Do-It-Yourself Home Security Renovations

Your home is one of your greatest assets, so it is vital that you make certain considerations in regards to home security. It is common practice for burglars and petty thieves to target upscale residential neighborhoods and communities in hopes of coming by some better loot. Even the most family-forward, child-friendly developments are not safe from petty crimes.

For this reason, home security should be a priority for all homeowners. Continue reading for some helpful tips to improve your home’s resistance to crimes like break-ins, vandalism, and petty theft. 

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

DIY Home Protection

A homeowner should never stop improving on their home security. It is an area of home-ownership that should be re-addressed every year. There are several things a homeowner can do all on their own to improve a home’s security and maximize protection. A few changes in habit, some old tricks, and a little knowledge is all it takes to up the ante when it comes to the security of your home. For instance, do not leave a hidden key. This is one of the first places a thief will look when breaking and entering a home. More importantly, do not open doors to strangers, especially in evening or early morning hours when door-to-door salesmen are not working.

What You Can Do:

✒ Dead bolt and lock up everything, such as sheds, barns, boats, bikes, and more.

✒ Install a front door camera or video doorbell device, like Ring

✒ Purchase a safe that bolts to the floor or wall for high-priced or priceless valuables

✒ Install motion-sensor lighting outside.

✒ Install electronic doorknob pads that only work with a code

✒ Leave a radio playing in the garage on weekend nights.

✒ Place a thick board or rod in the tracks of sliding glass entry doors.

Professional Home Security Renovations

Not all home security renovations should be carried out on your own. For some areas of home security, it is necessary to hire a handyman or general contractor for accurate and professional installation and service. Here are some professional home security tips that are the best solution for adequate home protection:

✔ Install deadbolt locks on interior/exterior doors.

✔ Choose a programmable combination keypad for entry locks.

✔ Install deadbolt strike plates and door jams.

✔ Install an eye viewer (peep-hole) in front door and back doors.

✔ Add a track lock to sliding glass entry doors.

✔ Re-seal/re-caulk first floor windows.

✔ Trim tall trees near windows and second stories.

✔ Install a home alarm system.

✔ Install exterior motion sensor flood lighting.

✔ Install more exterior lighting.

✔ Install a video monitoring system.

Contact Our Trusted Indianapolis General Contractors

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

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Bathroom Modification Remodel Ideas for Disabled Loved Ones

When you share your home with a disabled relative or loved one, you want nothing more than to support their ongoing effort to live as independently as possible. One way you can ensure their comfort and safety is to enhance the accessibility of the bathroom. Continue reading to learn some recommended bathroom remodels that can help do just that.

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Bathroom Remodels for Physical Disabilities

There are all sorts of modifications you can make to your home that can help assist your disabled loved one. From the kitchen and corridor, to the upper levels and outdoor living areas, home accessibility remodels are quite popular, and best of all, easily attainable. One of the most important rooms to remodel for disabled and handicapped individuals is the bathroom. After all, it is the one room we all use without exception.

When it comes to physical disability assistance remodels, it is important to entrust the project to a professional Indianapolis general contractor who can develop the perfect design plan for your disabled loved one’s needs. They can recommend a wide range of personalized accessibility improvements for your bathroom, from minor adjustments and additions, to structural strategies, retrofitting, and more.

Recommended Bathroom Modifications:

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair access is a definite need if your disabled loved one is uses a wheelchair. Widening the doorway is essential for bathroom wheelchair access. It is important that the doorway and the room have enough space for the entire wheelchair to enter, exit, and turn around. Furthermore, you can have the sink and countertop lowered to wheelchair eye level for ease of access.

Fixtures

There are a few fixtures that can help and protect your disabled loved one. First, you can install handrails next to the bathtub and the toilet to prevent slip and fall accidents, while also promoting more control and stability. In addition to handrails, you can also consider having no-slip mats and flooring installed for added traction, or even special faucets that check and regulate temperature levels.

