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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MAY 15, 2012 | TUESDAY
How To: Dry a Wet Basement

A basement water problem can be as obvious as there being several inches of floodwater standing at the base of the stairs. But runaway moisture doesn't always manifest itself in plainly v...

MAY 10, 2012 | THURSDAY
What to Do with Old Paint

Not sure what to do with old paint cans cluttering up your basement or garage? Follow this action plan to either condense or dispose of your surplus—and win back some valuable floor and s...

APRIL 17, 2012 | TUESDAY
15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big

If you are saddled with a small bathroom, consider one or more of these space-enhancing products.

APRIL 15, 2012 | SUNDAY
Childproofing Checklist

One of the most important tasks for new parents is insuring the safety of their child. While the basics are generally covered before leaving the hospital—using a car seat, feeding them co...

APRIL 13, 2012 | FRIDAY
The Dutch Colonial House

Most houses that survive from the Colonial era—such as early Capes, Saltboxes, and Georgians—are descendants of English styles. But in some regions of the country, settlers originating in...

APRIL 4, 2012 | WEDNESDAY
Shipping Container Homes

Looking for an inexpensive backyard office or a tiny house in the woods? Check out the growing field of container architecture, which offers container homes constructed from reused shippi...

MARCH 26, 2012 | MONDAY
Painting Tools and Materials

In addition to top-quality application equipment, you may need some of the painting tools and painting materials listed below in order to successfully complete your painting project. If y...

MARCH 26, 2012 | MONDAY
Concrete, Block, and Slab Foundations

When building a house, two main types of foundations are used: slab-on-grade or below-grade foundations with a basement slab. Climate, including high water tables, frost lines, harsh wint...

MARCH 26, 2012 | MONDAY
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

This year, many parts of the country have enjoyed such a mild winter that even in the Northeast, spring weather seems like it's just around the corner—if it hasn't arrived already. Take a...

FEBRUARY 2, 2012 | THURSDAY
What Makes a Room a "Bedroom"?

Defining the bedroom space is important for two main reasons: home value and safety. The value of a home increases with bedroom number, so it is always in the best interest of the home se...