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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...
The driveway apron, also known as the approach, is the 8 to 15 feet of the hardscaping located closest to the road. I...
Whether you need task lighting above a desk or countertop or accent lighting to brighten a dark corner, recessed ligh...
Homebuilders often install electrical and cable outlets over the fireplace mantle to allow homeowners to set up a fla...
There’s nothing quite like the Revival Queen Anne style of homes that swept through America at the turn of the 19th C...
To improve flow and add structure to a home’s open floor plan, consider the kitchen peninsula. This connected half-wa...
When upgrading your bathroom, don’t forget to think beyond backsplashes and vanities to consider what lighting elemen...
Asphalt shingles have long been known for their cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. But now there’s a variety...
Just when you think you’re done raking leaves, one gust of wind can scatter your piles, shake your trees, and make mo...
Don’t let their names confuse you: Though polycrylic and polyurethane may sit on the same shelf at the store, they ar...
If you’ve ever worked with wood, you’re likely familiar with instructions to sand all edges after cutting, before app...
Look up instructions for almost any paint job, and you’ll consistently see primer mentioned in one of the first steps...
If you’re painting over oil-based paint—say, on kitchen cabinets or trim—it’s best to use more oil-based paint. Switc...
Rampant weeds steal water and valuable nutrients from the soil—and they crop up daily. Follow these tips to make remo...
How can you avoid those bothersome blisters that sometimes appear on painted surfaces? Here are some pointers:CM_BVNO...
Curious about metal roofing? You're certainly not alone. Though at one time its use had been relegated to utility str...
Butcher block countertops are a popular choice for kitchens these days, but as with any countertop material, there ar...
With traditional wood stain, you have a choice to make: do you choose a light finish that lets the wood grain shine t...
Want to update your kitchen but don't have the budget for a complete renovation? You're certainly not alone. Here's a...
Laying sod isn't a trivial, low-effort project, but careful preparation makes the job a whole lot easier and signific...
When’s the best time to fertilize your lawn? Opinions do vary but generally speaking, most agree that it's best to fe...
Basement flooding easily ranks among the top ten homeowner nightmares. Though recovering from a flood certainly isn't...
Got your sights set on a major building project? Not so fast. First, you need to know more about how the site soil wo...
Heading out on vacation? Ensure that your home remains safe and sound while you're away. Here are some crucial items ...
Drywall and plaster both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some points to keep in mind when deciding ...
Pets may be great companions, but they're not always kind to their owners' homes, and that's especially true of floor...
Stopped-up drain? Overflowing toilet? For these and many more plumbing repairs, homeowners reach for the plunger—a tr...
Nobody buys a house for its driveway. But there's no denying it—an attractive driveway adds curb appeal. If yours has...
If you’re thinking of upgrading your kitchen with new appliances, don’t forget the range hood. There are a dizzying a...
If you painted an interior wall not too long ago but have noticed that it’s already peeling, cracking, or flaking, he...
In any renovation project, you need the right tools to achieve success. That's obvious. But of all the many screwdriv...
Need to fix a ding in your drywall? Here are a few quick pointers. CM_BVNOTES-1727-3Listen to BOB VILA ON PATCHING DR...
‘Ever wonder how long your water heater will last? Well, that depends on quite a few factors. CM_BVNOTES-1802-4Listen...
Everyone knows the traditional handsaw, with its long, wide blade and sturdy handle. But not everyone knows there's m...
Moving to new digs? Make sure your belongings are well packed, so they make the trip safely. Of course to do that, yo...
Home inspections are not cheap. But if you’re looking to purchase a home, having it thoroughly inspected before you c...
When it comes to meal planning, you definitely want to keep bacteria off the guest list. Maintaining your fridge at ...
Got a leaky toilet? Believe it or not, it's a common problem. Continue reading to find out the likeliest causes and t...
If you’re taking on an interior painting project, you’ll want to ensure each coat is completely dry before adding ano...
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...
It's no wonder cast-iron cookware is popular: They are non-toxic, evenly heated, and durable enough to last for gener...
If you’re thinking of removing wallpaper, first make sure you know what type of wallpaper you’re dealing with. CM_BVN...
If your trash can persists in emitting an unpleasant odor—even when you change bags and wash it regularly—here are so...
Knowing exactly the right screw to use for your project saves time and energy. Plus, it ups the chances of whatever y...
Keeping kitchen knives sharp makes food prep faster, easier, and practically painless—it actually lessens the chance ...
More and more homeowners these days are switching to LED lighting, and there are a bunch of reasons why. CM_BVNOTES-1...
Trying to decide which polyurethane is right for your DIY project? Here are some points to consider. CM_BVNOTES-1744-...
CM_BVNOTES-1742-2Listen to ORGANIC VS. SYNTHETIC FERTILIZERS or read below:Organic versus synthetic fertilizers—here’...
Autumn leaves are lovely – at least until they’re carpeting your lawn…and raking them has become yet another item on ...
When it comes to choosing wood flooring, you’ve got loads of options. One of the decisions you’ll be making is whethe...
In general, cutting wet grass isn’t a good idea. Here’s why:CM_BVNOTES-1740-4Listen to BOB VILA ON CUTTING WET GRASS ...
What is shiplap? For one thing, it's a trendy wood wall treatment. More specifically, the term "shiplap" refers to ro...
Adding a deck? You have lots of materials to choose from. CM_BVNOTES-1737-1Listen to BOB VILA ON DECK MATERIAL OPTION...
Transom windows rest on the horizontal support beam above a window- or doorframe, enhancing natural light while addin...
There's no shortage of wood fence options. Which is the right type for your property? In the end, it really comes dow...
True—maintaining your landscape isn't necessarily cheap. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever little ways to save ...
Sagging gutters: Sort of a good-news-bad-news situation. The bad news is that they're a common headache for homeowner...
We all want our homes to be comfortable and inviting. Unfortunately, if you don't clean often or comprehensively enou...
As you enjoy outdoor fun this summer, keep family, friends and pets safe from disease-carrying ticks. CM_BVNOTES-1734...
Grease fires are serious business. Would you believe they account for nearly a quarter of at-home fire-related deaths...
Do you spend countless happy hours on your wood deck every summer? Then why not give it the same love and attention y...
Drought conditions, combined with scorching summer temperatures, can make it hard to keep your lawn properly watered....
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...
They've been around for years, but electric lawn mowers never quite caught on. That may be changing, though, as elect...
Unless you live in an area with drought conditions, rain usually supplies a good bit of moisture for our lawns. But t...
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...
When used effectively, mulch insulates soil, locks in moisture, keeps out weeds, protects sensitive plants, plus it g...
If garden pests are bugging you, but you’d rather not nuke them with toxic chemicals, maybe you should give insectici...
Also known as sheet mulching, lasagna gardening provides for richer soil and fewer weeds. The best part? You don't ha...
‘Bet you’re good and ready for your first plunge in your beloved backyard pool. Before you start splashing, though, y...
When you take glasses out of the dishwasher, do you notice hazy white polka dots? What about your faucets—are they co...
With the arrival of spring, homeowners return to the outdoors, setting sights on new ways to bring beauty, fragrance,...
For decades, window manufacturers have been coming up with incredible new ways to make glazing more like a wall—that ...
In any home, no matter its age or design, the kitchen always seem to serve as the hub of daily activity—a gathering s...
What’s the number one cause of poisoning deaths in America? It’s carbon monoxide (CO). CM_BVNOTES-1714-2Listen to BO...
A wood-burning stove or fireplace provides warmth and ambiance, but it also poses some risks. The most serious? Chimn...
Is it really necessary to have the HVAC ductwork in your home professionally cleaned? Of course, people who provide t...
Low water pressure: It's a real nuisance, not least because of regrettable situations like having to slow dance in yo...
