Ask Bob AI – Project & Repair Guidance

Features

What Ask Bob AI Does

Ask Bob AI is your project planning companion for home improvement and automotive maintenance. Bob transforms vague ideas into actionable plans with clear steps, proper tool lists, and safety guidance.

Turns Ideas Into Plans

You describe what you want to build or fix. Bob asks clarifying questions about your space, skill level, and available tools. Then he delivers a structured plan with phases, material lists, and step sequences. Instead of watching hours of videos and hoping you remember the important parts, you get organized guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Identifies What You Need

Every project requires specific materials, fasteners, tools, and safety equipment. Bob helps you create complete lists before you start, reducing trips to the hardware store and preventing work stoppages. You'll know whether you need a 10mm socket set or a torque wrench, whether screws or bolts make sense for your application, and what safety gear the job requires.

Explains the Why Behind Each Step

Understanding why you're doing something prevents mistakes and builds lasting knowledge. Bob doesn't just tell you to install blocking between joists—he explains that blocking prevents joist rotation under load and distributes weight more evenly across the structure. This kind of understanding helps you adapt when you encounter unexpected situations.

Flags Safety and Code Considerations

Bob identifies when projects require permits, when licensed professionals should be involved, and what safety precautions are non-negotiable. Whether it's reminding you that electrical panel work requires a licensed electrician in most jurisdictions or explaining why proper jack stand placement matters when working under a vehicle, safety guidance is built into every response.

Problems Bob Helps Solve

Information overload: Online tutorials often skip critical steps or assume knowledge you don't have. Bob provides complete sequences with nothing assumed.

Material confusion: Hardware stores have thousands of products. Bob helps you understand exactly what you need and why, so you buy right the first time.

Sequence uncertainty: Doing steps out of order causes rework. Bob organizes tasks logically, accounting for drying times, access requirements, and dependencies.

Scope creep: Projects expand unexpectedly when you discover hidden issues. Bob helps you anticipate common complications and plan contingencies.

About

About Ask Bob AI

Ask Bob AI was created to bridge the gap between watching a quick tutorial video and actually understanding how to plan and execute a project safely. Whether you're a first-time homeowner tackling your first repair or an experienced DIYer taking on a major renovation, Bob provides the kind of practical guidance that used to require knowing someone in the trades.

Why Planning Matters

Most DIY projects fail not because of lack of skill, but because of poor planning. Rushing to the hardware store without a clear plan leads to multiple trips, wrong materials, and frustrating mistakes. Bob helps you think through every step before you pick up a tool, identifying potential problems and helping you prepare for them in advance.

Real-World Experience, AI-Powered

Bob's guidance is built on decades of hands-on construction, electrical, plumbing, and automotive experience. The AI isn't just generating generic answers — it's applying trade knowledge to your specific situation, considering factors like your skill level, available tools, local climate, and the age of your home or vehicle.

Safety First, Always

Every piece of guidance prioritizes safety. Bob will tell you when a project requires permits, when you should call a licensed professional, and what safety equipment you need. He'll explain why certain steps matter for structural integrity, electrical safety, or proper vehicle operation. No shortcut advice that puts you or your family at risk.

Learn As You Go

Ask Bob AI isn't just about getting a task done — it's about understanding what you're doing and why. Each project breakdown includes explanations of building principles, material properties, and best practices. You'll finish your project with knowledge you can apply to future work, making each project easier than the last.

Getting Started

How It Works

Using Ask Bob AI is straightforward. No account required, no complicated setup. Just describe your project and start getting useful guidance.

1

Describe Your Project

Tell Bob what you want to build, fix, or maintain. Include details about your space, vehicle, skill level, and what tools you already have. The more context you provide, the more tailored the guidance.

2

Get Clarifying Questions

Bob may ask follow-up questions to understand your situation better. What's the span of your deck? What year is your vehicle? Is this a load-bearing wall? These questions ensure relevant guidance.

3

Receive Your Plan

Bob delivers organized guidance including project phases, step sequences, material lists, tool requirements, safety considerations, and code-related notes. You can copy, save, or print this for reference during work.

4

Ask Follow-Up Questions

Have questions about a specific step? Wondering about alternatives? Need clarification on a technique? Continue the conversation to dig deeper into any aspect of your project plan.

Home Projects

Home DIY Done Like a Pro

Whether you're framing a wall, hanging drywall, or finally building that backyard deck, Bob breaks projects into safe phases, so you don't skip the boring (but critical) steps. From understanding load-bearing walls to choosing the right fasteners for treated lumber, you'll get the knowledge that separates successful DIY projects from expensive mistakes.

