Furnace filters are a critical component of your heating and cooling system. Make sure they are changed regularly. We discuss the myriad of choices in furnace filters in this podcast. The Handyguys group filters into three different categories, good, better and best. Whats best for one person may not be the best for another. The standard filters are good for most people. They permit the furnace to operate as it was designed. When selecting a filter you would typically replace with one equal ... Read Full Story

In this show The Handyguys discuss their top 10 starter tools and announce a contest to win this toolkit! Win this tool kit! What is included in a first time home buyers tool kit? Screwdrivers of course!  But what else? The Handyguys went shopping at True Value to assemble a quality starter set of essential tools for the typical home owner. Our Kit Includes: The Handyguys will take your questions via the phone at (818) 804-TOOL. Leave an email address if you want an immediate and direct ... Read Full Story

DIY Drama, Old Tractors and New Counters You need to listen to the podcast to hear Paul's story about what happened to his nice laptop. Does this picture give you a clue? Click on the pic to see it bigger. We start off by talking about the True Value DIY Drama contest. You can win $5000 if your story is chosen as a winner. Brian and Paul have both had some drama but Paul most recently. You MUST listen to Paul tell his drama story in the podcast. It was a very expensive story. What are you... Read Full Story

Water powered backup sump pumps Never have water in your basement again due to a failed sump pump or a power outage. Water powered sump pumps do not require any electricity to operate. Our listener had to remove new carpet from his finished basement due to heavy rains and a failed primary sump pump. In this episode we address backup sump pumps, in particular water powered sump pumps. We were contacted by a listener via twitter and asked if we had recommendations for a backup pump. We knew... Read Full Story

Cabinet Veneer and Fireplace Conversions In this episode of The Handyguys Podcast we address two listener questions, one from voicemail about changing the look of a bathroom vanity and one through our contact form about converting a fireplace from gas to wood burning. Refinishing a bathroom vanity This question was left on our voicemail, listen to the podcast to hear the question in full. Essentially the caller, Susie, has a pine bathroom vanity with a whitewashed finish. She would like the ... Read Full Story

Phased Remodeling, Vinyl Siding and Grading Phased Remodeling Painting is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to change the look of a room. In this episode The Handyguys start off discussing Phased remodeling inspired by an article in a recent “Home Improvement Times”. What is phased, or serial remodeling? Are there advantages to this approach in tough economic times? What are the disadvantages? We then address two listener questions, one on what should be included in a vin... Read Full Story

Wood Floors on Concrete, Plumbing Repair and Finding Carpet Stains This is a very full show covering many different topics. We start off commenting on a article in Fine Home Building magazine about wood floors over concrete, address two listener questions (one on leaky faucets and one on garbage disposals), and then we wrap up the show with a tip from Brian about how to find pet stains in carpet. Wood floors on concrete Can this be done? Sure it can. Brian and Paul comment on an article in F... Read Full Story

Handyguy Vehicles, Air Conditioning and Mower Repair We cover a lot of topics in this show. Should Handyguy Paul Trade in his pickup, why does a listener’s air conditioner leak and doing carborator work on your mower. First up – Brian and Paul discuss if a handyguy needs a pickup truck. Brian says yes. Paul isn’t so sure. We all agree they are handy. They aren’t so practical when they get too old and repairs are costing you as much as a new car payment. Oh, and the fu... Read Full Story

Handyguy Paul installs some new porch posts In this show we discuss installing new porch posts and the many choices beyond the traditional wood posts. Some materials: Wood PVC FRP (Fiberglass-reinforced Polymer) The Handyguys discuss some advantages and dis-advantages of each. We then discuss some things to consider when installing new porch posts. Paul installed the FRP posts. Listen to the podcast for all the details. Click these icons to share, thanks: Read Full Story

Home centers and door to door security sales It seems that the Handyguys are in a bad mood this week due to terrible service at the local home center.  The poor service, coupled with traveling security salesmen offering “free installations,” created some cranky Handyguys. First up are the stupid self check-out registers at the home center. Both Lowes and Home Depot the major US home center chains deserve blame. This cost cutting trend supposedly frees up personnel to help you loa... Read Full Story