Meghan Wentland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Name: Meghan Wentland

Title: Contributing Writer and Editor

Meghan Wentland joined the Bob Vila team as a writer and editor in the home finance, home security, and home improvement spaces in 2020. She is also a professor of writing and literature, where she spends her time teaching students to think critically and look for clarity.

Expertise and Experience

Most of Meghan’s expertise in the home improvement area comes from research, trial, and plenty of errors. In her teaching career, she spends a lot of energy explaining to students that writing is a set of skills that can be learned, and the same goes for any unfamiliar process or project. This is how she believes that with enough preparation, home buying and home improvement don’t have to be intimidating. The best companion during a home project is a clearly laid-out explanation of what to do and how to do it; Meghan is happy to contribute to that body of work for new and experienced DIYers. 

There’s a lot to know about improving a home, but home finances, insurance, and security can be just as intimidating as home improvements, especially for new buyers. In her writing, Meghan strives to tame these beasts and make them accessible for newcomers or those who don’t need the whole backstory but only the steps they need to take to get the job done.

Meghan also enjoys working on gift guides, product reviews, and pieces that help readers estimate the costs of projects and hiring the right professionals to help.

Browse By Tag

  • (54)
  • (36)
  • (34)
  • (21)
  • (14)
  • (12)
  • (10)
  • (8)
  • (7)
  • (6)
  • (6)
  • (6)
  • (5)
  • (4)
  • (4)
JANUARY 31, 2022 | MONDAY
Solved! Does a Home Warranty Cover HVAC Repair?

Q: We’re looking at a home with some older appliances, and the home inspector recommended we think about a home warranty. The biggest worry is the HVAC system in the house—it’s well maint...

JANUARY 31, 2022 | MONDAY
Solved! How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?

Q: We thought we would have more time before our HVAC system needed to be replaced. On a recent annual service call, however, the service professional told us we should start getting read...

JANUARY 31, 2022 | MONDAY
How to Get Renters Insurance: A Guide for Choosing the Best Policy for You

Protecting your belongings beyond locking the door may not be your first thought when you sign a rental lease, but it probably should be. As a renter, you’re just as likely to be a victim...

JANUARY 25, 2022 | TUESDAY
How to Shop for Homeowners Insurance in 5 Steps

Whether you’re buying your first house or shopping for a new provider, shopping online to begin a search for homeowners insurance will net you thousands of hits with very little actual in...

JANUARY 25, 2022 | TUESDAY
Solved! Do I Really Need Flood Insurance?

Q: When I bought my home, my lender mentioned that I was lucky I didn’t live on the other side of town, because it’s in a high flood risk area and buyers there are required to purchase fl...

JANUARY 21, 2022 | FRIDAY
Solved! What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Q: I’ve just signed a new lease for an apartment, and the property owner explained that the lease agreement requires that I purchase renters insurance. Why is this something I need? What ...

JANUARY 19, 2022 | WEDNESDAY
Solved! What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Q: My home loan lender has told me that I will need to buy and carry flood insurance because my home is in a high-risk area. I thought I’d only need homeowners insurance! Why do I need th...

JANUARY 13, 2022 | THURSDAY
How to Choose a Mortgage Lender That’s Right for You

Buying a home is a complex process, and topping the list of most home buyers’ worries is the question of how much it’s going to cost. Any real estate agent worth their salt will have comm...

JANUARY 11, 2022 | TUESDAY
7 Practical Ways to Enhance Apartment Door Security When Renting

Q: I recently rented a new apartment. After I moved in, I learned there has been an uptick in break-ins in the neighborhood, and now I’m nervous because I don’t want to be a victim! What ...

DECEMBER 30, 2021 | THURSDAY
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

Highlights Flood insurance costs between $438 and $1,308, with a national average of $834. The exact cost for a customer depends on their flood risk, their home’s location, and the amou...