Plan before you cut

Bob helps you translate your sketch into real‑world lumber sizes, spans, fasteners, and hardware. No vague "2×4" guesses — real dimensions, real load paths. You'll learn why deck joists need to be 16 inches on center for most spans, how to calculate beam sizes based on your deck's footprint, and which fasteners are approved for pressure-treated lumber. Bob walks you through creating a material list with exact quantities, accounting for waste and ensuring you have everything before work begins.

Decks & railings Sheds & workbenches

Code‑aware guidance

Get talking points for your local building department: joist spacing, stair rise/run, guard heights, and more. Bob won't replace an inspector, but he'll help you sound prepared. Learn why guardrails need to be 36 inches minimum for decks under 30 inches and 42 inches for higher decks, how stair rise should be between 4 and 7-3/4 inches with consistent measurements throughout, and when you need a permit versus when a project is typically exempt. Understanding code requirements before you start prevents costly tear-outs and failed inspections.

Framing Stairs

Tool lists that make sense

Instead of buying every gadget on the shelf, Bob prioritizes which tools matter most for your job, and when a rental makes more sense than owning. For a deck build, you'll need a circular saw, drill, impact driver, speed square, chalk line, and tape measure at minimum. Bob explains why a framing nailer is worth renting for large projects but a waste of money for small repairs, and why a quality level matters more than a laser for most DIY work. You'll also learn about safety equipment requirements and why skipping eye protection or work gloves isn't worth the risk.

Tool priorities Budget‑friendly plans

Understanding Home Project Planning

Successful home improvement projects share common elements: clear scope definition, realistic timeline expectations, proper material selection, and a step-by-step approach that accounts for drying times, weather conditions, and inspection requirements. Bob helps you develop these elements for any project.

Structural Projects

Decks, pergolas, carports, and sheds all require understanding of load paths, proper foundations, and connections. Bob explains why posts need to sit on concrete footings below the frost line, how to size beams for your span, and which hardware connectors meet current building codes. You'll understand the difference between ledger-attached and freestanding structures and when each approach makes sense for your situation.

Finishing Projects

Drywall, painting, trim work, and flooring require different skills than structural work but equally careful planning. Bob covers surface preparation requirements, primer selection based on your existing conditions, proper joint compound application techniques, and how to achieve professional-looking results without professional-level experience. Understanding the right sequence — why you paint ceilings before walls, and walls before trim — saves time and prevents mistakes.

Electrical Planning

Even if you're hiring an electrician, understanding electrical basics helps you communicate your needs and evaluate quotes. Bob explains circuit capacity, why kitchens and bathrooms need dedicated circuits, GFCI requirements for wet locations, and how to plan outlet placement before walls go up. For simple projects like adding a light fixture or replacing an outlet, Bob walks you through the process safely while emphasizing when permits and inspections are required.

Plumbing Basics

From fixing a leaky faucet to understanding drain slopes for a bathroom addition, plumbing knowledge prevents water damage and ensures proper function. Bob covers supply line sizing, drain/waste/vent system basics, and how to identify whether your home has copper, PEX, or galvanized pipes. You'll learn which repairs are straightforward DIY tasks and which require licensed plumbers for code compliance and safety.

Automotive

Auto Projects Without the Guesswork

From brake jobs to suspension upgrades, Bob helps you plan the work so you can wrench with confidence or talk to your mechanic like a pro. Whether you're maintaining your daily driver or tackling a restoration project, proper planning prevents stripped bolts, safety hazards, and costly mistakes.

Step‑by‑step breakdowns

Get a realistic sequence from "loosen lugs" to "torque wheels," with notes on what can go wrong, what to inspect while you're there, and where to be extra cautious. Bob explains why you should always loosen lug nuts before lifting the vehicle, how to properly support a car on jack stands, and why the sequence matters for jobs like brake caliper replacement. Each step includes the reasoning behind it, so you understand not just what to do but why it matters for safety and proper function.

Parts, fluids, and torque specs

Bob can help you organize part numbers, fluids, and torque values so you can keep a clean project notebook or digital checklist. Learn why wheel lug nuts typically need 80-100 ft-lbs depending on your vehicle, why brake caliper bolts have specific torque requirements, and why over-torquing is just as dangerous as under-torquing. Bob covers fluid specifications, explaining the differences between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid, why mixing coolant types causes problems, and how to identify what your specific vehicle requires.

