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Questions Answered by Expert William Spaan

Subject	Date Asked
Bathroom sink	2/6/2012
Q: My bathroom sink fell off. It is an under mounted sink on to granite. There are no clips or screws ... A: Bill, I usually have the granite fabricator cut slots for basin bolts. Yours was just siliconed it ...
kitchen faucet/counter	1/31/2012
Q: we purchased a laminate countetop with a 60/40 undermount acrylic sink. when we ordered it we had to ... A: Alice, Your only recourse is to demand a new top, as laminate is unforgiving, unless you can use ...
Faucet loose next to corian countertop	1/9/2012
Q: What is the best way to adhere the long-neck faucet back down to the countertop. It moves back and ... A: Millie, I do not recommend silicone, though a dab or two at the back of the unit will help. The best ...
Substrate requirements	9/23/2011
Q: I'm having a hard time locating documentation on the substrate requirements for granite countertops. ... A: Julie, I am located on the East Coast, North Carolina, and can only advise from my knowledge of the ...
new installation in old kitchen	8/29/2011
Q: We need to install a dishwasher in a kitchen that previously never had one. We are not replacing ... A: Jill, Your project could be fairly easy or fairly difficult, depending on the type of cabinetry you ...
kitchen plumbing / leak	8/23/2011
Q: I have a leak under my kitchen sink, which I suspect is the result of a cap that is missing, or blew ... A: david, From your foto it appears you have a saddle valve attached to the hot water side feed line, ...
A faucet in distress	7/28/2011
Q: William. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have had a MDF kitchen installed recently. The ... A: Edith, Sorry for the delay. The faucet base should be tight against the counter top. Check the nuts ...
A faucet in distress	7/28/2011
Q: William. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have had a MDF kitchen installed recently. The ... A: Edith, Your problem is a tricky one. The leak could be from any of the sources you mentioned. I ...
Base size for small granite peninsula	6/6/2011
Q: We would like to add a small peninsula with a granite counter sz of 24 x 30. Other than using a ... A: Robin, You can cantilever about ten inches on the thirty inch side or you can go fifteen with two ...
Kitchen sink positioning	5/28/2011
Q: Renovating my kitchen and want to move the existing sink to a new location. My kitchen area is ... A: Bobby M, Sorry for the delay in answering. Memorial weekend I do not go online. I am unable to give ...
Remove part of laminate counter backsplash	5/16/2011
Q: I'm replacing a drop-in stove with a free-standing one. What type of saw can I rent in order to cut ... A: Pete, Thanks for the foto. Most do not send visuals. I would be certain I need to cut the splash in ...
Kitchen Wall Remodel/Tile	5/4/2011
Q: We've been renovating our home for about a month now, mostly because we are available without ... A: Kim, I use a thin-set mortar designed for marble. Your Big box home center will have it. I like ...
stove hood duct	4/16/2011
Q: I'm buying a house but the inspector says the kitchen needs a duct from the stove to out of the ... A: Brenda J, Kitchen Range hood exhaust fans are either vented or un-vented. Unvented or ductless fans ...
Remove countertop from 2=tier lazy susan	3/13/2011
Q: I'm getting a new countertop and I've unscrewed (I thought) all screws. The 2-tier lazy susan has a ... A: Terri, Most of time I have found I missed a screw. Most lazy susans are mounted to their own "block" ...
kitchen	2/26/2011
Q: i have a build in microwave and now the microwave is not working. i want to remove it and build in ... A: Korn, The cheapest thing to do is to just replace the microwave with another unit that has the ...
formica countertop	2/16/2011
Q: We are having mother-in-law apt built by a local contractor. The Formica back splash he has ... A: Carola, Plastic laminate properly installed requires a cement coating on both the plywood base and ...
Cabinet Toe Kick Removal for Water Investigation	2/8/2011
Q: I'm hoping you can help my husband and I with an issue we're having with our kitchen sink cabinet. ... A: Sharon, I suggest you check the pipes coming in first. Do they come out of the wall or up through ...
separated countertop	2/7/2011
Q: I have a home that was built 5 years ago and I have noticed that the countertop has separated from ... A: Matt, If you have a torpedo level or any level that will work you might check to top to see how ...
replacing existing stove top	2/6/2011
Q: We are interested in replacing a 26" old gas stove top. We are having problems finding an exact ... A: Deena, Your 26" top is indeed older. I haven't replaced one in many years. That said I would ...
counter top stove unit	1/26/2011
Q: I currenty have a stove that sits on top of the counter with 2 ovens. Do they make anything like ... A: Pam, I guess you are telling me you have a counter top stovetop and separate double oven. Counter ...
