Uhhh, which model of "sears lawn tractor" do you have? Sears has been selling these things for a long time and in that time they have had a bunch of different ones. How about posting the Sears/Craftsman Model number of the tractor AND the following numbers from the engine. Engine Model #, Type #. The engine is not made by Sears. Somewhere on the engine (location varies) you will find the numbers, either "stamped" or "etched" in a metal surface. Or, the numbers will appear on a "decal" or label stuck to a surface on the engine. Once we know the engine numbers (more useful than the Sears tractor number) we can look for the manuals and parts lists online. Right now, you don't give enough info to find the needed documents. But, if you are anywhere near PA......you already have had an offer.

Too Clunky! Sclee I can see why you tossed and turned worrying about this. You know in your heart it is too clunky. The worst part is that this manager or owner is not being helpful. His company made a mistake! Period. If this is how they measure granite installations then he has had this problem before and will continue to have this problem with future clients. He is NOT a stone artist. Measure twice cut once. And cut to perfection. Use sharp tools and be precise. Measure every nook and cranny! If they can not fix this they need to give you a fair discount. And then you can hire some other Stone company to make this better. Trust me there are better stone companies out there. Granite installers/fabricators that have talent and truly care about their work. Shame on this company. I hope he does read these posts because he needs to straighten out his company. Quality work deserves excellent pay. This is not quality. I send you ((((((((((((((Cyber hugs))))))))))))))))))))) I wish I had a solution. If it were me I would have them take the stone out. Start over with new granite slabs and a new company. I know, I know you love the stone but do you really love the gaps. If it is not going to work you will forever be upset with the outcome. And you will find another beautiful stone. Perhaps this slab can be converted to a window sill or end tables or bathroom vanity, night stand, bathtub sill, desk, entry way. As for your DH. He is under stress too. Husbands like to solve problems and when they can't they become a little edgy, difficult, stubborn, or they turn it on to you saying you are "overreacting". Oh dear I am talking about my DH. ;> Thinking of you and sending well wishes to the granite. ~boxer

Legally, you are required to make the request for repair in writing. Include some pictures to make the situation clear. Request a response within 10 days. Send a written follow up that states that should this safety hazard not be repaired that you will be forced to have it done and deduct the cost of that from the rent that you owe. That’s the legal approach. If you’re getting a deal on rent, and don’t want to cause too many waves, you still need to document the issue and bring the condition of the property to his notice. For all defects. That protects you should he decide that he wants to blame the window falling out and cutting someone on you. Or the rot that goes down into the wall that the water damage has caused. He could blame that on you because you “never told him” about the issue. You need to notify him, even if he won’t fix it. A responsible landlord would want the opportunity to keep up his property.

DE and Cooks Kitchen - thank you for bringing up excellent points and for not being judge mental or condescending while you do it. I’ll try to address them point by point. DE- 1- I’ve had a couple contractors come look and any walls we’d like to take out shouldn’t be too hard. 2- There’s a mix, but yes, there are $450k and up homes in the area, alongside the $225k homes. On our street we have at least three that are $400k and up and one that for sale for $700k. 3- we don’t own the home, so no sale money. The homes we could buy other than this within our budget will either be a) not in the school district b) either not be enough house or not enough yard for us. We have to stay within this school district due to custody requirements, and it’s a high priced district. The yard is important because we have five dogs and a small yard will get destroyed and not leave space for kids stuff too. I’m totally happy with “regular” appliances and fixtures and I’m a good bargain shopper. My ex and I remodeled a large kitchen from the studs out ten years ago and only spent $7000. We did it ourselves, but my current husband and I can do most of the work past the framing and electric and plumbing too. Cooks- I’m absolutely not basing my opinions on value on the seller. I have done some real estate assisting and have several friends who are realtors (who will not be involved in the sale, thus have no financial interest) who are telling me to jump on this! The seller is in poor health and has already made $50k in rent off of me. She doesn’t want to have to do the minor repairs and cleaning that should be done to list it, although I think she would rather do that, but her husband really doesn’t want to and he basically told her she’s being greedy because between rent and selling it at 20k over what they paid, with very minimal investment, they will still come out $70k ahead. We will absolutely do an inspection! There’s no septic, so that’s not an issue. I don’t need a 50k kitchen. If we did that ourselves, without any wall changes, I can do what I’d like for $15 and be very happy. I’m not sure that my attachment is so much emotional, as it is that finding what we need in the area we need it is, within budget is darned near impossible. I detailed above in my notes to DE why. Also, we have a chunk of money that we have set aside that would cover a large part of said remodels. Doing the math, our monthly payment would be way lower if we purchase this house and pay cash for remodel (or even half cash half financed) than if we buy a higher priced house that gets us everything we want now and use that money towards down payment.