Looking for a way to improve the look of a brick exterior, interior wall, or fireplace surround? Consider German smea...
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...
Winter storms sometimes have a way of sneaking up on us. If that happens, and you get another surprise—no ice melt on...
Some folks consider the winter to be their favorite season. But very few do not dread the task of shoveling the walk ...
If you’re thinking of building out toward the edges of your lot, you first need to determine the exact location of yo...
When your heating system is cranking, dry indoor air can do a number on your wood furniture and, for that matter, any...
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...
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...
Runoff from rain or melted snow can cause serious damage to your foundation and basement. The best solution to lead a...
You've probably already heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the illness triggered by a lack of light during t...
There's no reason to wait until spring to tackle that home improvement project. In most areas of the country, winter ...
You might not think of yourself as much of a detective, but piecing together the history of your house is easier than...
Concrete is tough stuff but over time, environmental exposure and wear-and-tear almost inevitably lead to cracks and ...
Already found a contractor for your next project? You might be happy with your hire, but planning ahead is the best w...
If you love classic kitchens but can’t afford a renovation, there are still plenty of ways to add retro appeal. Start...
Cats and dogs need just as much time outside as people do, but designing a safe space for pets and protecting your la...
Plenty of us recall nestling around the cozy warmth of wood stoves, whiling away the winter-evening hours among famil...
When shopping for a new front door, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, your choice should complement th...
Shipping pallets have all sorts of uses for do-it-yourselfers, but versatility isn't their only virtue. Additionally,...
You might enjoy their pastoral presence, but there’s no doubt that deer wreak havoc on garden vegetables, plants, and...
Hardwood flooring adds beauty to your home, and it's durable enough to last a lifetime (or more). But that's not to s...
Audio speakers designed for the outdoors? They’ve been around for years—but recent innovations in weather-resistant c...
Worried your roof won't make it through another season? If you spot sagging, raised shingles, and ceiling leaks, you ...
Although fire ants are more common in southern states, they can thrive nearly anywhere. Ranging from reddish brown to...
Playing nice with the planet includes conserving resources, and good old H2O is at the top of the list. Every gardene...
When furniture fixes fall apart, it's usually because the tools and supplies weren't right for the job. Always rememb...
With Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses on the rise, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the mosquito contr...
Did your most recent trip to the thrift store pay off in a big way? Vintage furniture adds character to any builder-g...
Remember twisting the dial of your combination lock to retrieve a textbook from your high school locker? Well, you're...
A fire pit introduces a festive yet intimate feeling to any outdoor living area, and perhaps best of all, there are c...
This winter, you may find yourself with uninvited guests—orange-red Asian ladybugs. Imported to combat garden pests, ...
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 ...
If radon tests have found unacceptably high readings in your home, there are at least a few effective ways to address...
Recessed lighting has always been a discreet choice that occupies next to no space in the room where it appears. Maki...
With severe weather events becoming ever more common, it may be wise to prepare for the possibility of your home bein...
In an insulated window, the panes are comprised of multiple layers, each separated by an inert gas. Not only do they ...
Everyone knows that ceiling fans provide low-cost cooling in summer. But did you know you can also use ceiling fans t...
Hurricane Sandy served as a stark reminder that in every part of the country, severe storms pose a grave threat. To g...
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 ...
These days, a lot of homeowners are trading kitchen cabinets for open shelving, and there are some great reasons why!...
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...
If you're lucky enough to be part of a large, multi-generational family, your holiday gatherings are likely to includ...
House fires take a devastating toll during the holidays. This year, be a cautious and make fire safety an integral pa...
If you’re planning to add holiday lights, not only to the tree in your living room, but to the trees and bushes outdo...
Wind, rain, snow, hail and falling tree branches can wreak havoc on your rain gutters. After an especially severe sto...
Though you don't live in the tropics, the most humid days might make you feel like you do. That dampness is not only ...
You know that little knob on top of the bathtub spout? It's tiny but not insignificant, as it performs the vital role...
How can you distinguish between a standard lamp socket and a three-way? It’s simple! Standard sockets have only two e...
Not quite sure of the difference between power strips and surge protectors? You’re not alone. Home improvement center...
If you’re setting up a home workshop for your do-it-yourself projects, recognize that in a room with so many power to...
Looking to add a sense of warmth and history to your home? For your next project, eschew stock lumber in favor of sal...
No doubt the best way to manage mold is to prevent it. But if your basement floods and mold gets a head start, there'...
If you’re looking to create a really smooth finish on woodwork, your best bet is to use a random orbital sander—a pow...
Flood alarms have been around in one form or another for decades. At its most basic, the technology isn't new. But of...
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...
If you’ve ever tried using nothing but a hacksaw to cut through PVC pipe, you know it can be challenging. Often, part...
Stucco is a wonderfully versatile wall treatment—durable, weather-resistant, and attractive. It's been used in countl...
Powered hedge trimmers are a tremendous time-saver for any homeowner who prefers to handle his own landscaping. But i...
Is your green thumb confined to a small space? If you’re watering window boxes, a container garden on your deck, or a...
If you’re framing new construction—a simple backyard deck, for example, or even an entire house—framing fasteners all...
Window air conditioners: We turn to them in the dog days of summer, turn them off when the weather cools down, and fo...
Stymied by a stripped screw, or a screw without a head? No worries! There’s a brilliant little tool that can help you...
All too often, it seems tragic house fires lead the evening newscast. If you’re looking for better ways to protect yo...
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 ...
Cutting flooring or siding to fit around curved surfaces can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right tool. ...
Rain gardens are essentially natural or man-made depressions on the property, which the homeowner fills with a variet...
Knockouts are partially stamped, quarter-size openings in the electrical boxes that service such things as outlets an...
If your vinyl flooring (or linoleum) has developed a tear, don't despair! There's an easy—and yes, rather unexpected ...
Given enough time, carpenter bees can bring down an entire house. The good news: These bees prefer to nest in untreat...
With the summer season nearing its peak, chances are that your lawn mower would benefit from a bit of mid-season TLC....
Nails or screws? Sometimes it’s difficult to decide which to use for a given do-it-yourself project. The next time yo...
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...
For years, companies have been trying to keep one step ahead of vandals and thieves by manufacturing so-called securi...
If you need to securely fasten boards together—for framing or other heavy-duty applications—you might want to check o...
Looking to give your trees and shrubs a nutritional boost? If so, consider fertilizer spikes. Filled with vital nutri...
Does the water coming out of your faucet look a bit like the Mississippi River after a rainstorm? There are at least ...
Protect your home with a little added insurance—insurance that doesn't cost a nickel—by making sure everyone in your ...
Have you ever wondered which holds up better against the elements, stainless or galvanized steel? Well, that depends ...
Adding a little texture to drywall compound can go a long way toward hiding imperfections in ceilings. And it’s an ea...
Wall anchors allow you to hang almost anything almost anywhere. But what does one do to remove a wall anchor?mp3 file...
There may be no tool more basic than the humble hammer. But however straightforward it may be in design and utility, ...
What’s the best way to keep those persistent squirrels from pigging out at your bird feeder? Here's an assortment of ...
A special type of cement, similar to mortar and easy to use, hydraulic cement is handy for preventing water from seep...
Does your concrete walkway or driveway need patching? That’s an easy fix! Here’s how to do it. mp3 fileListen to BOB ...
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 ...
Grilling season is back, and not a minute too soon! To avoid any unpleasant surprises on your inaugural cookout, give...
For committed do-it-yourselfers, extension ladders are a must-have. When you’re using them, though, it’s important to...
If you often host outdoor get-togethers and seek a better method of providing music, installing outdoor speakers is t...
If you spy some ugly stains on your walls, don’t despair. Chances are there’s a way to either remove those walls stai...