Know when to DIY

Not every job is a good DIY candidate. Bob helps you evaluate whether a repair matches your skill level, available tools, and workspace. Brake pad replacement on most vehicles is straightforward with basic tools, but ABS module replacement requires specialized equipment and diagnostics. Timing belt jobs are doable in a home garage but require precision and patience. Bob gives you honest assessments so you can decide when to wrench yourself and when to find a trusted shop.

Automotive Maintenance Planning

Regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs and keeps your vehicle safe and reliable. Bob helps you understand maintenance intervals, recognize warning signs, and plan repairs before small issues become major problems. Good maintenance planning extends vehicle life and protects your investment.

Brake System Basics

Understanding your brake system helps you recognize when service is needed and communicate effectively with mechanics. Bob explains the difference between disc and drum brakes, how brake pads wear and when they need replacement, why rotors sometimes need resurfacing or replacement, and how brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. You'll learn to recognize warning signs like squealing, grinding, pulsating pedals, or increased stopping distances.

Suspension and Steering

Worn suspension components affect handling, tire wear, and safety. Bob covers common wear items like ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and struts. You'll learn how to identify symptoms like uneven tire wear, wandering steering, clunking over bumps, and body lean in turns. Understanding suspension geometry helps you recognize when alignment is needed and why some repairs require professional alignment afterward.

Engine Maintenance

Oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug service keep your engine running efficiently. Bob explains oil viscosity ratings, why synthetic oil often makes sense despite higher cost, and how to interpret manufacturer maintenance schedules. For more involved work like timing belt replacement, Bob covers what's involved, what other components should be replaced at the same time, and how to evaluate whether it's a good DIY project for your skill level.

Diagnostic Thinking

Modern vehicles generate diagnostic trouble codes, but codes are starting points, not final answers. Bob helps you think through symptoms systematically: when did the problem start, what conditions trigger it, what changed recently. This methodical approach prevents throwing parts at problems and helps you provide useful information to mechanics when professional diagnosis is needed. You'll learn which tools like OBD2 scanners are worth owning and how to interpret basic diagnostic data.

Tips

Best Questions to Ask Bob

Get the most out of Ask Bob AI by asking specific, detailed questions. Here are question types that produce the most useful guidance.

Project Planning

"I want to build a 12x16 deck attached to my house. What do I need to know before starting?"
"How do I plan a bathroom renovation in a 1960s home with plaster walls?"
"What's involved in converting my garage into a workshop with electrical and insulation?"

Material Selection

"What type of screws should I use for pressure-treated lumber on an outdoor deck?"
"Should I use plywood or OSB for my shed floor, and what thickness?"
"What's the difference between type S and type N mortar for a retaining wall?"

Tool Requirements

"What tools do I need to replace brake pads and rotors on a 2018 Honda Accord?"
"Do I need to rent or buy a post hole digger for a 6-post pergola?"
"What safety equipment is required for cutting concrete blocks?"

Technique & Method

"How do I properly bleed brakes after replacing a caliper?"
"What's the correct way to tape and mud drywall joints?"
"How do I ensure my deck posts are plumb and properly set?"

Code & Permits

"Do I need a permit to build a detached 120 square foot shed?"
"What are typical guardrail height requirements for residential decks?"
"When is a licensed electrician required versus DIY electrical work?"

Automotive Diagnosis

"My car pulls to the right when braking. What could cause this?"
"I hear a clicking noise when turning at low speeds. What should I check?"
"How do I interpret a P0420 code on my 2015 Toyota Camry?"

Transparency

Limitations and Accuracy

Ask Bob AI is a helpful planning tool, but it has boundaries. Understanding these limitations helps you use Bob effectively and stay safe.

What Bob Cannot Do

Bob cannot see your project, inspect your home, or examine your vehicle. All guidance is based on what you describe.
Bob cannot guarantee code compliance. Building codes vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always verify with local authorities.
Bob cannot replace hands-on professional assessment. Hidden conditions, structural issues, and safety hazards require in-person evaluation.
Bob cannot provide legally binding advice. For permits, liability, insurance, or warranty questions, consult appropriate professionals.
Bob cannot account for every variable in your situation. Unexpected conditions are common in home and auto work.

