How to Remove Backsplash Tile in the Kitchen

Posted on January 28, 2021 by admin

There are plenty of ways you can update the look of your kitchen. One of the most impactful remodels is replacing the kitchen backsplash. Even if you are not interested in changing the backsplash, it is likely that your kitchen remodeling project will require you to demo the existing tile around the sink and stove. If you are up for the challenge, and have some experience with tools and construction, you might be able to remove backsplash tile in the kitchen on your own without damaging the drywall underneath.

Continue reading for the basic steps of kitchen backsplash removal.

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What You Need to Remove Kitchen Backsplash Tile

To remove kitchen backsplash tile, there are some specific tools you will need. It is better if you already have experience using these tools, as kitchen tile removal requires precision and technique. You can locate any of these tools at your local home improvement store, or online at your favorite home retailer.

✏ Putty Knife
✏ Utility Knife
✏ Electric or Hand Sander
✏ Hammer
✏ 120 Grit Sandpaper
✏ Drywall Sanding Pad
✏ Drywall Joint Compound
✏ Box or Trash Receptacle
⚠ EXPERIENCE (We said that already; right?)

Basic Guide for Backsplash Tile Removal

FIRST —Turn off the power to the outlets and electricity in the kitchen area. This is a vital safety precaution. You do not want any power in the kitchen or backsplash areas.

Be sure your workspace is clear. Remove everything from the kitchen counters, including outlet covers, and anything on top of the refrigerator that might fall off.

Using your putty knife and hammer simultaneously, begin gently chiseling off the tiles. Be very careful not to penetrating the drywall underneath.

Place all of your demoed tiles in a box or trash receptacle and dispose of them responsibly. Consider donating them to an art school.

Under the tiles will be one of two types of adhesive, rock-hard or semi-soft. Semi-soft is also known as mastic, and you will need to use the 120 grit sandpaper to remove it from the wall. Rock-hard is a cement based thinset, which will require you to use your putty knife and scrape it off the wall.

If you have made any gouges in the drywall, use your putty knife, joint compound, 120 grit sandpaper, and sanding pad to repair them.

Trusted Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable and certified kitchen remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are extensively experienced at restoring residential and commercial kitchens, as well as, providing complex remodels, repairs, and renovations, including drywall and painting for interior and exterior needs. If you want to add more storage space, new appliances, cabinetry, floors, or anything else you can dream of; we can do it! Contact us today to get started with a written estimate.

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Why You Should Choose Stamped Concrete to Raise Your Property Value

Posted on December 17, 2020 by admin

Once you have a stamped concrete patio, driveway, or other foundation installed, you will immediately see the value it adds, over and over again. It has developed a positive reputation for delivering added value and enhancement to a property because it is cost-effective, highly durable, long-lasting, low maintenance, and visually appealing. These are just some of the ways stamped concrete presents its value to home and property owners.

Continue reading to learn more about this decorative economical concrete option and the benefits it offers to both residential and commercial properties.

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Low Maintenance and Longevity

Stamped concrete is well-known for its ease of care. Concrete does not require a lot of routine maintenance, and does not require periodic overlays like asphalt pavement would. Instead, a little regular sweeping and routine sealcoating is all you need to keep your stamped concrete in good condition. You would need to hire a professional concrete contractor to have your pavement re-sealed, but this only needs to happen every 3 to 5 years, depending on the climate and surrounding environmental conditions. This level of maintenance is all it takes to extend the life of your concrete surface for years to come.

Ease of Installation

Another wonderful aspect of stamped concrete is the simplicity of installation. Of course, it requires professional training, years of experience, and the proper equipment to install stamped concrete properly; but for the professionals who have these credentials, the job is quick and simple. This means you won’t be subjected to long, drawn out days filled with construction and loads of scrap mess. The project is usually completed all in one day unless it is a wide-scale commercial job. Stamping out a pattern into curing concrete is much easier and faster than carrying individual paving stones, one by one, and setting them in place.

