days, a lot of folks are feeling the chill in the air and are beginning to button up their homes for the winter...
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Bob Vila Radio: Installing a Laundry Chute
Tired of lugging laundry down the basement stairs? Maybe you should consider installing a laundry chute. Kits are ava...
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Bob Vila Radio: Quieter Leaf Blowers Are Here, Finally
This time of year, the intrusive sound of leaf blowers is a constant presence in nearly every neighborhood. But blowe...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Hush a Noisy Radiator
Steam-heat radiators may be good at keeping you warm, but their banging and clanking can also sometimes keep you up a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Protect Trees from Lightning
Beautiful trees enhance the look and value of residential properties, so no wonder people spend so much time trying t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dodge the Dangers of Demolition Work
Demolition is one part of the remodeling process that most homeowners can lend a hand with. But there are some import...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pros and Cons of Cathedral Ceilings
Vaulted ceilings, also called cathedral ceilings, have some great attributes, but others you may not be so fond of. O...
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Bob Vila Radio: Reciprocating Saw Safety
Reciprocating saws—the ones with a motor and a thin, straight blade that juts back and forth—are one of the most usef...
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Bob Vila Radio: Flooded Basement Cleanup Tips
What a huge job it is to clean up a flooded basement! But the job can be a lot less of a headache if you keep some ke...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Pressure-Treated Wood
Thinking of putting some paint on that deck you just built? If you used pressure-treated lumber, you'll need to appro...
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Bob Vila Radio: Give Your Garage Floor a Makeover
Looking to make your garage a little snazzier? Dressing up the concrete floor with colorful epoxy paint may be just t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Emergency Generators
We used to think of late summer and early fall as the storm season, but with all the unpredictable weather lately, it...
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Bob Vila Radio: Homemade Remedies for Driveway Oil Spots
Oil spots on asphalt driveways certainly don't add to a home's curb appeal. Ask ten people what remedies they recomme...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mower Air Filters
With all the turf you've been trimming this summer, now's a good time to give your mower some well-deserved TLC. That...
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Bob Vila Radio: Drilling Through Tile
Planning to install a new towel rack or grab bar in your bathroom? That may mean drilling through ceramic tile.  It's...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fast Fixes for Sticky Double-Hung Windows
Sure, you love your old wooden double-hung windows. But sometimes—after raising and lowering them—do you feel like yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Installing a Condensate Pump
High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems produce condensation, and that condensation needs to go somewher...
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Bob Vila Radio: Are There Plants That Repel Mosquitos?
Modern mosquito repellents generally do a pretty good job of keeping the bugs away, but toxic chemicals often top the...
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Bob Vila Radio: Help Your Lawn Thrive This Sweltering Summer
Summertime is great for beaches, boating, and barbecues. But it's not so great for turf grasses. They tend to take a ...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Relocate a Young Tree
Ever come to the frustrating conclusion that you've planted a young tree in exactly the wrong place? Here are some ti...
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Bob Vila Radio: Wisdom for Window Fans
After spending a warm summer day picnicking or at the beach, who doesn't love to come home to a comfortably cool home...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fend Off the Power Surge Scourge
These days, we're increasingly sharing our homes with electronic devices. Many of them are pretty pricey, and that in...
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Bob Vila Radio: Planting Ground Cover
If you've grown a bit weary of spending your weekends wedded to your lawn mower, perhaps it's time to replace some of...
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Bob Vila Radio: Installing a Fold-Down Ironing Board
If you're like a lot of people, space in your home is at a premium. In other words, figuring out where to stash your ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Circular Saw Safety
Although circular saws are one of the most useful tools you can have in your toolbox, they can also be one of the mos...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dealing with Finicky Fridge Doors
If your refrigerator door doesn't open and close as it should—or if it doesn’t seal as tightly as it's supposed to—th...
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Bob Vila Radio: Installing Toggle Bolts
Installing wall hooks or fasteners into plaster walls isn't difficult—that is, if you use the right approach. Probabl...
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Bob Vila Radio: Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
With the cost of gasoline continuing to rise, battery-powered lawn mowers have been getting a lot of attention lately...
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Bob Vila Radio: Finishing a Deck
Painted decks are nice to look at, but they can require a lot of maintenance. Constant exposure to sun, water, and fo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Water Hammer
Ever hear a banging noise when you shut off faucets in the house? The problem could be what plumbers call "water hamm...
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Bob Vila Radio: Repointing Brick
Brick is very low maintenance, but age and weather still take their toll. As a result, brick requires occasional repo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dual-Flush Toilets
Back in the 1980s, a bright Australian fellow came up with the idea for dual-flush toilets. They've been around for a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lawn Mower Blade Height
Whatever type of turf you have in your yard, if you want to keep it looking its best, make sure your mower is set to ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Screen Repair Made Simple
Ever notice how pesky bugs manage to find their way through even the tiniest holes in your screens?Listen to BOB VILA...
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Bob Vila Radio: Track Lighting Trends
If the mention of track lighting conjures up visions of bulky white cans jutting out awkwardly from a thick rail, you...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sites for Compost
Composting puts your yard and kitchen waste to work creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It’s a true win-win,...
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Bob Vila Radio: Small Yards
A well-designed outdoor space is like having an extra room in the house. Even a small yard is a great treasure, but i...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tips on Cutting Plywood
Plywood is a versatile product great for lots of building projects. Cutting it can be a little tricky, however, as th...
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Bob Vila Radio: Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, are a country kitchen staple. These distinctive vessels have an exp...
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Bob Vila Radio: Rain Gardens
In a heavy downpour, all of that water pouring through your downspouts can overwhelm your local sewer system, leading...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Over Wallpaper
Getting tired of the floral wallpaper in your dining room or the Stewart plaid in the den? If you’re daunted by the p...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lumber Grades
If you feel a bit confused when you walk down the lumber aisle in your local home store, you’re not alone. For a basi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Front Yard Landscaping
Every garden needs a focal point; for the front yard, that's usually the home’s entryway. When the front door is the ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pot Fillers
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, one feature to consider adding is a pot filler. These handy fixtures are basica...
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Bob Vila Radio: Crabgrass
Crabgrass is a pesky interloper that can really ruin the look of your lawn. Left unchecked, it can spread quickly acr...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing Tree Stumps
At some point, you may need to remove a tree, whether because it’s too close to the house or because it’s dead or dyi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Day Lily Care
There are few flowering plants as satisfying as day lilies—they bloom in late spring and early summer, just as the sp...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing Paint From Concrete
If you’ve ever dripped paint on your sidewalk or changed your mind about that coat of paint you put on a concrete pla...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fire Escape Ladders
Here’s a dismal statistic: According to the Home Safety Council, just 6 percent of U. S. homes have a fire escape lad...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lilac Pruning
If you didn’t prune your lilacs right after they bloomed, you still have a little time left, but don’t delay: Pruning...
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Bob Vila Radio: What Is the Cooperative Extension Service?
I’m sure you’ve read articles that suggested contacting your local Cooperative Extension Office for services like soi...
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Bob Vila Radio: New Designs for Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting has always been efficient, since it takes up no space at all in a room. Over the years, as a variet...
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Bob Vila Radio: Vinyl vs. Linoleum
Homeowners often refer to vinyl and linoleum interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. These resilient floor ...
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Bob Vila Radio: USDA Zone Maps
Farmers and gardeners alike are familiar with the USDA plant hardiness zone map, which divides the country into growi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Stripped Screws
Inserting or removing a screw is one of the simplest jobs there is. But a stripped screw head can turn a simple job i...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing Popcorn Ceilings
So-called "popcorn ceilings" became popular back in the 1950s and 60s, because they hid imperfections in ceiling surf...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pivot Doors
With the season of outdoor living upon us, homeowners may be looking for new solutions to patio or backyard access. T...
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Bob Vila Radio: Long Life Smoke Alarms
It’s not news that every home needs multiple smoke detectors—one for every sleeping area and one for every floor of y...
