Thumb and Hammer Home Improvement Podcast

In this episode of the podcast: Correcting a mistake from the last episode (but it reinforces my original point). A Facebook ad brings out the self-appointed experts An update on our basement renovation Debating whether or not to run ethernet cable in a wireless world A bit of sticker shock at the electrical panel (AFCI breakers ain't cheap) Deciding to use my

Home improvement television shows often distort your perception of how long a renovation should take. But you can't compare yourself to a slick television production. And there are advantages to a project taking longer than anticipated. You can read more about my first basement renovation here: https://thumbandhammer.com/basement/

The somewhat annual "Year in Review" podcast episode ties things up for 2021 by looking back at our home improvement accomplishments in the last 12 months and the current progress with the basement renovation. I also render my final verdict on whether or not the tankless water heater delivers on its promise of energy savings. Plus one drawback of the tankless water heater that cau

This episode is all about the process of doing your own electrical work in Ontario Canada, from filing a Notification of Electrical Work with the Electrical Safety Authority to the rough-in inspection. Be sure to follow the laws and regulations that apply to you where you live. And don't mess around with electrical work unless you know what you are doing.

Sparky is slang for an electrician, which I am not. However, I have done my own electrical work. And I have hired Licensed Electrical Contractors. Each approach has its pros and cons. This episode covers some of the reasons why you may or may not want to (or, should or should not) do your own electrical work. Topics covered * Who is allowed to do electrical work in Ontario,

I had a few questions about new rules in the electrical code, so I asked a licensed electrical contractor. It did not go well. Find out how five Japanese words might have saved our relationship. Links and resources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igPIk79wAPg Viva La Dirt League: "The problem with workplace jargon: acronyms" (and be sure to check out the rest of their videos)

This is not a paid endorsement... In this episode of the podcast, I share two products I found after hours of searching for solutions to specific problems I was facing with my home improvements. Xcel IGA I needed to attach the bottom plate of a stud wall to a concrete slab without using mechanical fasteners and construction adhesive was the obvious solution. Xcel makes a va

Renovation in the time of Covid.... I already work slow enough and that's without a 2 month-long lockdown during a pandemic. The basement is now ready for drywall and in this episode of the podcast, I review the steps that got me to this point. * Framing: The joy of relying on someone else to pick lumber when curb-side pickup was the only option.* Electrical: Not much to say in

There is no shortage of scam products on the internet. One prominent example is Ted's Woodworking which has been offering 16000 woodworking plans for a ridiculously low price for the last decade. Other ads feature inventors who strike out on their own after creating innovative air conditioners, drones or vacuum attachments and their stories are all oddly similar. Plus the one sure

You want your basement to feel like the rest of your house. It should be dry, and comfortable. However, the basement is NOT like the rest of the house. The basement is in a hole in the ground. The simple fact is that there are many different ways to finish a basement-- and none are perfect. The ideal solution for a warm dry basement is a subject of much debate. I talk about a f