Get Help from Bob Vila
- Give-Aways & Offers
- Monthly Must Do's
- DIY Project Ideas
- Step-by-Step Guides
- Inspirational Photo Galleries
MAINTENANCE
Browse By Tag
Is there any experience more satisfying than finding a good deal? With the cost of living on the increase, getting a good bargain is more important than ever. Whi...
Nothing spoils a lazy Saturday like a list full of chores. The only way to avoid a weekend cleaning spree is to space out the work and tidy up throughout the week...
If you’re ready to upgrade to a new lawn mower but aren’t sure you want a traditional gas-powered model, consider goi...
As any homeowner knows, no one can prepare you for the burden that comes from realizing that every creak, crack, scratch, and clog in your house is something that...
With warmer temperatures finally on their way, we all want to kick back and have fun. But between heavy-duty spring cleaning inside the house and all the accumula...
Manual reel lawn mowers may invoke nostalgia for the good old days before powerful riding versions arrived to wake th...
Washing the windows can be a dreaded chore. If you're using conventional cleaning products, removing those stubborn streaks from the interior and exterior of clea...
In order to stay healthy and look their best, trees need occasional pruning to remove broken branches and thin out de...
So, you think your house is clean? Well… you might have to think again! If you’re like most people, there are areas that you never even think about cleaning, unli...
Plagued by excess moisture and lack of ventilation, bathrooms are especially susceptible to mildew. The fungus typically appears on walls, tile, or grout, and it ...
Q: Recently, I’ve noticed a vague sulfur smell in my house. It comes and goes, and I’m not sure where it’s coming fro...
Don’t wait until spring has actually sprung to get ready for the change of seasons. As milder weather approaches and you await the return to outdoor living, there...
Stopped-up drain? Overflowing toilet? For these and many more plumbing repairs, homeowners reach for the plunger—a tr...
Thanks to modern heating technologies, homeowners today no longer have to rely on fire for heat. Our homes stay nice and warm, even on the coldest nights. Yet the...
Brrrr—baby, it’s cold outside! And it can get pretty cold inside, too, especially inside your car. When winter weather strikes, it can be tempting to rush right b...
Perhaps the most important work surface in the home, the kitchen countertop is built to withstand food preparation, regular cleaning, pesky stains, and more. But ...
Americans may think they know all there is to know about cars—after all, the automobile is deeply ingrained in our culture—but when it comes to conserving fuel, m...
Everyone makes mistakes—especially in the course of owning and maintaining a home: One wrong turn and a seeming straightforward job can turn into a money pit proj...
While some home improvement and maintenance projects require professional help, others are easy enough to do yourself. But most homeowners can’t get through a DIY...
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “the United States enjoys one of the world's most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water.” Occasionally,...
While homeownership undeniably comes with plenty of expenses, there’s no reason to spend more than you have to. If your home seems more like a money pit than an a...
What's on your home improvement or maintenance to-do list for 2018? Rather than rushing to complete your projects all at once, try taking on a handful each season...
Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your car working well, but it's important to do it right. Here are 7 common car care mistakes you’re probably making and ...
In many people's minds, granite means strength and resilience. But if you want to know how to clean granite counterto...
It might seem like it can handle anything, but actually, feeding your garbage disposal the wrong items is a surefire recipe for bad smells, clogs, and ultimately,...
As the days grow shorter, colder, and darker, it's tempting to just hunker down inside and forget all about home and garden chores until the spring. But winter is...
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...
At first, the idea of cleaning a dishwasher—an appliance that fills with suds and water on an almost daily basis—may ...
A roll of duct tape can be found in almost every toolbox in the world, thanks to its versatility, accessibility, and ...
You can probably recite your home’s square footage, your property's acreage, and your community's school district—but do you know your neighborhood's noise policy...
To prepare their property for winter, many homeowners simply apply new caulking, replace damaged weatherstripping, and install an additional layer of insulation i...
We all know the feeling. You spend time, money, and energy choosing just the right sofa. And then—what’s that spot?! Here are seven surprising ways you may be dam...
Winter is coming. That means ice, snow, and cold mornings that make you want to never get out of bed. Are you ready?...
Q: I’m replacing the heating element in my electric water heater. The wires running to the element are black and whit...
Out of sight, out of mind: If your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system has recently been operating well...
The month of October is full of autumnal joys like rust-colored leaves, Halloween preparations, and crisp, cool air. ...
Laminate flooring has been a popular floor choice since its invention in the late ’70s. With a typical lifespan of 15...
While turning leaves are lovely, once they start to drop, the task of clearing walkways and readying your yard for wi...
Does your yard contain slopes, dips, and inclines? Then you likely have a retaining wall somewhere on your property. ...
Q: I just noticed a crack in my ceiling, but I’m not sure how long it’s been there. Is it a normal symptom of an agin...
Do you spend countless happy hours on your wood deck every summer? Then why not give it the same love and attention y...
Characterized by its showy, star-shaped foliage, English ivy (Hedera helix) might seem a fine choice for landscaping ...
From laminate flooring to your HVAC system, many big-ticket home items are backed by warranties. These guarantees offer peace of mind to consumers making a large ...
Q: I recently noticed some water stains on the ceiling of my living room. I'm not sure where they came from, but the ...
The naturally distressed patina of brick adds to its desirability indoors and out, but too much dirt accumulation can...
You don’t have to spend a lot of time and effort to keep your house in top condition. Some of the best improvement projects don’t require pulling permits or hirin...
If your lawn features a lot of “interruptions”—trees, shrubbery, pavers, and pathways—odds are that you struggle with...
As homeowners, we all have our dirty little secrets, whether it be a carpet stain concealed by strategically placed f...