Keeping exterior brick masonry walls looking their best requires time and effort. When you paint, proper preparation ...
Need to patch a hole in drywall? While you can resolve smaller problems with spackling paste, larger jobs call for a ...
Want to remove years of dirt and grime from the exterior of your home? A power washer might be the right tool for the...
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...
Replacing a screen on a wooden window frame? It's a straightforward job. To get it done right, and with a minimum of ...
Exterior trim performs a couple of roles. Besides adding a decorative touch, it seals up corners and edges to keep ou...
Transforming a dark, dank basement into welcoming living space isn't a small job. But once complete, a finished basem...
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 ...
Seasonal extremes in temperature put your attic insulation to the test. To get the best performance out of your insul...
If you’re looking to dress up the interior of your home but are working on a limited budget, why not consider adding ...
Different people have different opinions about raccoons. Some think they're terrible pests, while others consider the...
As winter begins to loosen its grip, start thinking about storing your snow blower for the off-season. But before you...
Want to add a designer touch to your next interior paint job? One option is to experiment with a dual roller, a tool ...
If you have a crawl space in your home that’s not adequately sealed and insulated, you’re probably wasting money on i...
With melting snow and spring rains just around the corner, now is the most important time of year for sump pump maint...
You can't possibly pick a more important job to do around your home than keeping your family safe. And of course many...
Vintage rattan furniture is getting harder to come by, so if you happen to run across a nice piece at a garage sale, ...
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...
If you're a do-it-yourselfer and you're not familiar with oscillating tools, such as the type made famous by Dremel, ...
Is a slamming door driving you nuts? Have you had noise complaints from neighbors? Here are a few simple and inexpens...
Think wood flooring has to strain your remodeling budget? Think again! Though hardwood flooring typically costs a pre...
If your next do-it-yourself woodworking project involves making angled cuts, then get to know the miter box, as this ...
Adding a toilet to your basement not only adds convenience, but it can also boost the value of your home. But before ...
Concrete floors are no longer found only in garages and basements. With elegant finishes now available—like stencilin...
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...
If you're in the dark about some of the latest advancements in flashlight technology, here's a quick summary. mp3 fil...
Medium-density fiberboard, MDF for short, can be a cheaper, more stable alternative to plywood, if used in the right ...
Whether you're building a new home or remodeling the interior of an existing residence, recessed lighting offers to a...
Ceiling fans are great—until they get wobbly. What causes that to happen, and how can you go about fixing a wobbly ce...
It's not hard to understand the allure of ventless gas fireplaces. On the one hand, they offer heat and a cozy ambian...
If a plumbing pipe ruptures inside your home, it's likely going to be a disaster. But properly installed pipe insulat...
For decades, if you wanted a smooth, resilient finish for a project you were painting, you would turn to oil-based pa...
Does ventilating your attic make sense? To a large extent, the answer to that question depends on the climate where y...
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...
Provided you have the right tools, it's not difficult to drill through metal. But for the job to go smoothly and the ...
If you live in an area of the country with cold winters, you are likely familiar with ice dams. These are the ridges ...
Chances are that, somewhere along the line, you've had to deal with a clog in your kitchen drain. Even if you make a ...
Why do you do when there's a smoke alarm chirping in your home, seemingly without provocation? How can you keep that ...
Though plywood is a versatile and affordable material, ideal or at least serviceable for hundreds of uses, it's not t...
Has a pint-sized baseball player in your neighborhood recently hit a home run through your bedroom window? Here are s...
If you're planning to cut plywood, here are a few points to keep in mind. Cutting plywood usually creates a splintere...
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...
You love that tree in your backyard. But one of the roots is protruding above ground, creating a sure toe-stubber, an...
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...
Chair rail molding adds a tasteful touch to rooms, especially when combined with wainscoting or crown molding. But if...
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...
When I talk to homeowners about safety, the discussion often centers around using tools and ladders and so forth. But...
If you've got a broken shingle or two on your roof, it's easy to repair the problem yourself. Most home centers sell ...
Gas fireplaces have been showing up in more and more homes the past few years. They're clean, easy to use, and add a ...
With temperatures dropping, homeowners are resuming their seasonal quest to get the most heat for the least money. If...
Motion sensor lights are a must for any home security system, but sometimes they get out of whack, turning on and off...
You've heard the old saying, "Measure twice, cut once. " When it comes to do-it-yourself projects, there couldn't be ...
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...
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...
Home heating bills are high enough already; don't push yours even higher by making these common mistakes. mp3 fileLis...
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...
Looking to put a dent in your monthly heating and cooling bills? The answer may be right over your head. If your atti...
Installing wall-to-wall carpeting? It can be tricky to cut the floor covering so that it accurately fits the room. To...
Basement windows are great for letting natural light into subterranean space, but what if they also let in water? The...
Once you've put your garden to bed for the winter, why not clean your garden tools before storing them away? TLC star...
At Thanksgiving, it’s easy to lavish so much attention on preparing the meal that you forget about preparing the dini...
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 ...
When's the best time to remove paint spots from wooden floors? Right after the paint hits the floor, of course! But w...
Installing a kitchen island doesn't just enhance the look of your kitchen. It can also make meal prep a lot more enjo...
This winter, before you shut your storm windows, make sure that at the bottom of each one, the weep hole is clear. A...
Ever wonder exactly what the difference is between conventional asphalt shingles and architectural shingles? Here's t...
When it comes to using reciprocating saws, choosing the right blade can make your jobs a lot easier. Among the many r...
On chilly mornings, do you get impatient waiting for water from the faucet to get hot? If so, maybe you should think ...
If you enjoy cozying up to the fireplace in your home, why not consider adding a fire pit in your backyard? Fire pits...
Maybe your cat has been using your sliding screen door for climbing practice. Or maybe, as we approach winter, you're...
If you're aiming to reduce the risk of accidents in your home, one good place to start is your basement stairs. Here ...
These days, a lot of folks are feeling the chill in the air and are beginning to button up their homes for the winter...
Tired of lugging laundry down the basement stairs? Maybe you should consider installing a laundry chute. Kits are ava...
This time of year, the intrusive sound of leaf blowers is a constant presence in nearly every neighborhood. But blowe...
Steam-heat radiators may be good at keeping you warm, but their banging and clanking can also sometimes keep you up a...
Beautiful trees enhance the look and value of residential properties, so no wonder people spend so much time trying t...
Demolition is one part of the remodeling process that most homeowners can lend a hand with. But there are some import...
Vaulted ceilings, also called cathedral ceilings, have some great attributes, but others you may not be so fond of. O...
Reciprocating saws—the ones with a motor and a thin, straight blade that juts back and forth—are one of the most usef...
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...
Thinking of putting some paint on that deck you just built? If you used pressure-treated lumber, you'll need to appro...
Looking to make your garage a little snazzier? Dressing up the concrete floor with colorful epoxy paint may be just t...
We used to think of late summer and early fall as the storm season, but with all the unpredictable weather lately, it...
Oil spots on asphalt driveways certainly don't add to a home's curb appeal. Ask ten people what remedies they recomme...
With all the turf you've been trimming this summer, now's a good time to give your mower some well-deserved TLC. That...
Planning to install a new towel rack or grab bar in your bathroom? That may mean drilling through ceramic tile. It's...
Sure, you love your old wooden double-hung windows. But sometimes—after raising and lowering them—do you feel like yo...
High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems produce condensation, and that condensation needs to go somewher...
Modern mosquito repellents generally do a pretty good job of keeping the bugs away, but toxic chemicals often top the...
Summertime is great for beaches, boating, and barbecues. But it's not so great for turf grasses. They tend to take a ...
Ever come to the frustrating conclusion that you've planted a young tree in exactly the wrong place? Here are some ti...
