The 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Pouring a Concrete Slab

Posted on April 23, 2019 by admin

There are several reasons why it is important to hire a professional for any type of concrete slab work. In fact, the most common mistakes made by those who choose the “do-it-yourself” approach are the reasons why professional concrete service is so critical to the outcome of a concrete slab project. So if you are a property owner who is considering a DIY concrete slab project, be sure you are fully informed before getting started.

Continue reading to learn the top four mistakes made when pouring concrete slab on your own. You might decide that professional concrete installation is the best route to take.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Common Concrete Slab Mistakes

Even the most experienced handyman or home improvement buff is better-off hiring professional concrete service for their slab work needs. Without the proper resources, a person can have a lot of trouble pouring concrete on their own, and a low chance at achieving quality results. This includes the proper tools and materials, specialized equipment, and a sufficient team of helpers. In addition to the proper tools and resources, adequate training and hands-on experience is essential to pouring concrete slabs skillfully.

Here are the top 4common mistakes made when pouring concrete:

❶ Site Preparation

Pouring concrete is a complex job that requires a significant amount of preparation. Those without experience often overlook the importance of proper site preparation. For concrete can be poured, the site must be perfectly level and thoroughly compacted. In most cases, this requires preliminary site excavation work. Depending on the quality of your work site’s surface, various adjustments may be needed to achieve a good outcome.

❷ Concrete Mixing

Another common mistake made by novice concrete installers is improperly mixing the concrete or using the wrong type altogether. Even the mix is only slightly off balance, it is worthless and shouldn’t be used. Also, not all concrete projects call for the same type of concrete mix, so it is important to differentiate products from one another. Using the wrong concrete would be disastrous to your project, not to mention a huge waste of your money and effort.

❸ The Weather

Very few people consider the weather before starting a concrete installation job, which is highly influential to the overall project. If weather is hot, cold, or wet, certain precautions and adjustments must be made in order to achieve the proper results. So failing to check the weather report before scheduling a concrete slab work day can be a huge setback.

❹ Finish Work

It is very common to forget the finish work required for pouring concrete slab. Before it’s finished, it needs to be screeded, edged, and floated. Failing to do so will result in a bubbly, uneven surface. If this is not completed, then the entire project is essentially a waste of time, money, and effort. This goes for any project that is only done halfway.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors You Can Trust

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable concrete pavement work in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, all at the most competitive prices in town. Request an estimate, today!

Master Bathroom Remodeling Hacks That are Actually Affordable

Posted on April 17, 2019 by admin

Are you looking for a way to enhance or upgrade your master bathroom, but your budget is somewhat limited? Keep in mind, your master bath is one of the most-used rooms in your home, from relaxing spas and showers, to washing hands, checking your reflection, and of course, relieving yourself; so when it comes to comfort and convenience, try to treat yourself!

Fortunately, there are five fantastic methods any homeowner or renter can do to instantly update or upgrade the look of their master bath without all the hassle of construction and renovation costs! Continue reading to learn a few ways you can instantly transform your master bathroom within a minimal budget.

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Paint the Walls and Cabinets

Sometimes a simple change of color can make all the difference in a small room like a master bath. If the cabinets are already painted, not stained, re-applying a fresh coat of paint can instantly make cabinets appear brand new. As for walls, a fresh coat of paint or a color change can dramatically transform a space without a hassle. Semi-gloss paints that include primers are perfect for bathrooms and some brands only require one-coat applications. You can purchase enough paint for your master bath as low as $50, depending on the brand and paint quality. Keep in mind that brighter colors can make bathrooms feel more spacious, while warmer colors will offer cozy ambiences.

Replace the Lighting

Speaking of cozy or bright ambiences, depending on whatever you prefer for your master bath, lightening can play a large role in transforming the look and feel of a bathroom. If you have florescent lighting in your restroom, swap them out for something less dramatic like recess lightening. If you cannot afford to have recess or new lighting installed, simply change your lamp bulbs to a smaller wattage, or even an adjustable wattage. You can also purchase small counter lamps that look fashionable and add a transformation of light. You may also consider installing curtains on bathroom windows to add a cozier or homier feel; or removing them to add more natural light and space.

Replace Hanging Towels

Hand towels and bath towels fade over time, and can look dull or boring. One fast and affordable way to change the entire look of your master bath is to replace your towels. Choose a new color or fresh pattern and swap out hand towels, rags, shower curtains, and bath towels for an instantaneous transformation!

Re-Caulk or Clean Waterproof Seals

The waterproof caulking around bathtubs and sinks can get moldy or deteriorate overtime. Re-caulking these areas will provide extra security against leaks, as well as, brighten up the look of your room. Instead of re-caulking, you can apply a good bleach scrub-down to clean the seals and freshen up their look.

