Summer Home Remodeling Ideas to Do This Year

Now that the season of summer is official after this weekend, homeowners are in a hurry to reverse the unsightly seasonal affects that have taken a toll on the exterior condition of their homes. No matter what your summertime agenda may be for your home, you may want to also consider some additional upgrades that are perfect to implement this time of year. These upgrades can enhance your quality of home life, as well as, increase property value.

Continue reading to learn some recommended summer remodeling upgrades that could potentially be perfect for your home!

Indianapolis Deck and Patio Remodeling Contractors
Indianapolis Deck and Patio Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Deck, Patio, and Porch Remodels

If you are a lover of the outdoors, and spend much of your time in the family’s’ outside living areas, then you most certainly want to look into upgrading your existing deck, patio, or porch. There are several quick and affordable enhancements you can make to these areas, including stamped and stained outdoor concrete terraces. You can choose to extend the deck or patio to make it larger, perhaps adding a functional gazebo or awning, or even some built-in benches or posts, tables, bridges, or pathways. You can also want to consider replacing and remodeling your patio or deck altogether. Not only will this increase your home’s value, it will add more square footage the available living space.

Rubber Roofing Installation

A new and popular option for residential roofing is called rubber roofing. And now is the time to have your roof replaced if it is old or in poor condition. Not only is rubber roofing easy and quick to install, it lasts much longer than traditional asphalt shingles. It is also easy to manage since it doesn’t require extensive on-going maintenance. Rubber roofing is virtually customizable too since it comes in a countless variety of colors and styles. It protects against inclement weather, rain, water leaks, and drafts, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners.

Door Replacement

Most modern houses have more than one door that exits to the outside. For this reason, doors play a major role in the curb appeal of a home. Of course, they also play a large role in energy efficiency, draft protection, and more. This time of the year is a perfect opportunity to have your exterior doors and storm doors replaced. You can choose from modern designs, colors, and styles that better match the look and feel of your home. It may sound like an insignificant change, but a front door or side door upgrade makes a huge different aesthetically. You’ll be glad you did!

Professional Home Remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable summertime 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!

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

5 Clever Repair Hacks Using Everyday Household Items

You don’t have to have a professional-grade toolbox and tool set to tackle some of the conventional home repairs we all come across from time to time. When you find yourself in need of a tool you don’t have, simply look around the house for some everyday items that can serve as a crafty alternative.

Not sure what to grab? Continue reading to learn 5 clever repair hacks using only simple, around-the-house stuff!

Indianapolis Home Remodeling
Use white toothpaste to fill in tiny drywall holes!

Drywall Holes or Scrapes = Toothpaste

Small and even smaller drywall holes are easily caulked with toothpaste. Simply dab on some all-white toothpaste, ensuring it gets into the crevice, and then wipe smooth. Once it dries, you can use a cotton swab to add a little paint and blend it in with the rest of the wall.

Wire Cutting and Stripping = Nail Clippers

Need to strip some wire, but have no wire cutters on hand? Well, just grab some trusty nail clippers. Without using too much pressure, squeeze the clippers together to cut through the rubber wire only, then gently pull up and off of the wire.

Hammering or Sawing Through Wood = Bar of Soap

If you have some wood that is very hard to hammer a nail into, or saw, grab your bar of soap. Soap will lubricate the wood, allowing you to easily hammer a nail through. Apply to the blades of your handsaw to make manual sawing and slicing easier when working with hard woods.

Torn Window Screens = Nail Polish

Torn window screens don’t always have to be replaced right away if you have some clear nail polish on hand. Small rips and frays can be patched up with a gentle, light coating of transparent nail polish. Just be sure you use a clear liquid polish.

Squeaky Doors and Stuck Drawers = Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly has a lot of helpful uses around the house. Not only will a small application cure a squeaky door or jammed drawer, it will also do wonders for your shower curtain rod, sticky locks, sliding door tracks, and similar areas.

