The Importance of Gutters and Downspouts

When moving into or remodeling a home, you might come to a point in which you ask yourself whether or not gutters and downspouts are necessary. Many homeowners wrestle with the idea of installing a gutter and downspout system since it is an expensive investment and clogged gutters can cause a serious amount of costly damages. But this perspective is a risky one to have, and choosing to forgo gutter and downspout installation for the sake of saving money is not a wise nor lucrative decision.

Continue reading to learn 3 important reasons why your home requires a quality gutter and downspout system.

Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors
Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors 317-454-3612

Problems Associated With Gutters and Downspouts

Before discussing the reasons why gutters and downspouts are so important, let’s first address a common misunderstanding that can cost you in the long run. It is wrongly believed by many home and property owners that gutter systems are a risk because they can become clogged and cause costly damage; so, as a result, they forgo them in hopes to prevent flooding and foundation issues. But forgoing a gutter system is the real risk! You need gutters and downspouts whether you are a residential or commercial property owner.

Without a gutter and downspout system, rainwater and melted snow will run over the sides of your home, rather than through a directed, enclosed system. As a result, it would cause massive water pooling issues every time it rains. Even a light rain shower would pose water accumulation risks, and overtime, such pooling will lead to costly structural foundation problems. Many people misinterpret gutters as a risk, but they only cause this issue when they become clogged, which can be easily prevented with a little routine maintenance.

Why You Need a Quality Gutter System

Soil Erosion Prevention. When homes are built to code, they are built on a slight slope so that water runoff is directed away from the home’s foundation. Without gutters and downspouts, water flow is not guided properly, and the soil supporting the foundation of the property will massively erode overtime. After a while, water run-off will flow towards the home rather than away. This causes the foundation to settle, and you can even experience uneven or buckling floors, cracked ceilings, and wall cracks, inside the home.

Basement Flood Prevention. Water has weight, and when soil becomes saturated with water, it is naturally heavier. Without gutters and downspouts, water accumulation weighs down the soil and adds excessive pressure on the foundation. Over time, basement walls will begin to push forward, warp, and crack. It can also lead to mold and mildew damage.

Siding Protection. Unguided water flow will carry dirt, sediment, and debris with it wherever it goes. As it runs down your siding, it will leave behind stains, and eventually cause it to rot away. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only is this detrimental to your home’s curb appeal, but it also negatively impacts your home’s overall value since siding rot can jeopardize its structural integrity.

Advice to Walk Away With

Talk to a licensed general contractor about repairing or installing a gutter downspout system on your home. They have the knowledge and resources to provide professional assessments and solutions for water runoff , siding repairs, basement renovations, foundation repairs, and more.

Are you looking for qualified basement remodeling or siding contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana? Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for the most competitive general contractor rates around!

You Should Also Take a Look at:

Tips for Proper Gutter Maintenance
How to Assess the Cost of a Basement Remodel
Tips for Home Siding Maintenance

How to Increase Rental Income With 6 Renovations

Whether you are a real estate owner of a single family home or a massive, multi-unit housing complex, these six home remodeling renovations will have the most impact on your overall return on investment (ROI) by exponentially increasing your rental income.

Tenant Improvement and Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Tenant Improvement and Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Get More Rental Income Per Tenant With These 6 Renovations

Paint

A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and most instantly gratifying method of increasing your rental income. New paint makes a property look fresh, and even cleaner. Furthermore, it can displace leftover smells from prior tenants, if any. In addition to a fresh paint job, be sure you are also addressing drywall damages. Dents, depressions, nicks, holes, and cracked joints should be repaired to add more value to your paint job.

Flooring

One of the first things potential renters see is the flooring. Whether carpet, laminate, tile, or hardwood, floors are an important element for them. So, start your renovations with professional carpet cleaning or replacement, or with full-on flooring replacement. Floor cleaning and flooring replacement are two key renovations that can instantly make your rental property worth more.

Broken Stuff

Your next point of interest is to repair anything that is broken. Whether it just came to light a few days ago, or has been lurking around your To-Do list for years, making important repairs to your property is an effective and proven method of adding more value to your renters. Thus, you can increase the rent based on your property’s amenities and overall value. From indoor and exterior lighting to bollard posts, driveways, appliances, drywall, and more, fixing what’s broken is a good starting point for increasing rental income.

&Kitchens and Bathrooms

Although flooring is one the main elements of a property that a potential tenant will focus on initially, their next priorities are usually the bathrooms and the kitchen. Focus on these areas when planning your renovation budget so that you can earn the most return on investment for your rental properties. Consider minor and major remodels, from painting cabinets and replacing hardware, to installing new fixtures, converting tubs into spacious showers, buying new kitchen appliances, and similar changes. Simply talk to a licensed contractor to learn how to constructively consider a residential kitchen remodel or easy ways to remodel a master bath.

Basement Conversion

If you have an unfinished basement in your rental property, you have a gold mine of opportunities to increase your rental income. By remodeling a basement, you are instantly and drastically raising the true market value of your rental property. You will get more money per month, plus be able to resell it for a higher price when the time comes! Attics and other areas work well for this type of space conversion ROI.

