Bob Vila Says He Was Only Paid $200 for “This Old House ”Episodes, Calls It ‘Volunteer Work’ (Exclusive)

Bob Vila Reveals Shocking Details About Payment for This Old House Episodes

Bob Vila, the renowned home renovation expert, has recently disclosed that he was paid a mere $200 per episode for his hosting role on the iconic TV show This Old House. In an exclusive interview, the 79-year-old industry veteran described his time on the show as akin to “volunteer work”, shedding light on the financial challenges he faced despite his growing fame.

The former Peace Corps volunteer candidly shared with PEOPLE that his compensation for the early days of This Old House was modest at best. “They didn’t pay you. Well, they paid you a little bit,” Vila recounted. “At the beginning, it was $200 an episode. I think I managed to get them up to about $1,000 an episode, maybe.”

Despite the meagre pay, This Old House, which premiered in 1979, quickly gained immense popularity, especially after Vila’s restoration of the Dr. Henry Jacob Bigelow House in the second season. Reflecting on his favourite project to date, Vila expressed a deep connection to the historic home repair endeavour that captivated audiences and solidified his status as a household name within the home improvement industry.

As Vila’s celebrity status soared, propelled by his role on This Old House, he found himself thrust into the limelight in ways he had never anticipated. From appearing on news programs to sharing the screen with Tim Allen on ABC’s Home Improvement and even making a guest appearance in the comedy film Hot Shots! Part Deux, Vila’s career trajectory took unexpected turns that underscored his widespread appeal.

Recalling the serendipitous nature of his foray into television, Vila described how a feature on his brownstone conversions in the Boston Globe inadvertently led to a groundbreaking opportunity in the realm of educational programming focused on restoring aging homes. This pivotal moment not only altered the course of Vila’s career but also laid the foundation for his enduring impact on the home improvement landscape.

In comparing the evolution of home renovation TV shows from his era to the contemporary landscape dominated by networks like HGTV, Vila noted a shift towards what he termed “infotainment”. While acknowledging the positive aspects of inspiring viewers to embrace preservation over disposability, he cautioned against the unrealistic portrayals of renovation projects that could mislead inexperienced enthusiasts.

Despite the proliferation of modern home renovation programmes, Vila revealed that the industry has not beckoned him back to the small screen in any significant capacity. Content with his online presence and the lasting influence of his past television endeavours, Vila remains focused on his enduring legacy and the profound impact he has had on aspiring individuals across various professional spheres.

In reflecting on his career trajectory and the overarching significance of his contributions to the world of home improvement, Vila expressed a sense of pride in the lasting legacy he has crafted. From inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions in restoration and preservation to fundamentally altering the way audiences engage with the concept of home improvement, Vila’s impact reverberates far beyond the realm of television screens.

As Bob Vila continues to champion the cause of preserving our architectural heritage and nurturing a culture of thoughtful renovation, his enduring legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a profound commitment to excellence in all endeavours.