How to Soundproof Your Basement Ceiling

When you are finishing or remodeling a basement, soundproofing between floors is an important factor in terms of comfort, satisfaction, and functionality. Continue reading to learn the common strategies and options for soundproofing your basement ceiling.

Indianapolis Basement Remodeling 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Basement Remodeling 317-454-3612

Best Basement Ceiling Soundproofing Options

Basement ceilings must be installed and modified adequately in order to cancel out noises from upstairs. You may think that special attention to basement ceilings is not necessary, but without it, your new-and-improved living space will be subjected to loud overhead noise like upstairs chit chatter, stomping feet, pets running around, people climbing stairs, doors opening and closing, and everything else that takes place in a busy home. It is in the best interest of your investment to properly insulate your basement ceilings, and not just for the sake of resale value, but for your personal enjoyment as well.

Here are the top solutions for soundproofing a basement ceiling:

? Canceling Overhead Noise

In order to cancel out overhead noise coming from the main level of the house, you must find a way to absorb the noise and interrupt the sound simultaneously. But first, you should know that you will most likely need to soundproof both the basement ceilings AND the main level floors for the best results. And if you desire a fully-soundproofed space, you will need to do the walls as well. Using floor padding, carpeting, areas rugs, and upholstered furniture on the main level can help with noise cancellation. Still, the most effective modification you can make to your basement is soundproofing the ceilings. And as mentioned above, you must find a strategy that absorbs sound and interrupts it at the same time.

? Absorbing and Interrupting Noise

In terms of noise absorption, installing a standard sound-dampening fiberglass insulation between the ceiling joists will usually get the job done, but this is somewhat considered to be the bare minimum for soundproofing a basement. Many contractors argue that the best option for absorbing upper-level noises in the basement is coupling fiberglass insulation with a denser, heavier material; such as soundproofing drywall, medium density fiberboard (MDF), or even heavy-duty vinyl sheeting.

In terms of noise interruption, you have a couple options. You can create a gap or you can insert a non-conductive (does not carry sound waves) barrier between the basement ceilings and the above floorboards. Both of these options essentially add another ceiling or floor between levels, which effectively inhibits noise vibrations from channeling through ceilings and joists.  To determine your basement’s unique soundproofing needs, talk to a local and trusted general contractor that specializes in basement remodeling and drywall installation.

Methods for Soundproofing Ceilings:

Add fiberglass installation.
Install soundproofing drywall.
Add a layer of acoustic drywall.
Install fiberglass bats for exposed ceiling joists.
Install fiberglass acoustic tiles.
Add mass-loaded vinyl sheeting under drywall.
Install sound clips to basement ceiling joists.
Use sound isolation clips to attach drywall.

Your Leading Basement Remodeling Contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable basement remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our licensed general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and restorations, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

4 Types of Cabinet Surfaces You Should Not Paint Over

Painting your own cabinets is not always a recommended approach to updating your home. Although walls, baseboards, and molding are not so tough to conquer, cabinetry requires a more professional touch; that is, if you want the job done right the first time around. A common error that homeowners make when painting their existing cabinets is painting over a material that is not very compatible with said paint. Although metal, wood, and laminate cabinets are all great choices, not all of them do so well with being painted.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 types of cabinets you should hold off on painting until you talk to a painting professional.

Indianapolis Painting  and Drywall 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Painting and Drywall 317-454-3612

Damaged or Old Laminate Cabinets

If your cabinets are made of laminate, and they are very old and damaged, you might not want to paint over them. Cracked, warped, or defected laminate cabinet surfaces are not going to render a smooth paint job. In this case, laminate cabinets will need to be refinished or resurfaced before they can be painted.

Open Grained Wood Cabinets

Do you have open-grained wood cabinetry? If so, take a moment to consider what might happen if you paint over them. Open-grain means that the surface is porous, which is not going to finish smoothly after the paint dries. Not only will the texture be inconsistent, the color depth will be too. In this case, all pores and grooves would need to be filled with a wood caulking agent, then sanded and painted. Mahogany and ash cabinets are commonly open-grained. However, maple and poplar are typically closed.

Cabinets Painted with Lead-Based Paint

If your cabinets are painted with a lead-based paint, you want to stop right there. Stripping the existing paint off of the cabinets poses a high risk of toxic dust inhalation. And you can’t paint over painted cabinets without first stripping the old paint. Lead-based painted cabinets should be demoed professionally, and replaced with a modern material and paint.

Painted Cabinets That are Peeling

If your painted cabinets are peeling, it is either an indication that they were painted a really long time ago, or, you have a developing moisture issue in your home. If the latter, you will need to have your home inspected, and have any issues resolved, before you can paint again. If your painted cabinets are just really old, you will run into the same problems as painting over damaged laminate. In this case, strip the old paint, sand, fill cracks, and then re-paint.