Preparing to Sell Your Home? Consider some home renovations that will sell your house at a higher price!

Indianapolis Home Remodeling and Commercial General Contractors

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

Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors
Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors 317-454-3612

How to Assess the Cost of a Basement Remodel

Remodeling a basement is a great way to add square footage to your home without having to move to a larger house. It is also a fantastic way to increase the value of your property, and make back on your investment when it’s time to sell. Homeowners have several questions pertaining to basement remodels because it is difficult to look at an unfinished basement and assess just how much needs to be done, how much it will all cost, and where to even begin. In this article, we will address these questions and more.

Continue reading and learn the approximate values for home basement remodeling, what to expect, and tips for getting started.

Indianapolis Basement Remodeling
Indianapolis Basement Remodeling 317-454-3612

Basement Remodeling Basics

Homeowners look forward to refinishing their basements so they can convert an unused space in their home into something extraordinary. Popular choices include a “man cave”, sports room, theater room, children’s playroom, extra bedrooms, a bar, entertainment area, a second living area, and much more. Really, there are endless options for basement remodels, so it is solely up to the homeowner to decide what their family’s needs are, or the needs of their home.

Even though the options are endless, no one wants to move forward with a basement remodel until they have an idea of how much it’s going to cost. In fact, the total cost of a basement refinishing job largely influences what type of space conversion a person chooses. If a family has their hearts set on a new home theater, but also wish they had a fun playroom for the kids, the cheaper option may end up being the winner. When something is out of budget, there are always other options.

Here are some factors that determine or influence the cost of a basement remodel:

► Size and Square-Footage
► Window Requirements
► Door Requirements
► Appliances and Installation
► Extent of Electrical Work 
► Flooring
► Baseboards and Trim
► Painting
► Water Damage/Leak Repair
► Support Pillars

A few of these factors are decision-based by personal preference, while others are critical parts of every basement remodeling project. It is vital to have water damages and leaks repaired and under-control before any work on a basement can move forward. The rest is simply interior design and customization. This is where a person can really control the budget. Once the major renovations and repairs are calculated, a homeowner can determine which amenities are most important and desirable, and weed out what they can afford and what they might think about doing later on when they have more disposable income.

Sure, those custom patio French doors are nice, but if you go with cheaper, standard patio glass doors, you might have room in the budget to get that nicer television set you’ve had your eye on. These kinds of decisions are up to the you, and depend on your budget. Just remember, the most important part about basement remodeling is hiring a reputable Indianapolis general contractor for the job.

Indianapolis Basement Remodeling at a Price You Can Afford

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis basement remodeling services at a price you can truly afford. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home renovation services. We offer a wide-range of renovation services for basements, cellars, crawl spaces, and even attics; such as renovations, repairs, replacements, remodels, and more.  And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors
Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors 317-454-3612

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!

Top 3 Considerations When Remodeling a Basement

Remodeling a basement doesn’t have to be a large investment, nor does it have to be incredibly invasive. Some basement renovations are as simple as a fresh coat of paint, some added molding, and an array of new furniture. Others might entail more construction, in which case, certain factors will need to be addressed. The most important considerations, however, should be factored into your remodeling plan from the very start.

Continue below to learn the top 3 factors you should be considering when preparing for a basement remodel.

Indianapolis Basement Remodeling
Indianapolis Basement Remodeling 317-454-3612

Electrician Work

Larger-scale basement renovations often require electrician work. The problem here is finding a qualified electrician when you are ready for that phase of the construction. To avoid any agenda issues, begin qualifying electricians now. This way, you will have one ready to go when your basement needs to be rewired, have outlets or lighting installed, have the circuit breaker upgraded, get an electrical pump installed, and more. Never attempt any sort of electrical work on your own, as this is a quick way to start an electrical fire.

Water

Water leaks and supply lines are another important consideration when remodeling a basement. You need to be sure your space is leak-free since water is the number one enemy when it comes to construction. Check the walls and ceilings for water leaks, and be sure to have your plumbing inspected as well to ensure there are not ruptures in water supply lines or pipes. If there are any cracks, leaks, or similar vulnerabilities, you will need to have this work included in your basement remodeling plan.

Codes

Arguably one of the most important factors, especially with large-scale remodeling projects, are codes. Everything from plumbing and electrical, to city, building, fire, sewage disposal, and more, must all be built and renovated up to code. This is even more vital for remodels that involve electrician work or plumbing installations. In some cases, a basement remodel might require a special type of building permit, which can be difficult to acquire at the last minute if you were unaware of the need.

To avoid the hassle of coordinating your basement remodel, hire a professional general contractor. They have the knowledge it takes to ensure a construction projected is managed flawlessly from start to finish.

Choose Us as Your Basement Remodeling Contractor in Indianapolis

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable basement remodeling services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis 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!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

How Much Will it Cost to Remodel My Basement?