Vision

For those who have poor vision, it is recommended to install brighter lights, or painting the walls a brighter color, to improve their sight in the bathroom. You can also install textured tape against the walls and counters, and around the tub or shower, for added navigation. Hanging braille panels near doors can also help reveal their surroundings. It is suggested to label items they use often too. This can prevent unpleasant mix ups, like using soap as body lotion.

Showers and Tubs

You can have a handicapped disabled access bathtub installed to help improve ease and access for your loved one. These tubs can either be retrofitted over your existing shower and bathtub, or you can have an entirely brand new one installed in place of your old one. There are also custom shower designs that include benches, handrails, temperature regulators, timers, and more, to enhance safety and accessibility for disabled individuals while they bathe.

Indianapolis Home Remodeling and Conversions

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

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!

Get Started On All Your 2017 Home Remodeling Resolutions With Restoration By L&B LLC!

What Repairs or Renovations Have You Been Putting Off Since Last Year?

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612


Well put them off no longer! Now that the New Year has come and gone, there is no excuse to wait another minute to get started on your much-needed and much-talked-about home repairs and remodels. Start fresh in 2017 by finally finishing that dungeon of a basement, or giving your significant other the dream kitchen or man cave they’ve been holding out for all these years! Or simply check off those random, minor repairs and needed maintenance that have been piling up on one another since you purchased your home. This may include repairs or replacements for drywall, roofs, flooring, siding, windows, doors, concrete, and more. Restoration By L&B LLC is fully-staffed and equipped to manage any of these projects and more, regardless of size or scope!

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodels and Repairs at a Fair Price!

Our general contractors retain the latest tools, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment to implement any needed home repairs or remodels on your 2017 to-do list. Whether you require a simple hole in the wall filled in, or your home’s siding replaced, we are the professionals to trust. Not only do we deliver outstanding results in a time frame that is convenient for you, we guarantee to BEAT any competitors’ prices! Don’t let the New Year pass you up again without finishing all the projects you’ve been meaning and needing to get to for so long. Now is the time to start planning your home remodeling needs! Act fast before next year is here again!

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors

Indianapolis Remodeling and Painting

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for more information about our wide range of home remodeling services we offer 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! Call 317-454-3612 and speak with an Indianapolis general contractor you can trust.

Include Potential Tax Increases in a Home Addition Remodeling Project

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

When it comes to calculating the total cost of adding a new addition to a home or property, many people neglect considering additional potential costs related to the project. Most are aware of the exemplary cost of adding a new addition or converting a space, such as construction costs, zoning and permit fees, debris and waste removal, supplies, and labor.

These standard costs are usually all there is for a small or moderate space addition, but for larger home addition remodeling undertakings, there is more than meets the eye. Continue reading to learn about the hidden costs after completing a home or property addition.

Property Taxes

Once a building inspection department signs off on a home addition after it is complete, the property tax assessor may re-evaluate the home’s worth to determine if more taxes should be paid annually for it. Large home addition projects most often increase a property’s value, subsequently moving homeowner’s into a different tax bracket. Increased home value means increased property taxes, plain and simple. The degree to which these property taxes increase is based on the increase of the home’s value. Along with increased property taxes, homeowners’ insurance costs increase as well. These are unforeseen but potential costs that should be added into a homeowner’s remodeling budget in terms of large-scale additions and space conversion. Examples of large-scale additions include adding a spacious deck or patio to a home or property, adding another level or story, building a guest house, and more.

Homeowners Insurance

It is encouraged to contact your homeowner’s insurance carrier once a large-scale home remodeling project is finished in order to discuss adding additional insurance coverage to your existing policy for fire damage and other structural damages for this area. By neglecting this duty, your new home addition may not be covered under your policy. They will determine how much coverage the space needs based on the overall cost of the project.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for information about space conversions and home additions in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Owner and licensed general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all of your questions concerning home remodeling, renovation, restoration, and repair. We offer all of these general contractor services and more! And we will beat any competitor’s price, guaranteed! Call 317-454-3612 for professional home remodeling services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Tips for Ceiling Crack Repair

Drywall Repair and Painting 317-454-3612

Drywall Repair and Painting 317-454-3612

Everyone would probably agree that a home is an important and valuable asset. For this reason, it is important to protect properties from wear and tear. One common household repair that arises overtime are ceiling cracks. Ceiling cracks are important to repair if you wish to add a fresh coat of paint or improve the surface appeal of ceilings.