When space in your home is at a premium and you need a place to stow sports equipment or rarely used household hold items, what’s the first place that comes to mi...
Some people hate their floors and long for a new look. Others love theirs but can't abide their minor imperfections: a scratch, dent, or loose tile. Whatever your...
From powering vehicles and generators to garden tools, gasoline makes our world go around. Leaving unused remnants of...
You may notice condensation on the inside of your windows and figure it's nothing worry to about. Believe it or not, ...
Caulk comes to the rescue in myriad projects around the house, from outdoor maintenance to indoor decorating. What makes this humble material so good at what it d...
Whether you promptly take care of all household chores or (like the rest of us!) tend to let certain tasks slide, you probably dread particular duties that requir...
You’ve got your home care routine down—but a few of your go-tos might be doing more harm than good, losing you money and even damaging your possessions. Here are ...
Clogs, squeaks, leaks, and other minor disasters strike even the most well-maintained homes. But you don’t necessarily need a professional handyman to cure what a...
Winter storms sometimes have a way of sneaking up on us. If that happens, and you get another surprise—no ice melt on...
Keeping up with the Joneses can be a frustrating and fruitless pursuit…but what if those enviable neighbors are saving money, supporting a cleaner environment, an...
Muriatic acid, a less-pure variant of hydrochloric acid, is available in high concentrations for use in a host of hom...
It’s a law of nature and of home-owning: whatever can go wrong, eventually will. With a bit of preparedness and forethought, though, damage from household mishaps...
Some of most delightful furniture, cabinetry, and trim work are crafted from wood, the world’s oldest and best-loved ...
When the cold weather kicks in, many homeowners find themselves snowed under by a host of holiday to-dos. Whether you...
It’s entirely possible to remove paint from tile, whether you’re simply hoping to banish some accidental splatters or...
Is autumn your favorite time of year? If you said yes, that's probably because you relish the beauty of boldly colored foliage and the invigorating energy of cris...
Concrete is tough stuff but over time, environmental exposure and wear-and-tear almost inevitably lead to cracks and ...
As the days grow shorter and the heat of summer eases into autumn, it’s tempting to just kick back, relax, and enjoy ...
Q: My windows consistently gather condensation on the inside. I wipe them down, but the moisture keeps coming back. H...
Fall means many things to many people. Some look forward to football season. Others relish apples and pumpkins and all the other autumn harvest delights. However,...
Day after day, largely unnoticed, gutters perform a critically important role by channeling storm water and snowmelt a safe distance away from your home. At least...
While you were on summer vacation, your home was hard at work battling the elements. After enduring intense heat or s...
The next time you're making a grocery list, be sure to add cleaners to your must-buys. Only on this trip to the store, you'll never have to set foot in the commer...
How much does it cost to create a happy home? If your answer is thousands or even hundreds, think again. Each of these 20 DIY projects can transform your humble h...
Over the course of millennia, builders have used everything from animal horns to whiskey in the making of stucco—an a...
With Labor Day behind us, fall will be here sooner than we know—and with it will come chilly temperatures and harsh, blustery winds. Is your home ready for the ch...
As the days grow shorter and your thoughts turn to tailgating and football games, it’s easy to forget that your home needs a little TLC before Old Man Winter come...
The do-it-yourself ethos is one we heartily applaud. Most services provided by home maintenance pros aren't cheap, so taking care of small fixes on your own can s...
Stubborn weeds are the bane of a beautiful lawn. Yet, although it's pretty stubborn, clover (aka Trifolium repens) is...
Quartz. Quartzite. The names sound alike. Yet, although both of these popular countertop materials are derived from t...
Q: I’ve noticed a rotten smell coming from my bathroom lately and can’t figure out the source. Do you have any idea w...
The shape and tidiness of your shrubs is a crucial component of curb appeal. Whether you’ve got a densely landscaped ...
Why does it seem like the times you really need a plumber are late at night, early in the morning, or on weekends, when fees can cost twice as much as normal. Cha...
For construction professionals and homeowners alike, concrete offers many appealing qualities, but there may be none ...
Summertime is here! Yet while school is out for the kids, for their home-owning parents, the seasonal job of maintain...
Your deck gets a lot of traffic. Muddy shoes, spilled food, and wet dogs can leave it dirty, stained, and smelly. Eve...
Whether you want to be able to go away for a week without having to worry about your garden, or you just hate yard work, these tips and tricks will help put your ...
Humans have long harnessed the power of machines to help us work better, faster, and smarter. Many of these technologies work in the background of our home, heati...
When it comes to basic home improvement projects, the key concerns for many homeowners are time and budget. Well, here are 10 simple repairs that keep both effort...
June ushers in the season of outdoor fun and backyard BBQs—which means it's the perfect time to build a new deck or pest-proof the patio. Yet, as tempting as it m...
Before putting your home on the market, try to see it from the buyer's point of view. Everything from the exterior landscaping to the interior paint palette could...
If your house could talk, it would tell you that spending a little money now on small repairs could save you big bucks down the road. We’ve put together 15 of the...
Unless your plan is to install a swimming pool in your basement, you probably cringe at the idea of water trickling i...
Spring may have arrived, but in cold-weather climates, wicked winter isn’t likely to have vanished without a trace. Those frigid temperatures and severe storms ta...
Spring brings blooming flowers and budding trees, but it also brings a long list of home improvement chores that accu...
It's May, which means lawn and garden season is here. As the temps heat up, you may be tempted to pick up a trowel and head outdoors. Before you do, take a look a...
No homeowner wants to be confronted with ripped-up wall coverings as a day-in, day-out reminder of a job not yet fini...