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Bob Vila Radio: Clearing the Counters
Over time, kitchen countertops can get cluttered with junk, which not only makes the kitchen look sloppy but also dis...
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Bob Vila Radio: Backyard Bubbles
The sound of running water can be very soothing—that is, as long as it’s not coming from a broken pipe in the middle ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Gutter Guards
Cleaning out gutters is nobody’s idea of fun—it’s dirty and awkward, and it’s dangerous if you’re working high on a l...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cork Flooring
Cork flooring has been in the news recently, but cork is anything but new. It’s been marketed as a flooring material ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Bathroom Vents
Bathroom ventilation fans whisk away odors, but their more important job is to draw moisture out of the room. Moistur...
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Bob Vila Radio: Banquettes
Banquette seating has a nostalgic charm that may remind you of your favorite diner or that cozy spot in your grandmot...
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Bob Vila Radio: Backyard Chickens
If you’re in the market for fresh, locally raised eggs, you can’t get more local than your own backyard. Here are a f...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pantry Storage
A well-stocked pantry is key to planning and preparing meals efficiently. But even if you keep loads of ingredients o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Moss Lawns
If you think of moss just as a nuisance in your lawn, or as something that doesn’t gather on a rolling stone, it’s ti...
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Bob Vila Radio: Backyard Ponds
The sense of serenity you get relaxing in your yard can be enhanced by the sound of a babbling brook or waterfall, bu...
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Bob Vila Radio: Radical Hedge Pruning
Hedges make great privacy screens, and they’re certainly friendlier than stockade fences. At some point, though, you ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Planting Bulbs in Spring
When we think about flowering bulbs, we often picture beautiful spring bloomers like daffodils and tulips, whose bulb...
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Bob Vila Radio: Building a Raised Garden Bed
There are lots of reasons why you might want to plant in a raised garden bed rather than directly in the soil. Raised...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fire Extinguisher Inspection
You know you should test your smoke alarm twice a year, but what about your fire extinguisher? If yours is at the bac...
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Bob Vila Radio: Ferns
Leafy, green, and graceful, ferns bring drama and texture to the garden. They are attractive in rock gardens and make...
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Bob Vila Radio: Preventing Moths
This is the time of year when we shed our winter wardrobes and slip into warm-weather fabrics. To be sure that your c...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Insulation Perimeter
With energy costs ever on the rise, more homeowners are thinking of adding insulation to reduce energy use. Here’s wh...
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Bob Vila Radio: Indoor Herb Gardens
Fresh herbs add flavor, fragrance, and sophistication to your cooking—and they can’t get much fresher than those you ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Why Have a Raised Garden Bed?
Growing plants in raised beds is a tradition that goes back at least hundreds of years. Here are five reasons why a r...
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Bob Vila Radio: CFL Bulbs
With incandescent light bulbs on their way out, shoppers who had been reluctant to buy alternative bulbs are realizin...
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Bob Vila Radio: Blown-in Insulation
There are several different kinds of insulation—fiberglass batting, rigid boards, and spray-on foam to name a few. Fo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Using Fire Extinguishers
You probably wouldn’t think of living in a home without smoke detectors—they are proven lifesavers. But what about fi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Frameless Shower Doors
Glass shower doors have been popular alternatives to shower curtains for decades. Both serve the same simple purpose,...
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Bob Vila Radio: Microwave Steam Cleaning
The best way to keep your microwave clean is to wipe it down after every use. But that doesn’t always happen—you’re i...
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Bob Vila Radio: Linoleum Rugs
Linoleum rugs are a little-remembered footnote to floorcovering history. These days, unless you uncover one when you’...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Wood Paneling
Wood paneling certainly has a place in the home. It can make a space feel traditional and warm, but it can also look ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Starting Vegetables from Seeds Indoors
Now that spring is here, many people’s thoughts turn to gardening, and to the joys of leafy salads and delicate sprin...
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Bob Vila Radio: Wallpaper Prep
Hanging wallpaper can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort for the beautiful effect it can have on a room. As with so...
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Bob Vila Radio: High Hats
Choosing the best lighting can be a bit of a challenge.   Some rooms need cozy, subdued lighting to create ambience; ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Freestanding vs. Built-In Tubs
Freestanding tubs are becoming increasingly popular in today’s luxury bathrooms. Is one right for your bath? Let’s we...
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Bob Vila Radio: First Day of Spring
Today is March 20, the vernal equinox, better known as the first day of spring. For most of us around the country, th...
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Bob Vila Radio: Squares
One tool that should definitely be in any do-it-yourselfer’s toolbox is a good carpenter's square. A square helps you...
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Bob Vila Radio: Thinking Green Year-Round
It’s easy to think green on Saint Patrick’s Day—in fact, it would be hard NOT to think green today! But with each pas...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Garage Floors
Your garage may be your workshop, your storeroom, your potting shed or the place where you showcase your automotive p...
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Bob Vila Radio: Reclaimed Brick
Brick is an extremely sturdy construction material. It’s attractive, fire resistant, and low maintenance—and it stand...
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Bob Vila Radio: Reducing Dust
For most people, dust is a housecleaning nuisance. But for those with respiratory ailments or allergies, dust can be ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Raw Wood
You probably know that bare, raw wood needs to be primed before it’s painted. For best results, though, there are a f...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fixing Chipped Stove Enamel
There’s something so crisp and clean about a kitchen with a traditional, white porcelain enamel stove. But sometimes ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Baseboard Covers
Baseboard heating has been a popular choice for homeowners since the 1950s. But over time, baseboard units can start ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Plaster Wall Cutouts
It’s pretty straightforward to cut a hole in drywall to add a light switch, electrical outlet, or even a recessed she...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pulling Nails
You may be pretty good at swinging a hammer to drive in a nail, but there are plenty of do-it-yourself jobs that will...
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Bob Vila Radio: Restoring Old Windows
If your home has old-style double-hung windows with heavy sash weights on pulleys, you probably know that they’re not...
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Bob Vila Radio: Resetting a Circuit Breaker
The source of your home’s power is the breaker box, also known as the electrical panel or circuit breaker box. Whatev...
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Bob Vila Radio: Planning After President's Day
I know it’s still winter here in the Northeast, but I start thinking about spring the minute Presidents’ Day weekend ...
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Bob Vila Radio: President's Day Inventory
For those of you in the tristate area who aren’t hitting the ski slopes or escaping to the Bahamas this weekend, Pres...
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Bob Vila Radio: Installing Versatile Pegboard
Perforated hardboard, more commonly known as pegboard, has been a staple of workshops and retail stores for decades. ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing Plaster
It’s tough to think of a dirtier job than tearing down old plaster. The dust gets everywhere!Listen to BOB VILA ON RE...
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Bob Vila Radio: Types of Chisels
Chisels are sharp-edged metal tools used to cut stone, wood, or metal, and they have a spectacularly long lineage. In...
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Bob Vila Radio: Natural Paint
The harmful effects of VOCs on indoor air quality have received a lot of attention in recent years. In response, pain...
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Bob Vila Radio: VOCs
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that evaporate easily, releasing potentially harmful compounds int...
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Bob Vila Radio: Newspaper Fire Logs
There’s nothing quite like sitting by a cozy fireplace on a chilly night. Unless you own your own private forest, tho...
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Bob Vila Radio: Losing Heat to Drafts
In these energy-conscious times, many people are adding insulation, installing solar panels, or taking a number of ex...
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Bob Vila Radio: Humidifiers
We love the toasty warmth that our radiators and heating vents give off—but the dry indoor air that comes with all th...
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Bob Vila Radio: DIY Headboards
The most important part of any bed is the mattress: The right mattress on a good frame is key to a good night’s sleep...
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Bob Vila Radio: Retrofitting Fireplaces
Did you know that only about ten percent of the heat from a fire in the fireplace makes it into the room? That’s righ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Save Your Appliance Manuals
When you buy a new appliance, it’s a good idea to hold onto your original documentation, including the owner’s manual...
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Bob Vila Radio: Smart Power Strips
You’ve probably heard about vampire electricity, the electrical power that can suck the life out of your home power u...