No matter what project you have on deck, a few ceiling cracks are nothing to fret about. A small portion can be easily repaired on your own, however, larger areas of ceiling cracks will probably require professional repair service. A good way to gauge this is by count. If there are more cracks than you can count, then you are most likely better off hiring a professional contractor.

Repairing Ceiling Cracks

Ceilings can be made of plaster or drywall. They each require a separate approach for repairing cracks, so it is crucial to know which material your ceilings are made of before getting started. Here is a step by step instruction guide for repairing ceiling cracks in both plaster (P) and drywall (D) ceilings:

Step 1

Plaster: Scrape loose paint and plaster fragments out of cracks with a screwdriver or 5in1 tool. Then widen cracks to ¼ an inch to hold a sufficient amount of patching compound.

Drywall: Use a 1 inch putty knife to scrape any loose paint or material around the cracks. Do not widen cracks.

Step 2

P: Use 100-grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the cracks.

D: Do the same for drywall ceilings.

Step 3

P: Remove all sanding dust and debris with cloth or vacuum.

D: Cut up pieces of fabric tape to a length that is a ½ an inch longer than the cracks. For winding cracks, use several small pieces to create one uniform piece.

Step 4

P: Using a plaster-repair or spackling compound, spread a layer of patching compound into the ceilings cracks with a 1” putty knife. Allow to dry for a minimum of 5 hours.

D: Using drywall mud or patching compound, spread a thin layer into cracks with a 3” putty knife. Spread out the material to a once inch circumference around the crack.

Step 5

P: Using 200-grit sandpaper, sand the dried material and cracks smooth.

D: Gently press the pieces of fabric tape onto to the wet compound with fingers and then smooth them out with 3” putty knife. Allow to dry for a minimum of 5 hours.

Step 6

P: Apply a second, thinner, and broader layer of compound over the cracks and adjoining paint. This reduces compound shrinkage problems and gives a smoother more uniform look. Allow to dry for a minimum of 5 hours.

D: Using 200-grit sandpaper, lightly sand edges of dried cracks.

Step 7

P: Using 200-grit sandpaper, sand the dried material and cracks smooth. Remove all sanding dust and debris with cloth or vacuum.

D: Apply a second, thinner, and broader layer of compound over the cracks and adjoining paint. Allow to dry for a minimum of 5 hours. Remove all sanding dust and debris with cloth or vacuum.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional ceiling repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, is a licensed general contractor that can provide a wide range of home and commercial remodeling services. We offer residential and commercial remodeling, restoration, renovation, and repair services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-454-3612 for drywall repair, painting services, and ceiling crack repair in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

How to Patch a Plaster Wall

Remodeling a home can bring to light many unexpected surprises, like an old plaster-over-lath wall for instance. Many homeowners immediately feel the urge to rip down plaster and replace it with drywall. But sometimes, a plaster wall can be salvaged if done correctly. Continue reading to learn how to patch a plaster wall and more!

Drywall Repair and Painting 317-454-3612

Drywall Repair and Painting 317-454-3612

Patching Plaster

Plaster is applied to latticework, or laths, which are basically narrow boards or strips of wood that create a framework for a wall. Overtime, plaster can pop off its laths. Sometimes, if the plaster is firm and falls off in large pieces, they can simple be reattached and re-sealed. Other times, crumbled or soft plaster will need to be completely removed down to the latticework and to the outer edges of firm plaster, and then re-done from start to finish. Either way, patching up a plaster wall is possible and can be done all on your own with the right tools and knowledge.

How to Get Started

First, gather all your necessary supplies. You will most likely need a chisel, a trowel, lime putty (combination of hydrated dolomitic lime and water), clean dry cloths, fiberglass mesh tape, angle plane or drywall screen, a bonding agent, a mixing board, and a colorless sponge.