Kitchen cabinet refinish	1/21/2011
Q: We want to refinish our kitchen cabinets. They were coustom built 40 years ago. The construction is ... A: Fred, I have refinished cabinets coated with varnish, lacquer, and polyurethane and have found none ...
Laminate counter tops	1/20/2011
Q: I am remodeling my kitchen and put in new cabinets myself. My brother-in-law was here on a visit and ... A: Carol, Okay, it appears you are moving forward. So... 1. fabricate and install front trim pc flush ...
Laminate counter tops	1/19/2011
Q: I am remodeling my kitchen and put in new cabinets myself. My brother-in-law was here on a visit and ... A: Carol, First, I must ask if you are a retired lady, and take exception if not. Just kidding, though ...
Laminate Crack	1/13/2011
Q: I have a laminate backsplash in my kitchen that matches my laminate countertop. The other day when I ... A: Adam, Based on your narrative, I can only surmise the crack is from settlement(foundation) and/or ...
replacing drop-in stove with a free standing stove	1/12/2011
Q: I want to replace a drop-in stove with a free-standing stove. I understand that there may need to ... A: Kathy, You will need an electrician, a carpenter, and someone to install new unit. Some new units ...
Kitchen sink replacement	12/14/2010
Q: I have solid surface countertops (Wilsonart) with a porcelain overmount sink. We are replacing the ... A: Adrienne, Most porcelain over cast iron sinks are installed using a silicone sealer/adhesive. You ...
kitchen counter	11/30/2010
Q: I have just had new granite countertops installed. Previously I had formica. Question 1. One ... A: Judy Kay, To answer question one. If top is 1/2 inch from wall on both sides of counter, why did the ...
Free-Standing Gas Range Inserted between Caninets	10/25/2010
Q: I am in the last third of my kitchen remodel and had IKEA cabinets installed. I purchased the gas ... A: Ric, Generally speaking, a free-standing push-in range (gas or electric) is designed to allow base ...
countertop removal issues	9/28/2010
Q: I am trying to remove my kitchen counter top. It is laminate that's about 20 years old. The issue ... A: Paul, Interesting question. I wonder if you have a "post-form" top, one that is built in a shop and ...
cutting formica	9/3/2010
Q: The back splash above my sink is formica. Is it possible to cut(?) it above the curve, then lay ... A: Doris, You must remove the existing countertop if it is a "post-form" (with the curved backsplash). ...
Where to begin backsplash	7/31/2010
Q: My kitchen upper and lower cabinets terminate 1" from the end of the wall (there is no adjacent ... A: Lisa, I guess you mean the wall floats in that it's end is finished the thickness of the wall (a ...
Converting a half wall into a bar	7/20/2010
Q: Our new house has a large kitchen with cabinets in an L-shape on two sides. The third side is the ... A: Kathy, Typically bar top counters are between 40 inches and or 44 inches. If you want tall bar ...
remodeling kitchen	5/29/2010
Q: I want to remodel my kitchen with a 50s-60s look. I bought a cast iron sink and want to know how to ... A: Esther, First. plastic laminate is plastic laminate. The new stuff is thinner than the old stuff, ...
remodeling kitchen	5/28/2010
Q: I want to remodel my kitchen with a 50s-60s look. I bought a cast iron sink and want to know how to ... A: Esther, Usually the carpenter does the countertop and the plumber does the sink and tie in. The sink ...
remodeling kitchen	5/28/2010
Q: I want to remodel my kitchen with a 50s-60s look. I bought a cast iron sink and want to know how to ... A: Esther, You might want to find a local contractor with some talent. I do not advocate for any ...
roll top hide away	5/23/2010
Q: We are building a new house. I'm wondering if you know of any cabinet company who makes a roll top ... A: Annette, I do not know what area of the country you live in so it is difficult to recommend cabinet ...
TIGHT Wingnut removal	5/11/2010
Q: Expert Van Wilson was unable to answer my question and I'm hoping you may be able to. I'm in the ... A: Christi, I am guessing that you are trying to remove the existing faucet on the kitchen sink and ...
Kitchen backsplashes	5/4/2010
Q: I am on my final leg of our kitchen remodel, doing much of the work myself. The granite tops were ... A: Mike, The question is are you going to use thinset mortar or mastic. If the tile or stone (I assume ...