Common knowledge, neighborly advice, old wives’ tales, and “the way my parents did it” all share one important characteristic: Sometimes they're just plain wrong....
How you choose to eradicate weeds depends on your patience, physical abilities, and environmental ethics. You could g...
Lawn care can be a tedious chore, but once the grass starts growing in the spring, mowing becomes an inevitable fact ...
The pungent odor of mothballs is the very smell of storage. Made from either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, thes...
With cold weather finally on the way out, April offers the opportunity to return to outdoor living. Prep your space for spring and summer by maintaining the home ...
Let's be honest here: No matter the touted health benefits of its massaging hydrotherapy, a jetted tub can be only as...
Despite its reputation as one of the most rugged building materials ever conceived, even concrete has a sensitive sid...
When most homeowners refer to a "waterbug," they're actually employing a delicate colloquialism for an insect whose m...
It’s not surprising that the couch is the focal point of most living rooms. It’s often one of the largest pieces of furniture, and family and friends alike make a...
You probably don’t think much about the durability of your roof until you absolutely need to. But waiting until a lea...
They enter your home in a myriad of ways: hitching rides on cut flowers, clothing, or pets, or simply flying though o...
Whether in the form of a windowpane, shower wall, or tabletop, glass serves as a durable and glamorous surface almost...
Even if you’re not an avid cultivator of prized begonias or caretaker of an expensive golf course like Bill Murray’s ...
Spring officially starts this month, and with the change in seasons comes a new flurry of activity. The warm weather will undoubtedly draw the family outside, whi...
When faced with the conundrum of how to unclog a garbage disposal, most people would agree the easiest solution is to...
Q: Help! The lightbulbs in our fixtures keep flickering on and off. As far as I know, my house isn’t haunted, but I’m...
No matter how hard you work to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean, they'll always look dingy if they're plagued by ...
February's here—and that means at least 6 more weeks of winter. That means that now's the time to take care of some end-of-the-season indoor projects. If you're l...
If you bathe your body at all, you’ll inevitably encounter soap scum. It's a sad irony of housekeeping that a substan...
Cost-conscious, savvy homeowners know that doing the grunt work of home improvement projects cuts spending. It also results in a more beautiful and functional hou...
Even if you keep your bathroom tiles clean, dirty grout lines can really detract from the look of your tiled floors a...
Homeowners who live in seasonally cold climates dread having their pipes freeze. At the very least, a frozen pipe can...
In preparation for an evening of fun, food, and merriment with family and friends, you’ve planned and cooked and clea...
Starting or ending a long day with a weak shower is deeply unsatisfying. Still, when other around-the-house fixes ran...
When your sink or shower drain gets clogged, it's pretty easy to figure out the cause. The perp is usually a disgusti...
You know the story: After cooking a big meal—especially after doing so several times a week, for months—splattered gr...
The final month of the year is also one of the busiest. Between winter prep, holiday festivities, and end of year organizing, there's much to be done. This list o...
Did you know the average American family washes eight loads of laundry a week? That translates to more than 400 loads...
Though you don't live in the tropics, the most humid days might make you feel like you do. That dampness is not only ...
Holiday entertaining is getting underway, and gracious hosts everywhere are busy cleaning, shopping, decorating, craf...
You set out a drop cloth and meticulously lined the wall trim with painter’s tape, but you still ended up with a litt...
Time never seems to be on our side, and it can especially work against us in the case of certain home repairs. A suspicious water spot on the ceiling, a slight cr...
The sign of an old box spring is a bed that just won’t stop squeaking when all you’re trying to do is catch a bit of shut-eye. Instead of rushing out to buy a new...
You've probably heard the saying, “Measure twice, cut once.” But when it comes to home improvement, another useful bit of advice—always learn from others' mistake...
Don't let the name fool you: Silverfish are nothing like the goldfish you nurtured as pets in your childhood bedroom....
Streaky mirrors are common problems for even the most conscientious housekeeper. Sometimes, no matter how carefully y...
All major appliances are subject to general wear and tear, and that means they will eventually break down and need to be replaced. But we don’t have to help them ...
We all start autumn bright-eyed and optimistic, eager to pick apples, gaze at the stars, or watch the leaves change c...
House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops, and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your hom...
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...
For the last 50 years or so, new home foundations have almost always been made of concrete. Ranking among the toughes...
The dog days of summer are long gone, and fall is finally here. Although the season's crisp temperatures and colorful leaves are enjoyable, they are also a signal...
In many parts of the country, 'tis the time for trees to start showing signs of crimson and gold. Yet while fall foli...
It's a cruel fact: Those factors that make home exterior siding so crucial are the same ones that undermine its performance over the long term. In other words, in...
Stucco is a wonderfully versatile wall treatment—durable, weather-resistant, and attractive. It's been used in countl...
October brings cooler temperatures to much of the country, which makes it a busy time of year for weekend warriors. There's much to do, from winterizing the yard ...
Powered hedge trimmers are a tremendous time-saver for any homeowner who prefers to handle his own landscaping. But i...
Congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner! But along with the new address comes a new set of responsibilities, including some you may not even know about. Th...
After a long and hot summer, many homeowners are enjoying the cooler temperatures of autumn. While it may be a welcome relief, the chill in the air carries a sobe...
Hopping into a hot and steamy shower only to notice that the water is pooling around your feet makes for a rough way ...
Window air conditioners: We turn to them in the dog days of summer, turn them off when the weather cools down, and fo...
With summer winding down and autumn on the horizon, September is the perfect month to perform crucial maintenance tasks, keep the yard in order, and kick clutter ...