With all supplies ready to go, use the chisel to remove the old plaster from between the latticework. Be sure to wipe away all the loose plaster crumbs, dust, and debris.

Now, use your angle plane or drywall screen to smooth out the hole around the plaster. Next, apply the bonding agent over the latticework, as well as, all the plaster that is to be patched or re-coated.

Cover all of this, except for the small cracks, with your fiberglass mesh tape.

Next, prepare your lime putty by combining your hydrated dolomitic lime with water until you get a consistency similar to yogurt. Allow the lime to disintegrate in the water for at least 20 minutes, until a thin layer of water rests on the top. This ensures even re-hydration.

Apply a heap of the putty to your mixing board in a ring shape. Pour some bonding agent in the center and continue to mix in handfuls of gauging plaster until you achieve the proper consistency.

Use your trowel to mix all of this until you get a dough-like result. Apply this mixture to the exposed laths and around the edges of the holes, using firm pressing motions. Leave a slight decompression for the final coat later on.

Cut out another sheet of fiberglass mesh at a size that matches the hole and firmly press it into the wet plaster.

Mix another batch of the lime putty mixture, this time using less gauging plaster to get a softer product that’s easier to work with.

Apply a thin and final coat over the mesh and previously-lain plaster. Use your sponge to touch up any inconsistencies or imperfections on the wall.

Wait at least 30 minutes for everything to dry. Sanding should be necessary!

Professional Drywall and Plaster Patching Services

Patching up a plaster wall is not a novice job. It takes practice and a bit of handyman knowledge to do a good job. For this reason, most homeowners would better benefit from hiring a licensed general contractor for accurate and professional drywall or plaster wall repair services. And you’d be surprised just how inexpensive these services cost.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional wall repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and licensed general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about plaster patching services, drywall repair, and more. We offer residential and commercial home remodeling and repair services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-454-3612 for a free estimate or information regarding drywall repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

Options for Eco-Friendly Home Siding

Home Siding Installation  317-454-3612

Home Siding Installation 317-454-3612

Choosing an eco-friendly home siding can be a bit tricky considering there hasn’t been an official or significant introduction of such materials to the home construction market.

Although there aren’t options for advertised eco-friendly siding materials, there are a few choices available that are more environmentally conscience than others.

Continue reading to learn more about home siding, and which options are best for an environmentally-friendly agenda.

Stucco Siding

Stucco can be considered a slightly environmentally-conscience option for home siding. Apart from the wire mesh and thin wood spacers, stucco siding is primarily made of cement, plaster, and water; all of which have no harmful effects on the environment, and can be reused for other purposes. Stucco promotes increased energy efficiency and requires little maintenance. It’s also fire resistant!

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is made from non-recycled plastic material, but this doesn’t mean it does possess eco-friendly qualities. Vinyl siding is a durable, solid plastic that requires very little maintenance and lasts for several decades. It doesn’t require thousands of trees to be cut down and it doesn’t leak harmful gases or chemicals into the environment.

Metal Siding

Metal siding is generally manufactured using galvanized steel or aluminum. Both of these metals are 100% recyclable and reusable for other purposes. Although steel is prone to corrosion and natural wear and tear, it requires a bit more maintenance but it’s an eco-friendly-forward choice for home siding.

Wood Siding

Although wood is a natural material that decomposes and doesn’t harm the environment, it is not a good “green” choice for home siding. Wood requires the use of harmful chemicals and cleaners to maintain its luster and strength. These cleaners and chemicals are very hazardous for the eco-system and surrounding environment. Also, many trees are cut down to produce wood siding and other commodities, which is not an eco-friendly venture.