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Bob Vila Radio: Radiant Walls
You’re probably familiar with the comfort and effectiveness of radiant flooring, but did you know that radiant heat c...
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Bob Vila Radio: Glass Block
Glass block has been used as a building material for more than a century, but it experienced a big surge of popularit...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pruning Young Trees
A good way to help your young tree stay healthy is to prune it wisely. The best time to prune a tree is late winter, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Christmas Tree Crafts
Right now, there may be more than 25 million cut Christmas trees adorning rooms throughout the United States. Within ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Recycling Holiday Lights
The holiday season is rolling to an end, and you’ll soon be taking down your indoor and outdoor lights. Why not take ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Clutter Control for New Stuff
It’s great to get holiday gifts from family and friends, but it’s not so great figuring out what to do with all that ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lights on Timers
You may think that putting a timer on your lights is a waste of time—what burglar worth his salt would be fooled by a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Upcycled Designs
It’s always better to find a way to recycle or reuse an item than to send it to a landfill. Some creative designers o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Doormats
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, it can feel like the whole world is beating a path to your door, bearing gifts, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Water Heaters
Most hot water tanks last about ten years, so if yours is getting close to that age, you might want to start thinking...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bay and Bow Windows
If you’re looking to bring more light and air into a room, consider a bay or bow window. Both are angled to project o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Closet Lighting
If you’re lucky enough to have large walk-in closets in your home, you probably already know the importance of good l...
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Bob Vila Radio: Repurposing Gourds
Gourds come in many beautiful patterns, shapes, and textures. They can be striped or speckled, knobby or curvy, and t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Garage Door Replacement
Garage doors may not seem like great decorating opportunities—most people treat them as functional afterthoughts that...
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Bob Vila Radio: Metal Roofs
Thinking about putting a new roof over your head? Maybe a metal roof is right for you. Today’s metal roofing—whether ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bath Venting
The bathroom is the most humid room in your home. Tubs, showers, and sinks all produce moisture, which can lead to pe...
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Bob Vila Radio: Whirlpool Tub Considerations
Do you dream of reclining in a whirlpool tub as the warm water bubbles around you, washing away your cares? If so, ma...
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Bob Vila Radio: Solar Shingles
When you think about solar power, do you picture bulky panels protruding from rooftops? If so, think again. With the ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Second Refrigerators
One out of four American homes has a second refrigerator in it, according to the Department of Energy—that’s 30 milli...
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Bob Vila Radio: Window Treatments
Choosing window treatments can be one of the most difficult design decisions you’ll have to make. There are so many o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hose Repair
If your garden hose has seen better days, don’t just send it to the landfill. There are some simple, inexpensive ways...
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Bob Vila Radio: Small Bath Sinks
Choosing a sink for a small bath can be challenging. Choices are limited, and even if you find a sink that physically...
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Bob Vila Radio: Finding the Right Insulation R-Value
Autumn’s falling temperatures get many of us thinking about apple cider, trick-or-treating, and… R-values. If your ho...
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Bob Vila Radio: Gutter Cleaning
Cleaning the gutters tends to be a relatively inexpensive task to hand off to a professional, who has the equipment a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Raking Tips
This time of year, those of us who are lucky enough to have trees that provide summer shade have to pay for that priv...
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Bob Vila Radio: Small Closet Solutions
A big walk-in closet is a luxury that some people can only dream of, especially if they live in an older home. Homes ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Ripping Up Carpet
Pulling up old wall-to-wall carpeting can be a tough, dirty job. Start by getting all the furniture out of the room a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Patio Heaters
Fall is a lovely time of year to enjoy your outdoor spaces. With the worst of summer’s heat and insects behind you, y...
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Bob Vila Radio: Spray Painting
You don’t have to invest in a power sprayer to try your hand at spray painting—start with a spray can and a small pro...
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Bob Vila Radio: Repainting Wrought Iron
Wrought iron railings, patio furniture, and gates are classics that look great with almost any home, but not when the...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removable Wallpaper
Wallpaper brings color, pattern, and texture to a room. A papered room can achieve a sophistication that eludes even ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Planning Birdhouses
It’s one of life’s true pleasures to watch birds as they nest in the spring. If you’d like to encourage birds to buil...
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Bob Vila Radio: Solar Decathlon 2013
For anyone interested in the developing field of solar power, today’s a big day. Starting today, the U. S. Department...
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Bob Vila Radio: Siding Alternatives
If you’re old enough to remember the aluminum siding that was all the rage in the 1960s, you may have an understandab...
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Bob Vila Radio: Redoing the Front Door
Your front door is the face your home presents to the world. It sets your house’s style and tone. So if your entry is...
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Bob Vila Radio: Vintage Wallpaper
Maybe you’re just itching to find a Space Age, geometric wallpaper pattern to complement your green Formica table. Or...
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Bob Vila Radio: Planting Fruit Trees
Do you dream of picking a crisp apple or juicy peach from a tree right in your own backyard? Planting a fruit tree ca...
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Bob Vila Radio: Decorating with Mirrors
Small restaurants have known this trick for years—covering one entire wall with a mirror instantly doubles the size o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Exterior Handrails
Unless your home is at exactly ground level, you probably have a step or two up to your door. High ranches and coloni...
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Bob Vila Radio: Upcycling Cribs
In 2011, federal safety standards for baby cribs changed significantly, making it illegal to sell older models that n...
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Bob Vila Radio: Using Less Furniture
Many of us don’t have the luxury of really "decorating" a room—we move into a home and place our furniture as best we...
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Bob Vila Radio: Vent Pollutants
Today’s weather-tight homes are great for energy efficiency, but they’re not so good for indoor air quality. The grea...
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Bob Vila Radio: Wood-Eating Bugs
There are more than 2,000 species of termites, and chances are some of them live in your neighborhood. The most commo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Wallpaper Remnants DIY
If you’ve ever wallpapered a room, you probably have some leftover pieces lying around. Don’t just throw them out! Wa...
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Bob Vila Radio: Ceiling Fan Care
The soothing whir of a ceiling fan is one of the sweet sounds of summer. But summer’s not over yet. To keep your fan ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Central Vacuums
Consider this: In Canada, about 40% of homes are equipped with central vacuum systems. In the U. S. , the figure is l...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tickscaping
The Tick-Borne Disease Alliance reports that as many as three-quarters of all Lyme Disease cases are caused by tick b...
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Bob Vila Radio: Reface or Replace?
Are your kitchen cabinets dated and worn? Or maybe they’re just too dark for your taste. New cabinets can be a costly...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mini-Split Air Conditioners
Heat gettin’ you down? If you’re in a house where installing central air would also mean installing ductwork, maybe y...
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Bob Vila Radio: Garden Hoses
A hose is a hose is a hose, right? Not so fast—not all garden hoses are created equal, so before you spring for a new...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hot Weather Tree Care
Hot weather can really take a lot out of a person. . . and out of a tree as well. That’s why it’s important to take s...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bathroom Storage Plans
I bet you’ve never heard anyone complain that his bathroom has too much storage space. If you’re about to renovate, h...
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Bob Vila Radio: Awnings
If you’re looking for a little more shade this summer, maybe an awning is the way to go. Let’s review the basics and ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Storm Doors
Storm doors are the unsung heroes of our entryways. They protect our exterior doors from the weather and add a layer ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bath Mistakes
Before you plan a bathroom renovation, listen up to a few suggestions that will help you avoid some all-too-common re...
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Bob Vila Radio: Humidity Gauges
An exhaust fan is a must in a bathroom, because it whisks away the humidity that can allow mold and mildew to grow. N...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dehumidifiers
Basements are notorious for being damp, just by virtue of being underground. If you have a damp basement, your first ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Shower Seats
Making a bathroom safe for everyone doesn’t mean making your home look like a hospital. Listen to BOB VILA ON SHOWER ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Basic Saw Cuts
One way to dress up a room is by installing new woodwork around doors or windows, or putting in new crown molding or ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Screw Starter
Many small home improvement projects start with drilling a pilot hole. (That’s a small hole that prepares a material ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bathroom Square Footage
If you’re planning a remodel and are hoping to squeeze an extra bathroom into your home, there are a few things you n...