All good things must come to an end, and that goes for summer too. On a blistering August afternoon, cold weather may seem like an almost inconceivably remote pro...
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 ...
A green, moss-covered roof may make you think you’ve wandered into a fairy tale, complete with a quaint little woodcu...
Has it been a while since your last home improvement project? If your do-it-yourself skills are a little rusty, chanc...
We're well into the dog days of summer, and as temperatures (and energy bills) soar, there are plenty of household chores to tackle—both indoors and out. This mon...
When it comes to putting your house on the market, you spend much of your time considering how to stage your rooms to...
With the summer season nearing its peak, chances are that your lawn mower would benefit from a bit of mid-season TLC....
Look at any flat roof and, along the edges, you're likely to see a special type of flashing—the drip edge. Though not...
Even the most experienced homeowners can get sucked into spending a lot of money on maintenance costs or home improvements that just don’t deliver. For those who ...
Longer days and warmer weather mean there's so much more to enjoy this time of year. At the same time, you may also find there's more to do around the house. Help...
As pretty as woodpeckers are to observe in your backyard or garden, these noisy birds can cause major damage to your ...
Dreams of the summer season tend to focus on long, lazy days spent reading the latest bestsellers, napping in the rope hammock, or watching white clouds drift acr...
Does the water coming out of your faucet look a bit like the Mississippi River after a rainstorm? There are at least ...
There's no disagreement here: Concrete ranks among the most durable, longest-lasting of all building materials. That ...
Think your wood siding needs a fresh coat of paint? Maybe. Or it could be that your wood clapboard, lap, or shingle s...
When you're trying to maintain a home, there's just too much to keep track of. Something always needs cleaning, replacing, or updating, making it easy to forget t...
Looking forward to a staycation, or a blissfully commitment-free Sunday? The backyard hammock or patio lounger may be calling your name. But if you want to add a ...
Everyone makes mistakes, even when it comes to the responsibilities of homeownership. No matter how conscientious you are, you may be leaving your home vulnerable...
Your lawn mower has more in common with a race car than you might think. To stay in top working order, both require t...
"Just paint it!" That's the motto for many DIYers when they're unhappy with the lamp, dresser, doors, hardware. . . y...
In an alternative universe—in a world with neither vehicles nor inclement weather—your concrete driveway might never lose its pristine, freshly poured look. But i...
Grilling season is back, and not a minute too soon! To avoid any unpleasant surprises on your inaugural cookout, give...
Used for cutting paper, cardboard, fabric, string, price tags, plastic packaging—that list goes on—those scissors in ...
May is a practically perfect month for home improvement. Across much of the country, the mild weather makes it just as feasible to work on the outside of your hom...
Winters put backyard decks to the test. If yours emerged from the ravages of the season worse for wear, take heart. Today, the floorboards may be weathered and th...
The joys of homeownership are many—as are the little everyday challenges. The occasional leak or break is bound to happen, but there's no reason why these minor ...
When it comes time to spiff up your porch or patio for spring, cleaning your furniture cushions ranks high on the to-...
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...
Let's face it: There are some home maintenance and repair issues that, given a choice, most property owners are likely to procrastinate, whether because they take...
Replacing a screen on a wooden window frame? It's a straightforward job. To get it done right, and with a minimum of ...
Though caulk often lasts for years, it doesn't stick around forever. If yours has become discolored, has developed cr...
Spring is here—and with it, a flowering of seasonal responsibilities. It's time to repair any fences, lawns, or furniture that winter battered and bruised. And wh...
With melting snow and spring rains just around the corner, now is the most important time of year for sump pump maint...
As you go about your spring cleaning routine, take a few minutes to inspect the condition of your wood furniture and ...
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've ever tried to remove paint from brick, you know that it can be a painstaking process. Depending on the scop...
Is a slamming door driving you nuts? Have you had noise complaints from neighbors? Here are a few simple and inexpens...
Carpeting inevitably undergoes wear and tear, whether from foot traffic or the accidents of everyday life. If those f...
Though it's not easy, removing tile is an early and necessary step in some of the most common, albeit ambitious, home...
Spring will be here soon enough. It's the perfect time to tidy up—both indoors and out—and take stock of your home. Whether you're planning your garden, growing a...
Do you Sugru? If you have not yet experimented with this endlessly versatile product, you may be missing out on one of the most useful and fun-to-use tools now av...
Wood, which naturally soaks up and retains water, makes an ideal environment for mold and mildew. If you're dealing w...
<p>How much do you pay for electricity each month? Whatever the answer, you probably wouldn't mind having a lower electric bill. The good news is, there are many ...
Home maintenance is a constant reality for homeowners and renters alike, but it doesn’t have to be painful. If you keep the right products on hand, you can fix ju...
Fleas are irritating—not only for pets but also for people. If you have fleas in the house, you can usually expect so...
Nothing brightens up a room like a fresh coat of paint—but the unfortunate side effects of many painting projects are spills and splatters. Even the most careful ...
Removing wallpaper is, in a word, laborious. The process takes a great deal of energy and time. And lo and behold, ev...
It's the shortest month of the year, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to be done. Tackle your home projects systematically by identifying your home's needs...
Homes make strange noises on a regular basis, from groaning and creaking to popping and scratching. As a homeowner, you should be able to tell whether that noise ...
When our hands get dry and the skin cracks a bit, we quickly reach for the lotion. The same logic applies to leather ...
If there were one rule in home exterior maintenance, it might be this: Don't skip the door. With their frequent daily...
Chances are that, somewhere along the line, you've had to deal with a clog in your kitchen drain. Even if you make a ...
Conventional wisdom holds that upgrades and improvements will enhance a home’s value. But some improvements are better—and more cost-effective—investments than ot...