After spending a warm summer day picnicking or at the beach, who doesn't love to come home to a comfortably cool home...
These days, we're increasingly sharing our homes with electronic devices. Many of them are pretty pricey, and that in...
If you've grown a bit weary of spending your weekends wedded to your lawn mower, perhaps it's time to replace some of...
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 ...
Although circular saws are one of the most useful tools you can have in your toolbox, they can also be one of the mos...
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...
Installing wall hooks or fasteners into plaster walls isn't difficult—that is, if you use the right approach. Probabl...
With the cost of gasoline continuing to rise, battery-powered lawn mowers have been getting a lot of attention lately...
Painted decks are nice to look at, but they can require a lot of maintenance. Constant exposure to sun, water, and fo...
Ever hear a banging noise when you shut off faucets in the house? The problem could be what plumbers call "water hamm...
Brick is very low maintenance, but age and weather still take their toll. As a result, brick requires occasional repo...
Back in the 1980s, a bright Australian fellow came up with the idea for dual-flush toilets. They've been around for a...
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 ...
Ever notice how pesky bugs manage to find their way through even the tiniest holes in your screens?Listen to BOB VILA...
If the mention of track lighting conjures up visions of bulky white cans jutting out awkwardly from a thick rail, you...
Composting puts your yard and kitchen waste to work creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It’s a true win-win,...
A well-designed outdoor space is like having an extra room in the house. Even a small yard is a great treasure, but i...
Plywood is a versatile product great for lots of building projects. Cutting it can be a little tricky, however, as th...
Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, are a country kitchen staple. These distinctive vessels have an exp...
In a heavy downpour, all of that water pouring through your downspouts can overwhelm your local sewer system, leading...
Getting tired of the floral wallpaper in your dining room or the Stewart plaid in the den? If you’re daunted by the p...
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...
Every garden needs a focal point; for the front yard, that's usually the home’s entryway. When the front door is the ...
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, one feature to consider adding is a pot filler. These handy fixtures are basica...
Crabgrass is a pesky interloper that can really ruin the look of your lawn. Left unchecked, it can spread quickly acr...
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...
There are few flowering plants as satisfying as day lilies—they bloom in late spring and early summer, just as the sp...
If you’ve ever dripped paint on your sidewalk or changed your mind about that coat of paint you put on a concrete pla...
Here’s a dismal statistic: According to the Home Safety Council, just 6 percent of U. S. homes have a fire escape lad...
If you didn’t prune your lilacs right after they bloomed, you still have a little time left, but don’t delay: Pruning...
I’m sure you’ve read articles that suggested contacting your local Cooperative Extension Office for services like soi...
Recessed lighting has always been efficient, since it takes up no space at all in a room. Over the years, as a variet...
Homeowners often refer to vinyl and linoleum interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. These resilient floor ...
Farmers and gardeners alike are familiar with the USDA plant hardiness zone map, which divides the country into growi...
Inserting or removing a screw is one of the simplest jobs there is. But a stripped screw head can turn a simple job i...
So-called "popcorn ceilings" became popular back in the 1950s and 60s, because they hid imperfections in ceiling surf...
With the season of outdoor living upon us, homeowners may be looking for new solutions to patio or backyard access. T...
It’s not news that every home needs multiple smoke detectors—one for every sleeping area and one for every floor of y...
Over time, kitchen countertops can get cluttered with junk, which not only makes the kitchen look sloppy but also dis...
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 ...
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...
Cork flooring has been in the news recently, but cork is anything but new. It’s been marketed as a flooring material ...
Bathroom ventilation fans whisk away odors, but their more important job is to draw moisture out of the room. Moistur...
Banquette seating has a nostalgic charm that may remind you of your favorite diner or that cozy spot in your grandmot...
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...
A well-stocked pantry is key to planning and preparing meals efficiently. But even if you keep loads of ingredients o...
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...
The sense of serenity you get relaxing in your yard can be enhanced by the sound of a babbling brook or waterfall, bu...
Hedges make great privacy screens, and they’re certainly friendlier than stockade fences. At some point, though, you ...
When we think about flowering bulbs, we often picture beautiful spring bloomers like daffodils and tulips, whose bulb...
There are lots of reasons why you might want to plant in a raised garden bed rather than directly in the soil. Raised...
You know you should test your smoke alarm twice a year, but what about your fire extinguisher? If yours is at the bac...
Leafy, green, and graceful, ferns bring drama and texture to the garden. They are attractive in rock gardens and make...
This is the time of year when we shed our winter wardrobes and slip into warm-weather fabrics. To be sure that your c...
With energy costs ever on the rise, more homeowners are thinking of adding insulation to reduce energy use. Here’s wh...
Fresh herbs add flavor, fragrance, and sophistication to your cooking—and they can’t get much fresher than those you ...
Growing plants in raised beds is a tradition that goes back at least hundreds of years. Here are five reasons why a r...
With incandescent light bulbs on their way out, shoppers who had been reluctant to buy alternative bulbs are realizin...
There are several different kinds of insulation—fiberglass batting, rigid boards, and spray-on foam to name a few. Fo...
You probably wouldn’t think of living in a home without smoke detectors—they are proven lifesavers. But what about fi...
Glass shower doors have been popular alternatives to shower curtains for decades. Both serve the same simple purpose,...
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...
Linoleum rugs are a little-remembered footnote to floorcovering history. These days, unless you uncover one when you’...
Wood paneling certainly has a place in the home. It can make a space feel traditional and warm, but it can also look ...
Now that spring is here, many people’s thoughts turn to gardening, and to the joys of leafy salads and delicate sprin...
Hanging wallpaper can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort for the beautiful effect it can have on a room. As with so...
Choosing the best lighting can be a bit of a challenge. Some rooms need cozy, subdued lighting to create ambience; ...
Freestanding tubs are becoming increasingly popular in today’s luxury bathrooms. Is one right for your bath? Let’s we...
Today is March 20, the vernal equinox, better known as the first day of spring. For most of us around the country, th...
One tool that should definitely be in any do-it-yourselfer’s toolbox is a good carpenter's square. A square helps you...
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...
Your garage may be your workshop, your storeroom, your potting shed or the place where you showcase your automotive p...
Brick is an extremely sturdy construction material. It’s attractive, fire resistant, and low maintenance—and it stand...
For most people, dust is a housecleaning nuisance. But for those with respiratory ailments or allergies, dust can be ...
You probably know that bare, raw wood needs to be primed before it’s painted. For best results, though, there are a f...
There’s something so crisp and clean about a kitchen with a traditional, white porcelain enamel stove. But sometimes ...
Baseboard heating has been a popular choice for homeowners since the 1950s. But over time, baseboard units can start ...
It’s pretty straightforward to cut a hole in drywall to add a light switch, electrical outlet, or even a recessed she...
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...
If your home has old-style double-hung windows with heavy sash weights on pulleys, you probably know that they’re not...
The source of your home’s power is the breaker box, also known as the electrical panel or circuit breaker box. Whatev...
I know it’s still winter here in the Northeast, but I start thinking about spring the minute Presidents’ Day weekend ...
For those of you in the tristate area who aren’t hitting the ski slopes or escaping to the Bahamas this weekend, Pres...
Perforated hardboard, more commonly known as pegboard, has been a staple of workshops and retail stores for decades. ...
It’s tough to think of a dirtier job than tearing down old plaster. The dust gets everywhere!Listen to BOB VILA ON RE...
Chisels are sharp-edged metal tools used to cut stone, wood, or metal, and they have a spectacularly long lineage. In...
The harmful effects of VOCs on indoor air quality have received a lot of attention in recent years. In response, pain...
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that evaporate easily, releasing potentially harmful compounds int...
