68 episodes

The Thumb and Hammer Podcast covers topics related to home improvements, renovations, DIY and real estate from the point of view of an average homeowner.

Thumb and Hammer Home Improvement Podcast thumbandhammer.com

    • Education
    • 3.3 • 10 Ratings

The Thumb and Hammer Podcast covers topics related to home improvements, renovations, DIY and real estate from the point of view of an average homeowner.

    Ep. 66: Smrt guy

    Ep. 66: Smrt guy

    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 dad's snow blower for the first time in 14 years







    Tracking down a water leak. Was it coming from the roof, or from somewhere a little more obvious?

    • 20 min
    Ep. 65: Slow and steady wins the race

    Ep. 65: Slow and steady wins the race

    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/

    • 22 min
    Ep. 64: A look back at 2021

    Ep. 64: A look back at 2021

    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 caught us a bit by surprise.

    • 15 min
    Ep. 63: Sparky’s Adventures Part 2- DIY Electrical

    Ep. 63: Sparky’s Adventures Part 2- DIY Electrical

    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.

    • 21 min
    Ep. 62: Sparky’s Adventures – DIY Electrical – Part 1

    Ep. 62: Sparky’s Adventures – DIY Electrical – Part 1

    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, Canada.* Following the latest version of the Electrical Code (either the National Electrical Code in the US or the Canadian Electrical Code in Canada)* The pitfalls of researching online* Second-guessing rules that seem to be open to interpretation* How the Electrical Safety Authority's messaging may have unintended consequences.







    Recommended Resource







    Electrical Code Simplified House Wiring Guide by PS Knight is an indispensable resource for Canadians wanting to do their own electrical work. You can buy it directly from their website: https://psknight.com







    Disclaimer







    Electricity is dangerous. Don't mess around with it if you don't know what you are doing. Always follow your local laws and get the appropriate permits and inspections. And refer to the most recent edition of the Electrical Code that applies to you.

    • 22 min
    Ep. 61: The 5-word solution to my biggest problem

    Ep. 61: The 5-word solution to my biggest problem

    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).







    The Simpsons clip is from "To Surveil with Love" S21E20 (audio recorded from YouTube).







    Electrical Code Simplified- House Wiring Guide by PS Knight is an indispensable guide for homeowners doing their own electrical work in Canada. It may be purchased directly at the following link: https://psknight.com/residential. (not an affiliate link).

    • 21 min

Customer Reviews

3.3 out of 5
10 Ratings

10 Ratings

create_=_nickname ,

Started out strong!

Then slowly died. Sad to see this podcast disappear. Host has a calming tone and cadence, a unique voice in the home improvement scope. I like that he openly admits when his done a project wrong because he explains why his experience was wrong and how we should do it right. I will continue to stay subscribed, hoping I'll get a little more Thumb and Hammer someday!

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