Indianapolis Siding Installation

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis siding installation you can trust! Owner, Lee Elliot, and our team of general contractors, are highly trained and experienced in siding installation and service. We offer free information and advice, and provide remodeling and restoration services for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-454-3612 for home siding installation in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

How to Repair a Small Hole in Drywall

Drywall Repair and Painting 317-454-3612

Drywall Repair and Painting 317-454-3612

Whether moving furniture, hanging pictures, cleaning, or something else, holes in walls happen to the best of us. Fortunately, small holes are simple and easy to fix. With a little foreknowledge and experience with handyman work, any homeowner can repair a small hole in their drywall. For those who prefer professional assistance, a general contractor is the best solution for drywall repair and can render their services at a price anyone can afford.

Continue reading for a simple and brief summary on repairing small holes in drywall.

Drywall Repair

A small hole is a simple and quick repair when it comes to drywall. The first step to the repair process is to purchase your needed supplies. So start by making a trip to your local hardware store or home goods store. There, you can find all the supplies you need for drywall repair projects. Pick up some good-quality spackling paste and a putty knife. When it comes to spackle, choose a non-shrinking paste for projects like this. Next, find a clean cloth or towel and a source of clean water. And be sure to wear an apron or old shirt before getting started. Here are the basic steps for patching a small hole in drywall with these tools and supplies:

1. Apply a Marble-Sized Amount of Spackling Paste (or less) to the Putty Knife
2. Administer a Small Amount of Spackle to the Hole
3. Steadily Smooth Out the Paste with the Putty Knife
4. Smooth Out Edges of Paste to Camouflage Perfectly with the Wall
5. Use a Warm Rag to Wipe Off Excess Paste Around the Patch
6. If an Error Occurs, Start Over with a Bit More Spackle Paste
7. Allow Paste and Patch to Dry Overnight
8. Repaint if Necessary

For “golf ball-sized” holes or larger, different tools and supplies are needed, as well as, a separate set of patching instructions. Stay tuned for that information next week! Or call an Indianapolis Drywall Repair contactor for information, advice, and assistance, today.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Indianapolis general contractor, Lee Elliot, at 317-454-3612 for professional drywall repair services and information you can trust. As owner and operator of Restoration By L & B, LLC, he and his team of licensed remodeling contractors are fully-equipped and prepared to provide all types of drywall repair solutions for both residential and commercial property owners. Call 317-454-3612 for professional drywall repair in Indianapolis, IN.

Wood Flooring Information and Advice

Hardwood Floor Repair 317-454-3612

Hardwood Floor Repair 317-454-3612

When it comes to upgrading or replacing the flooring in your home or office, you probably already know that wood floors are a widely recommended and popular choice. But there are several questions to ask yourself as a property owner in order to decide which type of wood flooring is right for you. You have to think about the type of environment your property has, and the occurrences that might affect wood floors.

For example, take into consideration the humidity levels in your area, the daily foot traffic you property experiences, and of course, your overall budget. Do you want your wood floors to appear perfectly polished and clear of scratches, or do you prefer a more “rustic” or natural feel? What’s your budget look like? Do you have room for higher-quality materials, or perhaps a protection plan? Do you have radiant-floor heating? Do you want heated floors? These questions and more can be answered with the help of a professional flooring contractor. In the meantime, learn about the common types of wood flooring sold on the market today so you are better prepared to make the right decision for your home or commercial property.

Solid Wood Floors

Solid wood flooring is just that; solid and dense wood. It comes in many colors and levels of rustic-like looks. It will naturally, overtime, mark and scratch; but for those who prefer the more “lived-in” or countryside look, it is a good feature to have. It is highly recommended for people who do not wish to put a lot of effort into maintenance and upkeep, like busy parents or homes with dogs and cats. It is a stress-free wood floor choice for those who like a natural look and feel. If scratches and marks are not an option for you, then this is probably not the best choice for your home or property.

Also, properties with heated floors are not good matches for solid wood. Properties located in towns whose humidity levels fluctuate are also not good matches; both for the same reason. Solid wood expands in heat and contracts in cold. This can cause warped or loosened floor boards, and other aesthetic trouble as well. A simple and quick moisture test can tell your flooring contractor whether or not solid wood floors will be a lucrative choice.

