How to Distinguish Between Non-Load Bearing and Load Bearing Walls

In the remodeling and construction industry, there are two main kinds of walls: load bearing walls and non-load bearing walls. Understanding the difference between the two is critical. Cutting into the wrong wall can result in serious structural damages, and even whole-house cave-ins! Before taking the step of removing or cutting any wall in your property, you must learn the difference between bearing and non-bearing walls, and how to accurately identify them from one another.

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Non-Load Bearing Walls

Non-load bearing walls are walls inside a property that do not support any structural weight of a building. They do not bear any other weight of the property’s structure other than its own. Also referred to as “curtain walls”, non-bearing walls are used primarily as room dividers, and generally serve no other purpose. They can be easily identified by simply looking at the joists and rafters in your attic or basement. If they run parallel to the wall, they are most likely non-load bearing walls. You can do whatever you like to non-load bearing walls since they are not responsible for the gravitational support for your property. But removing, or even cutting into, a load-bearing wall can be a dangerous and costly mistake.

Load Bearing Walls

In contrast to non-bearing walls, load bearing walls are erected to provide structural support for a residential or commercial property. It is possible to bring down an entire home by removing or cutting into just one load-bearing wall! So be sure you know the difference between the two in order to avoid jeopardizing your property’s structural stability. If the rafters or joists in your basement or attic run perpendicular to the wall in question, they are most likely load-bearing. It is wise to consult a licensed general contractor about your remodeling and renovation needs. They can guide you through the process of setting a budget, organizing services, and ensuring quality results.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. General contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions anytime. We offer a wide range of remodeling, renovation, restoration, and repair services for both commercial and residential properties. Our licensed contractors are fully-equipped to provide outstanding results that last. And we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Call us today at 317-454-3612 to schedule an in-house assessment for Indianapolis remodeling services you can trust.

Choose a Custom Shower for Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodeling is a wise choice since it is an area of your home that you use often. For this reason, bathroom remodels are lucrative and worthwhile investments. Not only do they enhance the quality of your life, they increase your home’s overall value. If you’ve recently made the decision to remodel your master bathroom, pat yourself on the back because now it is time for the fun part! Relish in the fact that you have complete control, giving you the freedom of choosing any details and designs that represent your individual style and needs. This is surely any homeowner’s dream come true!

Bathroom Remodels Indianapolis 317-454-3612

Bathroom Remodels Indianapolis 317-454-3612

Custom Shower Remodels

One of the most significant features of a master bathroom, and often times the focal point as well, is the shower. After all, it is one of the best parts of our day; right? The shower and bath are the best areas of a bathroom remodel budget to splurge in, since it is something we value most in our homes and lives. You can’t feel guilty spending a little extra on a new shower when you use it every single day! Take a little extra money from your new towel and washcloth budget, and add it to your bathroom shower budget, and you will not regret it later on!

Bathroom Remodeling

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, custom shower installation is a great way to make a statement. You can choose from a wide selection of bathroom features, fixtures, amenities, and more. Certain selections to consider include rainfall shower heads, fog-free mirrors, frameless glass shower doors, custom shower storage, floor-to-ceiling tiles, steam features, automatic dispensers, and aroma therapy features. Be sure to work with your general contractor for help determining the best features to fit the space you have, all within your personal budget. This is the best way to get a high-quality, custom bathroom remodel at a price you are comfortable with.

Indianapolis Bathroom Remodelers

General Contractors Indianapolis IN

Indianapolis General Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for custom shower installation and bathroom remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. General contractor, Lee Elliot, and his team of qualified contractors, provide comprehensive bathroom remodels for commercial and residential properties. Our remodeling services include framing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, appliance installation, painting, and more. Not only do we offer economical prices, we guarantee to beat any competitors’ prices! Call 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis bathroom
remodelers
you can trust.

Safety Tips for Choosing and Using a Ladder

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Now that spring is officially here, homeowners are already thinking about summer. “Spring cleaning” is the priority of the season right now, but pretty soon, spring cleaning will transition into summer preparation chores, namely exterior home maintenance and repair. During this time, many people will require the use of a ladder in order to access windows, tree limbs, gutters, rooftops, garage shelves, attic storage, and other high-up areas. For those who are not familiar with using ladders, it can be tricky determining which ladder to choose, and how to use it properly.

If you are in the market for a ladder to keep for home maintenance needs, it is very important to learn proper ladder knowledge. Not only will this provide protection for yourself, it will allow you to pass your knowledge of ladder safety onto friends and family who wish to borrow yours!

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for choosing the right ladder, and using it safely.

Choosing a Ladder

Ladders come in several difference styles, sizes, weight capacities, and even material. For this reason, it is important to select the right ladder for the purpose you intend to use it for. While shopping around, you will find a wide selection of ladders; including:

• Step stools
• Step ladders
• Extension ladders
• Platform ladders
• Multi-purpose ladders
• Telescoping ladders
• Folding ladders
• And more

Each ladder provides a different range of uses. For simple, not-so-high areas, a person might choose a step stool or step ladder. For someone who needs to utilize space wisely or transport their ladder often, a folding ladder might be the right choice. And as for those who wish to have a ladder at home for exterior maintenance needs, a multi-purpose will do the trick. It can extend and change size, and can open up into a step-ladder style, making it climbable and fully self-supporting.

Ladder Safety

Once you have chosen the right ladder, it is time to review some safety tips for using it around the outside of the home. Improper use of a ladder is easy to do, and can lead to serious long-lasting injuries. So it is vital to always stay focused and remind yourself of the rules while using a ladder for work purposes. Also consider purchasing additional ladder accessories for safer utilization, including ladder stabilizers and tie-off belts. Here are some tips that will help you remain safe and supported on your ladder:

1. Set up your ladder at a 75 degree angle for full stability. TO ensure you have the proper angle, place your toes at the bottom, and extend your arms out towards the rungs. If your fingertips touch, you have the right angle.

2. Always position a ladder on a dry level surface, away from opening doors. Never set up a ladder in water, puddles, or mud. A stable surface is vital for ultimate safety.

3. Before climbing a ladder, always double-check the ladder locks and extensions to ensure they are set right.

4. Always make sure the ladder extends at least 3 feet above the working line. So if the roof-line is your working area, be sure the ladder is 3 feet above it.

5. Never use the top step of a ladder, and never stand or climb on the rear section of a ladder.

6. Focus on your balance while using your ladder, and never try to over-reach while on it. Immediately take a few steps down if you feel unstable, dizzy, or anxious. And always take the time to step down and re-position your ladder rather than trying to overreach.

7. If metal, never use your ladder near power lines or electrical equipment. A fiberglass or wood ladder is safest for areas like these.

8. Always be sure to put your ladder away as soon as you are done using it. It is very common for others to get hurt from a ladder that is not put away properly, or at all. Keep in mind that children see it as a toy, when really it poses several dangers.

If you are preparing your home’s exterior for summer, and you notice some needed repairs or renovations, trust a professional home remodeling contractor for safe, secure, and affordable service. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to manage your home repairs professionally, and in a convenient time-frame.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis IN

Indianapolis General Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for home remodeling and handyman services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of experienced general contractors, provide a wide range of home renovations, restorations, remodels, and repairs at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, Restoration By L & B, LLC will BEAT any competitors price, guaranteed! Call 317-454-3612 and speak directly with a friendly and knowledgeable general contractor in Indianapolis, IN today.