PUTTING PORCELAIN TILE DOWN OVER VINYL FLOORING	3/7/2010
Q: I have a contractor who tells me it is ok to put porcelain tile down over vinyl flooring that is ... A: Larry, Is the contractor installing a subfloor base (cement board, ie. Durarock or Hardiboard)? I ...
Slide-in gas stove with downdraft?	3/3/2010
Q: I am a first time home buyer getting ready to move into my house in Charleston, WV. The stove in ... A: Amelia, Ventilation is important in a kitchen. The homes of the early twentieth century (up to ...
Tiling a kitchen countertop	2/18/2010
Q: I am installing a porcelain ceramic tile counter top on my old kitchen cabinets. After removing the ... A: Oren, It sounds like you have a pre-1960 kitchen. Metal lath and poured in place mortar is 20th ...
kitchen makeover	2/17/2010
Q: I am planning an extensive kitchen makeover. I want to possibly even take a wall down that ... A: You are taking on a large project, but one that will afford a great return on your investment. I ...
Which to do first?	2/13/2010
Q: I want to replace my old Formica kitchen countertops and also have installed a new drop-in electric ... A: Donna, I usually contract jobs like this and still do jobs like this in the Triad/Triangle area of ...
switching from standalone stove to slide in	2/6/2010
Q: I currently have a standalone stove that is abutted on both sides by cabinets. I would like to ... A: Amy, Slide-in stoves differ from "standalone" only in that the slide in "lays" on top of the ...
kitchen cabinets	2/4/2010
Q: We are wanting to resurface our kitchen cabinets. They appear to be MDF covered with melamine or ... A: Jason, My concern would be if the cabinets smell like smoke. A relative of mine had a fire in his ...
Need help selecting granite countertop	2/1/2010
Q: I am having a lot of trouble picking a countertop from the many granite options out there. My ... A: Susan, I like the idea of black pearl if it is the "gray" black shade I am familiar with. Another ...
Saving a tile backsplash	1/30/2010
Q: We are finally replacing our old upper and lower kitchen cabinets as well as the countertop. My ... A: Shelley, It is possible to save your backsplash, but it can be difficult. You did not mention what ...
Granite Countertop Bar	1/22/2010
Q: I'm doing a remodel now and am planning on creating a bar from one wall of my kitchen. It is a ... A: Jason, If I understand you correctly, you intend to "cut" a wall down, or create an opening to ...
Installing drop in range	1/10/2010
Q: have a 30" slide in range can we replace with a drop in range want functional drawer below range ... A: Marilyn, I have changed out some brands of slide in ranges with drop in, but while all drop in ...
kitchen countertop	1/6/2010
Q: Assuming epoxy grout is the grout of choice for installing a porcelain tile kitchen countertop and ... A: Mara, I think epoxy grout is overrated. Depending on the width of the grout lines a sanded or an ...
Tile and Outlets	1/5/2010
Q: I tiled around my outlets without covering up the metal brackets/screws - keeping everything in ... A: Cindy, Not a problem. Go to hardware store and buy some small washers. Unscrew the devices, AFTER ...
tiel and counters	1/5/2010
Q: We recently started tiling our backsplash with 1 inch tiles that come in 12 inch with mesh. Problem ... A: Cindy, Cutting mosaic tile (small one inch tile on a mesh backing) is the most difficult part of the ...
tile	1/3/2010
Q: I have marble tile approximately 5' high by 6' wide on the back wall behind my stove. {12"x12" tile) ... A: Dave, If the existing tile is firmly attached to the wall you can install new tile over it. Make ...
clarification of my question earlier today	1/2/2010
Q: I just was in the kitchen and realized that it is the lever for the hot and cold water that moves ... A: cr, From your description it sounds to me as if your lever has become loose. An allen set screw ...
granite backsplash	1/2/2010
Q: We are installing granite countertops on new cabinets. We would like to install granite tiles for ... A: Tonya, Installing granite tile can be a challenge and may be beyond most DIY 'ers. It requires ...
Kitchen Floor and Wall Repair	1/1/2010
Q: I live in a 90 year old family home. In the early 1940s my parents used the standard asbestos tile. ... A: Cherrie, I would repair the floor from the top down. Remove the refrigerator, and do not cut thru ...
Install a dishwasher	12/31/2009
Q: We have a 1950's narrow galley style kitchen, with no dishwasher. We may be able to squeeze in an ... A: Chris, I suggest you talk to a remodeling contractor. I am a small "mom and pop", in business for ...
