Expertise
DIY & Remodeling, Gardening, Power Tools & Equipment
- Bob comes from a farming background and has been growing flowers and vegetables for as long as he can remember.
- Things always need fixing on a farm, where he developed a passion for DIY. He has completed extensive remodeling of two homes involving everything from framing and flooring to fitting kitchens and bathrooms.
- In his 40s, Bob decided on a career change and, for 11 years, ran a professional carpentry shop. In addition to contract work, he also designed and built custom furniture.
Experience
As an engineer, Bob worked on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. The carpentry business that followed was hugely enjoyable but not particularly lucrative, so he supported his passion with consultancy work. At that time, Bob also began sharing his experience by writing for several online publications. He has over 1,500 informative articles to his credit for leading names like Bob Vila, Field and Stream, Popular Science, Yahoo Life, and MSN. His articles have also been syndicated to the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, and other regional newspapers.
Education
Bob was schooled in the UK and took an apprenticeship at the age of 16. He also studied at Aylesbury College, in Buckinghamshire where he gained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
House Digest uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the always-evolving conversations surrounding design and home trends, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
-
The Avanti High-Performance Handheld HVLP Paint and Stain Sprayer has an impressive list of features and a reasonable price tag, making it appealing to DIYers.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Landscaping
By Bob Beacham
Ryobi's Expand-It range of attachments can enhance yard cleanup but what are reviewers saying about possibly dethatching a lawn with its power sweeper?
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Gardening Hacks
By Bob Beacham
You don't need to use treatments or fertilizers to improve your soil health. Choose a plant that does the job for you while filling the yard with pretty blooms.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Appliances
By Bob Beacham
When time is short, gardeners may want to look for easier ways to get their planting done. Enter Ryobi's handheld gardening tool that can till the soil.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Metal and plastic cans are both approved options for storing gas. While they differ in weight, durability, and price, the best choice depends on your needs.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Learn why power tool batteries from DeWalt, Ryobi, Bosch, and Milwaukee aren't compatible across brands and why even battery adapters have limitations.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Landscaping
By Bob Beacham
Learn why electric mowers offer better value over gas and see why John Deere takes first place for reliability in the realm of electric riding lawn mowers.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Appliances
By Bob Beacham
Gasoline is expensive, so tossing it out at the end of the mowing season is a waste of money. Learn about the additive that can keep gas fresh for two years.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Appliances
By Bob Beacham
Harbor Freight has over 7,500 tools and accessories available at competitive prices. Here's how to get the best deals on the tools you need.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
DeWalt and Kobalt are two of the most popular tools brands out there, but each has its own unique pros that make it a better value for certain customers.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
An easy setup and low costs are attractive aspects of Home Depot's Veranda Linden vinyl fence, but a closer look at the details may make you think twice.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Gardening Hacks
By Bob Beacham
Cornstarch is a popular thickening agent for food but did you know it can also be used to thicken garden products? Find out if this DIY is right for you.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Home Goods
By Bob Beacham
Explore how Harbor Freight's power tools, with professional quality at budget-friendly prices, stack up against premium brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Although a broken bail bar handle on your lawn mower is not ideal, we discovered a straightforward way of fixing it that doesn't require a lot of tools.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Harbor Freight has a wide variety of power tools with different motor types. Knowing the maintenance tips for their brush versus brushless motors is key.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Hydroponics, the gardening practice of growing plants in nutrient-rich water rather than soil, is increasingly popular, but it has a big hidden disadvantage.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Cordless tools are often more convenient, but corded options are generally less expensive. Which is a better deal from DeWalt? Here's what we know.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
The Yodolla Outdoor Metal Storage Shed from Walmart comes in 13 different sizes and is currently being sold at a discount. Is this the great value it seems?
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Gardening Hacks
By Bob Beacham
Exploring DIY fertilizer hacks? Before diving in, learn how this seemingly harmless adult-beverage hack could ruin your lawn with unintended consequences.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Landscaping
By Bob Beacham
Ant hills can be both a nuisance and a benefit, offering unique effects on your yard’s health depending on the species and where they appear.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Gardening Hacks
By Bob Beacham
Tick tubes can be effective but expensive, so some suggest creating your own budget-friendly versions using toilet paper tubes, cotton wool, and insecticide.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
While powering your DeWalt tools with just one battery helps save time and money, there's an important compatibility detail to consider before doing so.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Landscaping
By Bob Beacham
When designing a garden and yard path, you may be confronted with the choice between gravel and rocks. While both can work, one might be better for your yard.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Keep your garden full of vibrant color and hummingbirds through late summer by growing this nectar-rich flower that feathered friends can't get enough of.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Gardening Hacks
By Bob Beacham
Slugs and snails seemingly experience an unpleasant sensation when they come into contact with copper tape, but only if the tape's width is a significant size.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Gardening Hacks
By Bob Beacham
A backyard fountain doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. This easy solar-powered DIY water feature brings charm, function, and nature into your space.
By Bob Beacham
Read More
-
Landscaping
By Bob Beacham
Taking proper care of your lawn will lead to a beautifully green space that you'll want to show off. This one trick will make it look even better.
By Bob Beacham
Read More