Why do you do when there's a smoke alarm chirping in your home, seemingly without provocation? How can you keep that ...
Late last year, Buffalo, New York, recorded a record amount of snow—and winter hadn't even begun yet. More than a few...
It's a new year—and the perfect chance to start fresh! Here are 10 projects that will help you restart, reorganize, and reinvigorate your home this month.
Does home improvement leave you scratching your head? We compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions at BobVila.com—along with the answers. Click through...
Cast iron, properly cared for, can last a lifetime at least in the kitchen. Apart from cleaning your pan or skillet a...
Winter brings snowmen, sledding, and toasty evenings by the fire. It also brings a special set of maintenance issues that require a homeowner's attention. Proper ...
Though winter's worst storms are likely yet to come, many homeowners around the country have already had ample opport...
Gas fireplaces have been showing up in more and more homes the past few years. They're clean, easy to use, and add a ...
Motion sensor lights are a must for any home security system, but sometimes they get out of whack, turning on and off...
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...
There are plenty of ways — short of moving to Miami — that you can keep ice and snow under control this winter. For a stress-free season, rely on some improved pr...
December is a busy month, packed with festivity preparation and the typical winter maintenance. Get it all done and still have time to lounge inside by the fire b...
Garbage disposals are handy household tools, but if you're not careful, they can get jammed or clogged. To keep this ...
With winter fast approaching, you'll want to make sure you've taken some critical steps to keep your house warm and safe through the colder months. Here are seven...
Nothing kills the mood of a refreshing bath after a long day (or for that matter, an energizing shower to start one) faster than the sight of mold. Or a delay in ...
This winter, before you shut your storm windows, make sure that at the bottom of each one, the weep hole is clear. A...
The Halloween decorations are packed up and Thanksgiving is on the way. November's cooler weather makes it a great month to spend indoors with friends and family....
Owning a home can be very expensive, which is why many savvy homeowners learn to do minor maintenance and repair work themselves, rather than hire a professional....
Tineola bisselliella, the common clothes moth, wreaks havoc on wardrobes, destroying shirts and socks, pants and swea...
The good news: Bats are not aggressive. The bad news: If there are bats in your house, it's only a matter of time bef...
There's a simple reason why builders relied on steam radiators for decades and decades—they work! But every technolog...
It wasn't so long ago that trisodium phosphate (TSP) was a go-to choice for tough cleaning jobs. In recent years, how...
The crisp snap of autumn weather is a reminder that even colder days lie ahead. Get ready for them by performing a few simple chores now that will keep you toasty...
Wood furniture is no small investment. In covering the expense, we are comforted knowing that what we are buying can ...
Don’t wait until temperatures plummet: Now is the absolute best time to perform basic furnace cleaning and maintenanc...
Every year, fall reintroduces us to a raft of pleasures that we get to experience in no other season—hot apple cider,...
Summer's gone and autumn's knocking at the door. The month of October brings colorful leaves, cool breezes, and Halloween trick-or-treaters. It's also the perfect...
Homeowners know too well that not all greenery contributes to the beauty of a garden. Weeds, for instance, are a chie...
Let's be clear: It's no fun to remove vinyl flooring. Peeling up the material itself is no picnic, but the real trial...
Show of hands: Which one of you has just poured bacon grease right out of the pan down into the sink? Or dumped a pot’s worth of used coffee grounds down the drai...
No matter where you live, be it city, suburb, or country, noise is just about everywhere. Even the quietest of neighborhoods regularly experience some level of no...
<p>Say goodbye to Stuart Little! A mouse infestation can be enough to make anyone skittish. Those pesky critters can carry a plethora of dangerous diseases and ca...
September marks the official beginning of autumn, which means there are leaves to be raked and cold weather preparations to be made. But this month is more than j...
By the beginning of fall, once the warm weather comes to end, second-homeowners around the country begin the process of closing up their summer abodes. When leavi...
With all the turf you've been trimming this summer, now's a good time to give your mower some well-deserved TLC. That...
Your deck was no small investment: If you haven't been taking good care of it, now's the time to give your deck the c...
It can be a real chore to deal with all of your home's trouble spots and "quirks," especially after you've learned to live with them. Sometimes it's out of pure p...
Wood furniture is beautiful, but it's not impervious to the wear and tear of everyday life. To retain their looks, ne...
There's no mistaking when a mole or two have invaded your lawn and garden. Though you're not likely to see one above ...
People go weeks, months, and even years without giving the toilet a second thought. The instant it clogs, however, th...
Have you got a freezer full of frost? That'll happen. Fortunately, defrosting a freezer isn't as big a deal as people...
By the time August hits, the end of summer is on the horizon, regretfully, but don't despair—there's still plenty of time left before fall. Make the most of this ...
Gleaming silver exudes refined charm, yet over time that lustrous beauty gradually fades with the accumulation of tar...
In the war against wet, homeowners have a new weapon: It's called NeverWet. Designed to repel water and keep surfaces...
Brick is very low maintenance, but age and weather still take their toll. As a result, brick requires occasional repo...
Enter the yard of most homes in America and somewhere among the trees, shrubs, and grass, you're bound to find metal....
Stately and strong, brick has been a popular building material for centuries. Though it seems impervious, brick needs...
Like any other tool in your arsenal, a chain saw must be properly and consistently maintained in order to perform eff...
Springtime and summer are lovely times of year, but they do usher in a host of seasonal hazards, perhaps none more fe...
July ushers in the start of summer, which translates into outdoor living, grilling, and staying cool. But this month, like any other, there are things you can do ...
These days, each and every time you buy something new, the product seems to come with a sticker on it. Usually, that ...
