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| Subject | Date Asked |
| Incorrect faucet holes in granite | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: we recently had granite countertops installed in our bathrooms (4). When the fabricators drilled ... A: I'm sorry you have this issue with your granite - I will try to help sort this out as there could be ... | |
| FreeStanding Jennair downdraft replacement w/ overrange microwave | 10/24/2011 |
| Q: I have a 30 year old free standing Jenn Air electric range that I would like to replace with a ... A: I'm not familiar with a range (gas or electric) that has a light in the backsplash, but I am very ... | |
| granite countertop support | 7/19/2011 |
| Q: We are planning to install granite countertops, but we need some advice on how best to support the ... A: You are right to be concerned about support for a granite c/t. While granite is extremely durable ... | |
| Sink replacement | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I have a Youngstown kitchen sink (1950's) that I would like to replace.It sits on a 24" inch wide ... A: Congratulations on tackling this DIY project - remodeling can often be a painful, yet very rewarding ... | |
| Sink replacement | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I have a Youngstown kitchen sink (1950's) that I would like to replace.It sits on a 24" inch wide ... A: I think I can help, but I'm going to give you two answers based on your described situation and the ... | |
| Wall Oven Installation | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: !! I am replacing a wall oven. There was an existing "cubby" in the cabinets that the previous ... A: Yes - I just mean that the wire should not have any visible cuts or wear areas in the insulation. ... | |
| Wall Oven Installation | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: !! I am replacing a wall oven. There was an existing "cubby" in the cabinets that the previous ... A: Your appliance salesman is correct - there is no issue at all with the back/sides of the wall oven ... | |
| appliance placement | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: Is it alright to place the stove and the dishwasher next to each other? A: The answer is yes - but with a simple caveat. A dishwasher is not designed to support the weight of ... | |
| OTR Microwave inn relation to semi pro gas stove | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: I have Jenn-Air products (which I dislike) they are three years old. When I use the stove the ... A: There are several factors that should be considered when selecting the correct cooking & ventilation ... | |
| Granite and grease | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: We are going to install granite counter tops in a new construction. It occurred to my husband that ... A: Stains on granite are a common concern; whether it be grease, oils, wine, etc. I generally address ... | |
| Kitchen Design | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: We are in the process of doing out kitchen and will be removing all cabinets and tiles. My question ... A: You are absolutely correct to want to install the tile first and then install cabinets on top of the ... | |
| How to support a Corian worksurface? | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: I am setting up an office at home with cabinets and a Corian desktop. The desktop will go around 3 ... A: I will be able to offer you some suggestions, but I strongly suggest you get final recommendations ... | |
| modifying cabinet for OTR microwave | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: We purchased an OTR microwave to fit in the space of the previous range hood. Unfortunately, we do ... A: Congratulations on your decision to remodel and use a microhood/OTR - this should save some ... | |
| OTR Microwave | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: Is it possible to install an OTR microwave without a cabinet above the range? I currently have a ... A: Is it possible to install an OTR without a cabinet above??? The answer is yes and no. You don't ... | |
| How to cover all range burners with a OTR microwave? | 12/19/2010 |
| Q: We have a OTR microwave, but it is not very useful because its depth is much less than the depth of ... A: OTR's seem to dominate the kitchen questions I receive on this forum. For all of the many benefits ... | |
| flooring | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: i want to lay ceramic tiles on Durock on my kitchen floor. under the linolium i have now looks to be ... A: I am a little confused about the material you have because you describe it as 'sheets' and ... | |
| otr microwave | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: I would like to redecorate the kitchen firstly by replacing the appliances. I have a new range and ... A: Now it all makes sense. Yes, that 24" deep cabinet creates a problem. I did a little research into ... | |
| otr microwave | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: I would like to redecorate the kitchen firstly by replacing the appliances. I have a new range and ... A: This additional description should be good, but I will leave you my cell number at the end if you ... | |
| otr microwave | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: I would like to redecorate the kitchen firstly by replacing the appliances. I have a new range and ... A: OTR microwaves seem to be a big topic on this site as almost half of the questions I receive are OTR ... | |
| Vanity Top | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: Greetings Scott...I am in the process of renovating my bathroom. I would like to replace my vanity ... A: A couple years ago, I would have said that granite vanity tops for a small bathroom would have been ... | |
| kitchen design | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: i was thinking about laying down vinyl tiles in my kitchen at home depot but got stuck when i had to ... A: From the information provided, I am assuming you are using a vinyl tile by Congoleum called ... | |
| Microwave and building codes. | 9/29/2010 |
| Q: I live in BC Canada where I am told the home building code says 18" between an electric cooktop and ... A: The amount of space to leave between a range top (gas or electric) and an OTR (Over-The-Range) ... | |
| kitchen sink | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm getting a new kitchen sink whick is single bowl made by Vigo. can it accommodate the trash ... A: My company does not offer the Vigo brand kitchen sink, but I did some research online for you. The ... | |
| definition of terms | 8/29/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to select a corner base cabinet for a sink. What is the difference between a sink base ... A: The Sink Base Angle (SBA) and Sink Front Angle (SFA) are indeed different from one another. In very ... | |