What Bob Does Well

Provides general best practices drawn from trade experience and industry standards.
Helps you think through project phases, sequences, and dependencies logically.
Explains concepts so you understand the reasoning behind recommendations.
Identifies common pitfalls and helps you prepare for typical complications.
Prepares you for productive conversations with contractors, mechanics, and inspectors.
Creates organized material and tool lists based on your project description.

Accuracy note: Bob's guidance reflects general knowledge and common practices, but conditions vary widely. Always cross-reference critical specifications with manufacturer documentation, service manuals, and local code requirements. When safety is involved, err on the side of professional consultation.

Privacy

Privacy and Your Data

We believe in straightforward privacy practices. Here's how Ask Bob AI handles your information.

What We Collect

When you use Ask Bob AI, we receive the questions you type and basic technical data like your browser type and approximate location (country or region level). This helps us improve the service and understand what types of projects people need help with. We don't require accounts, so we don't collect names, emails, or personal identifiers unless you choose to contact us directly.

How We Use It

Your conversations help Bob provide better responses during your session. We may analyze anonymized, aggregated usage patterns to improve the service—for example, understanding which topics need better coverage or where users commonly get stuck. We don't sell personal data to third parties or use your specific project details for advertising purposes.

Your Control

Conversations are session-based. When you close your browser or start a new session, your previous conversation isn't retained on our end for future visits. You can use Ask Bob AI without creating an account, which means less data to manage. For detailed information, see our Privacy Policy.

Business

Partner with Ask Bob AI

Ask Bob AI connects motivated DIYers, homeowners, and automotive enthusiasts with quality tools, materials, and services. Our users are actively planning specific projects and seeking reliable products to help them succeed. If your brand serves the home improvement or automotive maintenance community, we welcome partnership discussions.

Who uses Ask Bob AI?

Our visitors are planning real projects: deck builds, garage workshops, bathroom renovations, brake replacements, and more. They're researching before they buy, seeking to understand what they need and why. This means they're informed shoppers who value quality and reliability over the lowest price.

How do partnerships work?

We work with retailers and brands through standard affiliate programs and direct partnerships. All sponsored recommendations are clearly disclosed and only appear when they're genuinely relevant to the user's project. We never compromise our educational guidance for commercial relationships.

How do we get started?

Email our team at partners@askbobai.com with information about your brand, the products or services you offer, and any existing affiliate programs you participate in. We'll respond to discuss whether there's a good fit for our audience.

FAQ

Common Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about using Ask Bob AI for your home and auto projects.

Is Ask Bob AI a licensed contractor or mechanic?

No. Ask Bob AI is an educational planning tool designed to help you understand projects, develop realistic plans, and prepare informed questions for licensed professionals. Bob's guidance draws on trade knowledge and best practices, but you're always responsible for following local building codes, manufacturer instructions, and safety requirements. For structural work, electrical modifications, gas lines, and safety-critical automotive repairs, always involve licensed professionals who can inspect your specific situation and ensure code compliance.

Will Bob tell me exactly which parts or materials to buy?

Bob can suggest typical materials, hardware, and automotive parts based on your project description, helping you understand what you'll need and why. However, final material selection should account for your specific conditions, local code requirements, and manufacturer specifications. For automotive parts, always verify fitment for your exact year, make, model, and engine before purchasing. Bob aims to educate you about material options so you can make informed decisions and communicate effectively with suppliers.

Does Ask Bob AI replace professional advice?

No. Ask Bob AI complements professional advice by helping you understand projects better, but it doesn't replace hands-on professional assessment. Licensed contractors and mechanics can see your actual conditions, identify hidden problems, and ensure work meets safety standards and codes. Think of Bob as your research assistant and planning partner — someone who helps you prepare for conversations with professionals and understand their recommendations.

How do I know if a project is safe for DIY?

Bob helps you evaluate DIY suitability by considering the project's complexity, required tools, safety risks, and permit requirements. Generally, cosmetic work, basic maintenance, and simple repairs are good DIY candidates. Structural modifications, electrical panel work, gas line connections, and brake system work beyond basic pad replacement typically require professional involvement for safety and code compliance. Bob will flag these considerations and help you understand the risks involved in each type of project.

What information should I provide for the best guidance?

The more context you provide, the more useful Bob's guidance becomes. For home projects, include the scope (what you're building or fixing), existing conditions, your experience level, and available tools. For auto projects, specify the year, make, model, and engine of your vehicle, describe the symptoms you're experiencing, and mention any recent work or changes. Photos aren't supported in chat, but detailed descriptions of what you see help Bob provide relevant guidance.

