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.
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With 20 years of professional carpentry experience, Bob Beacham vouches for these Makita tools, ideal for everything from small home repairs to big reno jobs.
By Bob Beacham
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You probably already know that asbestos can lead to health problems, but how do you know if it's lurking in the tiles in your house? There are some signs.
By Bob Beacham
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Harbor Freight is a haven for helpful tools, and if you repair small gadgets a lot, this 14-in-1 driver would be a convenient addition to your kit.
By Bob Beacham
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Carpet tiles might not be an HGTV favorite, but this versatile flooring might just be right for you. Here's what you'll need to know about it.
By Bob Beacham
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This angle grinder alternative gives you control over your tasks, is great for detailed work, and the compact size is ideal for those with limited space.
By Bob Beacham
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Inspiration
By Bob Beacham
Instead of cluttering up a small space with furniture, consider this home improvement project that adds floating seating to a room or entryway.
By Bob Beacham
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The Amazon tool is especially handy in the winter months. It is compatible with DeWalt batteries and its specs are comparable with DeWalt's version of the tool.
By Bob Beacham
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If you're tired of having ugly utility bins on display but don't have anywhere to hide them, this DIY project using just a few elements could be the solution.
By Bob Beacham
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A rattlesnake isn't a reptile to mess with. If you see one in your yard, don't panic. There are simple steps you can take to humanely mitigate the risk.
By Bob Beacham
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This alternative to traditional deck lumber lasts longer and requires less work, so you can spend even more time enjoying your outdoor space.
By Bob Beacham
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If you want a quality and reliable air impact wrench for DIY auto tasks or deck building, Harbor Freight's tool could save you $1000 compared to competitors.
By Bob Beacham
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Appliances
By Bob Beacham
Harbor Freight sells a wide range of nail guns, with different ones more or less appropriate depending on the project. Here's the line up.
By Bob Beacham
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Appliances
By Bob Beacham
A corner sander helps you put a smooth finish on small pieces or in tight spaces. Here's how Harbor Freight's offering compares to Home Depot's.
By Bob Beacham
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Your heat pump can be damaged by snow and ice. A simple outdoor DIY can help you avoid that sort of damage, helping your heat pump survive the cold months.
By Bob Beacham
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A DIY birdhouse is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Learn what recycled materials to use with safety tips to keep birds happy.
By Bob Beacham
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Appliances
By Bob Beacham
Harbor Freight has a new 80-volt earth auger for digging holes in your yard. Here's how it compares to a well-tested, similar tool from Ryobi.
By Bob Beacham
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Utility boxes are a necessary part of life, but they can hurt your home's curb appeal. This simple solution hides them while ensuring they're still accessible.
By Bob Beacham
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Tasks like painting interior walls or staining wooden decking can be made easier with an airless paint sprayer, but some of these tools are better than others.
By Bob Beacham
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This Harbor Freight electric ratchet has a lot in common with Milwaukee's products, but it excels in a number of ways -- and will be gentler on your wallet.
By Bob Beacham
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Organization
By Bob Beacham
This five-tier storage shelf from Harbor Freight is the perfect solution to help better organize your garage, and reviewers absolutely love it.
By Bob Beacham
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A patio can be a major upgrade to your outdoor space, but if you don't properly budget before starting your DIY project, you could easily get sticker shock.
By Bob Beacham
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Landscaping
By Bob Beacham
You just need fence pickets and some hardware essentials for this bird haven DIY, but be sure to follow precautions to keep your feathered friends safe.
By Bob Beacham
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Electric pole saws can make tree cleanup safer, faster, and much more convenient, and this Harbor Freight pick is a great value for the money.
By Bob Beacham
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Our expert carpenter and remodeler shares if DIY soapstone countertops are worth the effort to make them. It comes down to your space and skill level.
By Bob Beacham
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Milwaukee tools are high-quality which means you’re going to pay more for the product. But, unless you’re a mechanic, it might not be worth the cost.
By Bob Beacham
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Home Goods
By Bob Beacham
Harbor Freight carries a huge selection of tool boxes from these popular brands, so narrowing down which one is right for the job can be an arduous task.
By Bob Beacham
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Deals are nice, but can a solid warranty seal the deal?. We compare Amazon and Harbor Freight to see which one delivers when it comes to essential tools.
By Bob Beacham
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