| Laminate Cove Molding | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: I am having a laminate floor installed in my kitchen and I would like to use a matching or close to ... A: My first response would be to check with the flooring specialist or store where you purchased the ... | |
| kitchen backsplash | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: I live in a mobile home. I bought a new range and hood for the kitchen. I need to know what to put ... A: Tile with grout is suitable for behind a range without worry of grout cracking from heat. I've had ... | |
| Range hood vent length and interference with HVAC | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: We are planning a kitchen remodel and hope to move our stove to a new wall. We hope to put in a 30" ... A: I appreciate that you are doing the necessary research before starting your project (it doesn't ... | |
| Installing Ceramic Tile Backsplash | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: I'm getting ready to install ceramic tile on a small area above a a sink as a backsplash. When ... A: Bob, The grout you are using should be fine. Most 'ready-mix' grouts are considered non-sanded, and ... | |
| Installing Ceramic Tile Backsplash | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: I'm getting ready to install ceramic tile on a small area above a a sink as a backsplash. When ... A: This one is going to be easy. Wherever you bought your tile, be confident in the fact that your ... | |
| Venting | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: we are almost done remodeling our kitchen. we had someone move a wall for us to make it larger and ... A: You may have several options here; I'll try to address them one scenario at a time. 1# - The ... | |
| Kitchen countertops | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: I want to get new kitchen flooring and countertops. Since I am on a budget, large kitchen floor ... A: Congoleum's Dura Ceramic is an excellent choice for a kitchen floor. It is very durable; it looks ... | |
| 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: Most semi-custom cabinet lines offer some sort of 'appliance garage' cabinet that can hide small ... | |
| kitchen backslpash tiles | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: I had a solid color of backsplash tile installed when I had my kitchen remodeled. I wish I had ... A: This is a great, inexpensive do-it-yourself project. You could pay a tile installer to do it for ... | |
| Remodel Kitchen Order | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I have decided to remodel our 1980's kitchen. We are tackling some of the work ... A: Congratulations on your decision to update your kitchen. This is a very good question to start with ... | |
| Stove | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: Steve, My name is Skip. I have a couple of questions and there is NO RUSH for the answers. Our ... A: 1) Long gone are the appliance color relics I/we grew up with - I still remember the avacado green ... | |
| kitchen appliance placement | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: Getting ready to do some minor kitchen remodeling. Can you place a stovetop with oven bottom ... A: I've been faced with this question a few times before, and as a designer, my recommendation was ... | |
| Faucets for 40/60 granite countertops | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: I recently had granite countertops installed in my kitchen with a 40/60 stainless undermount sink ... A: This is a common problem with granite countertops and it usually happens when the kitchen designer ... | |
| kitchen remodel | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: I have the opportunity to get some used but beautiful cabinets and sink from a home that is being ... A: I was out for a couple days, so I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Your project is ... | |
| Crooked Glass Tiles | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a question regarding how to remedy a problem with crooked glass tile. We just put up an ... A: Crooked tiles with glass is very common, and yes, it is correctable. If your tiles are the smaller ... | |
| natural gas line feed to new kitchen cooktop | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: I am renovating my kitchen and want to move the island gas cooktop to the adjacent wall about 7' ... A: This is slightly out of my area of expertise, but I'll tell you how my company would handle this ... | |
| Kitchen twin bowl porcelain sinks replacment | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: 15 yrs ago the then popular above were dropped-in in corner of our lanament counter top. They are ... A: With the space you are talking about, it sounds like you will need the single bowl drop-in style ... | |
| Kitchen twin bowl porcelain sinks replacment | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: 15 yrs ago the then popular above were dropped-in in corner of our lanament counter top. They are ... A: I'm sorry I am late getting back to you - somehow the email went to my spam box. From your ... | |
| silicone & slate tile | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: Installed slate tile in the downstairs bathroom with stand up shower ... have a tile that has ... A: A loose or lifting tile can happen for a variety of reasons. If the loose tile is caused by a water ... | |
| kitchen sink | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: Cant seem to find the right size for my kitchen sink. Someone said when measuring the hole you can ... A: With the sink you are describing, I will assume you have a laminate (aka Formica) countertop. The ... | |
| 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: Before removing the existing cabinets, I would take the time to work with a professional designer to ... | |
| scheduling kitchen upgrades | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: I want to have new countertops and glass tile backsplash, but don't think I can afford both projects ... A: Between the countertops and tile back splash, in my opinion, there really isn't an option. The ... | |
| kitchen range/microwave question | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: I currently have a Jenn-air slide in electric range with a downdraft system. It is installed on an ... A: I want to address your last question first. OTR microwaves are relatively easy to install in most ... | |
| sink | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: Can I use an undermount sink as a self rimming sink? A: I am going to need a little more information about your sink before I can fully answer your ... | |
| Kitchen Floor Help | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: My parents are redoing their kitchen floor. They removed everything that was on top of the original ... A: I'm afraid I am going to be the bearer of bad news in this case though - you are in a very sticky ... | |