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Bob Vila Radio: Stacking Cabinets
No matter how big your kitchen is, you never seem to have enough cabinet space. In a small kitchen where space is at ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Paint Square Footage
Interior painting is a fairly easy do-it-yourself project, but to do it right you’re going to need to do some math. L...
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Bob Vila Radio: Clover
If you want to spark a raging debate among gardeners, ask them how they feel about clover. Some homeowners will give ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Medicine Cabinet Options
Medicine cabinets provide efficient storage in a room where space tends to be at a premium. If you’re in the market f...
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Bob Vila Radio: Butterfly Gardens
Watching a butterfly flit low above a garden is one of summer’s great delights. You can attract these delicate creatu...
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Bob Vila Radio: Clean Garden Tools
After a hot day’s work in your garden, you may be tempted to just toss the shovels and tools back into the garage, ev...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cabinet Knobs
Replacing cabinet hardware is an easy and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a little facelift. But even a quick fi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pallet Recycling
Everything from grocery store shipments to construction deliveries involves using a forklift to pick up and move a he...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing a Medicine Cabinet
When you stumble into the bathroom in the morning, does your medicine cabinet look as tired as you feel? Maybe it’s t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Flag Poles
Today is Flag Day, the day we honor the Stars and Stripes. Whatever your politics, this is a good day to fly the flag...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dandelions
Kids love them, but landscapers hate them. I’m talking about dandelions, whose cheerful yellow flowers can make you w...
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Bob Vila Radio: Potting Benches
A potting bench can be a handy addition to any yard or patio—even if you’re not much of a gardener! Here’s why. Liste...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Floors
If you’ve ever spent any time or money sanding and refinishing a wood floor, you may wonder why anyone would ever pai...
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Bob Vila Radio: Rafter Storage
If you’re just moving into a tiny starter home, making room for growing children, or downsizing into smaller quarters...
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Bob Vila Radio: Burglaries
Here’s something you probably don’t want to think about this summer: Most burglaries happen in warm weather, during b...
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Bob Vila Radio: Built-In Mistakes
One of the joys of homeownership is having the freedom to do exactly what you want with your house or apartment—as lo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Toilet Flappers
Are you tired of jiggling the handle to stop your toilet from running? The noise and inconvenience drives you crazy, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Watering the Lawn
A beautiful green lawn requires regular watering to keep it looking great. The trick is to use enough water to keep y...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pruning Azaleas
Late spring is the time to sit back and admire those azaleas as they bloom; azaleas add a veritable explosion of colo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Nail Sets
If you have stubborn nails that pop out of your floorboards, or you need a way to get a finishing nail flush against ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Exterior Paint Color
Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can be intimidating: This is a big, expensive job, and whatever color...
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Bob Vila Radio: Unclogging a Toilet
You’re in the middle of a party, enteraining a houseful of guests, and the toilet acts up. Are you ready to spring in...
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Bob Vila Radio: Vampire Appliances
That faint sucking sound you hear may be vampire appliances draining electricity from your walls. Vampires are electr...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing Grout
Long before your tiles wear out, the grout between them can start to look tired, dirty, or stained. A good scrubbing ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Window Boxes
Window boxes can really amp up a home’s curb appeal by adding color and a sense of welcome. Here are some tips for cr...
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Bob Vila Radio: Wrench Roundup
When you have to tighten a nut, bolt, or other standard fastener, you need a wrench. But what kind?Listen to BOB VILA...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sale-Ready Homes
Spring is a great time to sell your home. Houses tend to look their best this time of year, with fresh green lawns an...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Plant Containers
If you’re like a lot of people, you have a stack of old pots in your garage or shed just waiting for the next time yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Whole-House Fans
Warm weather is just around the corner, with its humming air conditioners and skyrocketing electric bills. You may be...
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Bob Vila Radio: Wheelbarrows
This is a busy time of year in the garden, what with planting and mulching, weeding and feeding. All that heavy lifti...
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Bob Vila Radio: Chalkboard Paint
Kids and chalk go together like peanut butter and jelly—and parents love the easy cleanup of chalk, whether it’s on t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Levels
Do you want to make sure that shelf you’re putting up is really on the level? Then you need. . . well, a level. Level...
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Bob Vila Radio: Conserve Water
The demand for fresh water continues to grow, and the easiest way to meet that demand is simply to waste less of it. ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Solar Garden Lights
Outdoor lighting looks great along a walkway or in the garden, but it can be a pain to install the wiring for it. Sol...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting the Front Door
There’s probably no simpler, less expensive way to give your home a quick facelift than to repaint the front door. A ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Grout
There’s nothing like a freshly tiled floor or backsplash—but there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing those beaut...
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Bob Vila Radio: Driveway Drainage
There are lots of options available in driveway materials, including asphalt, gravel, brick and pavers. In addition t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Shovels
Picking the right shovel for the job saves time—and can save your back as well. Here are a few shovels you’ll want in...
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Bob Vila Radio: Spring Fence Routine
A wooden fence is a beautiful accent on any home, but it takes some maintenance to keep it looking neat and trim. Spr...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pocket Doors
It takes about nine square feet of floor space to swing open a typical 3-foot-wide door. That’s a big chunk of real e...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Stainless Steel
The sleek look of stainless steel lends sophistication to any kitchen. But keeping those surfaces gleaming takes care...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kraft Paper
If you’re starting a paint project and worry about protecting your floors, don’t just throw down a drop cloth. Consid...
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Bob Vila Radio: Starting Seeds
If you get a thrill out of watching your garden grow, you might want to get a jump on the season by starting from see...
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Bob Vila Radio: Historic Paint Colors
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “historic color”? Do you envision a rather limited palette of muted grays...
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Bob Vila Radio: Range Hoods
A range hood can blend quietly into your kitchen cabinetry or make a dramatic architectural statement. But whether it...
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Bob Vila Radio: Spring Lawn Preparation
There’s nothing like a beautiful green lawn to make your house look great. Now that spring is here, it’s time to get ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Ceiling Medallions
Ceiling medallions are moldings that are installed in the center of a ceiling, typically around a light fixture or ce...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tin Ceilings
Tin ceilings were very popular in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. These mass-produced ceilings, stamped with decorativ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hiding Trash Cans
Nothing kills a home’s curb appeal faster than a couple of trash cans and recycling bins parked in the driveway, or l...
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Bob Vila Radio: Power Drill
A power drill does more than just drill holes. With different attachments, it also drives screws, turns a sander, or ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fire Drill
You’ve got the smoke alarms and the carbon monoxide detectors, and you change their batteries regularly. But does you...
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Bob Vila Radio: Interior Lockset
Replacing an interior lockset is a pretty simple job. If you’re thinking about upgrading your doors with new doorknob...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cordless Blinds
The Consumer Product Safety commission now recommends that only cordless window coverings be used in homes with small...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tape Measure
I can barely think of a home improvement job that doesn’t require a tape measure! Whether you’re framing a new room o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Chain Saws
Chain saws aren't just for lumberjacks anymore. These powerful tools now come in a range of sizes, with lightweight o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Plumb Bob
A plumb bob is an amazingly simple tool, basically just a pointed weight on a string. But whether you’re putting up a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Emergency Kit
Natural disasters can occur anywhere, any time. No matter where you live, you should keep a stash of emergency suppli...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Replace a Shower Head
Replacing your shower head is a simple fix that can spruce up the look of your bathroom, save water, and even add a l...
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Bob Vila Radio: Types of Lighting
Did you know that a well-lit room actually has three different kinds of light? In order to create a room that’s comfo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Radiator Covers
Cast iron radiators can be beautiful, but an old, peeling one can really bring down the look of a room. Stripping and...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Composting
Composting’s a great idea: it helps your garden thrive and keeps valuable organic waste out of landfills. But once yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Container Gardens
There’s nothing quite as fresh as food that you grow in your own backyard. You may think your soil is too poor for a ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Reclaimed Wood
Imagine bringing the quality and charm of eighteenth-century wood planks into your home today. With reclaimed wood, y...
