# Bob Vila

The Dean of Home Renovation & Repair Advice

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

## [The Best Single-Stage Snow Blowers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-single-stage-snow-blowers.md>)

Nimble single-stage snow blowers are sized just right for clearing moderate snowfall from driveways and sidewalks.

By [Zach Lazzari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/zach-lazzari.md>), [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>), Additional research provided by [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)

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

  ### [Amazon Is Clearing Out Portable Power Stations Ahead of Black Friday—Save Up to 47% Off Anker, Bluetti, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-early-black-friday-power-station-deals-nov-2026.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Fireplaces & Chimneys](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/fireplaces-chimneys/>)

  ### [15 Things You Should Never Burn in the Fireplace](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/dont-burn-in-fireplace.md>)

  By [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>)
- [Power Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/power-tools/>)

  ### [The Best Gifts for Pros, From Electricians to Carpenters: 32 Tools and Gear They’ll Actually Use](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-gifts-for-the-pros.md>)

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

  ### [The Home Depot Is Clearing Out DeWalt Tools for Early Black Friday—Save up to 53% on Tools, Kits, and Batteries/Chargers](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/home-depot-early-black-friday-nov-2026.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Easy DIY Projects](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/easy-diy-projects/>)

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

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

  ### [This is the Best Temperature Setting for Your Thermostat in Winter](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/thermostat-temperature-for-winter.md>)

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

## Video

- ### [This Is Our Favorite Pressure Washer from Our Tests | The Best of the Best](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KNZrURg7vo>)
- ### [How We Test to Find the Gas Pressure Washers](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC4LQlRYgn0>)
- ### [Why Woodworkers Love a Band Saw (AKA What a Band Saw Is Used For)](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCbvq6pBPZk>)

## Latest

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

### [34 Gifts for Gardeners: What to Get the Green Thumb Who Has Everything](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-gifts-for-gardeners-2026.md>)

If you’re looking for a great gift for an avid gardener or aspiring green thumb, our guide includes options for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros.

By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>), [Jasmine Harding](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jasmine-harding.md>)

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

  ### [The Best Right-Angle Drills for Plumbing, Electrical, Cabinetry, and DIY Jobs](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-right-angle-drills.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)
- [Power Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/power-tools/>)

  ### [The Best Cordless Drills for Home Repairs and Heavy-Duty Projects](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-cordless-drills.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Bob Beacham](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>)
- [Lawn Care](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/lawn-care/>)

  ### [It’s Not Too Late to Do the Lawn Maintenance You’ve Been Putting Off](<https://www.bobvila.com/lawn-and-garden/fall-lawn-maintenance.md>)

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

  ### [Amazon Has Christmas Trees at Clearance Pricing for Early Black Friday—Save Up to 67% on Unlit and Prelit Trees](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-early-black-friday-christmas-trees-nov-2026.md>)

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

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

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

### [This Trending Home Feature Is More Practical Than Pretty](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/home-backup-power.md>)

If you want to keep your home safe and powered up no matter the weather, then you’ll want a whole-home backup generator.

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

- [Appliances](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/appliances/>)

  ### [Is Perishable Food Safe to Eat After a Power Outage? Here’s How to Know.](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/food-safety-in-power-outage.md>)

  By [Deirdre Mundorf](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/deirdre-mundorf.md>), [Theresa Clement](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)
- [Skills & Techniques](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/skills-techniques/>)

  ### [I Live in Florida, and This Is What I Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/how-florida-resident-prepares-for-hurricane-season.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)
- [Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

  ### [12 Things You Need at the Ready in Case the Power Goes Out](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/things-you-need-at-the-ready-in-case-the-power-goes-out.md>)

  By [Alexa Erickson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/alexa-erickson.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>)

## 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.

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

  ### [2026’s Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-snow-blower-for-gravel-driveways.md>)

  By [Zach Lazzari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/zach-lazzari.md>), [Tom Scalisi](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi.md>), Additional research provided by [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)
- [Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

  ### [23 Winter Emergency Supplies You Should Always Keep in Your Car](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/car-winter-emergency-supplies.md>)

  By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>)
- [Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/generators/>)

  ### [The Best Quiet Generators for a Peaceful Power Supply, Tested](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/best-quiet-generators.md>)

  By [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>), [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>), Additional research provided by [Bob Beacham](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham.md>)
- [Tools & Materials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools-materials/>)

  ### [The Best Oil for Snow Blowers of 2026, Expert-Picked](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-oil-for-snow-blower-options.md>)

  By [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)
- [Tools & Materials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools-materials/>)

  ### [The Best Nonstick Sprays for Snow Blowers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-nonstick-spray-for-snow-blowers.md>)

  By [Zach Lazzari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/zach-lazzari.md>), Additional research provided by [Timothy Dale](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale.md>)
- [Everyday Essentials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/everyday-essentials/>)

  ### [The Best Lunch Boxes for Construction Workers, Picks from Our Editors](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-lunch-boxes-for-construction-workers.md>)

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

  ### [The Best Hydroponic Systems of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-hydroponics-systems.md>)

  By [Jenn Ryan](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jenn-ryan.md>), [Katie Barton](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katie-barton.md>), Additional research provided by [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Tools & Materials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools-materials/>)

  ### [The Best Jump Starters with Air Compressors, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-jump-starters-with-air-compressor.md>)

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

## [Energy](<https://www.bobvila.com/tag/energy/>)

[Heating](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/heating/>)

### [20 Ways to Keep Warm Without Turning on the Heat](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/keep-warm-without-heat.md>)

Heating costs this year are sky-high. These tricks for staying toasty without firing up the furnace will keep the chill away—and money in your pocket.