There’s nothing quite like sitting by a cozy fireplace on a chilly night. Unless you own your own private forest, tho...
In these energy-conscious times, many people are adding insulation, installing solar panels, or taking a number of ex...
We love the toasty warmth that our radiators and heating vents give off—but the dry indoor air that comes with all th...
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...
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...
When you buy a new appliance, it’s a good idea to hold onto your original documentation, including the owner’s manual...
You’ve probably heard about vampire electricity, the electrical power that can suck the life out of your home power u...
You’re probably familiar with the comfort and effectiveness of radiant flooring, but did you know that radiant heat c...
Glass block has been used as a building material for more than a century, but it experienced a big surge of popularit...
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, ...
Right now, there may be more than 25 million cut Christmas trees adorning rooms throughout the United States. Within ...
The holiday season is rolling to an end, and you’ll soon be taking down your indoor and outdoor lights. Why not take ...
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 ...
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...
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...
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, it can feel like the whole world is beating a path to your door, bearing gifts, ...
Most hot water tanks last about ten years, so if yours is getting close to that age, you might want to start thinking...
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...
If you’re lucky enough to have large walk-in closets in your home, you probably already know the importance of good l...
Gourds come in many beautiful patterns, shapes, and textures. They can be striped or speckled, knobby or curvy, and t...
Garage doors may not seem like great decorating opportunities—most people treat them as functional afterthoughts that...
Thinking about putting a new roof over your head? Maybe a metal roof is right for you. Today’s metal roofing—whether ...
The bathroom is the most humid room in your home. Tubs, showers, and sinks all produce moisture, which can lead to pe...
Do you dream of reclining in a whirlpool tub as the warm water bubbles around you, washing away your cares? If so, ma...
When you think about solar power, do you picture bulky panels protruding from rooftops? If so, think again. With the ...
One out of four American homes has a second refrigerator in it, according to the Department of Energy—that’s 30 milli...
Choosing window treatments can be one of the most difficult design decisions you’ll have to make. There are so many o...
If your garden hose has seen better days, don’t just send it to the landfill. There are some simple, inexpensive ways...
Choosing a sink for a small bath can be challenging. Choices are limited, and even if you find a sink that physically...
Autumn’s falling temperatures get many of us thinking about apple cider, trick-or-treating, and… R-values. If your ho...
Cleaning the gutters tends to be a relatively inexpensive task to hand off to a professional, who has the equipment a...
This time of year, those of us who are lucky enough to have trees that provide summer shade have to pay for that priv...
A big walk-in closet is a luxury that some people can only dream of, especially if they live in an older home. Homes ...
Pulling up old wall-to-wall carpeting can be a tough, dirty job. Start by getting all the furniture out of the room a...
Fall is a lovely time of year to enjoy your outdoor spaces. With the worst of summer’s heat and insects behind you, y...
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...
Wrought iron railings, patio furniture, and gates are classics that look great with almost any home, but not when the...
Wallpaper brings color, pattern, and texture to a room. A papered room can achieve a sophistication that eludes even ...
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...
For anyone interested in the developing field of solar power, today’s a big day. Starting today, the U. S. Department...
If you’re old enough to remember the aluminum siding that was all the rage in the 1960s, you may have an understandab...
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...
Maybe you’re just itching to find a Space Age, geometric wallpaper pattern to complement your green Formica table. Or...
Do you dream of picking a crisp apple or juicy peach from a tree right in your own backyard? Planting a fruit tree ca...
Small restaurants have known this trick for years—covering one entire wall with a mirror instantly doubles the size o...
Unless your home is at exactly ground level, you probably have a step or two up to your door. High ranches and coloni...
In 2011, federal safety standards for baby cribs changed significantly, making it illegal to sell older models that n...
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...
Today’s weather-tight homes are great for energy efficiency, but they’re not so good for indoor air quality. The grea...
There are more than 2,000 species of termites, and chances are some of them live in your neighborhood. The most commo...
If you’ve ever wallpapered a room, you probably have some leftover pieces lying around. Don’t just throw them out! Wa...
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 ...
Consider this: In Canada, about 40% of homes are equipped with central vacuum systems. In the U. S. , the figure is l...
The Tick-Borne Disease Alliance reports that as many as three-quarters of all Lyme Disease cases are caused by tick b...
Are your kitchen cabinets dated and worn? Or maybe they’re just too dark for your taste. New cabinets can be a costly...
Heat gettin’ you down? If you’re in a house where installing central air would also mean installing ductwork, maybe y...
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...
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...
I bet you’ve never heard anyone complain that his bathroom has too much storage space. If you’re about to renovate, h...
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 ...
Storm doors are the unsung heroes of our entryways. They protect our exterior doors from the weather and add a layer ...
Before you plan a bathroom renovation, listen up to a few suggestions that will help you avoid some all-too-common re...
An exhaust fan is a must in a bathroom, because it whisks away the humidity that can allow mold and mildew to grow. N...
Basements are notorious for being damp, just by virtue of being underground. If you have a damp basement, your first ...
Making a bathroom safe for everyone doesn’t mean making your home look like a hospital. Listen to BOB VILA ON SHOWER ...
One way to dress up a room is by installing new woodwork around doors or windows, or putting in new crown molding or ...
Many small home improvement projects start with drilling a pilot hole. (That’s a small hole that prepares a material ...
If you’re planning a remodel and are hoping to squeeze an extra bathroom into your home, there are a few things you n...
No matter how big your kitchen is, you never seem to have enough cabinet space. In a small kitchen where space is at ...
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...
If you want to spark a raging debate among gardeners, ask them how they feel about clover. Some homeowners will give ...
Medicine cabinets provide efficient storage in a room where space tends to be at a premium. If you’re in the market f...
Watching a butterfly flit low above a garden is one of summer’s great delights. You can attract these delicate creatu...
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...
Replacing cabinet hardware is an easy and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a little facelift. But even a quick fi...
Everything from grocery store shipments to construction deliveries involves using a forklift to pick up and move a he...
When you stumble into the bathroom in the morning, does your medicine cabinet look as tired as you feel? Maybe it’s t...
Today is Flag Day, the day we honor the Stars and Stripes. Whatever your politics, this is a good day to fly the flag...
Kids love them, but landscapers hate them. I’m talking about dandelions, whose cheerful yellow flowers can make you w...
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...
If you’ve ever spent any time or money sanding and refinishing a wood floor, you may wonder why anyone would ever pai...
If you’re just moving into a tiny starter home, making room for growing children, or downsizing into smaller quarters...
Here’s something you probably don’t want to think about this summer: Most burglaries happen in warm weather, during b...
One of the joys of homeownership is having the freedom to do exactly what you want with your house or apartment—as lo...
Are you tired of jiggling the handle to stop your toilet from running? The noise and inconvenience drives you crazy, ...
A beautiful green lawn requires regular watering to keep it looking great. The trick is to use enough water to keep y...
Late spring is the time to sit back and admire those azaleas as they bloom; azaleas add a veritable explosion of colo...
If you have stubborn nails that pop out of your floorboards, or you need a way to get a finishing nail flush against ...
Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can be intimidating: This is a big, expensive job, and whatever color...
You’re in the middle of a party, enteraining a houseful of guests, and the toilet acts up. Are you ready to spring in...
That faint sucking sound you hear may be vampire appliances draining electricity from your walls. Vampires are electr...
Long before your tiles wear out, the grout between them can start to look tired, dirty, or stained. A good scrubbing ...
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...
When you have to tighten a nut, bolt, or other standard fastener, you need a wrench. But what kind?Listen to BOB VILA...
Spring is a great time to sell your home. Houses tend to look their best this time of year, with fresh green lawns an...
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...
Warm weather is just around the corner, with its humming air conditioners and skyrocketing electric bills. You may be...