Home Repairs That Require a Professional

Sometimes, things like doors, windows, and drywall can’t be repaired with DIY methods. For larger-scale home repairs, you need a professional handyman on the job. For an example, see our blog, “Why You Need a Pro for Sliding Glass Door Replacement” and learn why professional work is so vital to your safety, as well as your overall ROI.  

When You Need Professional Home Repair and Remodeling in Indianapolis

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!

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

10 Electronics That Should Not Be Plugged into a Power Strip

Power strips are highly useful to have on hand. But be sure you never, under any circumstances, plug these 10 electronics into one, or else face some dangerous and costly consequences!

Indianapolis Handyman and Home Remodeling Contractor
Indianapolis Handyman and Home Remodeling Contractor 317-454-3612

Power Strip Safety 101

Power strips certainly solve the problem of the ever-needed power outlet, but they are not a universal tool. There are plenty of electronics, appliances, devices, and more that should never be used with a power strip. Here are the top 10 things you should never plug into a power strip:

➀ Air Compressors

Air compressors use too much energy, so they are not safe for power strips. They can overload the power strip just by starting it up.

➁ Coffee Machines

Regardless of which kind of coffee maker you own, it should never be plugged into a power strip. Not only can the strip overload, the actual coffee machine can overheat, smoke, or catch fire.

➂ Hair Tools

Everything from flat irons and curling irons, to crimpers, wands, blow dryers, and more, electronic hair devices are not meant to be plugged into a power cord. They will trip the circuit breaker before you can finish your style.

➃ Microwaves

When it comes to microwaves, it is extremely dangerous to operate one via a power strip. Microwaves use an enormous amount of energy, which will quickly burn out the power strip, and potentially cause a fire.

➄ Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners

Because these portable units are designs to turn on and off on a programed cycle, they tend to use a lot of energy to start up and stay on. For this reason, they are not suitable for power strips.

➅ Power Strips!

Yes, it is true. You should never plug a power strip into another power strip! Known as “daisy chaining”, this bad practice can start a fire, or quickly overload your electrical system. Furthermore, it breaks most building and fire safety codes.

➆ Refrigerators/Freezers

Like microwaves, refrigerators and freezers are not designed to work on a power strip. They use way too much energy to safely operate on a power strip. Such appliances should always be plugged into a GFCI outlet.

➇ Slow Cookers/Hot Plates

Slow cookers like crockpots, instant pots, and rice cookers are meant to use a lot of heat and energy to cook food. For this reason, they cannot be plugged into a power strip. The same rule applies for hot plates and similar kitchen and catering electronic devices.

➈ Sump Pumps

Sump pumps cannot be plugged into a power strip under any circumstances. They should always be plugged directly into a GFCI outlet. In fact, the GFCI outlet should be positioned slightly above the floor in case of a flood.

➉ Toasters

Like coffee makers, you wouldn’t think a toaster would be incompatible with a power strip, but they are! Toasters are designed to make a lot of heat in a short amount of time; a feat that requires a lot of energy. By now, you know that too much energy will overload a power strip.

Professional Home Remodeling and Handyman Service in Indianapolis

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

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

Window Caulking Tips and Tricks You Can Do Yourself

Do you want to know one of the most effective and easiest methods to improve your home’s energy efficiency? Then answer is optimal window insulation! In fact, window caulking is one of the most common best practices for reducing energy consumption while still maintaining comfortable indoor environments. So, it’s important to know the condition of your existing window caulking if you want to improve your energy efficiency, save money on monthly utility bills, and feel more comfortable indoors.

Continue reading to learn more about the ins and outs of window caulking, including some tips and tricks for leaks, weatherstripping replacement, and more.

Window Repair and Replacement 317-454-3612
Window Repair and Replacement 317-454-3612

Window Leaks

A gap as little as an eighth of an inch can lose just as much conditioned air as a window open six inches or more. A tiny air leak really does make a difference. Large or small, a leak must be stopped as soon as possible, or it will affect several other areas of a home. To check for air leaks, you must first wait for a still day, and then turn on your attic fan to create negative pressure indoors. You can also turn a bathroom or stove fan on if you do not have an attic. Light some incense and carry it from window to window, looking for drifting smoke. Since checking for air leaks is a tricky task, calling a professional might be the best option for all home and property owners.