How current is Bob's knowledge about building codes and vehicle specifications?

Bob's guidance reflects general best practices and common code requirements, but codes vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always verify current local requirements with your building department before starting permitted work. For vehicles, specifications can vary by production date and market, so always cross-reference with your owner's manual or a reliable service manual for your specific vehicle. Bob provides a strong starting point for research, not the final word on specifications.

Can Bob help me estimate costs for my project?

Bob can help you develop a comprehensive material list and identify the tools you'll need, which provides a foundation for cost estimation. However, material prices vary significantly by region and change frequently, so you'll want to price items at your local suppliers. For larger projects, Bob can help you understand the typical phases of work and what professional services might cost, but specific quotes should come from local contractors who can assess your actual conditions.

Is Ask Bob AI free to use?

Yes. Ask Bob AI is free to use for project planning and guidance. We sustain the service through partnerships with tool and material suppliers, where relevant product recommendations may include affiliate links. These partnerships don't influence the educational guidance you receive—Bob's recommendations are based on what's appropriate for your project, not on commercial relationships.

Can I use Ask Bob AI on my phone?

Yes. Ask Bob AI works in any modern web browser on phones, tablets, and computers. The interface adapts to your screen size. This means you can reference your project plan while you're in the garage, at the hardware store, or working in your yard. Just visit the site and start a conversation—no app download required.

What if Bob gives me advice that seems wrong?

If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and verify. Bob provides general guidance based on common practices, but your specific situation may have factors that require different approaches. Cross-reference important information with manufacturer instructions, service manuals, or local code requirements. If you're unsure about structural, electrical, plumbing, or safety-critical work, consult a licensed professional who can evaluate your actual conditions.

How long are conversations saved?

Conversations are session-based and aren't permanently stored for your future access. When you close your browser or start a new session, you'll begin fresh. If you want to keep Bob's guidance, copy the relevant information before ending your session. Many users find it helpful to paste project plans into a document or note-taking app for reference during their work.

Can Bob help with commercial or professional projects?

Bob's guidance is designed primarily for residential and personal vehicle projects. Commercial construction, fleet maintenance, and professional trade work typically involve different code requirements, insurance considerations, and liability factors that require professional engineering and licensed contractor involvement. Bob can still help you understand concepts and terminology, but commercial projects need appropriately licensed professionals leading the work.

Team

Who We Are

Ask Bob AI was built by people who've spent time in garages, workshops, and job sites—and who've experienced the frustration of trying to learn complex skills from scattered online resources.

Our Background

The team behind Ask Bob AI combines hands-on trade experience with technology expertise. We've built decks, rewired shops, restored cars, and learned firsthand how valuable it is to have someone knowledgeable to ask questions. That experience shaped Bob's approach: practical guidance that respects your time and helps you make informed decisions rather than generic advice that leaves you guessing.

Why We Built This

There's a gap between watching a 10-minute video and actually understanding how to plan and execute a project safely. We built Ask Bob AI to fill that gap—to give everyone access to the kind of thoughtful project guidance that used to require knowing someone in the trades. We're not here to replace professionals but to help you work with them more effectively and handle appropriate projects with confidence.

Our commitment: We're focused on being genuinely useful. That means honest guidance about limitations, clear communication about what Bob can and can't do, and a commitment to improving based on how people actually use the service. We'd rather tell you when to call a professional than give you overconfident advice that leads to problems.

Legal

Important Disclaimer

Ask Bob AI provides educational guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

Not legal advice: Bob cannot interpret building codes, zoning regulations, or permit requirements for your specific jurisdiction. Consult your local building department and, when necessary, a licensed attorney for legal questions.

Not medical advice: Bob does not provide health or safety guidance beyond general project safety practices. For questions about protective equipment efficacy, chemical exposure, or health concerns, consult appropriate medical or safety professionals.

Not financial advice: Bob cannot advise on project financing, insurance coverage, property values, or investment decisions. Consult qualified financial professionals for questions about budgeting, loans, or the financial implications of home improvements.

Not professional engineering: Structural calculations, load analyses, and engineering specifications require licensed professional engineers. Bob provides general educational information, not certified engineering assessments.

By using Ask Bob AI, you acknowledge that all guidance is for educational and planning purposes only. You assume full responsibility for verifying information, following applicable codes and regulations, and ensuring work is performed safely and correctly. When in doubt, always consult licensed professionals who can evaluate your specific situation.