# Bob Vila

The Dean of Home Renovation & Repair Advice

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

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

The nip in the air this month is a reminder to stow away our lawn gear and take care of a few remaining outdoor chores.

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

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

  ### [Amazon Drops Power Tools Up to 43% Off for Labor Day—Save on DeWalt, Bosch, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/early-labor-day-cordless-drill-deals-on-amazon.md>)

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

  ### [How to Remove Tree Sap From Almost Anything](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-tree-sap.md>)

  By [Manasa Reddigari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/manasa-reddigari.md>), [Deirdre Mundorf](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/deirdre-mundorf.md>)
- [Holiday Decorations](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/holiday-decorations/>)

  ### [The 18 Best Outdoor Halloween Decorations of 2026, Picks from Our Editors](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-outdoor-halloween-decorations-2026.md>)

  By [Lisa Conant](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/lisa-conant.md>), [Jasmine Harding](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jasmine-harding.md>)

## Video

[![Why Woodworkers Love a Band Saw (AKA What a Band Saw Is Used For)](<https://i1.ytimg.com/vi/HCbvq6pBPZk/hqdefault.jpg>)](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCbvq6pBPZk>)

### [Why Woodworkers Love a Band Saw (AKA What a Band Saw Is Used For)](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCbvq6pBPZk>)

[![How to Pressure-Wash a Driveway, 2 Ways](<https://i2.ytimg.com/vi/q0jUbOLYMb4/hqdefault.jpg>)](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0jUbOLYMb4>)

### [How to Pressure-Wash a Driveway, 2 Ways](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0jUbOLYMb4>)

[![BobVila.com's 2026 Outdoor Living Awards](<https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/fDe5KdBHwOs/hqdefault.jpg>)](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDe5KdBHwOs>)

### [BobVila.com's 2026 Outdoor Living Awards](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDe5KdBHwOs>)

## Featured

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

### [Lowe’s Drops Outdoor Power Tools to Clearance for Labor Day—Save 60% Off Mowers, Chainsaws, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/lowes-outdoor-power-labor-day-2026.md>)

Save on leaf blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, mowers, pressure washers, batteries, and more from Toro, EGO, Craftsman, DeWalt, and other top brands.

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

[HVAC](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/hvac/>)

### [The Best Window Fans to Cool Your Home for Less](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-window-fans.md>)

By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>), [Stacey L. Nash](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/stacey-l-nash.md>), [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>), [Manasa Reddigari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/manasa-reddigari.md>)

[Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

### [Building An Emergency Kit? Don’t Get Caught Without These 4 RadioShack Essentials](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/radioshack-prepper-essentials.md>)

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

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

### [The Home Depot Drops Prices on Generators and Backup Power—Up to 50% Off DuroMax, Anker, Generac, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/home-depot-labor-day-deals-generators-2026.md>)

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

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

### [Amazon Is Clearing Out DeWalt Tools—Up to 47% Off Drills, Combo Kits, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/dewalt-amazon-labor-day-deals-2026.md>)

By [Stephanie Cronk](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/stephanie-cronk.md>)

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

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

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

Take these critical steps to stay safe and protect your home during the next big weather event.

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

[Exterior](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/exterior/>)

### [8 Things to Do ASAP So You’re Always Ready for Flash Flooding](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/flash-flood.md>)

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

[Exterior](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/exterior/>)

### [What Should You Do If a Tree Falls on Your House?](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/what-to-do-if-a-tree-falls-on-your-house.md>)

By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), Updated by [Margaret Foley](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/margaret-foley.md>)

[Repair & Maintenance](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/repair-maintenance/>)

### [5 Ways to Prepare Now for the Aftermath of Extreme Weather—Are You Ready?](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/preparing-for-extreme-weather-cleanup.md>)

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

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

### [15 of the Most Dangerous Things You Can Do During a Thunderstorm](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/thunderstorm-safety-tips.md>)

By [Jennifer Noonan](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan.md>), [Margaret Foley](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/margaret-foley.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.

- [HVAC](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/hvac/>)

  ### [The Best Dehumidifiers We Tested for Basements, Bedrooms, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-dehumidifiers.md>)

  By [Paul Rankin](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>), [Katie Barton](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katie-barton.md>), [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Appliances](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/appliances/>)

  ### [The Best Countertop Water Filters for Clean, Great-Tasting Water](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-countertop-water-filters.md>)

  By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>), [Alisa Martin](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/alisa-martin.md>)
- [Power Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/power-tools/>)

  ### [We Fired Over 1,000 Nails to Find the 10 Best Nailers](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-nail-guns.md>)

  By [Amy Lynch](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/amy-lynch.md>), [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Toilets](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/toilets/>)

  ### [A Royal Flush: 2026’s Best Smart Toilets for Upgrading a Bathroom](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-smart-toilet.md>)

  By [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>), [Paul Rankin](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin.md>)
- [Backup Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/backup-generators/>)

  ### [After Testing 23 Portable Power Stations, We Found the 8 Best](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-portable-power-stations.md>)

  By [Paul Rankin](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>), [Stephanie Cronk](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/stephanie-cronk.md>), [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>), Additional research provided by [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)
- [Pool Maintenance](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/pool-maintenance/>)