| microwave | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: can i mount my microwave over the dishwasher instead of over the stove A: I need a little bit more information so I can address you question thoroughly. Are you talking about ... | |
| Drawings | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: Your drawing is very close. What i see is that you are recommending a 3/4 inch hardwood backing ... A: I'm glad the drawing is close, and also that it even came through (I haven't used that feature on ... | |
| microwave hood OTR | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: Our range sits in an island with the back side open to our dining room. We will install new cabinets ... A: I made a drawing of what I think you are describing. I've been having scanner issues, and now ... | |
| microwave hood OTR | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: Our range sits in an island with the back side open to our dining room. We will install new cabinets ... A: Your application has me stumped a little bit. Let me get a few more details so I can try to help you ... | |
| microwave hood OTR | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: Our range sits in an island with the back side open to our dining room. We will install new cabinets ... A: There are certainly more questions I would want to ask before making a final recommendation, but ... | |
| 5/8" hole in formica type laminate | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: I need to make a 5/8" hole in an existing bathroom cabinet to install a push button switch. Please ... A: I'm not sure from your question if you are drilling into a Formica (plastic laminate) countertop or ... | |
| OTR Microwave for Built In application | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: Building a new home, and really prefer the sizes/look/features of one particular companies OTR line ... A: Without knowing the model and specifications of the unit in question, I will have to answer this ... | |
| Drop-In Electric Range | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to replace a 30+ year old Whirlpool drop-in electric range that has a 30" cook-top but ... A: First off, Whirlpool does still make drop-in style ranges. That is the brand we sell in our ... | |
| kitchen /center island/ gas | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I am replacing an electric range in the center island with a propane range. The propane lines have ... A: I almost declined to answer this question, as it is a little out of my area of expertise. But at ... | |
| backsplash | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: I'm trying to build a back splash for our bathroom counter top. I want to have it tiled. However, ... A: That is an interesting application for your backsplash. The best solution for covering your edges ... | |
| Bath vanity install | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: Scott, We just had some tile installed in our half-bath, and the vanity is now ready to go back on ... A: If the hooks only have to moved 1/4" or so, and the screws are not hitting wall studs, you have a ... | |
| Bath vanity install | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: Scott, We just had some tile installed in our half-bath, and the vanity is now ready to go back on ... A: You mentioned new tile, but didn't say whether the tile was installed on the floor or wall, or both. ... | |
| replacing countertop without replacing cabinets | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: We're in the middle of a slow kitchen remodel, and are about to replace the 40 year old laminate ... A: If I were your designer, I would have about two dozen questions to ask before recommending a ... | |
| Replace electric range with a gas range | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: Our electric range is situated on an outside wall between a kitchen cupboard and an interior wall. ... A: I'm not sure I understand your exact situation, but I take a stab at it. I assume you have a tall, ... | |
| tile floor & cabinets | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I am going to be remodeling my kitchen pretty soon, and I am trying to plan everything out right ... A: First off, you are absolutely on the right path by choosing to install the tile before the ... | |
| granite counter top and sink replacement | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: We have a stainless self rimming sink in our granite countertops. I would like to change it to an ... A: The answer is yes & probably. Yes, it is "possible" to replace a self-rimming s/s sink with an ... | |
| mixing cabinet color and microwave | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I have oak cabinets, I need to replace the sink base and place cabinets around ... A: For the 1st part of your question - it is very difficult to suggest colors without more information ... | |
| otr microwave | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: Hey Scott, i have a good question and hopefully you can help me out. I intend to replace a vent hood ... A: Installation of an OTR micro (microhood) usually requires support from the cabinet above in some ... | |
| painting bathroom tiles black?? | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible to paint old ass bathroom tiles? I read online yes and no its not a good idea ... A: At first glance, I would agree with the information you already obtained online, and suggest not ... | |
| Bathtub and surround replacement | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: We have a steel tub and tile now. The tub is all chipped and the grout is bad. We are thinking of ... A: Your situation is a very common problem. If your tile, or more importantly, your grout is in bad ... | |
Answers by Expert:
Top Expert on this page
I can answer questions regarding the kitchen & bath design process. My specialty is problem solving and advising clients about realistic expectations and proper procedures. Please feel free to use this forum for fact gathering and overall questions about the remodeling process and how to get started. I take special pride in solving unique design issues (issues unrelated to interior design).
I am the general manager of a kitchen & bath design showroom that offers complete sales, design, and installation services. Our products include cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances.
Education/Credentials
I have been working in the field of kitchen & bath design since receiving my B.S. degree in Architecture in 1992. I also own my own residential home design company, and have been designing custom homes for local builders since 1993.

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