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Bob Vila Radio: Types of Screws
There are many different types of screws, and each kind has its own job to do. Before you make the first turn of the ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lead Paint Removal
Before you tear down a wall, rip off old woodwork, or strip old paint, ask yourself when it was installed. If it was ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Extra Outlets
These days it seems like there’s more to plug in than ever—televisions, computers, and the rechargers for cell phones...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Inventory
It's heartbreaking enough to lose your home or possessions in a natural disaster. Then there’s the stress of having t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fireplace Tools
A new set of fireplace tools brings both style and utility to your hearth. Here are a few guidelines that will help y...
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Bob Vila Radio: House Pests
We’re all drawn to the warmth and shelter of a cozy house, so it’s not surprising that critters like squirrels, oposs...
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Bob Vila Radio: Types of Paintbrushes
Walk into a hardware or paint store today to buy a paint brush and you could easily be overwhelmed by the number of o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pet Doors
Today’s pet doors are a far cry from the heat-stealing, wildlife-welcoming, burglary risks of yesteryear. If your yar...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lumens vs. Watts
During our long experience with incandescent light bulbs, we got used to thinking about light in terms of wattage. Bu...
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Bob Vila Radio: Top Tools
Not every homeowner needs a workshop full of professional tools, but there are a few basics you should have if you pl...
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Bob Vila Radio: Gas Leak
Natural gas is a safe, clean source of home energy, but in the unlikely event of a gas leak, it’s important to know w...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Paint a Ceiling
A ceiling can be a real pain in the neck to paint, but there are some simple ways to make this job a bit easier. List...
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Bob Vila Radio: Casement Windows
The most common window in American homes is the double-hung, with upper and lower sashes that slide up and down. But ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Rain Barrels
Did you know that a good rainstorm can send hundreds of gallons of water cascading off your roof? That water could co...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Improvement Planning
This is a great time of year to create an annual home improvement plan. Listen to BOB VILA ON HOME IMPROVEMENT PLANNI...
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Bob Vila Radio: Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting has come a long way since those old-style humming fluorescents and super hot halogen pucks, wi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Planning
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, there are two basic principles you’ll want to keep in mind as you work on the d...
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Bob Vila Radio: Rust Removal
Reviving rusty metal tools or furniture is a great indoor winter project, and there are three ways to remove rust. Li...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pex vs. Copper
For anything from small plumbing repairs to running lines for a whole house, there are lots of reasons PEX tubing bea...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hearing Protection
If you’re exposed to it long enough, any noise level above eighty-five decibels—like what you’d hear on a busy city s...
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Bob Vila Radio: Oven Cleaning
If your oven had a busy holiday season, January is a great time to do some oven cleaning before it makes a smoky mess...
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Bob Vila Radio: Drywall Costs
As of January 2nd, U. S. drywall manufacturers increased their prices by 25 to 30%. On top of a similar increase last...
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Bob Vila Radio: Barrier-Free Showers
If you’re thinking about a bathroom remodel, there’s no better time or place to think ahead. Something as simple as t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Flashlights
Save your eyes and shed a little light on the job you’re doing with the right flashlight. Listen to BOB VILA ON FLASH...
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Bob Vila Radio: Space Heaters
If your home has cold, drafty spots, this is the time of year you’ll notice them. Rather than cranking up the heat in...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lithium-Ion Batteries
Cordless power tools, and now lithium-ion batteries, have revolutionized the home improvement world. But anyone who’s...
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Bob Vila Radio: Log Splitter
If you heat your house with wood, you know how expensive buying firewood can be. Cutting, splitting, and drying a cor...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Sink Caulk
To protect your kitchen cabinets from water damage, the rim of your kitchen sink should always be sealed with a good ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hybrid Water Heater
If you’re paying through the nose for hot water in your house, you’ve probably already thought about replacing your c...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bird Feeders
Winter’s a great time to feed the birds, but if that means feeding the squirrels too, they can quickly wear out their...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Circular Saws
If those holiday gift cards are burning a hole in your pocket, a good circular saw is something you really shouldn't ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Choosing a Mattress
If getting more sleep is one of your New Year's resolutions, it might be time for a new mattress. Shopping for a matt...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mirror Placement
If the end of the year is a time for reflection, don't underestimate the power of a well-placed mirror to enhance you...
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Bob Vila Radio: DIY Waste Removal
One of the biggest challenges of any remodeling project or basement clean-out is figuring out how to get rid of const...
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Bob Vila Radio: Laminate Floors
You can't beat the low cost and easy installation of a laminate floor. It's a great do-it-yourself project that can r...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mock Ups
It may seem like an exercise, but mocking up your cabinetry or furniture building project can save you a lot of waste...
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Bob Vila Radio: Foam Core
It used to be that foam-core board was only useful to architects building models. Now that foam technology has taken ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Holiday Decoration Storage
Once the holidays are over, how do you fit all those decorations back in the garage and make them easier to unpack ne...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lighting in Layers
One of the most important things to think about when you're remodeling is lighting: It can make or break the room. Li...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Toolboxes
Most home improvement projects require at least some moving around from place to place with tools, and that can get t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Ratchet Sets
Tool sets are popular gifts, but none is more useful for the home and garage handyperson than a really good ratchet s...
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Bob Vila Radio: Finishing Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors have been popular for years now as a durable, energy-efficient alternative to wood doors that can be...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sunrooms
What better home improvement to consider on the darkest day of the year than a sunroom addition?Listen to BOB VILA ON...
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Bob Vila Radio: Woodworking Tips
Even experienced carpenters make mistakes, especially when they're cutting a lot of different pieces. Listen to BOB V...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Power Sanders
Good sanding can make or break a woodworking project, so every do-it-yourselfer should have a power sander in the wor...
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Bob Vila Radio: Thawing Pipes
Frozen pipes that burst and cause water damage in your home can happen in all but the warmest areas, and often when y...
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Bob Vila Radio: Freezing Pipes
'Tis the season for freezing pipes, and that's not just for folks in colder climates. Listen to BOB VILA ON FREEZING ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Laser Level
No workshop should be without levels in various lengths, but for lines longer than 3' or 4', traditional bubble level...
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Bob Vila Radio: Vanity Lighting
Bathrooms are small rooms, but they require lots of attention to detail—and great lighting. Listen to BOB VILA ON VAN...
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Bob Vila Radio: Firewood Types
While traditional open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, if you still want t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Carpet Wrinkles
Wrinkles in wall-to-wall carpet don't just look bad, they can be a tripping hazard. They'll also wear out first, so t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Left-Handed Tools
If there's a leftie on your gift list this season, they might appreciate a tool or two that's meant for them. Listen ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sofa Beds
Where would we be during the holidays without the sleeper sofa? Sofa beds of the past are notorious for being somewha...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mudrooms
Experts in feng shui—that ancient Chinese art of healthy interior design—say that the most important places in the ho...
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Bob Vila Radio: Gardening Online
Nothing's more heartening in the depths of winter than leafing through a bulb catalog or shopping for next season’s g...
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Bob Vila Radio: New Furnace
When it's time to replace your furnace, you might have to think faster than you'd like about this major purchase. Her...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pocket Neighborhoods
Savvy homebuyers these days know that a home is worth more based on its location than on its square footage. Listen t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Holiday Fire Safety
Did you know that each holiday season in the US, fires cause nearly a billion dollars in damage? Keep your family saf...
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Bob Vila Radio: Paint Primer
If you’re taking on any last-minute holiday painting projects, here’s a primer on… primer. Listen to BOB VILA ON PAIN...
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Bob Vila Radio: Picking a Christmas Tree
Did you know that each holiday season 2,600 people are injured in fires in the US?Listen to BOB VILA ON PICKING A CHR...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kit Houses
They've come a long way from the catalog kit homes that were delivered by railroad across the nation a century ago, b...