Few things can add as much warmth, character, and charm to a room as hardwood floors. From the amber glow of heart pi...
For some of us, summer doesn't mean sunbathing on the beach or hiking along a mountain trail—it means grilling burger...
You're not alone in wanting to get rid of cockroaches. These creepy-crawly insects are a major problem around the cou...
With its rich color and supple feel, leather furniture invites an element of luxury into your room decor. Fortunatel...
A terrific way to maintain good health is to stick to a diet chock-full of fruits and vegetables. But few things spoi...
You can spend hours washing the floor, dusting the furniture, and vacuuming the nooks and crannies in any given room,...
May is a month worth celebrating. Those April showers have gone, leaving in their wake beautiful spring flowers, and the heat of summer has yet to arrive. As the ...
You know how to care for your lawn, but how about your mower? Mowers need some TLC after sitting in a cold shed or garage all winter long. Before grass-growing se...
A home is like a relationship—it requires a little bit of money and attention to keep it going strong. Neglect some e...
You know you should test your smoke alarm twice a year, but what about your fire extinguisher? If yours is at the bac...
Your home’s exterior should be beautiful and inviting, not constantly in need of repairs. As well, your time spent outdoors should be relaxing, not full of weeken...
Spring has officially arrived, and that means a whole host of outdoor chores for homeowners. One of the most importan...
Spring has sprung! While cool temperatures may not be completely behind us, it's certain that April will usher in warmer days, making it the perfect month to get ...
It can be mighty labor-intensive and time-consuming to remove paint, which is why many do-it-yourselfers dread the ta...
Homeowners have long relished the beauty, versatility, and toughness of wood furniture—and above all, they've appreci...
Nothing renews that feeling of pride of ownership more than attending to annual home maintenance tasks (especially on...
By design, our floors will see some of the most wear and tear of any of the fixtures in our home. Even if you’re normally careful with your floors, life happens. ...
I am moving into a new home. The previous owners had a dog. I am wondering if cleaning the air ducts is worthwhile. ...
Tile has always been a popular choice for floors, walls, and other surfaces due to its durability and long life. In f...
Learning how to remove rust from metal isn't rocket science, and in homeowners' ongoing fight to maintain outdoor too...
With February behind us, we know that spring will soon be here—despite recent freezing temperatures and the ongoing forecasts of snow. Whether it comes in like a ...
It's winter and I keep getting condensation on the inside of my windows. What's the solution?When moist, warm air mak...
I know it’s still winter here in the Northeast, but I start thinking about spring the minute Presidents’ Day weekend ...
Remember Rosie, the congenial (and often hysterical) robot that flitted around the Jetsons' apartment in the sky, keeping things neat and tidy? When the cartoon f...
What can I use to remove caulk from around the bathtub? Also, what is the correct product to use when I caulk the tub...
Sure, February's a short month, but it's jam-packed with chores and planning. It's time to turn attention indoors, spiffing up bathroom grout and kitchen cabinets...
Steel wool, now commonplace in the modern home, came about somewhat by accident. It is believed that 19th-century mechanics used to gather up the metal waste shav...
Several years after you complete a bathroom or kitchen renovation, it inevitably starts to show some wear. One culpri...
Not every home's a fixer-upper, but all houses need occasional repairs and maintenance. You'll be able to handle those jobs like a pro if you make sure you have t...
There are some maintenance and repair issues that homeowners just hate to deal with—either because they take time, or...
Termites and other pests can cause expensive damage. Here's what to look for. The sawdust-like accumulations of fra...
'Tis the season for resolutions—and have we got some good ones for you! Follow our lead, and come next December, your house will be more energy efficient, better ...
I just drained my water heater for the first time since it was installed back in '89. . . 24 years ago! The water cam...
Porcelain tile consistently ranks as a preferred flooring choice among homeowners, partly due to its beauty—the mater...
This month is all about the holidays—from decorating the house inside and out to making sure you have everything you'...
Here's how you can tell if your house has termite damage. First, examine obvious areas of wood rot for termites. Som...
Now that winter's nearly here, it's time for a pop quiz: You wake up in the morning and there's ice on the dog's wate...
Aluminum siding first became popular in the wake of World War II, when this metal, which had been so crucial to the w...
While many of us would be fearful of repairing a roof or installing an electrical outlet, there are plenty of things ...
The Halloween decorations have been cleared out and there's a bracing chill in the air—time to get ready for winter! ...
Of all the necessary evils that go into a diligent fall maintenance routine, cleaning the gutters may be the most dre...
Because today's new houses are built to allow less air infiltration than older homes, mold growth has become a conce...
This time of year, those of us who are lucky enough to have trees that provide summer shade have to pay for that priv...
Fall brings football, hot apple cider, pumpkin carving, and other seasonal delights. But for homeowners with deciduou...
A wet-dry vac is a great tool to have—and not just for cleaning up the workshop. They come in handy for those tediou...
October is a month filled with simple pleasures: cooler temperatures, yard sales, leaf-peeping, apple-picking, and ev...
Your kitchen contains more appliances than any other room in the house. When the units are in good condition, there's...
Don't throw out that rusty garden furniture. Restoring it can be a great weekend project. Use a wire brush or sandpa...
There are lots of ways to refinish a deck. If you want to showcase a fine wood species, such as mahogany, cedar, or r...
I am moving to a new house where the living room and dining area have wall-to-wall carpeting. I asked the previous ow...
Low water pressure can be a real annoyance—the shower subsides to a trickle, the washing machine takes eons to fill, ...
Things with "French" in the title are usually fancy, right? Poodles, perfume, pastries. But a French drain is nothing...