By [Katie Nolan](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katie-nolan.md>)

- [Everyday Essentials](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/everyday-essentials/>)

  ### [12 Proven Solutions for Sealing in the Heat This Winter](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/proven-solutions-for-sealing-in-the-heat.md>)

  By [Michelle Larson](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson.md>)
- [Heating](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/heating/>)

  ### [10 Home Heating Mistakes That Spike Your Utility Bills](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/home-heating-mistakes.md>)

  By [Jennifer Noonan](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan.md>)
- [Backup Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/backup-generators/>)

  ### [The Best Propane Generators of 2026, Tested by Our Team](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-propane-generators.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), Additional research provided by [Tony Carrick](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md>)
- [Energy & Power](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/energy-power/>)

  ### [The Whole-Home Power Solution Driving Change in Residential Construction](<https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/whole-home-propane-power.md>)

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

  Presented By [ Propane Education & Research Council](<https://www.bobvila.com/brands/propane-education-and-research-council/>)

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

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

### [This $10 Hardware Store Staple Can Fix More Around the House Than You Think](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/caulk-uses.md>)

Caulk can be used for waterproofing, pestproofing, and even as an adhesive. Learn which DIY repairs you can make with this toolbox essential.

By [Donna Boyle Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/donna-boyle-schwartz.md>), Updated by [Daryna Tobey](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/daryna-tobey.md>)

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

  ### [Amazon Drops Hand Tools Up to 45% for Early Black Friday—Save on Screwdriver Sets, Wrenches, Multitools, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-hand-tools-early-black-friday-sale-nov-2026.md>)

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

  ### [How to Get Stink Bugs Out of Your House](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-stink-bugs.md>)

  By [Bob Vila](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila.md>), [Donna Boyle Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/donna-boyle-schwartz.md>)
- [Tools](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/tools/>)

  ### [Ace’s Early Black Friday Deals Drop DeWalt Tools Up to 52% Off—Save on Drills, Drivers, Saws, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/ace-hardware-early-black-friday-dewalt-deals-nov-2026.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>)
- [Painting & Finishing](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/painting-finishing/>)

  ### [3 Winterization Projects That Are as Easy as Painting](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/winterization-painting.md>)

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

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

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

  ### [40 Home Tasks to Tackle Before the First Frost](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/tasks-before-first-frost.md>)

  By [Caitlin Castelaz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/caitlin-castelaz.md>), [Michelle Ullman](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-ullman.md>), [Theresa Clement](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement.md>)
- [Heating](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/heating/>)

  ### [This Old-School DIY Reduces Drafts Inside the House (and It Looks Pretty Cool, Too)](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/portiere-curtain-ideas.md>)

  By [Sandi Schwartz](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md>)
- [Easy DIY Projects](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/easy-diy-projects/>)

  ### [Exposed Pipes: How to Cover Them If You Want to—and What to Do With Them If You Can’t](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/exposed-pipes.md>)

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

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

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

  ### [6 Tricks to Get Back Into Your House After Getting Locked Out](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/locked-out-of-house.md>)

  By [Jonathon Bitner Jr.](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jonathon-bitner-jr.md>)
- [Safety & Security](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/safety-security/>)

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

  ### [The Best Solar Flood Lights of 2026, Tested and Reviewed](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-solar-flood-light.md>)

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

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

- [Energy & Power](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/energy-power/>)

  ### [Making One Easy Adjustment to Your Ceiling Fan Can Lower Your Energy Bills](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ceiling-fan-direction.md>)

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

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

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

  ### [EcoFlow Power Stations Drop Up to 58% Off in Amazon’s Early Black Friday Sale](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-early-black-friday-ecoflow-deals-nov-2026.md>)

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

  ### [We Tested Home Generators to Find the Best Picks for a Power Outage](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-home-generator.md>)

  By [Glenda Taylor](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md>), [Austin Fracchia](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/austin-fracchia.md>), [Mark Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe.md>), [Zach Lazzari](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/zach-lazzari.md>)
- [Backup Generators](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/backup-generators/>)

  ### [Amazon Drops Generators Up to 40% Off With Early Black Friday Deals—Save on DuroMax, Champion, Westinghouse, and More](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/amazon-early-black-friday-generator-deals-nov-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.

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

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

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

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

  Contributing Writer & Editor
- [Debbie Wolfe](<https://www.bobvila.com/authors/debbie-wolfe.md>)

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

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

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

  Contributing Writer