  ### [9 Smart Supplies for an Easy Pool Closing](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/supplies-for-easy-pool-closing.md>)

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

  ### [The Best Chlorine Tablets for Fighting Algae and Cloudy Water](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-chlorine-tablet.md>)

  By [Paul Rankin](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin.md>), [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)
- [Outdoor Furniture](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/outdoor-furniture/>)

  ### [The Best Outdoor Fans for Patios, Pools, and Garages](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-outdoor-fan.md>)

  By [Katie Barton](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katie-barton.md>), [Bob Beacham](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham.md>), [Paul Rankin](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin.md>), [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>)

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

[Lawn Care](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/lawn-care/>)

### [Signs That You Shouldn’t Reseed Your Lawn](<https://www.bobvila.com/lawn-and-garden/reasons-not-to-reseed-lawn.md>)

Not everyone needs to reseed their lawn in the fall. Learn if the time is right for you.

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

[Lawn Care](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/lawn-care/>)

### [Ego Tools Drop to Clearance-Level Prices on Amazon for Labor Day Weekend—Up to 34% Off Mowers, Trimmers, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/labor-day-ego-tools-amazon-2026.md>)

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

[Garden Pests](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/garden-pests/>)

### [3 Reasons to Grow Your Own Food in the Fall (Even if You Aren’t Big on Gardening)](<https://www.bobvila.com/lawn-and-garden/fall-vegetable-garden-benefits.md>)

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

[Houseplants](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/house-plants/>)

### [The Dos and Don’ts of Watering Plants](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/watering-plants.md>)

By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), Updated by [Gretchen Heber](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/gretchen-heber.md>)

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

### [What to Plant in September to Make the Most of Your Growing Season](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/what-to-plant-in-september.md>)

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

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

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

### [13 Surprising Uses for Bleach Around the Home](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/uses-for-bleach.md>)

Chlorine bleach isn’t just for whitening clothing. This laundry room staple has myriad uses, from making bouquets last longer to emergency water purification and disaster cleanup.

By [Donna Boyle Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/donna-boyle-schwartz.md>), [Kelly Weimert](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/kelly-weimert.md>)

[Cleaning & Organizing](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/cleaning-organizing/>)

### [How to Use a Pressure Washer to Remove Stains and Dirt From Your Driveway](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/how-to-pressure-wash-a-driveway.md>)

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

[Bathroom Remodeling](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/bathroom-remodeling/>)

### [12 Bathroom Remodel Ideas On a Budget](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bathroom-remodel-ideas-on-a-budget.md>)

By [Steph Coelho](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/steph-coelho.md>)

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

### [Home Depot Drops Power Tools to Clearance-Levels for Labor Day—Save Up to 65% DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/home-depot-power-tools-labor-day-2026.md>)

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

[Cleaning & Organizing](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/cleaning-organizing/>)

### [These Labor Day Deals Will Help You Tackle Your Home To-Do List for Less](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/labor-day-deals-to-do-list-2026.md>)

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

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

---

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

### [Quick Fix Survival Guide: 15 Home Repairs Everyone Should Know How to Do](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/diy-home-repairs.md>)

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

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

### [9 Sawhorse Plans You Can Build This Weekend to Up Your DIY Game](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/sawhorse-plans.md>)

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

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

### [I Tried 3 Different Ways to Set a 4×4 Post in My Yard](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/how-to-set-posts.md>)

By [Jenny Stanley](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jenny-stanley.md>)

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

---

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

### [7 Things You Didn’t Know Your Camera Doorbell Could Do](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/unique-camera-doorbell-features.md>)

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

[Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

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

### [Testing the Honeywell Home X8S Changed How I Answer the Door—It Streams Live Doorbell Video](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/honeywell-home-x8s-smart-thermostat-review.md>)

By [Paul Rankin](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin.md>)

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

---

[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>)

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

### [How to Improve Ventilation in Your Attic](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/attic-ventilation.md>)

By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Bob Vila](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila.md>), [Theresa Clement](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)

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

---

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

### [Goal Zero Yeti 700 Review: Lots of Portable Power Without the Bulk](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/goal-zero-yeti-700-review.md>)

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

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

### [Amazon Is Clearing Out Generators Ahead of Labor Day—Save on DuroMax, Generac, Wen, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-generators-early-labor-day-2026.md>)

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

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

### [Amazon Drops Power Stations Up to 46% Ahead of Storm Season—Save on Anker, Jackery, EcoFlow, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-portable-power-stations-august-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.

- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/glenda-taylor.png>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)[Glenda

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

  Staff Writer
- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mark-wolfe.png>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>)[Mark

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

  Staff Writer
- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sandi-Schwartz.jpg>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)[Sandi

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

  Contributing Writer
- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/savingPNG-3-e1713989275378.jpeg>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)[Theresa

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

  Contributing Writer & Editor
- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Debbie-Wolfe.jpg>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/debbie-wolfe.md>)[Debbie

  Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/debbie-wolfe.md>)

  Contributing Writer & Editor
- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tony-carrick.png>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)[Tony

  Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)

  Contributing Writer
- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bob-Beacham.jpg>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham.md>)[Bob

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

  Contributing Writer
- [![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/timothy-dale.png>)](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)[Timothy

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

  Contributing Writer