# Bob Vila

The Dean of Home Renovation & Repair Advice

[Deals](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/deals/>)

## [Lowe’s Early Black Friday Deal: Get a Free Kobalt Jigsaw or Reciprocating Saw With a $299 Combo Kit](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/lowes-early-black-friday-free-tools-deal-nov-2026.md>)

Buy a Kobalt 24V four-tool combo kit for $299 and choose a free jigsaw, reciprocating saw, impact wrench, or other tool worth up to $169.

By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)

- [Heating](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/heating/>)

  ### [3 Updates for Electric Home Heating You Can Complete by Winter](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/electric-heating.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)

  Presented By [ Stelpro](<https://www.bobvila.com/brands/stelpro/>)
- [Repurposing](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/repurposing/>)

  ### [13 Retailers You Never Knew Would Recycle Your Old Stuff](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/retailers-that-recycle.md>)

  By [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>), [BobVila.com Staff](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila-staff.md>)
- [Holiday Decorations](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/holiday-decorations/>)

  ### [Tractor Supply’s Early Black Friday Sale Drops Country Christmas Decor to Clearance Pricing Starting at $6](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/tractor-supply-early-black-friday-christmas-decor-2026.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/generators/>)

  ### [This Trending Home Feature Is More Practical Than Pretty](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/home-backup-power.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)
- [Hand Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/hand-tools/>)

  ### [The Best Multi-Tool Gifts of 2026: Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-multitool-gifts-2026.md>)

  By [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)
- [Holidays & Celebrations](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/holidays-celebrations/>)

  ### [Holiday Decorations That Take Up Next to No Space to Store](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/easy-to-store-holiday-decorations.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)

## Video

- ### [This Is Our Favorite Pressure Washer from Our Tests | The Best of the Best](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KNZrURg7vo>)
- ### [How We Test to Find the Gas Pressure Washers](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC4LQlRYgn0>)
- ### [Why Woodworkers Love a Band Saw (AKA What a Band Saw Is Used For)](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCbvq6pBPZk>)

## Latest

[Power Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/power-tools/>)

### [The Home Depot Is Clearing Out DeWalt Tools for Early Black Friday—Save up to 53% on Tools, Kits, and Batteries/Chargers](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/home-depot-early-black-friday-nov-2026.md>)

Shop $99 drill kits, discounted batteries, and tool bundles with up to $370 off for your next project or a favorite DIYer.

By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)

- [Painting & Finishing](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/painting-finishing/>)

  ### [3 Winterization Projects That Are as Easy as Painting](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/winterization-painting.md>)

  By [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)
- [Holiday Decorations](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/holiday-decorations/>)

  ### [The Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations of 2026: 15 Festive Picks for Your Porch and Yard](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/outdoor-holiday-decorations-2026.md>)

  By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>)
- [Everyday Essentials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/everyday-essentials/>)

  ### [The Best Lunch Boxes for Construction Workers, Picks from Our Editors](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-lunch-boxes-for-construction-workers.md>)

  By [Bob Beacham](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham.md>)
- [Lawn, Garden & Pool](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/lawn-garden-pool/>)

  ### [The Best Hydroponic Systems of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-hydroponics-systems.md>)

  By [Jenn Ryan](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jenn-ryan.md>), [Katie Barton](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katie-barton.md>), Additional research provided by [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)

## [Storms & Disasters](<https://www.bobvila.com/tag/storms-disasters/>)

[Appliances](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/appliances/>)

### [Is Perishable Food Safe to Eat After a Power Outage? Here’s How to Know.](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/food-safety-in-power-outage.md>)

When the electricity goes out, the clock starts ticking on your refrigerated and frozen foods.

By [Deirdre Mundorf](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/deirdre-mundorf.md>), [Theresa Clement](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)

- [Skills & Techniques](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/skills-techniques/>)

  ### [I Live in Florida, and This Is What I Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/how-florida-resident-prepares-for-hurricane-season.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)
- [Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

  ### [12 Things You Need at the Ready in Case the Power Goes Out](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/things-you-need-at-the-ready-in-case-the-power-goes-out.md>)

  By [Alexa Erickson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/alexa-erickson.md>)
- [Home Safety](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/home-safety/>)

  ### [11 Things You Really Shouldn’t Do During a Hurricane](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/dont-do-during-hurricane.md>)

  By [Stacey L. Nash](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/stacey-l-nash.md>)
- [Repair & Maintenance](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/repair-maintenance/>)

  ### [The 48-Hour Pre-Storm Checklist That Actually Prevents Damage](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/48-hour-pre-storm-checklist.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)

## Hi, I'm Bob Vila

You probably know me from TV. For the better part of a half century, as the host of shows like *This Old House* and *Home Again with Bob Vila,* I’ve been teaching and inspiring people to upgrade their homes and improve their lives. I learned firsthand about home building from my father, and I’ve written more than a dozen books about remodeling, buying your dream home, and visiting historic homes across America. It’s fair to say that buildings, especially homes, are my life’s work.