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Bob Vila Radio: Holiday Light Tips
This holiday season, don’t be the guy who sets his hair on fire stringing the lights. Listen to BOB VILA ON HOLIDAY L...
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Bob Vila Radio: Winter Ceiling Fans
Did you know you can put your ceiling fan to work year-round? Simply by reversing the direction and changing the spee...
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Bob Vila Radio: Candle Safety
Fires injure 2,600 people in the US and cause nearly a billion dollars in damage each holiday season. A lot of those ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Holiday Room Staging
Even if you're not selling your house, taking some of the tips professional home stagers give their clients can be es...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Nail Guns
As time-saving tools go, it's hard to beat the pneumatic nailer; aka the nail gun. But before you run out to get one ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Table Saw
You don't have to undertake too many do-it-yourself woodworking projects to understand that a table saw is a must-hav...
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Bob Vila Radio: Universal Design
You may not be one of the rising wave of aging baby boomers, but if you’re building or renovating your house, the pri...
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Bob Vila Radio: Party Cleanup
Entertaining at home has become one of our favorite pastimes: houses are increasingly designed around our passion for...
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Bob Vila Radio: Firewood Storage
There's nothing better than a crackling fire on a chilly night, except maybe not having to go back outside for more f...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dowel Joinery Tips
Here’s a technique professional carpenters use to conceal screws in fine woodworking projects: use wooden plugs. List...
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Bob Vila Radio: Recycling Carpet
Did you know that wall-to-wall carpet from just one standard 12 x 15 ft room takes 8 gallons of oil and 900,000 BTUs ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Historic Trim
If you're looking for ways to dress up your dining room for the holidays, nothing works better than some good, old-fa...
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Bob Vila Radio: Picture Frames
If you've got a piece of art or a special photo you'd like to display, but the cost of professional framing is hangin...
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Bob Vila Radio: Faux Woodgraining
Here's a thrifty way to dress up your home for holiday entertaining that's been around for hundreds of years. Since t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Stenciled Floors
If you don’t want to spend another holiday season with your worn-out kitchen floor, but the timing’s not right for a ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing Banisters
If you're putting off giving your front hall a facelift because re-finishing or re-painting the banister and baluster...
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Bob Vila Radio: LEED Explained
According to the US Green Building Council, more than twenty thousand homes have been LEED certified, and there are e...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Islands
In their quest for more storage, work surfaces, and style, more and more kitchen remodelers are living the island lif...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Lighting
Considering the amount of time many of us spend in the kitchen over the holiday season, this is a great time to think...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Automation
Whole-home wiring systems, or smart home systems, have been around for decades, but it’s only since wireless communic...
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Bob Vila Radio: Crown Molding
If your home doesn't have the style and panache you wish it had, adding crown molding can help. Listen to BOB VILA ON...
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Bob Vila Radio: Buying Furniture
So you repainted the living room and now you can’t stand your old furniture.  Before you shop 'til you drop, do some ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Adhesives
To get the job done right, you need stick-to-it-iveness. Here’s how to choose the right glue for your next woodworkin...
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Bob Vila Radio: Beadboard
When industrial sawmills started cranking it out in the late 19th century, beadboard came on the scene as a quick and...
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Bob Vila Radio: Building Smaller
Did you know that the best insulation there is can’t save you as much on heating and cooling costs as you’d save if y...
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Bob Vila Radio: Winterize Your Lawn
If you haven’t done it already, this is the time to winterize your yard!  Make a list of the things you need to do to...
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Bob Vila Radio: Ladders
If your last-minute fall chores have you climbing a ladder, here are some tips to save time and stay safe up there. L...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fall Bulbs
Always looking ahead, it’s time to plant spring-blooming bulbs. All they require is a bright, sunny location and a li...
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Bob Vila Radio: Load-Bearing Walls
Removing walls that don't have a function and making spaces work together is a great way to improve the traffic flow ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Patching Drywall
Drywall has been the wall finishing material of choice for most of a century, because it’s so easy to install and fin...
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Bob Vila Radio: Protecting Woodwork
Remodeling projects and furniture moving can sometimes have not-so-welcome side effects. Here’s how to protect your b...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Tin Snips
Don't wreck a good pair of scissors trying to cut metal; you need a good pair of tin snips. Listen to BOB VILA ON TIN...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Staple Gun
It's a ‘staple’ in every tool and craft kit, it can save you lots of time banging tacks or nails, and it can get into...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip - Pliers
The tool we think of as pliers only evolved from “tongs” fairly recently, but it’s hard to imagine life without a var...
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Bob Vila Radio: Old Woodwork
If you’re working on a remodeling project that calls for removing old woodwork, here are some tricks from the pros to...
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Bob Vila Radio: Laying Tile
While you might consider laying tile yourself for moneysaving reasons, remember that the substrate, or what the tile ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Indoor Air Quality
The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality as our fourth largest environmental threat. Some of the worst polluters of the ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Plaster
If the idea of a freshly plastered wall does not overly excite you, it’s because the options for plaster have been fa...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fire Extinguishers
Whether you live in a palace or a studio apartment, at least one fire extinguisher should be standard equiment in you...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fireplaces
While it’s hard to argue with the romance of a crackling fire on a chilly night, your fireplace might be costing you ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Electrical Ground Rules
Make sure you’re familiar with the ground rules of home electrical work if you’re considering doing some yourself. Li...
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Bob Vila Radio: Locating Studs
Whether you're removing a wall or just hanging bookshelves, you've got to know where the studs are before you start. ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Deep Energy Retrofits
The next generations will face fuel costs so high, they’ll make the standard twentieth-century under-insulated stick-...
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Bob Vila Radio: Unclogging Gutters
When clogged gutters overflow, they can get so heavy that they pull the gutters loose and rot your home's trim and si...
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Bob Vila Radio: Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping your home is a fairly simple do-it-yourself project that can save you a significant amount off your ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mulch
Autumn leaves are a gift to your garden that literally just falls out of the trees. Instead of getting rid of them al...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Masonry
If your to-do list includes painting brick or concrete, keep in mind that masonry requires some special treatment. Li...
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Bob Vila Radio: Stone Walls
Nothing beats the natural look of a dry-laid stone wall, but building one requires a strong back, deep pockets, and a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Interior Doors
Interior doors have important jobs. They provide sound insulation, privacy and character to your home. Listen to BOB ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Chandeliers
A dining room chandelier is a great focal point for one of the most important entertaining spaces in your home. Liste...
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Bob Vila Radio: Insulation R-Values
Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, the most important area to insulate is your attic floor. This fully insula...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fall Equipment Prep
As the weather gets colder, it’s a good idea to do some fall maintenance on your outdoor equipment and put it to bed ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Installing Drywall
Although the two words are often used interchangeably, sheetrock is actually a brand name for the generic drywall, wh...
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Bob Vila Radio: DIY Dolly
The next time you need to move something big and heavy in the workshop or around the house, save your back and build ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Sealing Air Leaks
A small crack or one leaky window might not seem like a big problem, but taken together, your home’s small drafts can...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Energy Audit
Which projects will do the most good to lower your utility bills? A professional home energy audit can help you decid...
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Bob Vila Radio: Butcher Blocks
The original butcher blockers were literally blocks up to sixteen inches thick: hard rock maple pieces were often dov...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lawn Prep
Fall lawn care is as important as what you do in the spring, because encouraging deep roots will help your lawn resis...
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Bob Vila Radio: Modular Construction
If you're thinking of building new, you can streamline construction and save costs by going modular. Modular construc...
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Bob Vila Radio: Shrub Success
Fall is a great time to upgrade your landscaping. Plants, trees, and shrubs are slowing down from the hot summer and ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Wallpaper Removal
There are different techniques for removing every kind of wallpaper, but the tools and preparation are much the same....
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Bob Vila Radio: Tile Mosaics
Mosaic tile has been around for a couple of millennia, but it never seems to lose its popularity. Thanks to advances ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing Tile
Tile is one of the most durable installations around, so when it’s finally time to remove it, you might be tempted to...