Remodeling a basement is a great way to add square footage to your home without having to move to a larger house. It is also a fantastic way to increase the value of your property, and make back on your investment when it’s time to sell. Homeowners have several questions pertaining to basement remodels because it is difficult to look at an unfinished basement and assess just how much needs to be done, how much it will all cost, and where to even begin. In this article, we will address these questions and more.

Continue reading and learn the approximate values for home basement remodeling, what to expect, and tips for getting started.

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

Basement Remodeling Basics

Homeowners look forward to refinishing their basements so they can convert an unused space in their home into something extraordinary. Popular choices include a “man cave”, sports room, theater room, children’s play room, extra bedrooms, a bar, entertainment area, a second living area, and much more. Really, there are endless options for basement remodels, so it is solely up to the homeowner to decide what their family’s needs are, or the needs of their home.

Even though the options are endless, no one wants to move forward with a basement remodel until they have an idea of how much it’s going to cost. In fact, the total cost of a basement refinishing job largely influences what type of space conversion a person chooses. If a family has their hearts set on a new home theater, but also wish they had a fun play room for the kids, the cheaper option may end up being the winner. When something is out of budget, there are always other options.

Common Factors that Influence the Cost of Basement Remodeling:

Size and Square-Footage
Window Requirements (i.e. egress windows, replacement, number of windows, etc.)
Door Requirements (i.e. patio doors, glass doors, number of doors, etc.)
Appliances (i.e. sinks, refrigerators, cook-tops, full kitchens, etc.)
Extent of Electrical Work 
Flooring (i.e. custom carpets, hardwood floors, laminate, dance floor, stage, etc.)
Baseboards and Trim
Painting
Water Damage/Water Leak Repair
Support Pillars

A few of these factors are decision-based by personal preference, while others are critical parts of every basement remodeling project. It is vital to have water damages and leaks repaired and under-control before any work on a basement can move forward. The rest is simply interior design and customization. This is where you might control the budget. Once the major renovations and repairs are calculated, a homeowner can determine which amenities are most important and desirable, and weed out what they can afford and what they might think about doing later on when they have more disposable income.

Indianapolis Basement Remodeling Contractors

Contact Restoration By L&B at 317-454-3612 and speak with a qualified and knowledgeable general contractor about basement remodeling and renovation, today. We offer quality basement remodeling and renovation services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. If you have a basement that needs repairs, renovations, or a full remodel, our qualified and insured general contractors have affordable solutions for you!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

The Importance of Proper Home Insulation

All homes need proper insulation to prevent outside air from penetrating within, and inside air from escaping. This is necessary for both cold and warm seasons. One of the first questions to ask yourself as a homeowner is whether or not your property has enough insulation.

Home Remodeling and Renovation 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Renovation 317-454-3612

Is Your Home Sufficiently Insulated?

As far as checking to see if you have enough insulation, simply look across your attic and check if you can see the floor beams. If you can, then your home could probably use a little more insulation. There are several benefits for having a properly insulated home; like reduced energy costs and consumption, lower monthly utility bills, enhanced moisture control, even temperature distribution, and more. Insulation is like protective lining for a home. It blocks cold air or heat from entering the home, and prevents temperature-controlled air from escaping. Attics can reach extremely high temperatures in the warmer seasons, up to 150 degrees or more! Without sufficient insulation, that heat will leave the attic area and seep into the living quarters of a home.

The opposite situation applies in winter months as well. Insulation will keep frigid air or hot air from leaving the top of the home. Keep in mind that a home’s insulation does more than just offer indoor air comfort; it also provides a sound barrier from outdoor noises and allows for the perfect moisture-level in the air so that it does not feel so dried out.

Determining the Condition of Your Home’s Insulation

Many homeowners have mistaken the results of poor attic insulation for a broken HVAC system. The home doesn’t cool or warm properly, so they assume it’s the heating and cooling unit, when in fact, it’s the lack of insulation in their home. This is why it is imperative to have your home’s insulation inspected annually by a licensed general contractor. They retain the proper training, certifications, and knowledge to accurately diagnose your insulation problems. A trusted general contractor can save you time and money with a proper analysis. They will check the insulation as part of their inspection, and then make professional recommendations for necessary attic and wall renovations.

Types of Insulation

There are many types of insulation for a home. They are mostly made from flexible mineral fibers like fiberglass or rock wool, and come in rolls and batts, or blankets. One popular choice is cellulose insulation. It’s non-flammable so it can contribute to fire-prevention in a home. It is also resistant to mold, mildew, insects, termites, and reduces condensation. Insulation is mostly made from mineral fibers like fiberglass or rock wool. There is also rigid-foam insulation, perfect for exterior wall sheathing, as well as, foam-in-place insulation made from polyurethane.

Another form of insulation is a loose-fit version, such as the cellulose insulation, that fits well in awkward places like duct work, pipes, or attics with lots of wires. Consult your Indianapolis home renovation contractor for information and advice on which materials you should choose.

Indianapolis Home Renovation Contractors

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Building Repairs and Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for trusted commercial and home renovation services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about your remodeling work needs, any time.