This is a busy time of year in the garden, what with planting and mulching, weeding and feeding. All that heavy lifti...
Kids and chalk go together like peanut butter and jelly—and parents love the easy cleanup of chalk, whether it’s on t...
Do you want to make sure that shelf you’re putting up is really on the level? Then you need. . . well, a level. Level...
The demand for fresh water continues to grow, and the easiest way to meet that demand is simply to waste less of it. ...
Outdoor lighting looks great along a walkway or in the garden, but it can be a pain to install the wiring for it. Sol...
There’s probably no simpler, less expensive way to give your home a quick facelift than to repaint the front door. A ...
There’s nothing like a freshly tiled floor or backsplash—but there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing those beaut...
There are lots of options available in driveway materials, including asphalt, gravel, brick and pavers. In addition t...
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...
A wooden fence is a beautiful accent on any home, but it takes some maintenance to keep it looking neat and trim. Spr...
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...
The sleek look of stainless steel lends sophistication to any kitchen. But keeping those surfaces gleaming takes care...
If you’re starting a paint project and worry about protecting your floors, don’t just throw down a drop cloth. Consid...
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...
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “historic color”? Do you envision a rather limited palette of muted grays...
A range hood can blend quietly into your kitchen cabinetry or make a dramatic architectural statement. But whether it...
There’s nothing like a beautiful green lawn to make your house look great. Now that spring is here, it’s time to get ...
Ceiling medallions are moldings that are installed in the center of a ceiling, typically around a light fixture or ce...
Tin ceilings were very popular in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. These mass-produced ceilings, stamped with decorativ...
Nothing kills a home’s curb appeal faster than a couple of trash cans and recycling bins parked in the driveway, or l...
A power drill does more than just drill holes. With different attachments, it also drives screws, turns a sander, or ...
You’ve got the smoke alarms and the carbon monoxide detectors, and you change their batteries regularly. But does you...
Replacing an interior lockset is a pretty simple job. If you’re thinking about upgrading your doors with new doorknob...
The Consumer Product Safety commission now recommends that only cordless window coverings be used in homes with small...
I can barely think of a home improvement job that doesn’t require a tape measure! Whether you’re framing a new room o...
Chain saws aren't just for lumberjacks anymore. These powerful tools now come in a range of sizes, with lightweight o...
A plumb bob is an amazingly simple tool, basically just a pointed weight on a string. But whether you’re putting up a...
Natural disasters can occur anywhere, any time. No matter where you live, you should keep a stash of emergency suppli...
Replacing your shower head is a simple fix that can spruce up the look of your bathroom, save water, and even add a l...
Did you know that a well-lit room actually has three different kinds of light? In order to create a room that’s comfo...
Cast iron radiators can be beautiful, but an old, peeling one can really bring down the look of a room. Stripping and...
Composting’s a great idea: it helps your garden thrive and keeps valuable organic waste out of landfills. But once yo...
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 ...
Imagine bringing the quality and charm of eighteenth-century wood planks into your home today. With reclaimed wood, y...
There are many different types of screws, and each kind has its own job to do. Before you make the first turn of the ...
Before you tear down a wall, rip off old woodwork, or strip old paint, ask yourself when it was installed. If it was ...
These days it seems like there’s more to plug in than ever—televisions, computers, and the rechargers for cell phones...
It's heartbreaking enough to lose your home or possessions in a natural disaster. Then there’s the stress of having t...
A new set of fireplace tools brings both style and utility to your hearth. Here are a few guidelines that will help y...
We’re all drawn to the warmth and shelter of a cozy house, so it’s not surprising that critters like squirrels, oposs...
Walk into a hardware or paint store today to buy a paint brush and you could easily be overwhelmed by the number of o...
Today’s pet doors are a far cry from the heat-stealing, wildlife-welcoming, burglary risks of yesteryear. If your yar...
During our long experience with incandescent light bulbs, we got used to thinking about light in terms of wattage. Bu...
Not every homeowner needs a workshop full of professional tools, but there are a few basics you should have if you pl...
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...
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...
The most common window in American homes is the double-hung, with upper and lower sashes that slide up and down. But ...
Did you know that a good rainstorm can send hundreds of gallons of water cascading off your roof? That water could co...
This is a great time of year to create an annual home improvement plan. Listen to BOB VILA ON HOME IMPROVEMENT PLANNI...
Under-cabinet lighting has come a long way since those old-style humming fluorescents and super hot halogen pucks, wi...
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...
Reviving rusty metal tools or furniture is a great indoor winter project, and there are three ways to remove rust. Li...
For anything from small plumbing repairs to running lines for a whole house, there are lots of reasons PEX tubing bea...
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...
If your oven had a busy holiday season, January is a great time to do some oven cleaning before it makes a smoky mess...
As of January 2nd, U. S. drywall manufacturers increased their prices by 25 to 30%. On top of a similar increase last...
If you’re thinking about a bathroom remodel, there’s no better time or place to think ahead. Something as simple as t...
Save your eyes and shed a little light on the job you’re doing with the right flashlight. Listen to BOB VILA ON FLASH...
If your home has cold, drafty spots, this is the time of year you’ll notice them. Rather than cranking up the heat in...
Cordless power tools, and now lithium-ion batteries, have revolutionized the home improvement world. But anyone who’s...
If you heat your house with wood, you know how expensive buying firewood can be. Cutting, splitting, and drying a cor...
To protect your kitchen cabinets from water damage, the rim of your kitchen sink should always be sealed with a good ...
If you’re paying through the nose for hot water in your house, you’ve probably already thought about replacing your c...
Winter’s a great time to feed the birds, but if that means feeding the squirrels too, they can quickly wear out their...
If those holiday gift cards are burning a hole in your pocket, a good circular saw is something you really shouldn't ...
If getting more sleep is one of your New Year's resolutions, it might be time for a new mattress. Shopping for a matt...
If the end of the year is a time for reflection, don't underestimate the power of a well-placed mirror to enhance you...
One of the biggest challenges of any remodeling project or basement clean-out is figuring out how to get rid of const...
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...
It may seem like an exercise, but mocking up your cabinetry or furniture building project can save you a lot of waste...
It used to be that foam-core board was only useful to architects building models. Now that foam technology has taken ...
Once the holidays are over, how do you fit all those decorations back in the garage and make them easier to unpack ne...
One of the most important things to think about when you're remodeling is lighting: It can make or break the room. Li...
Most home improvement projects require at least some moving around from place to place with tools, and that can get t...
Tool sets are popular gifts, but none is more useful for the home and garage handyperson than a really good ratchet s...
Fiberglass doors have been popular for years now as a durable, energy-efficient alternative to wood doors that can be...
What better home improvement to consider on the darkest day of the year than a sunroom addition?Listen to BOB VILA ON...
Even experienced carpenters make mistakes, especially when they're cutting a lot of different pieces. Listen to BOB V...
Good sanding can make or break a woodworking project, so every do-it-yourselfer should have a power sander in the wor...
Frozen pipes that burst and cause water damage in your home can happen in all but the warmest areas, and often when y...
'Tis the season for freezing pipes, and that's not just for folks in colder climates. Listen to BOB VILA ON FREEZING ...
No workshop should be without levels in various lengths, but for lines longer than 3' or 4', traditional bubble level...
Bathrooms are small rooms, but they require lots of attention to detail—and great lighting. Listen to BOB VILA ON VAN...
While traditional open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, if you still want t...
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...
If there's a leftie on your gift list this season, they might appreciate a tool or two that's meant for them. Listen ...
Where would we be during the holidays without the sleeper sofa? Sofa beds of the past are notorious for being somewha...
Experts in feng shui—that ancient Chinese art of healthy interior design—say that the most important places in the ho...