Property Value Benefits

One of the most favored benefits of adding stamped concrete to your property is the value it adds to your investment. Beautifully stamped concrete foundations, counter tops, floors, driveways, hardscapes, and more are all assets that add instant appeal, which also instantly raises a property’s overall value. So not only is it a terrific feature to add to your home for your own enjoyment, it maximizes the return on your investment in the case that you want to sell it later.

Your Leading Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Contractors

Call Restoration BY L&B at 317-454-3612 for professional stamped concrete services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our licensed concrete contractors offer a wide range of concrete construction services for residential and commercial, including concrete repair, installation, resurfacing, staining, and much more. Whether you require new concrete installation, or restoration for existing concrete, we retain the proper resources and skill to get the job done right in a time-frame that’s convenient for you!

How to Assess the Cost of a Basement Remodel

Posted on December 4, 2020 by admin

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.

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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!

Home Renovations That Will Sell Your House at a Higher Price

Posted on November 4, 2020 by admin

Remodeling a home is no simple task. It takes months of planning, fore-thought, and more to achieve a proper home renovation or remodel. One of the most important factors to consider, especially when making the decision on what you wish to remodel, is which project will give you the highest return on investment and increase the home’s property value.

Continue reading for the four top-recommended home remodeling and improvement projects that offer the highest return on investment (ROI) for homeowners.

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What’s a Good Home Remodeling Plan?

In order to determine whether a home remodel is worth the investment, you must compare the cost of the project to the value of the project. Value versus cost is the first step to assessing whether or not a project is worthwhile. The average cost of a remodeling project has to include everything from labor and materials, to time off work, and more. And the value is assessed by how much the home’s value increases, and how much of that value returns as a profit if you were to sell the property down the line. All of these considerations and more are important when deciding whether or not to a home remodeling project is a good return on investment.

Popular ROI Home Improvement Projects:

▣ Garage Door Replacement – Replacing a standard 16×7 garage door with a 4-section garage door and new tracks, but using the existing motor, costs on average around $1600, but renders a ROI of nearly 89% after resale.

▣ Entry Door Replacement – A simple front door replacement can pay for itself after resale. Replace an existing door with a new factory-finished steel door for a high return on investment up to 100% or more!

▣ Wood Deck Installation – A larger project that renders a large return on investment. A professionally-built pressure-treated wooden deck with built-in benches, planters, railings, and stairs can cost around $12,000, but render up to 80% ROI or more after resale.

▣ Vinyl Siding Installation – Replacing old siding with new vinyl siding and trim is proven to be a wise ROI project for property owners. The average cost of replacing 1200 square feet of siding with new vinyl and trim is $10,000 with an average ROI of 80% or more!

Does Your House or Business Need an Updated Look Before Resale?

Hire a certified Indianapolis general contractor for professional advice and renovation services you can trust. They retain the proper tools, equipment, and training to undertake any residential or commercial remodeling project.

Residential Construction Home Remodeling Contractors in Central Indiana

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for home remodeling and commercial general contractor services in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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!

5 Easy Ways to Remodel a Master Bath

Posted on July 9, 2020 by admin

Bathrooms are among the most frequently-visited rooms in a home. Whether to alleviate a full bladder, cleanse soiled hands, or relax in a hot tub, the bathroom is important for a home’s general comfort for many reasons. Aside from operative plumbing, décor and ambience can certainly influence the level of comfort you experience in your master bath.

Although new move-ins and outdated bathrooms might desperately need a makeover, not everyone has the time or the disposal income for a bathroom remodeling project. 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 five ways you can instantly transform your master bathroom within a minimal budget.

Indianapolis Bathroom Remodeling 317-454-3612

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 Light Fixtures

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.

Upgrade Your Bath Towel Options

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 bathroom. 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 bathroom to a more modern feel, simply replace the plumbing and decorative fixtures. Things like faucets, shower heads, shower rods, towel racks, sconces, doorknobs, 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 Bathroom Remodeling Contractors That Can Help

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!

Top 3 Considerations When Remodeling a Basement

Posted on June 25, 2020 by admin

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.

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!