Countertop/Backsplash	11/30/2009
Q: We recently remodeled our entire kitchen. After the granite countertops were installed (L-shaped ... A: John, A quarter inch difference over eight feet is nothing to worry about in tile work. Your ...
Stainess Steel Backsplash Finish Trim	11/19/2009
Q: ..Urgent HELP needed if possible! My contractor installed stainless steel backsplash around the ... A: Carol, I never like to receive input like yours describing shoddy work performed by contractors who ...
kitchen cabinets help	11/12/2009
Q: Help! Our house was built in 1925. I am not sure how old the cabinets are or how long they have ... A: Andrea, Judging from the photo you attached I think you could strip the doors and start over. ...
backsplash	11/11/2009
Q: I have a range hood that is mostly recessed into the cupboard above it ( about 1 foot). If I ever ... A: Steve, Your question is unusual and I am uncertain, but...as a think out of the box kinda guy (and ...
undermount kitchen sink	11/7/2009
Q: I am planning to change my Kohler double bowl sink (i think porclean or cast iron, white). I have a ... A: Firoza, 1. You should be able to measure just width and length. You might consider cutting out a ...
securing drop-in oven	11/6/2009
Q: We just moved into a new home with a drop-in oven (Hotpoint RF725GP). When the previous owners ... A: Andrea, Typically, an oven unit is designed to be within or touching combustible surfaces. I suggest ...
Breakfast Bar Supports	11/5/2009
Q: We are creating a breakfast bar with a granite top. We would like to use Standoffs but we don't ... A: Michael, Cantilevered granite tops must be counter-balanced and as you did not cite widths I am ...
tile backsplash	10/27/2009
Q: We are installing a new tile backsplash above our new countertop. The wall is warped in one small ... A: Peggy, The easiest solution is to "float" the "warp" to create a flat plane on the wall. You can use ...
vinyl tile flooring and freestanding gas range	10/27/2009
Q: Last week I completed installing a new vinyl tile floor in my kitchen (self adhesive tiles). The ... A: Pat, All appliances available on the general market have been tested and rated by consumer agencies. ...
Saving, moving and rehanging kitchen cabs	10/26/2009
Q: I recently self installed pre-made Lowes Cabinets in my kitchen and would like to redesign my ... A: Erica, Kitchen cabinets are usually screwed together at the stiles(the vertical piece of wood on the ...
otr microwave	10/25/2009
Q: our range is in an island setting with cabinets above. do they make an over the range microwave oven ... A: Sharon, If you currently have "wall" cabinets over your range you should have no problem installing ...
Painting cabinets	10/23/2009
Q: We have those 1980s pine or oak (?) wood cabinets in our kitchen. Home was built in 1986 and has ... A: Lew, If you are going to paint the cabinets, you may not need to strip them. I would use a deglosser ...
new countertop	10/22/2009
Q: We have very nice oak kitchen cabinets that we want to keep. However, we have robins egg blue ... A: Mary, If you are talking about laminate Formica brand and Wilsonart are the two products I like. ...
new countertop	10/19/2009
Q: We have very nice oak kitchen cabinets that we want to keep. However, we have robins egg blue ... A: Mary, Excuse my tardiness in replying. I either failed to notice I had a question or your question ...
Granite tile countertop	10/19/2009
Q: i made a countertop out of granite tiles ,and on some seams , the tiles are bit unlevel , and ... A: Frank, You can "sand" down the edges with a number of methods. A "roto-zip" type grinder attached, ...
outlet for propane upright convection oven	10/15/2009
Q: Is it safe to have an outlet for oven in the same area where the propane hook up to oven is. Should ... A: Nate, There is no reason an electrical outlet cannot be placed near a propane (or natural gas) valve ...
new laminate counter tops	10/15/2009
Q: We just had our kitchen remodeled and had laminate counter tops put in. We noticed after one week of ... A: Linda, Typically, if what you mean by "bubbles" is that the laminate has risen or "humped up" so ...
cabinet handles and knobs	10/14/2009
Q: I'm not sure how big to get the handles. I'm thinking of getting handles for the drawers and knobs ... A: Elaine, One handle, either three inches or four should do the job. Two handles on wide drawers is a ...
Removing old countertops	9/25/2009
Q: We need to replace our 8' countertop. It is an old style rounded front with the back-splash. I've ... A: Wayne, You are right most countertops like yours are screw to the base cabinets, usually the four ...
warped counter edge	9/17/2009
Q: After about 5-6 months of renting this house, we noticed warping under the kitchen sink counter. ... A: counter, From your description, I can only surmise that you have what is called a post form counter ...