Replace Bathroom Fixtures

If you want to update the look of your washroom to a more modern feel, simply replace the plumbing and decorative fixtures. Things like faucets, shower heads, shower rods, towel racks, sconces, door knobs, and more can be replaced at a low cost in a short amount of time. You would be amazed to see how a bathroom can look entirely remodeled and updated with a simple fixture upgrade you can do yourself!

Indianapolis Home Remodeling and Conversions

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis bathroom remodeling services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Tips for Cleaning Concrete Counters

Posted on April 10, 2019 by admin

Everywhere traditional countertops are installed, concrete can be used in its place. Decorative concrete countertops are increasingly becoming a more popular alternative for kitchens, bars, bathrooms, garages, restaurants, salons, factories, and more. Whether you are just considering a concrete countertop addition, or have already had your concrete countertops installed, you need to know how to clean and care for them to protect your investment and prolong your enjoyment!

Continue reading to learn some important and helpful tips for cleaning decorative concrete countertops.

Benefits of Concrete Countertops

Decorative concrete countertops are highly admired for their plethora of unique qualities and benefits. Not only are the incredibly durable and long-lasting, they are resistant to heat, stains, scratches, fading, and discoloration. But the number one reason why so many people are opting for decorative concrete countertops over traditional materials is the cost-effectiveness and quality ratios they offer. Decorative concrete countertops can be customized to mimic any kind of texture, material, color, or pattern, including higher end materials. And compared to higher end materials, like marble and granite, concrete is much cheaper, easier to install, and easier to maintain.

Maintenance for Concrete Counters

In terms of cleaning and maintenance, there is really no difference. Concrete counters can be cleaned much in the same way as standard vinyl or laminate ones. Daily cleaning should simply involve warm water and mild dish washing liquid. Just be sure to use a soft washcloth or rag, and not a wire mesh pad or anything equally abrasive. You also want to avoid harsh soaps and cleaners. These can remove your sealant and leave behind scratches. You can also use store-bought cleansing cloths that are marked safe for concrete counters.

Some professionals recommend a routine waxing for period concrete countertop maintenance. Once a month, add a new layer of wax to ensure its level of resistance to heat, staining, scratches, and more. The proper method for waxing your concrete countertops will vary depending on several factors, so it is important to discuss these individual needs with your Indianapolis concrete contractor.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors

Restoration By L&B, LLC offers superior decorative concrete installation and replacement for both residential and commercial properties in Indianapolis and its surrounding towns. Whether you are a home or building owner, our qualified and insured general contractors can provide a wide-range of tile flooring services; including replacements, removal, repairs, installations, and more. You name it, we can do it! Best of all, we offer the most competitive pricing around! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request an estimate, today.

Why You Should Pressure Wash Your Driveway

Posted on April 5, 2019 by admin

Pressure washing is a common method for keeping the exterior of your home clean. But pressure washing can do much more for the aesthetic appeal of your property. It is also highly-effective at cleaning exterior concrete, especially driveways. Pressure washing delivers several benefits that support investment protection and structural longevity. Continue reading to learn these benefits, and who to call for professional pressure washing services you can trust.

Driveway Maintenance

It is important to keep your concrete driveway clear of damaging elements and products, such as grease, oil, grime, salt, and chemicals. Routine driveway cleaning will protect your concrete from premature wear and tear, which is good for your wallet and your vehicles. Pressure washing is one of the best strategies for driveway cleaning because it is quick, uncomplicated, and effective. All of this adds both beauty and value to your home. In fact, regular pressure washing can increase your property value by thousands of dollars!

Power Washing Service

It is wise to hire a professional company to provide pressure washing service for your driveway. Not only do they have the training and experience to implement the job efficiently, they already retain the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right the first time around. They also have the proper resources to meet the state’s pressure washing disposal requirements.

Power washing a driveway includes the use of eco-friendly chemical-free cleaners, brighteners, and low pressure washing strategies. Surfaces are generally pre-treated with a concrete brightener, saturated with concrete cleaner, thoroughly rinsed with a power washer, treated once again with an eco-friendly cleaner, and then given a final pressure rinse. This practice effectively removes dirt, grime, stains, discoloration, and more.

Indianapolis Concrete Restoration and Repair

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete restoration and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer a full-range of concrete construction services and related developmental management services for all properties and residences. No matter how small, large, or complex your concrete needs may be, our skilled and experienced contractors can deliver the proficient results you expect using innovative designs, quality materials, and professional service. Request an estimate, anytime.