Welcome to Thumb & Hammer:
This is not a "how-to" site, but rather a "how-I-did-it"
or "how-I-had-it-done" site (please read the Disclaimer).
Take a look at the home improvement projects I have tackled myself, and the ones where
I swallowed my pride and called in professional contractors. See what worked, what could
have been done better and learn from my mistakes. Enjoy your visit. Read
more about this site.
Website News
Yet another re-launch is coming (sooner or later)
Apr 04, 2012
Funny how it happens... I always talk about adding new content to the website, but inevitably I get caught up in tweaking or, in extreme cases, overhauling the design. Over the next few months, I will be taking steps to simplify the design process so I can focus on content. In addition, I will endeavor to update the blog on a weekly basis so there will always be some fresh content on the website. Stay tuned.
Latest Blog Post
Gas bills and contract ethics
Posted on 6th May 2012
Earlier this week, we had a huge burden lifted from our shoulders. We received our first gas bill since the expiration of our contract with an energy supplier. We are now paying the fair market rate for our natural gas which is about a quarter of the inflated rate we’ve been paying for the last five years. I only regret not taking action sooner instead of wasting money. We could have been a little further … Read on.
Look for my contributing articles at eLocal.com, a source for finding plumbing, roofing, and electrical contractors.
Replacing a screen
door on the garage with a steel entry door required installing a completely
new frame. 
A 24 inch door
on a five foot wide closet just wasn't practical. Widening the doorway
and installing bifold doors allowed full use of the closet space.
A wood fence with
an uncommon design. How to build a fence using as few screws and nails
as possible.
A bathroom
makeover on a budget. Sure, elements may still be stuck in the fifties,
but they are easier to live with. Besides, you never know when peach and
blue tile will be back in style!
A complete
gut and remodel of a subterranean living space from start to finish.
How an ill-fitting
switch plate led me to gut a room to the studs.
The old deck
railing was too short so I replaced it. The new stairs and railing are
sturdy and look good. 
A
temporary fix for a water damaged bathroom wall. It ain't pretty, but
it prevented further damage until we could afford a complete remodel a
few years later.
The second floor
was already finished when we moved in, but improper insulation and electrical
issues led me to completely gut it and start over from scratch. Properly
finishing the attic in a one and a half storey house..
How we rebuilt
our house from the inside out after some bad DIY by the previous owner
compromised the structure. 
Complete professional kitchen remodel that addresses all the design problems of the old kitchen.