Not starting anything here. But, is your son helping with the house projects?? It would be a great feeling knowing that you helped build the house you are living in.
Not sure if my bricks are thicker. But, I have been using the same bricks for 23 years and they were in a 1970's fireplace insert that I moved into our basement.
I have that same 17.5 Kohler motor in my 42” Scotts/JD mower. It’s going on 24 years and runs great. Our yard is .7/8 of an acre and for many years I took care of my neighbors yard also as he was not capable anymore. It has been a great engine and mower in general. But, I also take care of it...