As another summer slips away, the days seem to straddle the seasons, alternating between warm breezes and brisk winds...
Of all homeowner responsibilities, few so clearly indicate the end of summer as closing the swimming pool. Properly d...
Fighting pests at home? The best offense is a clean, dry, and air-tight defense. The importance of sanitation cannot ...
1. PAINTING UNFINISHED WOODI'm painting a bunk bed from IKEA that's solid pine and unfinished. Do I still need to san...
1. RUSTY BOLT REMOVAL I have an old bench outside with rotting old seat boards. The nuts and bolts holding the wood t...
Brick houses are hard to damage. Anyone familiar with The Three Little Pigs knows that. Inevitably, however, there co...
1. LIVING ROOM CEILING OPTIONSI recently purchased a 'fixer upper' in the DC area and am starting to decorate. In my ...
1. HANGING WALLPAPER IN THE BATHROOMPainting is easy and the result is resilient, but I can't help thinking that pain...
Perhaps never before have there been so many enticing countertop options to fit every budget, décor, and culinary nee...
Summertime! The living is easy and—more often than not—the food is grilled. From burgers, dogs, and steaks to chicken...
As the saying goes, sharp tools are safer tools. So here are a couple of hints for keeping your cutting tools sharp. ...
I've never seen the guy so angry: His wife used a favorite chisel to open a paint can and my friend Dominick took it ...
The bench grinder is to the workshop as the trainer is to the team. It doesn't run out on the field when a tool goes ...
A good handsaw, when properly treated, is a tool that can be passed with pride from one generation to the next. Essen...
Using woodworking planes whose cutters are out of adjustment is like driving a car in the wrong gear: You may be able...
I know you've heard it before, but it's true: sharp tools are safer tools. The chisel is a perfect case in point. A d...
Preventing and treating termite infestations is a top priority for many homeowners. Termite control is not a do-it-yo...
When choosing outdoor furniture for a garden room, outdoor kitchen, or multi-level deck, some consumers prefer qualit...
While Ratatouille might have been a runaway blockbuster film, no one wants rats in the house — or mice or squirrels o...
The garage door is the single largest moving part in your home, and should be inspected and maintained every year. Wh...
On television, home improvement projects go from start to finish in 60 minutes or less. You’ve probably thought while...
1. FAULTY FAUCET REPLACEMENTWhen I turn on the water in the bathtub and pull the plunger so that water redirects to t...
Wicker furniture and accessories are very popular choices for living spaces both outdoors and in. Comfortable, sturd...
1. GROUNDWATER LEAKING INTO BASEMENTI have a water supply pipe to the house that enters through the basement wall. Th...
Among the true joys of summer is the opportunity to spend more time outside relaxing, entertaining, and playing. But ...
1. STAINED MARBLE COUNTERTOPSI have a beautiful marble countertop on my cooking island. It was never sealed properly ...
To safely and productively operate a chain saw, you must commit to maintaining it. Keep your chain saw in tip-top sha...
There is nothing like a long, leisurely soak in a luxurious hot bath to soothe away the stresses of the day—that is, ...
A wooden fence is a beautiful accent on any home, but it takes some maintenance to keep it looking neat and trim. Spr...
Living in the city has its perks. But it also has its pests. From mice to roaches to bed bugs, dreaded pests can and ...
It's spring, the season for cleaning. Washing windows is at the top of our list. Many commercial window-cleaning prod...
The advent of spring is generally welcome, but warmer temperatures also bring out unwanted pests, namely termites. Of...
Vinyl siding is a durable, versatile, and resilient building material, but it does require some routine care and clea...
How strong is your relationship with your spouse? Do you want to test it? Spend a weekend stripping wallpaper togethe...
Brass brings a warm, burnished glow to household items, ranging from switch plates, door knockers, and lamps to bathr...
On the cusp of spring, March is the month to start readying your house for the warm weather ahead, as well as to addr...
Vinyl tile and laminate flooring is attractive, durable, and long-lasting, even under a home's highest-traffic condit...
Varnish, lacquer, shellac and other clear coats are applied to protect wood furniture and flooring from scratches, sc...
For many of us, area rugs are a significant investment in decor. They warm up and add color to our rooms. They provid...
Baby, its cold outside—and the last thing you want to do is return home to a frosty house. The smart time to examine ...
To celebrate Cupid's holiday this year, we count off ten ways to show your house that you care.
When it comes time to learn how to clean concrete, realize you don't need to be delicate; after all, it's a very hard...
If your house has drafty windows, your heating and cooling systems may be working harder than they need to. Taking a ...
I have a slate fireplace surround that makes my living room feel really warm and earthy, even if the fire is not lit....
Dust bunnies are multiplying, dog hair is piling up, and bird feathers are flying—oh my, it must be the furnace filte...
Special problems need special solutions—and that's particularly true of wood flooring. When accidents happen, first ...
It's not so much that your under-sink workhorse needs strict maintenance, only sensible care. You probably already kn...
Reviving rusty metal tools or furniture is a great indoor winter project, and there are three ways to remove rust. Li...
I remember waking up as a kid on wintry mornings to find frost on my bedroom window obscuring the trees and yard. Tho...
Gleaming and shiny, stainless steel brings a bright and polished air to any kitchen. Keeping that brilliant sheen, ho...
There is a definite chill in the air, and the first snow flurries are flying… that means it’s time to get our snow bl...
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...
When I lived in a New York City apartment building, I never thought about shoveling snow. We had a wonderful superint...
As days get shorter and weather gets colder, we retreat indoors to the warmth of our homes and hearths. If you have a...
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...
As the weather gets colder, it’s a good idea to do some fall maintenance on your outdoor equipment and put it to bed ...
