In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast The Handyguys discuss granite care and granite counter-top maintenance

Granite Care

The Handyguys discuss:

1. Granite generally requires re-sealing every 1-3 yrs. Check with your installer to see what they recommend.
2. Topical vs Penetrating granite sealers (stripping/re-sealing/permanent/etc).
3. Granite should only be washed with dishwasher soap/water. No harsh cleansers. Exception is something like the Dupont product which is safe.
4. There are various tests you can perform to determine whether your current granite counter-top has been properly sealed.

Dupont Site FAQ

How can I tell if my granite or stone has already been sealed?

Apply a drop of water at least ½-inch in diameter to the top of the stone and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Cover with a glass to inhibit evaporation. If the stone did not darken then your stone is probably sealed against water-based stains. Testing for oil repellency is not as simple because if your stone is not sealed, you will have an oil stain.

Sealed Versus Unsealed Granite

1. You should avoid products with ingredients that include lemon, vinegar or other acids which can damage your counters.
2. The Handyguys try out a couple different granite sealers including DuPont™ Granite & Marble Countertop Sealer

We were one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. We have been compensated for our time commitment to the program as well as our writing and productions about our experience. We have also been compensated for the materials needed for our DIY project. However, as always, our opinions are entirely our own and we have not been paid to publish positive comments.

The Handyguys discuss the controls and maintenance of a John Deere LA115 lawn tractor in this audio only podcast.

When Handyguy Paul first received his LA115, he sat on the seat, stared at the controls and realized he better read the manual. It is not as simple as turning the ignition and mowing the lawn. Your first step when using any power equipment is to read the manual and understand all the potential dangers involved. The Handyguys mention a couple of these safety warnings:

1. Any power tools with rotating blades are dangerous but mowers have the added danger of being mobile.
2. They will amputate any human limb that gets in their way.
3. They can hurl objects through their discharges.

Please review and understand all the controls and safety devices on the mower before using for the first time.

Do not allow children to play with or on mower. Do not give rides as it could encourage children to treat the mower as a toy. You don’t want children running out to a moving mower while you are mowing and unaware of their presence. Children should stay away from mowers and understand its dangers.

Controls

The Handyguys explain the controls and features of the LA115 tractor. Here are some of the features that the Handyguys noted in their podcast are:

• This model has a combined choke and throttle lever.
• There is a “window” under the seat revealing your gas level
• In order for the mower to start, you must have a brake depressed, the blades disengaged and be sitting on the seat.

Listen to the podcast for a full review of the LA115 controls

Maintenance

Like any mower, you must maintain the engine and chassis to keep it running smoothly. Most important, you must change your engine oil after the first 8 hours of mowing and every 50 hours after that. The Handyguys will be releasing a video detailing this maintenance within the next month. Be sure to check it out for details on basic maintenance, including changing engine oil, lubrication and removing the deck.

Technique

Handyguy Brian describes the technique like a football field. Mow the end zone and sidelines first and then in field. This technique will give you enough room to make your u-turn in a previously cut area.

Your owners manual has some good tips regarding technique. For a healthier lawn mix up your pattern from week to week. Essentially you will want to do the edges and around flower beds first then cut even rows over the remainder of your lawn. Overlap your cuts a little to make sure you don’t miss a spot.

The Handyguys take a detour this week to interview Craig Smith from http://www.servicemagic.com/ to discuss a recent survey on home maintenance costs.

Do you know how much you spend each year to maintain your home?  Are you spending too much?  The servicemagic.com survey summarizes the actual cost of maintaining a home. While some homes are slow drains on your income, others are more like a sink hole that will suck your bank account dry.  A quantitative look at the data may help you determine whether you should keep fixing your home or think about planting roots in another neighborhood.

Check out the Podcast for the full interview and let the Handyguys know if you have a question about your home.

The Handyguys provide a Springtime house inspection checklist  which you can download free of charge!

Follow this Bungalow's restoration at http://stuccohouse.blogspot.com/

Winter can be tough on houses so the beginning of the spring season is a perfect occasion to give your house an annual inspection. Check your house top to bottom, outside to inside, and look for things to add to your Honey Do List. Preventative maintenance will save money on costly repairs down the road.

The Handyguys start their inspection outside. First the roof, then grading, windows, doors, and painted surfaces. Look for anything out of place. Then move inside – start upstairs and move through to the basement. Along the way you will check out bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen and then the basement.

Click on this image to download the checklist!

The attached document can be printed out and used as a checklist when doing your home inspection. This document is geared for a springtime inspection, but it can be used any time you want to give your house a quick once over.

Listen to the podcast before you conduct your inspection as the Handyguys Brian & Paul discuss each item on the checklist and add their commentary.

Alternatively, you can always hire a home inspector if you have concerns about the condition of your house.  Check out our show about professional home inspectors

If you have any additions for the checklist please comment. We will update the checklist periodically. If you find this useful, please consider sharing it with others. You can also click here http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/downloads/SpringInspection.pdf to download the checklist

Lastly, you can follow us on Twitter if that’s your thing. We are @handyguys and we will tweet when we are about to record our show.  We are using twitter to answer questions, solicit show ideas, notify listeners of new shows and possibly other things once we figure out how to best utilize twitter for our fans.

Thanks for you support.