Range hood install with a soffit	9/16/2009
Q: Presently I have an under cabinet range hood. I would like to remove the cabinet and replace the ... A: Bridgette, Typically the hood vent pipe is located in the same place on both the old unit and the ...
linoleum repair	8/29/2009
Q: I moved fridge, stretched linoleum, no glue in this area. How to repair? A: Cheryl, I would try to heat up the vinyl flooring at the "stretch" with a heat gun, being careful ...
Kohler Porcelain Sink Repair	8/28/2009
Q: My wife dropped a large kettle on the front left outside edge of our kitchen sink. A small piece ... A: Mike, I am unable to offer a solution that will "work". I would probably try to call or e-mail ...
Painting kitchen cabinets	8/26/2009
Q: We have oak cabinets and we would like to paint them white and then use a mocha glaze around the ... A: Amber, The best way to perform this task is to start with a deglosser to "clean" the cabinets of ...
micowave oven install after kitchen done	8/25/2009
Q: Just purchased a condo, they have no microwave, very small kitchen with no counter space, was ... A: Linda, I do not recommend placing an under cabinet microwave over a sink. If you have a hood vent ...
over mount micrwave	8/22/2009
Q: im tring to take mine down and hove no clue how. we un screwed it from the top cabinet but it seems ... A: Jessica, You do need to unscrew it from the upper cabinet. AND it does hang on a "bracket" that was ...
Removing Tile backsplash w/o damaging granite	8/12/2009
Q: We have a kitchen with nice granite countertops and a granite backsplash that extends ~2-3 inches up ... A: Gary, It is possible to "glue" new tile over the existing tile surface. Rough up the tile with an ...
thermofoil light valence	8/7/2009
Q: I ordered light valence for my kitchen cabinets. Since my kitched is currently MDF covered with ... A: Stephen, I am unfamilar with your term "thermofoil". If it is a veneer laminated to the MDF to ...
laminate countertop options	7/27/2009
Q: Is it possible to paint laminate countertops and have them look professional? A: Stuart, It is possible to paint plastic laminate, BUT, I do not advise it. You must first "rough it ...
Installing a chimney-style range hood	7/17/2009
Q: I would like to add a chimney-style range hood above the stove. The kitchen currently has a ceiling ... A: Mary-Beth, It may be possible to connect to the existing vent, and you most certainly can connect to ...
Kitchen sink replacement	7/14/2009
Q: I have an in-tile sink that needs to be replaced. I'm thinking of getting a drop-in sink, but don't ... A: Brian, You have what is called a full bedded tile job. Wire mesh is laid over plywood and mortar is ...
Kitchen sink replacement	7/13/2009
Q: I have an in-tile sink that needs to be replaced. I'm thinking of getting a drop-in sink, but don't ... A: Brian, From your description, it sounds like you have an older kitchen with a full bull around your ...
Microwave over stove installation	7/9/2009
Q: I would like to install a microwave over my stove as I have a small kitchen and need the counter ... A: Shannon, Most microwave units are installed under a wall hung cabinet. Typical microwave units have ...
kitchen cabnits	7/8/2009
Q: I had custom cabinets made for my kitchen and a face split, when this happened my husband gave the ... A: Karen, It sounds as though the hinge may be the problem. Did you compare the split door to the new ...
kitchen remodel	7/2/2009
Q: Is there a minimum distance required between a gas range and a window (operable or fixed)? The ... A: pj, I am unable to answer your question as stated. Is the window on the wall next to the range, or ...
microwave over oven/exhaust	7/2/2009
Q: I am also an "expert" but on Greek cooking...in my kitchen in Greece I have a free standing ... A: Cathy, I hope I was helpful. The exhaust out the wall can work fine if you can tie in. Copper is ...
microwave over oven/exhaust	7/2/2009
Q: I am also an "expert" but on Greek cooking...in my kitchen in Greece I have a free standing ... A: Cathy, Your expertise is mouth watering as I love Greek food, but to your question. If you have the ...
Kitchen/ Split Entry House Remodel	7/1/2009
Q: My fiance and I recently purchased a split entry home, however we are finding the layout to be very ... A: Katrina, Your question is too difficult to answer in the space allowed. I would need more ...