Keep the cold out, the heat in, and your energy bill down with these cost-effective tips for winterizing your home.
As you ready your house for the colder months ahead, don’t forget about your water system. When water freezes, it exp...
Home improvement projects are messy business: Whether you’re painting, re-tiling, or just moving furniture, you want ...
Now that the summer scorchers are over, it’s time to bring in your window air conditioning units. Listen to BOB VILA ...
While you were having fun in the sun this summer, it was no vacation for your house. A fall checklist will tip you of...
If you hear banging or knocking when you turn the tap on and off in your home, you could be straining pipes and coppe...
Even tiny gaps between your tub and the wall tiles can let enough water in to damage your walls and host mold. Since ...
Cleaning your painted walls may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple (if somewhat time-consuming...
While they’ll grind and send most kitchen scraps down the drain in small batches with a good strong flow of cold wate...
Recycling is more than sorting out plastic bottles and composting leftovers. Proper disposal of household objects is ...
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...
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...
Late summer’s when you see ‘em, but now’s not actually the best time to mess with a bee or wasp nest. The queen esta...
Everyone agrees that you should change your HVAC filter on a regular basis, but not everyone agrees on the type of fi...
Maintaining your countertops may require more than a simple cleaning. Here are top tips for maintaining every material.
If you’ve ever wondered, "What is a sump pump?" then you’re lucky, because you probably don’t need one. But for the u...
This summer, to ensure you’re spending more time enjoying your weekend and not struggling to get your mower to start,...
A quality garden starts with quality care—and that doesn’t just mean keeping up with your weeding. Maintaining your g...
Don't miss 11 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget!Eliminate Winter SurprisesWhile you were having fun in the sun ...
Don't miss Clean Gutters Now to Avoid Big Problems LaterDon’t Ignore Your GuttersWhile it’s a job many of us would lo...
What Are Ice Dams?Many homeowners in the northern United States are all too familiar with ice dams. These are thick a...
An imperative “rite of spring” in our house is checking our two central air conditioning systems to make sure they ar...
Weather Stripping: Not Just for Winter Before you add to your electric bill trying to keep cool this summer, add some...
Let's face it, the easiest way to transform an old piece of furniture is to paint it. But if the piece is well-constr...
Sealing your driveway may seem like a bothersome chore, but its benefits are significant. First, a regular coat of se...
A wood deck is certainly a thing of beauty, but only if it is well maintained from year to year. If your deck is show...
Before you pull your window air conditioner out of storage, consider its age. Efficiencies have improved so much that...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
It’s the time of year when Christmas tree lots start appearing around your community, bringing with them a difficult ...
Bob Vila recently contacted me because he had a bee infestation in his attic. I've made several visits to his house s...
To determine whether a carpenter's square is true, all you need is a straight line. Sound too simple? First you lay t...
Few do-it-yourself projects deliver the "wow" factor as potently as refinishing hardwood floors.
Carpenter ants damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting. Unlike termites, wood damaged by carpenter ants does not ...
Hardwood floor refinishing and sanding is unforgiving work. Make a mistake and it will show. However, a refinished fl...
From stately colonials to simple ranches, brick has remained as a popular building material for centuries. Its energy...
At one time or another most of us have considered remodeling the kitchen. It’s the one room in the house that sees th...
To do a thorough job of spring home maintenance and cleaning, follow these easy and smart routines.
This year, many parts of the country have enjoyed such a mild winter that even in the Northeast, spring weather seems...
Our laminate countertop looked fine, but the protective coating was pretty much gone. Coffee, tea, wine, juice, sauce...
Give your home a once-over and tend to winter preparation tasks and repairs before the year’s first frost. “Getting t...
Tool Maintenance. Whatever your storage arrangements, keep your tools clean. After use, remove any sap or resins from...
Spade bits, it seems, are always encountering nails, at least in the kinds of rough drilling chores that renovation w...
Fall is just around the corner: time to get your house in shape for the cooler months ahead. Although autumn can be o...
Some friends of mine moved into a new house and had a couple of issues with their bathroom. The sink drain was a litt...
No amount of candy corn can make up for the moment you realize that your carefully carved pumpkin’s smile has turned ...
Put the phone down! There's no need to call the plumber. In only six simple steps, you can unclog a drain that no longer flows as freely as it once did.
It’s not mold. It’s probably not soot. The black spots discoloring your asphalt roof are more than likely the pervasi...
Use these ten easy fall maintenance projects to keep your house in peak condition through the winter.
Securing your home against winter is always a prime consideration for homeowners, no matter where you live. Regardles...
1. Roof: Check the roof and around vents, skylights, and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary. 2. Attic: If there ...
Summer folks on the New England shore have a long-standing tradition of flying the flag from Memorial Day to Labor Da...
This year the deck on our summer place turns 11. The deck isn’t vast, maybe 10' x 30'—just the right size for evening...
Interior beams, walls, and ceilings have been sandblasted, exposing raw surfaces that will become an integral part of the interior design. Reggie Ray of Georgia-P...
Bob reviews some of the new steel framing that's gone up and has a look at the newly sandblasted beams. Bob also summarizes the brickwork that needs to be done on...
Bob and Professor Tom Visser (UVM) visit the Burtch-Udall house in Quechee, VT, and the nearby Sumner Mansion-- suitable locales for a running discussion on prope...
Bob and roofer Paul Morris demonstrate gutter installation techniques, including the on-site assembly of special features, such as corners and trim.
Painter Kip Wanamaker power-washes the exterior of the Naples project house.
Brick worker Dan Webb explains how the brick façade is power-washed to remove several layers of ugly paint.