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Bob Vila Radio: Protecting Floors
Home improvement projects are messy business: Whether you’re painting, re-tiling, or just moving furniture, you want ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Appliance Manuals
While your important household documents should always be backed up and kept in fireproof storage, some things, like ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Gas Range
Cooking with gas costs half what it costs to cook on electric ranges. Keeping your range clean will keep it efficient...
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Bob Vila Radio: Vacuum Roundup
One of the wonders of the modern age, vacuum cleaners range in price from $60 to almost $2,000. What’s different abou...
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Bob Vila Radio: Squeaky Floors
A squeaky floor is easier to fix if it’s a floor that you can access from below. Listen to BOB VILA ON SQUEAKY FLOORS...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing Faucets
If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a pick-me-up, replacing the sink faucet might ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Radiant Heat
Whether you're building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you're...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mechanical Ventilation
Until very recently, homes were built to breathe. Insulation was seldom used, windows were single-pane and drafts wer...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tankless Water Heaters
If your home is like most in the U. S. , you’re spending a fifth of your energy dollars heating your water. If your w...
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Bob Vila Radio: Roofing Options
Whether you like the classic look of slate or the long life of metal, when it’s time for a new roof, there’s somethin...
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Bob Vila Radio: Water Spots
Water spots on ceilings and walls aren’t just unsightly--they can be a symptom of a much bigger problem that needs at...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Solar Decathlon
Today, September 14th, is the kickoff of the 2012 Solar Decathlon, and this year it’s being held in sunny Spain. List...
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Bob Vila Radio: Retaining Walls
A sloped yard is hard to use, and if it’s got erosion problems or it’s channeling water toward the foundation of your...
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Bob Vila Radio: Siding Options
If it's time to replace your home's siding and you're looking for an alternative to wood or vinyl, it's worth looking...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fall Safety Check
Fall’s a good time to do a top-to-bottom safety check of your home to protect your family and save big bucks on major...
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Bob Vila Radio: Water-Saving Fixtures
Showers account for more than a fifth of the water Americans use every day. You can conserve more of this precious re...
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Bob Vila Radio: Low-Flush Toilets
Did you know that you could save 20% on your water bill just by replacing your toilet? Most conventional toilets hog ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Paint Rollers
When it comes to getting a room painted fast, a paint roller is a do-it-yourselfer's best friend. Here's how to get t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Interior Paint Prep
Nothing says clean and new like fresh paint. If you’re moving into a new place this fall or just want to perk up the ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Office Storage
If you’re part of the rapidly growing home-based workforce or you’d just like a designated place to pay the bills, he...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fall Checklist
While you were having fun in the sun this summer, it was no vacation for your house. A fall checklist will tip you of...
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Bob Vila Radio: Brick Repairs
Despite what the three little pigs might say, even the hardiest of brick buildings will require repair and restoratio...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fall Lawn Care
Summer is a tough time for lawns, and this summer was especially tough on some. But every year we get a do-over in th...
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Bob Vila Radio: Loud Pipes
If you hear banging or knocking when you turn the tap on and off in your home, you could be straining pipes and coppe...
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Bob Vila Radio: Locksets
Whether you choose a handle set, lever, or knob for your entry door, you also need a deadbolt for greatest security. ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tub Caulking
Even tiny gaps between your tub and the wall tiles can let enough water in to damage your walls and host mold. Since ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing a Toilet
If you’ve got an older toilet, you’re probably paying for twice the water you need for each flush. But never fear: to...
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Bob Vila Radio: Impact-Resistant Windows
While shutters are the traditional line of defense against storms, break-ins, and the hot sun, unfortunately you have...
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Bob Vila Radio: Storm-Ready Roofs
Florida might be the hurricane capital of the U. S. , but every region has its perils: storms, wildfires, floods and ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Deconstruction, Not Demolition
Deconstruction is the new demolition.  CM_BVNOTES-1235-6 Recycled Bldg ProductsListen to BOB VILA ON DECONSTRUCTION, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mold Removal
Four out of ten American homes have a mold problem. If you’ve got an area less than 10 square feet and your household...
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Bob Vila Radio: Energy-Saving Light Switches
Wherever lights are accidentally left on a lot, your home is leaking money. Sometimes just changing the switch can so...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dog Home Safety
A dog is happy when he knows where home base is. a pet crate, a designated corner, a closet with a pet door or even a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bamboo Flooring
A couple decades ago, no one would have considered it, but one of today’s most popular flooring products is bamboo. A...
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Bob Vila Radio: Metal Studs
If your next home renovation requires framing new walls, think twice before you reach for those ubiquitous two-by-fou...
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Bob Vila Radio: Basement Waterproofing
There’s no such thing as a waterproof basement.  The key is to minimize the water that gets in and get it back out ag...
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Bob Vila Radio: Garbage Disposal Care
While they’ll grind and send most kitchen scraps down the drain in small batches with a good strong flow of cold wate...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kid's Stuff Storage
Kids grow so fast, it doesn’t take long before their rooms can feel pretty small… but before you plan an addition, he...
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Bob Vila Radio: Flat Pack Furniture
It’s not just for dorm rooms anymore:  the stylish design, low cost and ingenious construction of lots of today’s kno...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hanging Shelves
Who doesn't need more shelf space? Hanging shelves is a great do-it-yourself project that can help you get organized....
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Bob Vila Radio: Dorm Room Storage
Whether it’s back to the dorm or just back to school, making room for kids and their stuff gets harder as they get bi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Washing Machine Hoses
The hoses that deliver hot and cold water to your clothes washer may not be something you think about very often, but...
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Bob Vila Radio: Ventilation Fans
Ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms are required by code in most states, and they’re a good idea everywhere. T...
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Bob Vila Radio: Child Safety Gates
Falling down the stairs is so common and so dangerous, if you’ve got a baby in your house, you ought to have safety g...
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Bob Vila Radio: Green Roofs
Green roof systems and roof gardens look great in an urban landscape, but they’re not just for cities anymore. They’r...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dryer Vents
Your dryer removes about a gallon of water from every load of laundry. The longer that water stays inside your home, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Your Dryer Vents
Here’s a job you can do in the cool basement to beat the summer heat, and you should add it to your twice a year to-d...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Backsplashes
If you’re looking for a kitchen upgrade on a budget, take a look at your backsplash. It’s easy to turn this unassumin...
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Bob Vila Radio: Finishing a Basement
Finishing your basement is a great way to add space and value to your home. If you have enough ceiling height and you...
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Bob Vila Radio: Programmable Thermostats
If you’ve still got an old mercury or mechanical contact thermostat, it’s easy to forget to adjust it when you leave ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Low-VOC Paints
There’s more to that “new paint smell” than you might think. What you’re smelling are volatile organic compounds, or ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lightning Protection
You’ve heard it said that you’ve got a better chance of being struck by lighting than winning the lottery, and that’s...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dishwasher Care
Your dishwasher does a lot to make your life easier; here are a couple things you can do to make its life longer!CM_B...
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Bob Vila Radio: Buying Foreclosures
In the current real estate market, it’s not hard to find foreclosed properties to buy. But a home that looks like a g...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Saber Saw
For a saw that’s great on the curves, no workshop is complete without a good saber saw. CM_BVILANOTES-4 Tool Tip- Sab...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Windows
When you’re painting, windows are often the hardest things to get right. CM_BVILANOTES-3 Painting WindowsListen to BO...
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Bob Vila Radio: Paint Stripping Tools
When it comes to re-painting, everyone’s least favorite part of the job is prepping the surface… but it’s also the mo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Paint Stripping Tips
It’s not uncommon to find beautiful woodwork with coat after coat of paint obscuring its detail, especially in older ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Power Sprayer Tips
Use a power sprayer to cut days off your next big paint job. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON POWER SPRAYER TIPS, or read ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Exterior Painting Prep
Summertime’s a great time to get to that exterior paint job you’ve been putting off. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON EXTE...
