Bob Vila

I’m Bob Vila, and my mission has been to assist people in enhancing their homes and enriching their lives. You might recognize me from television, where I have spent nearly three decades hosting shows like This Old House, Bob Vila’s Home Again, Bob Vila, and Restore America with Bob Vila. You can now catch full episodes of my shows online. I also made memorable guest appearances as myself on Tim Allen’s sitcom, Home Improvement—those moments were truly special! Before diving into the world of broadcasting, I started my own business focused on residential remodeling and design. My journey began even earlier as a Peace Corps volunteer, where I built homes and communities in Panama. My passion for home construction was inspired by my father, who built our family home with his own hands. I’ve authored 12 books covering topics like home remodeling, finding your dream home, and exploring historic residences across the United States. Buildings, particularly homes, have been the focus of my career. Now, I’m venturing into the digital realm. With Bob Vila Academy, I'm passing the torch to talented DIY enthusiasts who will take center stage. Through a series of exclusive video courses, these experts will guide you in creating amazing projects while teaching essential skills. I’ve always believed that putting in some hard work can transform a house into a home, and that’s precisely what my new program aims to help homeowners achieve. While I’m frequently traveling, you can usually find me in my native Florida or spending summers in Massachusetts, with regular trips to New York where our web team is located. I studied journalism at the University of Florida in the 1960s and later pursued architecture in Boston. Throughout my career, I’ve supported various initiatives related to housing and architectural preservation. I’ve been involved with Habitat for Humanity, where I helped build a house in Yonkers, NY, which we showcased on TV. Additionally, I worked closely with the National Alliance to End Homelessness, supporting various organizations nationwide. More recently, I’ve contributed to the restoration of Ernest Hemingway’s home and collections at Finca Vigía near Havana, Cuba. This historic site was Hemingway’s residence from 1939 until his passing, and he entrusted it to the Cuban people to be maintained as a museum. This project has allowed me to visit my parents' homeland multiple times.