Hi Macs Countertop	6/30/2009
Q: I just noticed a 1/8 inch gouge on my hi macs countertop. Is there a way for me to repair it? I dont ... A: Jina, A gouge 1/8 inch deep is probably too deep to sand without filling. Solid surface is ...
slate backsplash	6/25/2009
Q: I plan on installing a slate backsplash in our cabin kitchen. I am using 4 x4 tiles. I am going to ... A: robyn, I would use sanded grout and employ the standard method of using a grout trowel, followed by ...
slate backsplash	6/15/2009
Q: I plan on installing a slate backsplash in our cabin kitchen. I am using 4 x4 tiles. I am going to ... A: Robyn, I would leave the drywall and set the tile directly on it. Be sure your backerboard on the ...
Kitchen Remodel	6/13/2009
Q: I am interested in buying a home but would need to remodel the kitchen. I'm trying to get a feel for ... A: Cristyle, I am located in NC as well. I have a mom and pop remodeling company, www.wjsconstruct.com ...
glass mosaic tile	6/11/2009
Q: Just purchased 120 sq. ft. of mosaic tiles. These are 12"x12" sheets of 1"x1" glass tiles mounted on ... A: JAMES, I have tiled over existing ceramic tile. If the tile is firmly in place you can prep the ...
glass mosaic tile	6/10/2009
Q: Just purchased 120 sq. ft. of mosaic tiles. These are 12"x12" sheets of 1"x1" glass tiles mounted on ... A: James, Any mosaic tile in sheets will not be "square" and you must work them to get a grout line you ...
Wood flooring in kitchen	6/10/2009
Q: William, I am considering installing wood flooring in my kitchen/dining area and I need some ... A: Gary, Floating floors have improved over the last few years and while I am a purist and prefer ...
Can tile be cut while still on wall	5/30/2009
Q: We need to replace an above-the-stove-microwave that we bought from Lowe's. They won't install it bc ... A: Sheray, Above the stove microwave units are installed on a mounting plate and then screwed into the ...
kitchen countertops	5/30/2009
Q: my wife and i were wondering if countertops are available in fiberglass and how hard would it be to ... A: Clifford, I do not know of any "fiberglass" countertops. Plastic laminate is available in "post ...
Kitchen Tile Installation	5/28/2009
Q: My dad and I are installing ceramic tile in the kitchen. we removed the original vinyl flooring and ... A: James, Tile floors must have a base of cement board (durarock) or "Hardie board". It must be ...
countertop removal	5/27/2009
Q: I have new counter tops being installed. I need to remove the old laminate top and back splash. I ... A: Gregg, Most counter tops (laminate) are screwed into the cabinets. Crawl into the base cabs and look ...
kitchen tile counters	5/19/2009
Q: I love my undamaged backsplash tiles but the counter tiles are a mess! Is it possible to somehow ... A: Ross, Typically the counter top tile butts to the backsplash. You should be able to remove the ...
Side Exposed Cabinet Wall	5/18/2009
Q: My cabinet door came off its hinge. The pressed board has disintegrated where the screw goes in for ... A: Suzie, You local home improvement center, or hardware store, carries a product similar to bondo used ...
kitchen lighting	5/17/2009
Q: We have a flush mount flourescent lighting fixture and need to figure out how to lower the cover in ... A: Joe, Without a photo it is difficult to determine the steps for removing the cover. If the unit is ...
travertine countertop and island	5/12/2009
Q: Your question was We picked a travertine tile from Lowes to do our countertop (approx 20 feet) and ... A: Kathy, The only thing I know to do is to apply a coating of grout release (found at tile stores), ...
Granite	5/5/2009
Q: We had granite installed on our basement bar (upper & lower). The upper piece came with a chip and ... A: Karen, First, I do not where you live but in our area (central North Carolina) we enjoy quality ...
Tile Grout removal	5/4/2009
Q: I installed a tile floor about 3 weeks ago. Everything looks good except a couple of spots were I ... A: David, I am not familiar with the product you used. If the areas in question are places that were ...
Can I hook up the dishwasher directly to the granite countertop	4/24/2009
Q: I want to install my dishwasher and only place to secure it is to screw it directly to the granite. ... A: Pravin, I typically have a space of around one half inch between the dishwasher and the counter top. ...
countertop cut wrong	4/21/2009
Q: Long story short, we are redoing our kitchen. We ordered a new countertop, the place made it too ... A: Beth, I must say that if I had hired someone to provide a counter top and it was two inches short I ...