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Bob Vila Radio: Irrigating Sustainably
Irrigating your yard can really be wasteful and expensive; clean water is a precious commodity, and not just in deser...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Recycling Centers
By now we all know that recycling’s the way to go, but to get your whole family on board, you need a system that’s ea...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cool Roofs
When it comes to keeping your home cool this summer, your roof—not your air conditioning system—IS YOUR first line of...
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Bob Vila Radio: Installing a Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal really keeps things flowing in the kitchen, and installing one isn’t a tough job for a do-it-yours...
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Bob Vila Radio: Composters
I get alot of questions from folks who want to improve their garden soil with compost, but aren’t sure which kind of ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Solar Hot Water
If you have a south-facing roof without solar panels on it, you’re probably paying too much for hot water. LISTENList...
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Bob Vila Radio: Integrated Pest Management
To control garden pests without using toxic chemicals, work with nature, not against it. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mold Problems
It’s estimated that 40 percent of American homes have a mold problem. LISTENListen  to BOB VILA ON MOLD PROBLEMS, or ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fencing Options
If you’re looking for a way to give your home some character, to frame your garden, or to get a little privacy from t...
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Bob Vila Radio: In the Doghouse
Giving your pet a place of his own to take shelter from wind, rain and sun is a noble pursuit. Doghouses now come in ...
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Bob Vila Radio: DIY Concrete
Even though the words are often used interchangeably, concrete and cement are not the same thing. Portland cement is ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Gardening Greener
"What goes around comes around. " The old adage is especially true in your garden.  Because plants aren’t the only th...
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Bob Vila Radio: Driveway Options
Like it or not, working on the car, washing the dog, rinsing the lawnmower and all the other work we do on our drivew...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fly the Flag
So independence day is upon us, and what better way to show your spirit than to fly the flag…but did you know there a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lawn Care Hell
It’s the great American obsession, and we spend about twenty-five billion dollars a year on it, but if lawn care is e...
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Bob Vila Radio: Dog Fences
We all know they don’t like to be fenced in, but after thousands of years of domestication, dogs need boundaries to b...
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Bob Vila Radio: Outdoor Living Adds Value
Summer’s here, and it’s a great time to expand your living space—and your home’s value—by making the most of the grea...
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Bob Vila Radio: Surviving a Remodel
While they’re always inconvenient, major remodeling projects can also become a real strain on your relationship if yo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Garden Journals
You can read all you want about gardening, but a garden journal is the best tool for making sure you remember what wo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Natural Pesticides
Encouraging birds and bats to visit your yard is a great way to keep BUGS down without spraying. LISTENListen to BOB ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bath Flooring Options
Bathrooms are, like it or not, wet areas. Even if the rest of your house has gleaming hardwood floors, they’re not th...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cooling Plants
Most people know that planting a tree to shade your house is a great way to keep it cool. But actually, the south-fac...
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Bob Vila Radio: Tublifts
You can renew your tub or shower area without the expense, effort, and environmental cost of junking your old tub. LI...
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Bob Vila Radio: Extension Cords
I always say you’ve gotta use the right tool for the job, but did you know there’s a right cord for every tool?LISTEN...
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Bob Vila Radio: Drywall Types
Everybody calls it sheetrock, but the generic name is drywall and it comes in various thicknesses and sizes. LISTENLi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Soundproofing
When the whole family's home, it can get pretty loud. What can you do for noise control between rooms? Well, it depen...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Timesavers
Here’s how to make neater work of your next painting project…LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON PAINTING TIMESAVERS, or read...
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Senior Moment: Boost Home Value by Enabling Independent Living
Not much has been guaranteed in the housing industry in the past seven years, but there's one trend that is sure to r...
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Bob Vila Radio: Flawless Paint Finish
For a great finish on your next painting project, start by prepping the surface the right way. LISTENListen to BOB VI...
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Bob Vila Radio: Staging to Sell
Did you know that making your home look like a stage set can actually add 10 or 15% to the selling price? You can hir...
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Bob Vila Radio: Decking Options
If you’re building a deck this summer, you’ve got a lot of decking choices. Pressure-treated southern yellow pine has...
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Bob Vila Radio: Garage Storage Options
Installing a garage storage system can have the same effect as adding a room, and it’s a good way to increase your ho...
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Bob Vila Radio: Handsaws
With all the great power saws available today, the lowly handsaw has kind of faded into the background. But there are...
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Bob Vila Radio: Screwdrivers
When it comes to screwdrivers, make sure you're using the right one for the job. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON SCREWDRI...
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Bob Vila Radio: Headlamps
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lawn Tractors
If you’ve got a half-acre or more of lawn to mow, a riding lawnmower or a garden tractor is a great tool to have. LIS...
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Bob Vila Radio: Choosing Outdoor Furniture
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Buying a Grill
If you’re shopping for a new gas grill this season, you can pay anywhere from $100 to more than $10,000. You usually ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Grill Maintenance
Keep your grill running smoothly this season by doing a few key maintenance checks. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON GRILL...
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Bob Vila Radio: Window AC Checklist
Before you pull your window air conditioner out of storage, consider its age. Efficiencies have improved so much that...
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Bob Vila Radio: Deconstruction
Deconstruction is the new demolition. Instead of gutting a project and sending the whole shebang to a landfill, more ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cord Storage
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bathtubs
If your bathtub has seen better days, make sure you know your options before you break out the sledgehammer. LISTENLi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bathroom Flooring Options
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Water Filtration
You want to know the water in your home is safe, but depending on what’s in it, you may not need a whole-house filtra...
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Bob Vila Radio: Paint and Resale
Ask any realtor how to maximize your home’s value; they’ll tell you to grab a paintbrush. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fixing a Slow Drain
Grace tweets, “The bathroom sink in my 1890s Victorian is draining really slowly. What’s the best way to get things f...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pressure Washing
You can get several years’ worth of grime off your deck and siding in minutes with a pressure washer. Whether you buy...
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Bob Vila Radio: Outdoor Furniture
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Maintenance Checklist
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Journal
I got a question from Jim in Toledo, wondering what’s the best way to stay on top of home maintenance every season wi...
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Bob Vila Radio: Curb Appeal
mp3 linkListen to BOB VILA ON CURB APPEAL, or read text below:I got a question from Julie in Tacoma: “I want to sell ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Composting
No fertilizer can do your garden as much good as compost can. It’s impossible to overfertilize with it. Even in colde...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Saves
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Sink
If it’s time for a new kitchen sink, first consider your countertops. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON THE KITCHEN SINK, o...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Faucet Options
If your kitchen needs a quick pick-me-up, just changing the sink faucet goes a long way. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Cabinet Design
If your kitchen feels a little crowded and cramped, the solution starts with your cabinets. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Induction Cooking
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Countertop Options
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Childproofing Tips
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Childproofing Gadgets
Every home is different—and children are great at finding different things to get into every day. There’s a childproo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Smart Appliances
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Laundry Makeover
We’ve come a long way since the tub and washboard, but doing the laundry can still feel like drudgery if your laundry...
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Bob Vila Radio: Budget Kitchen Upgrades
If your kitchen’s begging for a facelift but your budget begs to differ, try focusing on some key details. LISTENList...
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Bob Vila Radio: Hire a Pro
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Garden Planning
A little garden design and planning before you spend any money or pull on the gloves can give you a better garden eve...
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Bob Vila Radio: Faux Painting
If you’re ready to go a step further than a simple coat of paint to personalize your home, try faux finishing. LISTEN...
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Bob Vila Radio: Custom Closet
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Spring Cleaning
Even if you’re diligent about cleaning year-round, when winter’s over there’s always some spring cleaning in order. T...
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Bob Vila Radio: Painting Tools
If you’re getting ready for a painting project, it’s important to think ahead and have your tools and supplies ready ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Tool Drawer
You can save a lot of time around the house by having just what you need stashed where you need it. Usually, that’s t...
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Bob Vila Radio: Homeowner's Insurance
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila Radio: Home Inspection
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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Bob Vila: Now on the Radio
For those of you who not only miss Bob Vila's voice, but his tips, advice and home improvement wisdom, you can now ge...
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