Or…..

Hire a Professional Indianapolis Painting Contractor for Superior Results

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable residential and commercial interior painting in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained, qualified and insured general contractors provide services for complete project management and development, planning, design and build coordination, preconstruction services, and more.  And as a trusted source for paint and drywall work, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Request an estimate, today.

4 Ways to Finance Your Roof Repair or Replacement

When it comes to major roofing repairs or replacements, you might not know much, but you do know one thing; it’s going to cost a lot of money. However, that does not mean that a new roof is not affordable. In fact, there are several financing options for paying for roof work in Indiana, so you are bound to find a funding method that works for you.

Continue reading to learn some of the best finance options for roof repair and replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Roofing Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Roofing Contractors 317-454-3612

You Can Get Financed for a New or Repaired Roof

The average roof replacement costs between $5,000 and $10,000. Major roof repair comes in just below those marks. So, what does a homeowner do when they need costly roof work done? They can turn to one of these popular funding methods:

?☑ Credit

Credit payment is always an option for anyone who has good credit. If your income is sufficient and you have a good credit score, you can take the straightforward approach and put the purchase on credit. Making monthly or periodic credit payments for roof work can be convenient for those who meet these standards since you don’t have to work with a third-party lender or wait for loans to come through. Just be aware of APR’s, high-interest rates, and other related credit terms and conditions.

?☑ Personal Loan

Taking out a personal loan from your bank of choice is another common and workable solution for funding roof work. In addition to banks, homeowners also have the option of working with credit unions or online lenders. Personal loans do not require any equity, so they are well-suited for someone who has good credit, but wants to improve their credit, and has a steady income flow. Just be sure to pay attention to repayment schedule and interest rates terms.

?☑ FHA Loan

An FHA loan, or Federal Housing Administration loan, is another common fixed rate loan option for roof repair and replacement, but it is not suited for everyone. The federal government offers financing schemes for real estate owners looking to make certain renovations, but you must meet certain requirements to qualify for the program. To see if such a loan is a good fit for your home remodeling needs, start by looking for FHA-approved lenders, and request a consultation.

?☑ Home Equity Loan

You may have the option of securing a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) from your bank in order to fund a roof repair project. A home equity loan is much like a second mortgage in that you use your home as collateral to borrow more money, and then continue by making payments to pay it all off over time. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is like a credit card that your bank gives you so that you can spread the cost of roof repair out over a longer period of time.

Indianapolis Roof Repair and Installation Contractors

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for roof repair and installation services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our general contractors service both residential and commercial clients. We use a comprehensive inspection and measurement process that ensures we are well-prepared to meet the exact needs of your roofing project. From start to finish, we stay in constant communication with our clients to confirm they are well-informed of our time-lines and agendas. Licensed general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to take your call and answer your questions about roof repair, rubber roofing, and more. Call 317-454-3612 for information about Indianapolis roofing repair or installation, today.

The Distinctive Characteristics of Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops have hit the ground running within the residential and commercial construction industry. Concrete is currently among the most sought-after and desired materials for kitchen, bathroom, bar top, and garage counters. And for very good reason! Continue reading to learn more about concrete countertops, and where to look for expert kitchen remodeling services you can trust.

Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Decorative Concrete Kitchen Countertops

Concrete offers a long list of benefits that other materials simply cannot, making it perfect for countertops. Because of all the unique attributes of decorative concrete countertops, you’re likely to find them in many different settings. Popular spots include bars, pubs, restaurants, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and even warehouses. But the most admired attributes about concrete are its versatility, strength, and cost-effectiveness. These reasons and more make it a great material for countertop applications.

In terms of versatility, concrete can be customized in infinite styles using endless selections of colors, textures, shapes, sheens, finishes, and more. Because of the endless combinations and manual artistry, no two projects will ever be alike. You can easily match the look and design of your property with customized concrete countertops. Concrete is strong and resilient too. This makes is a common choice for commercial countertop applications. And since concrete can be customized to mimic higher-end materials, like brick, stone, granite, or marble, it is a cheaper option.

More terrific qualities about concrete include:

☑ Durable
☑ Long-Lasting
☑ Flexible
☑ Fire-Resistant
☑ Easy to Install
☑ Eco-Friendly
☑ Pest-Proof

The cost of customizing, building, and installing decorative concrete countertops will vary from project to project depending on several factors. The size and scope of the project, the amount of materials, the cost of labor, and more will all influence the overall price of concrete countertops. Talk to experienced Indianapolis concrete contractors for trusted service and fair prices.

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractors

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable kitchen remodeling services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Whether you need a complete head-to-toe kitchen remodel, a concentrated renovation, a simple handyman repair, or anything in between, you can count on Restoration By L&B, LLC to provide the best customer support and highest quality services in Indianapolis. Request an estimate, today!