Kitchen cabinet handles	4/19/2009
Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and would like to refinish or have refinished our handles. They are 30 ... A: Erma, If your handles are "antique" brass you should probably just clean them. Try some mineral ...
microwave oven over stove	4/19/2009
Q: We are doing a kitchen remodel. Moved the stove over 3 inches.Now Microwave can not be mounted on ... A: Lucy, Microwave/vent units over the stove are typically supported on the most part by two screw ...
Counter width	4/17/2009
Q: Is there a minimum counter width needed (by code) when you build a cabinet and place it next to a ... A: Brian, The standard counter top depth (front to back) is 25 inches as standard component kitchen ...
Kitchen Rehab	4/12/2009
Q: I'm asking for advice. I have a project to refurbish my kitchen, considering what I want done, ... A: Virginia, Your project is a job a small remodeling company can perform. My company in NC, for ...
surface protection of art on ceramic tile	4/11/2009
Q: We have ceramic tiles that we have printed color photos on. What substance could we brush or spray ... A: Jen, Tough question. If you have transferred the photo directly on the tile I would try an acrylic ...
What kitchen cabinet is "M&B"?	4/9/2009
Q: I just bought a house and it has 1/2 a set of white MDF cabinets. I need to add a few more to ... A: Kara, It is difficult to track down the cabinet "maker". I would need the area you bought the house, ...
Trim on top of cabinets	3/22/2009
Q: I had new cabinets installed and the trim on the wall cabinets does not go all the way to the ... A: Sharon, Though I am located in Burlington, Nc., and do not have a clue where you are, I am certain ...
kitchen cupboard	3/21/2009
Q: How do I make kitchen cupboard plumb on tiled floor when floor is not square. I am using tiles on ... A: Babs, I think you mean you are trying plumb and level a base cabinet on a non-level floor. You will ...
Moving new cabinets an inch	3/18/2009
Q: I hope I read right and this is your area of expertise. We are in the middle of remodeling our ... A: Carrie, I am unclear as to your situation. Your base cabinet is "over too far". Does that mean it is ...
kitchen center island	3/15/2009
Q: William- My husband and I would like to remove our center island to either make it rectangular or to ... A: Jennifer, First you will need to ensure that the floor extends under the cabinet. If you are sure ...
removal of laminate from countertops	3/14/2009
Q: I am in the process of moving the laminate from my counters and replacing it with tile is there an ... A: Cheryl, I am glad to help. Painting plastic laminate is somewhat problematic as it is a "plastic" ...
Wall Tile	3/13/2009
Q: I hired a man to fill in the missing grout between the wall tiles in my shower. This is grout that ... A: Shelley, Your local home improvement center or hardware store sell a tool called a grout scraper ...
Wall Tile	3/13/2009
Q: I hired a man to fill in the missing grout between the wall tiles in my shower. This is grout that ... A: Shelley, Though digging out grout is not much fun I have had to perform the task on too many ...
removal of laminate from countertops	3/12/2009
Q: I am in the process of moving the laminate from my counters and replacing it with tile is there an ... A: Cheryl, Yes, just mix enough thinset mortar to float out the uneven places. Much like drywall ...
burn mark on black matte granite countertop	3/12/2009
Q: I have a Formica kitchen counter top in a dark matte granite pattern. I set the tea kettle on the ... A: Cat, Your granite top was polished and buffed and then sealed and most likely buffed again. If I was ...
removal of laminate from countertops	3/11/2009
Q: I am in the process of moving the laminate from my counters and replacing it with tile is there an ... A: Cheryl, In my opinion, if the plastic laminate is glued tightly to the plywood, with no "bubbles", ...
Don't know what to do first.	3/7/2009
Q: Our home is 20 years old and everything needs updated. The whole house needs new flooring and ... A: Helen, I am a Contractor, in Burlington, Nc (Triad area), and as such I look at projects from the ...
grout problems/glass tile	3/6/2009
Q: Old tile was removed, tile very old late 70's & drywall paper still intact. Came off easily. They ... A: Colleen, You mention "drywall paper intact" and came off easily. Did you remove the drywall, and ...
coutertops	2/23/2009
Q: I want to buy a sink that is 54" x 24 1/2" but my present countertop has a 33"x 22" sink. Can I ... A: Esther, If you want to buy the vintage sink and store it for later I would just put it in a place in ...
coutertops	2/23/2009
Q: I want to buy a sink that is 54" x 24 1/2" but my present countertop has a 33"x 22" sink. Can I ... A: Ester, Cast iron sinks are very heavy, and require two people to install. Your base cabinet if sound ...
problems with particle flooring	2/22/2009
Q: Our son has a house trailer (Burlington) that has particle board for flooring with linoleum and ... A: Jane, If you are in Burlington, NC as I am, we have had some weather this year and last fall. My ...
