Vila was hired as the host of This Old House in 1979 after receiving the "Heritage House of 1978" award by Better Homes and Gardens, for his restoration of a Victorian Italianate house in Newton, Massachusetts. On This Old House, Vila appeared with master carpenter Norm Abram as they, and others, renovated houses. In 1989 he left the show, apparently due to a series of conflicts with This Old House executive producer Russell Morash arising from his involvement with outside commercial endorsements.

After leaving This Old House, Vila became a commercial spokesman for Sears, and hosted the television program Bob Vila's Home Again which was renamed Bob Vila in 2005. The series was canceled by CBS' King World unit on May 2007 citing poor ratings. Vila has also appeared on various episodes of Tool Time, the fictional handyman cable TV show within the situation comedy, Home Improvement (1991-99). Tool Time's host Tim Taylor (played by Tim Allen) sees him as a rival, and periodically tries to best him in various activities, never succeeding in doing so. Vila also made a cameo in the 1993 comedy spoof Hot Shots! Part Deux.

Vila has written ten books, including a five-book series titled Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Homes of America. As of 2006, he still appears regularly on television. He can also be seen on the Home Shopping Network, selling a range of tools under his own brand.

These days, he's working on getting a Master's Degree in Management, helping his friend Bill get through everyday problems, and plays Steam games - when he has a functional laptop.