To fix these leaks yourself, simply purchase a good-quality quick-release caulking gun and caulk bottles from your local hardware store, and address the issue head on. But for those who are not very “hands-on” when it comes to home repair, contact a local handyman for professional assistance and service. Fixing window leaks will greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Window Caulking Tips

The best climate for effective window caulking is mild, dry, and warm weather. It’s best to wait until it is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit before caulking windows. For this reason, Hoosiers are encouraged to have their windows inspected and re-caulked at the start of spring, and before summertime. Also, don’t stop at windows when checking for air leaks, be sure to inspect doors as well. And be sure to check your home for window and door leaks on a routine basis.

Indianapolis Window Repair and Replacement You Can Trust

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 when you are looking for qualified general contracting services for window repair and replacement 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!

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

Tips for Choosing the Proper Caulking Material

You wouldn’t use shampoo to mop your floors; right? Well, the same principle applies to caulk products. It is important to match your caulking material with the intended application or surface. Otherwise, you can expect to have an even bigger repair on your hands once you are through. Not sure how to choose the right caulk for your renovation needs?

Continue below to learn which types of caulk are recommended for common applications, including windows, bathrooms, gutters, glass, and more.

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

Where to Buy Caulk

These days, you can order almost anything online. If you choose this route, simply visit your favorite online retailer and add some product to your cart! For those who prefer a more personal experience, simply head over to your local home improvement or hardware store for a vast selection of caulking products and supplies. You can even get some great advice and instruction from their staff!

You can expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars, to up to $25 or more, depending on the brand, size, and quantity you need. Some caulking products come in multi-packs, which will cost more, while many others are sold individually, but in a wide range of sizes. Estimate the amount of product you need first, then make your purchase based on your calculations.

Types of Caulk

Here is a quick guide of different applications and the caulk recommended for each:

Roof – Choose a gun or brush-grade caulk that will adhere to common roofing materials, including metal, asphalt, tile, and masonry.

Gutters – Use butyl rubber-based caulk for gutter applications since it is weather and waterproof.

Glass – The best caulks for glass applications include silicone and siliconized acrylic products. Just make sure it is designed for glass applications.

Siding – For siding, you will need a product that provides an airtight and watertight seal. Suggested options include polymer, silicone polymer, butyl rubber, and paintable silicone caulks.

Windows – To properly caulk windows, you will also need an air and watertight caulk. Use any of the same recommendations for siding.

Doors – The same caulks for siding and windows can be used to create weatherproof and waterproof seals for doors.

Kitchens – The best caulks to use for kitchen repairs are siliconized acrylic or polymer caulks. These are also referred to as kitchen and bath or tub and tile caulk.

Bathrooms – For bathrooms, opt for a caulk that is acceptable for water resistance and mold-resistance. A silicone-based acrylic or polymer caulk will do.

Concrete – Concrete is trickier because it is susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles. So, you will need a polyurethane caulk. You can also use a silicone-based caulk.

Need Some Caulk Work Done in Indianapolis?

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!

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

Various Types of Ladders and Their Functions

Indianapolis Remodeling Company 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Remodeling Company 317-454-3612

Ladders are specially-designed for a variety of residential and commercial applications. Ladders can be found for docks, swimming pools, orchards, libraries, warehouses, fire escapes, roofs, attics, lofts, tree houses, scaffolding, and much more. But before visiting your local home improvement store at purchasing a ladder of your own, it is important to decipher the differences among them all in order to choose the right apparatus for the particular project on your to-do list.

Continue reading to learn about the various types of ladders and their functions, and which one you’ll need to accomplish your task at hand, safely and conveniently.

Step Stools

Step stools are common household ladder used to reach things like, high shelves, and other “just out of reach” places around the house. They are small and low to the ground, usually consisting of only three or four steps on one side and support legs on the other. And they are generally retractable or foldable, making it easy to store away home. Step stools are reasonably-priced and to any local home improvement or home goods store.

