Bob Vila

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bob Vila

You probably know me from TV, where for nearly 30 years I hosted a variety of educational shows—This Old House, Bob Vila’s Home Again, Bob Vila, and Restore America with Bob Vila. I’ve also written 12 books about remodeling your home, buying your dream home, and visiting historic homes across America. It’s fair to say my life’s work has been helping people upgrade their homes and improve their lives.

Before my life in broadcasting, I launched my own residential remodeling and design business. Earlier still, I served as a Peace Corps volunteer, building houses and communities in Panama. I learned first-hand about home building from my father, who hand-built our family home.

Over the years I've also supported many causes dealing with housing and architectural preservation. I've been actively involved with Habitat for Humanity and helped them blitz build a house in Yonkers, NY, which we put on TV. I worked for years with the National Alliance to End Homelessness, supporting the work of many organizations throughout the country. In the last several years I've been helping out with the restoration of Ernest Hemingway’s home and collections at Finca Vigía near Havana, Cuba. This place was his home from 1939 until his death and he left it to the Cuban people to be run as a museum. This project has allowed me to visit my parents' homeland several times.

Now it's this website that I am passionate about and the chance to share my projects, discoveries, tips, advice, and experiences with all of you. I’ve always believed that a little sweat equity goes a long way toward making a house a home, and that's exactly what BobVila.com helps homeowners do.

Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram. I look forward to the conversation and to getting to know you.

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JANUARY 31, 2023 | TUESDAY
25 Types of Nails and How to Use Them

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, it is tempting to treat everything as if it were a nail,” wrote Abraham Maslow. While this timeless quote has more to do with solving problems than...

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 | TUESDAY
How to Grow a Beard for No-Shave November: Bob Vila's Best Tips

Since 2009, No-Shave November has been an annual opportunity to raise awareness and funds to support nonprofits that research prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancers, and there may n...

OCTOBER 24, 2022 | MONDAY
Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for November

For many of us, November marks the beginning of a season filled with house guests, nonstop holiday cooking, and cozy nights indoors. It's also the last chance for cold-region dwellers to ...

AUGUST 25, 2022 | THURSDAY
Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for September

This month is a transitional one, one in which you’ll be winding down the garden but also making preparations for hunkering down indoors. Many of our September tasks do not result in inst...

MAY 24, 2022 | TUESDAY
Bob Vila's 10 “Must Do” Projects for June

The first day of summer is almost here, and memories of the long, cruel winter have all but left our collective consciousness. Since June is prime time to fire up the grill and soak up so...

MARCH 11, 2022 | FRIDAY
Bob Vila’s “Must Do” Projects for April

Spring is here, and with it comes a bouquet of seasonal responsibilities. It’s time to clean and repair outdoor elements on your property, like fences and patios, that winter has battered...

JUNE 28, 2021 | MONDAY
Solved! Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?

Q: I have a bed bug infestation, and I’d like to take care of it quickly at home. Does bleach kill bed bugs?A: For homeowners with a bed bug problem, there’s good news: yes, bleach does k...

JUNE 2, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
How To Get Rid of Foxes

Foxes are stealthy, opportunistic hunters who can be the bane of farmers and suburban homeowners. Getting rid of foxes is easier when a homeowner limits their access to food sources, so k...

MAY 13, 2021 | THURSDAY
How To Get Rid of Frogs

Frogs are exciting and beneficial creatures to have in your yard—in moderation. The loud croaking that might draw a laugh from kids is no joke when it’s a chorus right outside your bedroo...

MARCH 31, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
Solved! What Causes Bubbling Paint—and What to Do About It

Q: I re-painted my kitchen walls a month ago with great results, but woke up today to see the paint bubbling. What could have caused this effect long after my paint job and how do I elimi...