Molded/Built in sinks	2/20/2009
Q: getting ready to install solid surface ( Corian) countertops. Really like the look of the built in ... A: Miller, I fabricate solid surface (LG HI-MACS) and have the product in my kitchen. It is easy to ...
OTC Microwave and Granite	2/20/2009
Q: I would like to install an OTC Microwave above my stove. I have granite backsplash that goes to the ... A: Kevin, Undercab microwave units have a two part mounting system. The first part is a "backstop", a ...
coutertops	2/18/2009
Q: I want to buy a sink that is 54" x 24 1/2" but my present countertop has a 33"x 22" sink. Can I ... A: Esther, You need to consider the width of your sink base. The sink base is the cabinet that "holds ...
painting kitchen cabinets	2/17/2009
Q: I painted our kitchen cabinets about 6 years ago. They need painted again. What process should I ... A: Suzanne, I always use a degreaser (found in the paint dept of home improvement center), and then ...
Removing laminate countertops with a lazy susan	2/15/2009
Q: We are having Silestone counter tops installed, but first my husband needs to remove the laminate ... A: Gayle, I am somewhat stumped regarding a preformed cabinet around a lazy susan. Most base cabinet ...
flooring	2/11/2009
Q: I have 3 layers of vinyl on my kitchen floor. Should I remove it before having tile or wood laminate ... A: Linda, Typically, ceramic tile installed over a cement board underlayment, does not require removal ...
installing kitchen countertops and sinks	2/9/2009
Q: My current sink is 33x22, but can I install a 30x 21 sink? I am going to have my countertops done. ... A: Esther, If you are installing new countertops, a smaller sink (30x21) will work. I prefer porcelian ...
granite kitchen countertops installed	2/6/2009
Q: I am getting granite kitchen countertops installed in a couple of weeks. In the meantime I will be ... A: Mohd, Tumbled marble tiles have a "lava stone" look and are typically spaced with about a one ...
under the cabinet microwave	2/6/2009
Q: what is minimum distance between bottom of under the cabinet microwave and top of the stove A: Cindy, The first thing to consider is the type of stovetop you have. Natural gas stove tops ...
TILING A KITCHEN BACKSPLASH	2/5/2009
Q: THIS IS MY FIRST TILING PROJECT. I AM INSTALLING A KITCHEN BACKSPLASH ON SHEETROCK USING 4.5" X 4.5" ... A: Paul, Your trowel size is correct. The key to mastic is to try and keep your "groove" lines ...
fastening faucet to granite countertops	2/2/2009
Q: We had a professional plumber install the faucet to our granite countertop. It is a single handle ... A: Caroline, You may be able to loosen the nut that holds the clip that holds the faucet in place, ...
cabinets	2/1/2009
Q: how many cabinets in a typical 10x10 kitchen set up ....thanks....fred. A: Fred, Kitchen cabinet components are designed for a ten foot run (length). Most sink bases (cabinet ...
Installing new counters to abut current sink	1/30/2009
Q: I have a 1940's Cape. I would like to do a simple renovation of my kitchen, which include repainting ... A: Nancy, I will assume that you are going to purchase post-form plastic laminate tops, the least ...
replace sink in granite	1/28/2009
Q: Can I replace an undermount cast iron sink in a granite counter? I want stainless steel. How do I ... A: Diane, It is possible to replace an undermount sink, though the job can be tough. Cast iron sinks ...
installing wine cooler and a narrow base cabinet	1/19/2009
Q: What would be the best way to remove the scribe molding and toe kick from the existing cabinet so ... A: You will need a 16 oz claw hammer, a small trim flat pry bar (some call it a baby "wonder bar"), a ...
kitchen countertop	1/19/2009
Q: I recently saw on Design on a Dime, they had found a product that you spread on formica countertop ... A: Sandie. I can only surmise that you are inquiring about a polyester or fiberglass resin product. ...

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William Spaan

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Kitchen remodeling, design, and repairs are my forte. I am able to field questions about cabinets, counter tops, tile, flooring, lighting, plumbing, and all phases of a remodel.

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I am a Licensed General Contractor (NC) and have been remodeling homes for over thirty years.

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The undergraduate degree in english I hold does little to help me install cabinets. The thirty years plus attending the SH of K (School of Hard Knocks) in home repair and construction allows me to claim Master status.

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