Step Ladders

As the most commonly used ladders in the industry, you probably already own or have used a step ladder. Step ladders are popular because they are self-supporting, and do not need to be placed against a stable structure to stay upright. They are also moderately-sized city are easy to store and move around. There are two primary types of stepladders on the market, single-sided and double-sided stepladders. Single-sided stepladders have steps on one side and support legs on the other side. Double-sided stepladders have steps on both sides, allowing you to climb up either way.

Extension Ladders

In contrast to stepladders, extension ladders (or straight ladders) need to be placed against a stable structure for support. Also very common, extension ladders are popular because they extend and can be used at great heights. An extension ladders made up of two parts, the base, which should always be firmly planted on the ground, and the fly, which is the extendable part.

Platform Ladders

Platform ladders are front-climbing extendable ladders that have a flat platform as the very top step. These ladders are commonly used for home improvement or construction work where tools and supplies are needed at great heights, such as painting and drywall. These letters are popular in applications such as this because they provide more stability and comfort, and allows you to work with both hands at great heights.

Telescope Ladders

Telescope ladders are similar to extension ladders because they are designed to slide in and out to adjust to various sizes. Overlapping sections of the ladder allow you to adjust it in size with an easy sliding motion. They can extend great heights and compact small sizes, making it easy to transport and store. There variety of telescope ladders available on the market, ranging in brand, price, quality, and design.

Multi-Purpose Ladders

If a ladder retains two or more functions of the above-mentioned ladders, it is considered an multipurpose ladder. The most common type of multipurpose ladder is the type that opens up and supports itself on the ground, with stairs on both sides, and a platform as the top step. This combines the functions of an extension ladder, step ladder, platform ladder, and a step stool.

Indianapolis Home Remodeling and Handyman Services

Indianapolis Remodeling and Painting

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need home remodeling or handyman service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliott, is happy to answer your questions about home remodeling and repair. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial remodeling, restoration, and repair services at the most affordable prices in town. In fact, we guaranteed to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to request an estimate for Indianapolis home remodeling and repair, today.

How to Distinguish Between Non-Load Bearing and Load Bearing Walls

In the remodeling and construction industry, there are two main kinds of walls: load bearing walls and non-load bearing walls. Understanding the difference between the two is critical. Cutting into the wrong wall can result in serious structural damages, and even whole-house cave-ins! Before taking the step of removing or cutting any wall in your property, you must learn the difference between bearing and non-bearing walls, and how to accurately identify them from one another.

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Non-Load Bearing Walls

Non-load bearing walls are walls inside a property that do not support any structural weight of a building. They do not bear any other weight of the property’s structure other than its own. Also referred to as “curtain walls”, non-bearing walls are used primarily as room dividers, and generally serve no other purpose. They can be easily identified by simply looking at the joists and rafters in your attic or basement. If they run parallel to the wall, they are most likely non-load bearing walls. You can do whatever you like to non-load bearing walls since they are not responsible for the gravitational support for your property. But removing, or even cutting into, a load-bearing wall can be a dangerous and costly mistake.

Load Bearing Walls

In contrast to non-bearing walls, load bearing walls are erected to provide structural support for a residential or commercial property. It is possible to bring down an entire home by removing or cutting into just one load-bearing wall! So be sure you know the difference between the two in order to avoid jeopardizing your property’s structural stability. If the rafters or joists in your basement or attic run perpendicular to the wall in question, they are most likely load-bearing. It is wise to consult a licensed general contractor about your remodeling and renovation needs. They can guide you through the process of setting a budget, organizing services, and ensuring quality results.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. General contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions anytime. We offer a wide range of remodeling, renovation, restoration, and repair services for both commercial and residential properties. Our licensed contractors are fully-equipped to provide outstanding results that last. And we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Call us today at 317-454-3612 to schedule an in-house assessment for Indianapolis remodeling services you can trust.