Counter Trouble

As a handyman I receive questions about home improvements in the form of how to do-it-myself. The advice I offer is based on the limited information I receive and may not be the same advice I would give if I had first hand knowledge of the improvements or repairs. The best advice is to have a professional handyman evaluate the project first hand so the repairs can be done correctly.
Below is an example of repair questions I have received:

Question:

I own an older home and I have noticed that over the last couple of years my kitchen counter has pulled away from the wall some. How can I fill this gap in? What is an acceptable gap? I notice it more in the winter months.

Answer:
It is not unusual, especially in an older house to get some movement with a temperature change.
It is possible that the counter top is only sitting on the base cabinets, and is not attached to the wall. This is not unusual, but over time this will allow the countertop to leave the wall.
To eliminate the gap, I would use L-brackets. Locate the wall studs under the counter top. Attach the L-bracket to the underside of the countertop. The bracket should be in line with the wall stud and away from the wall about the same distance from the wall as the counter is from the wall. After you have attached the bracket to the underside of the countertop, you can use 1.5 to 2 inch screws to pull the counter back to the wall. You need to attach them about every four feet.
The gap of one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch is common. Silicone caulk works great to seal this gap.

Your local handyman is the expert you need for these types of repairs.