[Learn more about Bob](<https://www.bobvila.com/about-bob/>)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/bob-apron.jpg>)

## [Product Reviews](<https://www.bobvila.com/tag/commerce/>)

### How we test and review products

The BobVila.com Product Reviews team tirelessly researches and tests products to ensure they live up to the hype.

1. Our team scours the market for best-in-class products.
2. We do our homework and thoroughly vet popular products.
3. We’ll test as many as we can get our hands on.
4. Our unfiltered, honest opinion is what you see on the page.

- [Tools & Materials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools-materials/>)

  ### [The Best Jump Starters with Air Compressors, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-jump-starters-with-air-compressor.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>)
- [Plumbing Supplies](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/plumbing-supplies/>)

  ### [The Best Water Heater Blankets of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-water-heater-blankets.md>)

  By [Jodi Webb](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jodi-webb.md>), Additional research provided by [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>)
- [Tools & Materials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools-materials/>)

  ### [The Best Benchtop Planers, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-benchtop-planers.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>), Additional research provided by [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>)
- [Tools & Materials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools-materials/>)

  ### [The Best Roof Rakes of 2026, Expert-Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-roof-rakes.md>)

  By [Zach Lazzari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/zach-lazzari.md>), Additional research provided by [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)
- [Insulation](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/insulation/>)

  ### [The Best Window Insulation Kits of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-window-insulation-kits.md>)

  By [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>)
- [HVAC](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/hvac/>)

  ### [The Best Space Heaters of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-space-heaters.md>)

  By [Stacey L. Nash](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/stacey-l-nash.md>), [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>), Additional research provided by [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Solar](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/solar/>)

  ### [The Best Solar Gutter Lights of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-solar-gutter-light.md>)

  By [Amber Guetebier](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/amber-guetebier.md>)
- [Power Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/power-tools/>)

  ### [The Best Cordless Screwdrivers for Furniture Assembly, Repairs, and Tight Spots](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-cordless-screwdrivers.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>)

## [Energy](<https://www.bobvila.com/tag/energy/>)

[Heating](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/heating/>)

### [20 Ways to Keep Warm Without Turning on the Heat](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/keep-warm-without-heat.md>)

Heating costs this year are sky-high. These tricks for staying toasty without firing up the furnace will keep the chill away—and money in your pocket.

By [Katie Nolan](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katie-nolan.md>)

- [Everyday Essentials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/everyday-essentials/>)

  ### [12 Proven Solutions for Sealing in the Heat This Winter](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/proven-solutions-for-sealing-in-the-heat.md>)

  By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>)
- [Heating](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/heating/>)

  ### [10 Home Heating Mistakes That Spike Your Utility Bills](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/home-heating-mistakes.md>)

  By [Jennifer Noonan](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan.md>)
- [Backup Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/backup-generators/>)

  ### [The Best Propane Generators of 2026, Tested by Our Team](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-propane-generators.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), Additional research provided by [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)
- [Energy & Power](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/energy-power/>)

  ### [The Whole-Home Power Solution Driving Change in Residential Construction](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/whole-home-propane-power.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)

  Presented By [ Propane Education & Research Council](<https://www.bobvila.com/brands/propane-education-and-research-council/>)

## [DIY](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/diy/>)

[Lawn, Garden & Pool](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/lawn-garden-pool/>)

### [Amazon’s Early Black Friday Sale Drops Outdoor Tools Up to 40% Off—Save on Greenworks, Worx, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-early-black-friday-outdoor-tools-2026.md>)

Finish fall cleanup with discounted Worx, Greenworks, and Black+Decker equipment, from trimmers and leaf blowers to chainsaws and mowers ready for spring.