Nothing's more heartening in the depths of winter than leafing through a bulb catalog or shopping for next season’s g...
When it's time to replace your furnace, you might have to think faster than you'd like about this major purchase. Her...
Savvy homebuyers these days know that a home is worth more based on its location than on its square footage. Listen t...
Did you know that each holiday season in the US, fires cause nearly a billion dollars in damage? Keep your family saf...
If you’re taking on any last-minute holiday painting projects, here’s a primer on… primer. Listen to BOB VILA ON PAIN...
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...
They've come a long way from the catalog kit homes that were delivered by railroad across the nation a century ago, b...
This holiday season, don’t be the guy who sets his hair on fire stringing the lights. Listen to BOB VILA ON HOLIDAY L...
Did you know you can put your ceiling fan to work year-round? Simply by reversing the direction and changing the spee...
Fires injure 2,600 people in the US and cause nearly a billion dollars in damage each holiday season. A lot of those ...
Even if you're not selling your house, taking some of the tips professional home stagers give their clients can be es...
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 ...
You don't have to undertake too many do-it-yourself woodworking projects to understand that a table saw is a must-hav...
You may not be one of the rising wave of aging baby boomers, but if you’re building or renovating your house, the pri...
Entertaining at home has become one of our favorite pastimes: houses are increasingly designed around our passion for...
There's nothing better than a crackling fire on a chilly night, except maybe not having to go back outside for more f...
Here’s a technique professional carpenters use to conceal screws in fine woodworking projects: use wooden plugs. List...
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 ...
If you're looking for ways to dress up your dining room for the holidays, nothing works better than some good, old-fa...
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...
Here's a thrifty way to dress up your home for holiday entertaining that's been around for hundreds of years. Since t...
If you don’t want to spend another holiday season with your worn-out kitchen floor, but the timing’s not right for a ...
If you're putting off giving your front hall a facelift because re-finishing or re-painting the banister and baluster...
According to the US Green Building Council, more than twenty thousand homes have been LEED certified, and there are e...
In their quest for more storage, work surfaces, and style, more and more kitchen remodelers are living the island lif...
Considering the amount of time many of us spend in the kitchen over the holiday season, this is a great time to think...
Whole-home wiring systems, or smart home systems, have been around for decades, but it’s only since wireless communic...
If your home doesn't have the style and panache you wish it had, adding crown molding can help. Listen to BOB VILA ON...
So you repainted the living room and now you can’t stand your old furniture. Before you shop 'til you drop, do some ...
To get the job done right, you need stick-to-it-iveness. Here’s how to choose the right glue for your next woodworkin...
When industrial sawmills started cranking it out in the late 19th century, beadboard came on the scene as a quick and...
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...
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...
If your last-minute fall chores have you climbing a ladder, here are some tips to save time and stay safe up there. L...
Always looking ahead, it’s time to plant spring-blooming bulbs. All they require is a bright, sunny location and a li...
Removing walls that don't have a function and making spaces work together is a great way to improve the traffic flow ...
Drywall has been the wall finishing material of choice for most of a century, because it’s so easy to install and fin...
Remodeling projects and furniture moving can sometimes have not-so-welcome side effects. Here’s how to protect your b...
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...
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...
The tool we think of as pliers only evolved from “tongs” fairly recently, but it’s hard to imagine life without a var...
If you’re working on a remodeling project that calls for removing old woodwork, here are some tricks from the pros to...
While you might consider laying tile yourself for moneysaving reasons, remember that the substrate, or what the tile ...
The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality as our fourth largest environmental threat. Some of the worst polluters of the ...
If the idea of a freshly plastered wall does not overly excite you, it’s because the options for plaster have been fa...
Whether you live in a palace or a studio apartment, at least one fire extinguisher should be standard equiment in you...
While it’s hard to argue with the romance of a crackling fire on a chilly night, your fireplace might be costing you ...
Make sure you’re familiar with the ground rules of home electrical work if you’re considering doing some yourself. Li...
Whether you're removing a wall or just hanging bookshelves, you've got to know where the studs are before you start. ...
The next generations will face fuel costs so high, they’ll make the standard twentieth-century under-insulated stick-...
When clogged gutters overflow, they can get so heavy that they pull the gutters loose and rot your home's trim and si...
Weatherstripping your home is a fairly simple do-it-yourself project that can save you a significant amount off your ...
Autumn leaves are a gift to your garden that literally just falls out of the trees. Instead of getting rid of them al...
If your to-do list includes painting brick or concrete, keep in mind that masonry requires some special treatment. Li...
Nothing beats the natural look of a dry-laid stone wall, but building one requires a strong back, deep pockets, and a...
Interior doors have important jobs. They provide sound insulation, privacy and character to your home. Listen to BOB ...
A dining room chandelier is a great focal point for one of the most important entertaining spaces in your home. Liste...
Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, the most important area to insulate is your attic floor. This fully insula...
As the weather gets colder, it’s a good idea to do some fall maintenance on your outdoor equipment and put it to bed ...
Although the two words are often used interchangeably, sheetrock is actually a brand name for the generic drywall, wh...
The next time you need to move something big and heavy in the workshop or around the house, save your back and build ...
A small crack or one leaky window might not seem like a big problem, but taken together, your home’s small drafts can...
Which projects will do the most good to lower your utility bills? A professional home energy audit can help you decid...
The original butcher blockers were literally blocks up to sixteen inches thick: hard rock maple pieces were often dov...
Fall lawn care is as important as what you do in the spring, because encouraging deep roots will help your lawn resis...
If you're thinking of building new, you can streamline construction and save costs by going modular. Modular construc...
Fall is a great time to upgrade your landscaping. Plants, trees, and shrubs are slowing down from the hot summer and ...
There are different techniques for removing every kind of wallpaper, but the tools and preparation are much the same....
Mosaic tile has been around for a couple of millennia, but it never seems to lose its popularity. Thanks to advances ...
Tile is one of the most durable installations around, so when it’s finally time to remove it, you might be tempted to...
Home improvement projects are messy business: Whether you’re painting, re-tiling, or just moving furniture, you want ...
While your important household documents should always be backed up and kept in fireproof storage, some things, like ...
Cooking with gas costs half what it costs to cook on electric ranges. Keeping your range clean will keep it efficient...
One of the wonders of the modern age, vacuum cleaners range in price from $60 to almost $2,000. What’s different abou...
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...
If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a pick-me-up, replacing the sink faucet might ...
Whether you're building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you're...
Until very recently, homes were built to breathe. Insulation was seldom used, windows were single-pane and drafts wer...
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...
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...
Water spots on ceilings and walls aren’t just unsightly--they can be a symptom of a much bigger problem that needs at...
Today, September 14th, is the kickoff of the 2012 Solar Decathlon, and this year it’s being held in sunny Spain. List...
A sloped yard is hard to use, and if it’s got erosion problems or it’s channeling water toward the foundation of your...
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...
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...
Showers account for more than a fifth of the water Americans use every day. You can conserve more of this precious re...
Did you know that you could save 20% on your water bill just by replacing your toilet? Most conventional toilets hog ...
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...
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 ...
If you’re part of the rapidly growing home-based workforce or you’d just like a designated place to pay the bills, he...
While you were having fun in the sun this summer, it was no vacation for your house. A fall checklist will tip you of...
Despite what the three little pigs might say, even the hardiest of brick buildings will require repair and restoratio...
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...
If you hear banging or knocking when you turn the tap on and off in your home, you could be straining pipes and coppe...
Whether you choose a handle set, lever, or knob for your entry door, you also need a deadbolt for greatest security. ...
Even tiny gaps between your tub and the wall tiles can let enough water in to damage your walls and host mold. Since ...
If you’ve got an older toilet, you’re probably paying for twice the water you need for each flush. But never fear: to...
