Budget-Friendly Options for Kitchen Backsplashes

When you are redesigning the look of your kitchen, the backsplash is a great place to start. Once you choose the backsplash of your choice, it sets the tone and helps you choose the rest of your kitchen’s décor, including the flooring, countertops, and appliances. But before you make a final decision on kitchen backsplashes, it is wise to learn what your options are, especially if you working with a tight budget. Continue reading to learn 3 budget-friendly kitchen backsplash ideas.

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Revamp or Re-Design

You have two options when it comes to installing kitchen backsplash, but many factors will influence which option is best for you. You can either revamp the current backsplash, or completely re-do it altogether. Depending on the type and the condition of your current kitchen backsplash, you may be able to simply revamp the look by adding materials onto it or on top of it. But if your backsplash is in poor condition, damaged, or just in the way, this may not be a good option for you. Instead, you might want to consider completely re-designing your kitchen backsplash from scratch. Talk to your remodeling contractor for help determining which option is right for your kitchen backsplash.

3 Options for Cost-Effective Backsplash:

Stone, Glass and Tile

Higher-end materials, like stone, glass, and tile, are extremely beautiful and long-lasting, but they are more expensive. By combining materials, both high-end and low-cost materials, you could create a higher-end look at a more reasonable price. Mix and match to create a beautiful backsplash that speaks to the tone of your kitchen.

Stainless Steel Sheets

Many homeowners are reaching for a more modern look. If you are too, choose stainless steel sheets for a smooth and sleek kitchen backsplash design. Stainless steel comes in many grades, so it can take on several color tones. Choose one that matches your stainless steel appliances, or go bright for an industrial look. These sheets are available almost anywhere, and are lower in cost than higher-grade materials like stone and tile.

Wallpaper and Paint

For a simple and super-inexpensive approach, try updating your kitchen backsplash with modern wallpaper and/or paint. Both materials come in virtually infinite colors, styles, and designs; so choosing a look to match the rest of your kitchen should be easy to do. Ask for free paint and wallpaper samples to test on your walls first, before making a final decision.

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractors

General Contractors Indianapolis IN

Tile Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

For expert results at economy-based prices, call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 today. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed contractors, provide a wide range of kitchen remodeling services, all within your budget. In fact, we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to request an estimate for kitchen remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to Remove Furr Down Over Kitchen Cabinets

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

If you are currently knee-deep into a kitchen remodel, or even in the planning stages, then you have probably heard a thing or two about kitchen cabinet furr downs. “Furr down” is simply the enclosed area that sits between the ceiling and the kitchen cabinets. It looks like it is part of the cabinet system or wall, but it is in fact a hollow, enclosed area that serves no purpose in modern interior design. This is why so many homeowners choose to remove furr downs; it gives kitchens a more open and brighter feel. If you are interesting in learning more, continue reading for a brief introduction to removing furr downs over kitchen cabinets.

The Run Down on Furr Downs

It is not always a good idea to remove furr downs. That is because you are never entirely sure what lies behind them. Sometimes you get a blank wall space, and other times you get exposed plumbing, duct work, and electrical wires. To avoid surprises, it is best to contact a licensed general contractor for professional advice and assistance. Otherwise, the only other way of finding out is to open it up.

Furr Down Removal Tips

⚒ Use a utility knife to cut the caulk lines along the areas of trim that bond the joints with the cabinets and ceiling. Softly pry off the trim to expose the seams. Furr downs made of plywood are much easier to pry off. Furr downs that are covered in drywall are more difficult to remove (and messier).

⚒ If there is no exposed plumbing or wiring, you can go ahead and remove the framing that supports the furr down.

⚒ Procure and install matching crown molding in the newly exposed space if the rest of your kitchen has crown molding. Use butt joints for precise cohesion between new and old crown molding.

⚒ Many homeowners with kitchen crown molding also choose to install trim along the top edge of the cabinets.

⚒ If there is no wiring or plumbing, but a vent exposed under the furr down, hire a general contractor to install an enclosed and painted plywood box around it. Then install crown molding above to blend it with the rest of the wall.

⚒ If you have a textured ceiling but there are left over flat spots from the installation process, use a small paint brush and ceiling paint to stifle the flat areas and blend them into the rest of the ceiling.

Indianapolis Home Remodeling Contractors

Indianapolis Remodeling and Painting

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional kitchen remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Owner and licensed general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to provide on-site written estimates, and will answer all of your home remodeling questions with care. We manage a wide range of remodels, renovations, and repairs for all residential and commercial properties. Call 317-454-3612 to get in touch with our trusted Indianapolis home remodeling contractors, today.

Quick DIY Kitchen Makeover Tips

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Kitchen remodeling is a quality investment that adds value to your home. But sometimes, no matter how desperately you want it, it isn’t always the right time to invest in kitchen upgrades and renovations. For times like these, it is great to find a budget-friendly alternative to a full kitchen remodel. There are a few simple things you can do as a homeowner to improve the function, quality, and comfort of your kitchen; and all within a reasonable budget!

Continue reading and discover a handful of easy and affordable Do-It-Yourself kitchen makeover tips for your home.

Replace Your Range Hood

The indoor air quality in your home is vital to your health and comfort. With homes being built so tightly these days, it is important to make sure your kitchen is properly ventilated at all times. This is especially true for kitchens since cooking releases heat, moisture, smoke, grease, and airborne residues that are detrimental to the indoor air quality and structural integrity of a home. For this reason, range hoods are an important kitchen appliance for every home, especially smaller ones. If you want a budget-friendly kitchen upgrade that will also save you money in the long run, consider replacing your old kitchen range hood with a newer, energy-saving range hood. Including installation and labor costs, you can budget the new upgrade within $500 or less.

