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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JULY 14, 2011 | THURSDAY
New Air Conditioning for Old Houses

High noon will turn many a classic home into a summertime sweatbox. And while noisy window-mounted air conditioners can lower temperatures, they are just as apt to spoil a charming exteri...

JULY 14, 2011 | THURSDAY
Know the Rules for Finished Basements

Converting your basement is like finding new space, fully equipped with plumbing and heat. Before you begin your remodeling, however, you’ll need to check local codes for safety exits or ...

JULY 11, 2011 | MONDAY
How To: Install Door Hardware

As a person who has recently upgraded from living in a garage to living in a half-constructed house, the novelty of having multiple doors to open and close on a whim cannot be overstated....

JUNE 9, 2011 | THURSDAY
All You Need to Know About Hard Water

While ensuring quality drinking water in the home is a good start, that’s only the beginning. Water quality affects your quality of life as well as the devices and fixtures in your home t...