Laminate Wood

Now laminate is the material, not wood; although, this type of flooring is made to replicate the look and feel of real wood floors, but without all the wear and tear. For those who want flawless wood flooring, laminate is the best option. With a real look of wood, laminate flooring offers property owners a scratch-free and mark-free surface, all the time. With a little routine maintenance and gentle cleaning, laminate floors can last a very long time. And the best part is, they are very affordable! They come in infinite styles, sizes, and colors so customizing your interiors is easy to do.

Engineered Wood Flooring

For those who want real wood floors, but live in areas with fluctuating humidity or have underfloor heating, engineered wood is a great choice. It is basically a top layer of real hard wood that is bonded to a bottom softwood base. This allows property owners to have a real wood look and feel, even if they have heated flooring or a property that otherwise wouldn’t work well with real hardwood flooring. They come in basic tongue and groove versions, which look like nailed-down boards; or they can come in floating or click versions that look close to the tightly lain laminate floor boards you’ve seen before.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable wood floor installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about wood flooring and installation. We offer wood floor replacement, installation, repair, and much more. Call 317-454-3612 and speak with a friendly and professional general contractor about installing wood floors in Indianapolis, IN today.

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Fireplaces

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

It’s that time of year again! With the cold weather upon us, it’s only natural for us to feel the urge to cozy up to a nice warm fireplace! Fireplaces are wonderful amenities for any property, and can truly add a magical feeling and a warm glow to a night at home with the family. Although fireplaces are fun and appealing, they can also be dangerous if not cared for properly. If your home has a fireplace that you wish to use this season, be sure you know how to safely operate and maintain one first.

Continue reading to learn some important safety and maintenance tips for fireplaces.

Fireplace Safety

Negligence and poor maintenance are the two most common catalysts for fireplace accidents and damage. Not only can extensive fireplace damage be costly to repair or renovate, it can pose a serious hazard to people and pets. Keeping a fireplace in a safe and working condition is not difficult. As long as you are familiar with the principle rules, safety guidelines, and maintenance necessities for your fireplace, you are ready to fill that cup of cocoa and snuggle under a warm blanket, next to your ember-glowing fireplace!
Here are important fireplace safety and maintenance tips to always remember:

1. Never Leave a Fire Unattended

This is especially important for households with small children. And of course, do not let children play too close to an active fire.

2. Clean Firebox Once Per Week

During times of frequent fireplace use, be sure to clean and empty the firebox one time each week. When cleaning the firebox, leave one inch or leftover ash for faster warm-up times. This keeps the insulation and allows the charcoal and coals to heat up quicker. Once fireplace usage comes to an end for the season, always keep the firebox entirely clean.

3. Use a Non-Flammable Rug or Fireplace Mat

You can protect your carpets by placing a non-flammable mat or rug at the hearth of a fireplace. Any sparks or flying embers that may shoot out of the fire will not damage carpeting that lies beneath a non-flammable rug. These can be bought at any hardware store or home store.

4. Open All Air Controls and Chimney Flues

Before starting a fire, always remember to open the chimney flues and allow smoke to escape. When smoke cannot escape outside from the chimney, your home will fill up instead. Over-inhalation of fireplace smoke can cause serious respiratory damages and fatalities.

5. Keep Space Between the Firewood

As you add more firewood, be sure to leave space between them to prevent smoldering. Properly stacked and positioned firewood with give you a beautiful and long-lasting fire. Start a fire with some dry kindling and a little wood; and then grow the fire from there by adding more wood.

6. Service Your Fireplace Once a Year

Have a certified professional inspect your fireplace once a year. They will check for damages, creosote buildup, cracks, water damage, hazards, and signs of future problems. They can accurately assess the overall condition of your fireplace, and then make professional recommendations for repairs. They can also clean your chimney and fireplace to prevent potential chimney fires.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for home remodeling and repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana you can trust. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of highly trained and qualified general contractors, offer a wide selection of renovation, remodeling, repair, and restoration services for residential and commercial properties. If you have questions about home remodeling and renovation, we are happy to help! Just call 317-454-3612 to learn more about fireplace services and fireplace repair in Indianapolis, IN today.