Stain Your Cabinets

If you want a simple upgrade that you can afford and do yourself, consider re-staining your kitchen cabinetry. Start by removing your cabinets using the proper tools. Then remove all the cabinet hardware. At this point, you need to take the time to thoroughly clean the cabinets before applying your choice of stain. Once they are clean and free of grime, you can proceed with the staining process. You can even take it a step further by lightly sanding the cabinets after they are stained, and then applying a clear coat finish. This will drastically improve the look of your kitchen cabinetry! And if you are not a fan of staining, try priming and painting kitchen cabinets a bright white color for a fresh new look.

If you have old, outdated laminate counter tops…

You can consider applying a faux countertop resurfacing paint for a luxurious and modern look! Try Rust-Oleum® Countertop Transformations™ Countertop Resurfacing Kit – $250, available at Lowes® and other hardware stores.

Change the Light Bulbs

Changing out all your old light bulbs with LED or CFL light bulbs can save you money on your monthly energy costs. Although it may not be noticeable in an aesthetic sense, it will certainly be noticeable on your energy bill! Swap out hanging bulbs, cabinet lights, under-counter lights, and all other light fixtures in your kitchen to save energy and money.

Weather Strip Doors and Windows

You can also reduce your energy consumption and save on utility costs by weather-stripping the exterior doors and windows attached to your kitchen. Not only will this make your home much more comfortable in the cold of winter and the heat of summer, it is an Eco-conscience method of saving money! If you are not interested in weather stripping, you can consider buying a roll-on window insulating film kit that you can apply on single-pane windows yourself.

How to Get More Juicy Tips!

Check out our blog about How to Remodel a Home Without Remodeling at All to learn even more budget-friendly ways to update the look of your home!

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling

General Contractors Indianapolis IN

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need Indianapolis kitchen remodeling services you can afford. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides home remodeling and restoration services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we will beat any competitor’s price, guaranteed! We also offer written estimates, commercial services, in-home consultations, and more. You name it, we can do it! Call 317-454-3612 for professional-grade kitchen remodeling in Indianapolis and its surrounding area.

Laminate Countertop Replacement Tips

Laminate countertops are a popular choice for homes since they are so durable and long-lasting. But even though they seem virtually indestructible, laminate counters will eventually need replaced. This is especially true for homeowners who wish to update the overall look of their kitchen or bathrooms. For whatever reason you are looking to replace your laminate counter-tops, it is important to have a little foresight on the subject. Continue reading to learn some tips for replacing laminate counter tops and more.

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Laminate Countertop Repair

For countertops that have large areas of wear and tear, the best method of repair is to apply a new layer of laminate altogether. This work it complex and better carried out by a trained professional since it involves some tasks that some homeowner might not be familiar with. This includes disconnecting the plumbing, taking out the sinks, later replacing the sinks, and cutting, measuring, and applying the new laminate.

Since all of these tasks are a lot of work, and some even sensitive systems, it is wise to trust these services to a professional. They retain the proper tools, training, equipment, and resources to accurately replace laminate counter tops or apply new laminate to countertops, with the highest quality workmanship and professional accountability. With a professional service, you can trust that all of your plumbing and system operations are functional and in sync as they should be, as well as, up to code and standard.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Home Repair Indianapolis Indiana

Home Remodeling and Restoration 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for quality kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, is happy to discuss your home remodeling and renovation needs anytime. We provide a wide range of home repair and restoration services, including laminate counter top replacement, all at the most competitive prices in town. Call us today at 317-454-3612 to learn more about home restoration and remodeling in Indianapolis, IN.

Is Kitchen Remodeling a Good Investment?

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

If you’ve recently been back and forth, deciding whether or not to remodel your kitchen, it is most likely because you are unsure if it’s a sensible financial decision. Cabinetry and countertops are not the stressing factors in regards to renovating your kitchen; no, it is always the question of cost-effectiveness and profitability. A kitchen remodel, small or large, can be quite the financial investment, so it is understandable why homeowners put so much time and worry into making a final decision.

Anyone who remodels a space in their home wants their investment to be worthwhile. Fortunately, a kitchen remodel is one of the most worthwhile investments a family can make! Continue reading to learn why, and some tips for cost-effective kitchen remodeling.

Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen remodeling makes perfect sense because the kitchen is the gathering place of the home. Aside from the bathrooms, the kitchen is the most used room in many households. Kitchens are where all the cooking, eating, socializing, and homework is done! For this reason, and more, a kitchen remodel is a good idea. Why not enhance the room of the house that the whole family uses and enjoys? For a first remodel for your home, the kitchen is the perfect place to start. There are, however, a few things to consider when planning for a kitchen remodel. These considerations will help you better identify whether or not kitchen remodeling is a responsible financial decision for your home and family.

One of the first things to think about when considering a kitchen remodel is why you want to remodel in the first place. Some homeowners wish to update their kitchens to increase value because they are selling their home. Others intend to use and take full advantage of their remodeled kitchens. For those who want to remodel a kitchen for themselves and their family, there are fantastic energy efficient options to implement that can save on monthly utility bills. Heated floors, programmable thermostats, advanced seal windows, and more are just a few examples of an energy-efficient kitchen remodel. For those who are remodeling a kitchen to increase their return on investment, a fresh and modern update to the aesthetic appearance is the first thing potential home-buyers are looking for. New countertops, updated cabinets or cabinet faces, new appliances, and new flooring will surely do the trick.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Lee Elliot, owner and operator of Restoration By L & B, LLC, at 317-454-3612 for professional advice about kitchen remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his team of trained and qualified general contractors can answer your questions about kitchen remodels and more. We offer free advice, free estimates, and more. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable kitchen remodeling contractor in Indianapolis, IN today.