While shutters are the traditional line of defense against storms, break-ins, and the hot sun, unfortunately you have...
Florida might be the hurricane capital of the U. S. , but every region has its perils: storms, wildfires, floods and ...
Deconstruction is the new demolition. CM_BVNOTES-1235-6 Recycled Bldg ProductsListen to BOB VILA ON DECONSTRUCTION, ...
Four out of ten American homes have a mold problem. If you’ve got an area less than 10 square feet and your household...
Wherever lights are accidentally left on a lot, your home is leaking money. Sometimes just changing the switch can so...
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...
A couple decades ago, no one would have considered it, but one of today’s most popular flooring products is bamboo. A...
If your next home renovation requires framing new walls, think twice before you reach for those ubiquitous two-by-fou...
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...
While they’ll grind and send most kitchen scraps down the drain in small batches with a good strong flow of cold wate...
Kids grow so fast, it doesn’t take long before their rooms can feel pretty small… but before you plan an addition, he...
It’s not just for dorm rooms anymore: the stylish design, low cost and ingenious construction of lots of today’s kno...
Who doesn't need more shelf space? Hanging shelves is a great do-it-yourself project that can help you get organized....
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...
The hoses that deliver hot and cold water to your clothes washer may not be something you think about very often, but...
Ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms are required by code in most states, and they’re a good idea everywhere. T...
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...
Green roof systems and roof gardens look great in an urban landscape, but they’re not just for cities anymore. They’r...
Your dryer removes about a gallon of water from every load of laundry. The longer that water stays inside your home, ...
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...
If you’re looking for a kitchen upgrade on a budget, take a look at your backsplash. It’s easy to turn this unassumin...
Finishing your basement is a great way to add space and value to your home. If you have enough ceiling height and you...
If you’ve still got an old mercury or mechanical contact thermostat, it’s easy to forget to adjust it when you leave ...
There’s more to that “new paint smell” than you might think. What you’re smelling are volatile organic compounds, or ...
You’ve heard it said that you’ve got a better chance of being struck by lighting than winning the lottery, and that’s...
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...
In the current real estate market, it’s not hard to find foreclosed properties to buy. But a home that looks like a g...
For a saw that’s great on the curves, no workshop is complete without a good saber saw. CM_BVILANOTES-4 Tool Tip- Sab...
When you’re painting, windows are often the hardest things to get right. CM_BVILANOTES-3 Painting WindowsListen to BO...
When it comes to re-painting, everyone’s least favorite part of the job is prepping the surface… but it’s also the mo...
It’s not uncommon to find beautiful woodwork with coat after coat of paint obscuring its detail, especially in older ...
Use a power sprayer to cut days off your next big paint job. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON POWER SPRAYER TIPS, or read ...
Summertime’s a great time to get to that exterior paint job you’ve been putting off. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON EXTE...
Irrigating your yard can really be wasteful and expensive; clean water is a precious commodity, and not just in deser...
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...
When it comes to keeping your home cool this summer, your roof—not your air conditioning system—IS YOUR first line of...
A garbage disposal really keeps things flowing in the kitchen, and installing one isn’t a tough job for a do-it-yours...
I get alot of questions from folks who want to improve their garden soil with compost, but aren’t sure which kind of ...
If you have a south-facing roof without solar panels on it, you’re probably paying too much for hot water. LISTENList...
To control garden pests without using toxic chemicals, work with nature, not against it. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON ...
It’s estimated that 40 percent of American homes have a mold problem. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON MOLD PROBLEMS, or ...
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...
Giving your pet a place of his own to take shelter from wind, rain and sun is a noble pursuit. Doghouses now come in ...
Even though the words are often used interchangeably, concrete and cement are not the same thing. Portland cement is ...
"What goes around comes around. " The old adage is especially true in your garden. Because plants aren’t the only th...
Like it or not, working on the car, washing the dog, rinsing the lawnmower and all the other work we do on our drivew...
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...
It’s the great American obsession, and we spend about twenty-five billion dollars a year on it, but if lawn care is e...
We all know they don’t like to be fenced in, but after thousands of years of domestication, dogs need boundaries to b...
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...
While they’re always inconvenient, major remodeling projects can also become a real strain on your relationship if yo...
You can read all you want about gardening, but a garden journal is the best tool for making sure you remember what wo...
Encouraging birds and bats to visit your yard is a great way to keep BUGS down without spraying. LISTENListen to BOB ...
Bathrooms are, like it or not, wet areas. Even if the rest of your house has gleaming hardwood floors, they’re not th...
Most people know that planting a tree to shade your house is a great way to keep it cool. But actually, the south-fac...
You can renew your tub or shower area without the expense, effort, and environmental cost of junking your old tub. LI...
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...
Everybody calls it sheetrock, but the generic name is drywall and it comes in various thicknesses and sizes. LISTENLi...
When the whole family's home, it can get pretty loud. What can you do for noise control between rooms? Well, it depen...
Here’s how to make neater work of your next painting project…LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON PAINTING TIMESAVERS, or read...
Not much has been guaranteed in the housing industry in the past seven years, but there's one trend that is sure to r...
For a great finish on your next painting project, start by prepping the surface the right way. LISTENListen to BOB VI...
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...
If you’re building a deck this summer, you’ve got a lot of decking choices. Pressure-treated southern yellow pine has...
Installing a garage storage system can have the same effect as adding a room, and it’s a good way to increase your ho...
With all the great power saws available today, the lowly handsaw has kind of faded into the background. But there are...
When it comes to screwdrivers, make sure you're using the right one for the job. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON SCREWDRI...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
If you’re shopping for a new gas grill this season, you can pay anywhere from $100 to more than $10,000. You usually ...
Keep your grill running smoothly this season by doing a few key maintenance checks. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON GRILL...
Before you pull your window air conditioner out of storage, consider its age. Efficiencies have improved so much that...
Deconstruction is the new demolition. Instead of gutting a project and sending the whole shebang to a landfill, more ...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
If your bathtub has seen better days, make sure you know your options before you break out the sledgehammer. LISTENLi...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
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...
Ask any realtor how to maximize your home’s value; they’ll tell you to grab a paintbrush. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON...
Grace tweets, “The bathroom sink in my 1890s Victorian is draining really slowly. What’s the best way to get things f...
You can get several years’ worth of grime off your deck and siding in minutes with a pressure washer. Whether you buy...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
I got a question from Jim in Toledo, wondering what’s the best way to stay on top of home maintenance every season wi...
mp3 linkListen to BOB VILA ON CURB APPEAL, or read text below:I got a question from Julie in Tacoma: “I want to sell ...
No fertilizer can do your garden as much good as compost can. It’s impossible to overfertilize with it. Even in colde...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
If it’s time for a new kitchen sink, first consider your countertops. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON THE KITCHEN SINK, o...
If your kitchen needs a quick pick-me-up, just changing the sink faucet goes a long way. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON ...
If your kitchen feels a little crowded and cramped, the solution starts with your cabinets. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
Every home is different—and children are great at finding different things to get into every day. There’s a childproo...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
We’ve come a long way since the tub and washboard, but doing the laundry can still feel like drudgery if your laundry...
If your kitchen’s begging for a facelift but your budget begs to differ, try focusing on some key details. LISTENList...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
A little garden design and planning before you spend any money or pull on the gloves can give you a better garden eve...
If you’re ready to go a step further than a simple coat of paint to personalize your home, try faux finishing. LISTEN...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
Even if you’re diligent about cleaning year-round, when winter’s over there’s always some spring cleaning in order. T...
If you’re getting ready for a painting project, it’s important to think ahead and have your tools and supplies ready ...
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...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
For those of you who not only miss Bob Vila's voice, but his tips, advice and home improvement wisdom, you can now ge...