By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)

- [Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools/>)

  ### [The Best Gifts for Pros, From Electricians to Carpenters: 32 Tools and Gear They’ll Actually Use](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-gifts-for-the-pros.md>)

  By [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)
- [Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools/>)

  ### [How to Use an Axe Safely](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/how-to-use-an-axe-safely.md>)

  By [Theresa Clement](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)
- [Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools/>)

  ### [The Home Depot’s Early Black Friday Sale Slashes Ryobi Tools Up to 57% Off—Save on Drills, Batteries, Saws, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/home-depot-early-black-friday-ryobi-deals-2026.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Holidays & Celebrations](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/holidays-celebrations/>)

  ### [31 Vintage Christmas Ideas Worth Bringing Back This Year](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/vintage-christmas-ideas.md>)

  By [Jamie Birdwell-Branson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jamie-birdwell-branson-2.md>)

## [Easy DIY Projects](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/easy-diy-projects/>)

- [Easy DIY Projects](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/easy-diy-projects/>)

  ### [40 Home Tasks to Tackle Before the First Frost](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/tasks-before-first-frost.md>)

  By [Caitlin Castelaz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/caitlin-castelaz.md>), [Michelle Ullman](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-ullman.md>), [Theresa Clement](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)
- [Easy DIY Projects](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/easy-diy-projects/>)

  ### [10 “Must Do” Home Projects for November](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/november-must-do-projects.md>)

  By [BobVila.com Staff](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila-staff.md>)
- [Heating](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/heating/>)

  ### [This Old-School DIY Reduces Drafts Inside the House (and It Looks Pretty Cool, Too)](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/portiere-curtain-ideas.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)

## [Home Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/home-security/>)

- [Home Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/home-security/>)

  ### [6 Tricks to Get Back Into Your House After Getting Locked Out](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/locked-out-of-house.md>)

  By [Jonathon Bitner Jr.](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jonathon-bitner-jr.md>)
- [Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

  ### [The Best Driveway Alarms of 2026, Tested](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-driveway-alarm-options.md>)

  By [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>), Additional research provided by [Emily Blackwood](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/emily-blackwood.md>)
- [Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

  ### [The Best Solar Flood Lights of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-solar-flood-light.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>)

## [Cooling](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/cooling/>)

- [Energy & Power](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/energy-power/>)

  ### [Making One Easy Adjustment to Your Ceiling Fan Can Lower Your Energy Bills](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ceiling-fan-direction.md>)

  By [Bob Vila](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila.md>)
- [Everyday Essentials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/everyday-essentials/>)

  ### [The Best Quiet Fans for Cooling Without the Noise](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-quiet-fans.md>)

  By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>), [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Carol Benton](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/carol-benton.md>)
- [Reviews](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/reviews/>)

  ### [Portacool Apex 500 Review: Powerful Airflow and Easy App Control](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/portacool-apex-500-review.md>)

  By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>)

## [Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/generators/>)

- [Deals](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/deals/>)

  ### [EcoFlow Power Stations Drop Up to 58% Off in Amazon’s Early Black Friday Sale](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-early-black-friday-ecoflow-deals-nov-2026.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/generators/>)

  ### [We Tested Home Generators to Find the Best Picks for a Power Outage](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-home-generator.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Austin Fracchia](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/austin-fracchia.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>), [Zach Lazzari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/zach-lazzari.md>)
- [Backup Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/backup-generators/>)

  ### [Amazon Drops Generators Up to 40% Off With Early Black Friday Deals—Save on DuroMax, Champion, Westinghouse, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-early-black-friday-generator-deals-nov-2026.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)

## Meet the Experts

We’re not just here to answer your questions and offer advice. BobVila.com seeks to educate and empower.

Our team of writers and editors are passionate about all things home. We are general contractors, master gardeners, real estate pros, historic preservationists, product testing specialists, and veteran journalists with expertise in everything from design to DIY. Our common bond is the mission of BobVila.com—to simplify, demystify, and chronicle the joys and challenges of homeownership through a commitment to accuracy, clarity, accessibility and good old-fashioned fun.

BobVila.com is the complete toolbox and ultimate resource for inspirational ideas and nitty-gritty know-how. It’s been that way since the site began in 2011. Our goal is to carry forward Bob Vila’s decades-long tradition of helping people maintain and upgrade their homes to live better each day.

- [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)

  Staff Writer
- [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>)

  Staff Multimedia Reporter
- [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)

  Contributing Writer
- [Theresa Clement](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)

  Contributing Writer & Editor
- [Debbie Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/debbie-wolfe.md>)

  Contributing Writer & Editor
- [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)

  Contributing Writer
- [Bob Beacham](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham.md>)

  Contributing Writer
- [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)

  Contributing Writer