
Color Me Mine
Entryways & You
Be aware… make sure your contractor is fully licensed!
Unlicensed contractors are not only an unsafe choice for you, your family, and your home, but working with them can have serious legal consequences. It’s likely that you have had people come to your house claiming they can do construction work for cheap. Many times, they are not licensed. Every single time you have work done on your home make sure your contractor has a license number and you look it up. If they are in good standing then they should have no problem providing you with this information.
When you hire an unlicensed contractor you put yourself at great risk. If there are any mistakes or problems with the work there is no guarantee. They do not have to correct their work or follow standards. There are guidelines that they likely don’t know or follow. More importantly, if there is an injury during the work on your property YOU are responsible for it. The workers are completely the home owner’s responsibility. Usually, there are a lot of dangerous tools and heavy machinery involved in construction work. Unlicensed Contractors probably don’t have their team trained on how to properly use each of these tools correctly and safely. This just increases the risk for injury. On top of all that, if you get caught hiring an unlicensed contractor in California you will be fined and can be arrested.
Sometimes contractors will try and trick you as well. If they offer up a license make sure you really check it out. Some are for different states, are expired, or even for a completely different company. Also, business licenses or occupancy permits are NOT contracting licenses. Your contractor should have taken a test and been awarded with a contractors license upon passing.
Double check with your contractor to make sure they are licensed and have Workers Comp for their employees. Contractors that have a valid license in good standing could also put you at risk if they have filed an exempt from workman’s comp., and claim that they have no employees. This is done by some contractors so that they can lower their overhead costs, by paying their employees cash, and not need to pay payroll taxes and insurance, but it puts you at risk just the same for any injury on your property. This is a felony with the state of California.
Check your contractor’s license status at www.cslb.ca.gov and review all pages and insurance information prior to hiring them.
At the end of the day you will feel much more at ease and confident that the work you’re getting done is professional and you are free from responsibility.
Are stamped driveways for you?
Stamped concrete is a great way to update your home, for a reasonable price. Basically, it’s poured concrete that a design is then “stamped” into. There are many advantages of stamped concrete. You can stamp patterns that look like brick, granite, even tile. Since concrete can be dyed to any color you wish, it can be dyed to match your home or garden flowers. One of the best things about stamped driveways, is that it only takes a few days. This also cuts down on labor costs. Stamped concrete can be used anywhere around your home. It’s perfect for driveways as well as patios and walk ways. The hardest part is trying to figure out what patterns and colors match you and your home best!
The Basics on Paver Driveways
When you think about “curb appeal” many people think about green grass and well maintained shrubbery, but your driveway is actually a huge part of what makes your home look so good… or bad. Paver driveways are an exciting way to increase the value of your home and express your own creativity.
Paver driveways are interlocking pieces that fit together to create a look uniquely yours. Since pavers are individual pieces you and GM & C Inc. can design a pattern to match your home. Material wise, pavers come in brick, concrete, and various stone. Some of the stone paver options are impractical for a driveway (but would be a great option for a patio or pool deck) because they would wear quickly under everyday car traffic. Granite and cobblestone are good options though if you are going for that natural look.
Brick and Concrete pavers are the most common driveway pavers.
Concrete Pavers
- made of cement, aggregate, pigments and dye
- can be dyed to any color
- 3 times stronger than poured concrete
- no cracking, flexible due to being pieced together
- color sealing could be an extra expense to maintain vibrancy
- most cost-effective
Brick Pavers
- made of clay and shale material
- color choices range from deep reds to more earthy tones
- strongest of paver materials
- no cracking, flexible due to being pieced together
- color will not fade or look washed out over time
- most environmentally responsible
Installation normally takes less than a week. Once installed, maintenance mostly involves using your hose, a bucket of soapy water, and an old broom. Sweep over your driveway a few times a year and stains should wash away.
Best regards,
Anselmo Goulart
GM&C, Inc
2208 Camino Ramon, Suite A
San Ramon, CA 94583
925.327.0800
Anselmo@gmandcinc.com
Make your Outdoor Patio the Perfect Winter Hangout
Make your Outdoor Patio the Perfect Winter Hangout
1. Cut down on wind chill with ceiling to floor shades
When you’ve got a craving for the outdoors in the winter, one of the strongest deterrents is often wind chill. Thankfully, you can easily diminish the wind’s effect by supplementing your space with shades or blinds. When made of natural materials like wood or bamboo, these inexpensive additions look at home in just about any setting and can make sitting outside in winter a whole lot more enjoyable!
2. Use seating that retains warmth (but not moisture)
Metal or plastic patio furniture might hold up well under outdoor conditions, but when winter hits, these pieces offer very little in the comfort department. By picking furniture with insulating padding (but covered by a water-proof protective surface) you will not only have a more cushiony seat, but one that retains your body heat during cold weather, as well!
3. Enhance your lighting
Many porches and patios are lit more for function than for relaxing. To make the space more hospitable, lose the harsh edge of a single bulb and upgrade to several smaller fixtures. If your lighting swivels or is placed on tracks, you can adjust where the light hits to fit whatever function is on the agenda. This will not only be a benefit during the winter, but all year round.
4. Add an outdoor heat source
A crackling fire or the heat and smell of a wood stove can warm up gatherings on even the coldest days of the year. From small portable fire pits to real masonry fireplaces, the addition of heat to your outdoor entertaining area is a must. Permanent heat sources might be a bit more expensive than tips 1 through 3, but the addition of an outdoor heat source will not only create atmosphere, and may even increase your property’s value and marketability. The average cost of installing a pre-fabricated fireplace is $1,332. Custom fireplace installation averages $2,937, while wood stove installation averages $2,364 (in some cases, wood stoves can actually provide heat for an entire house rather than just a patio or porch).
5. Add an outdoor kitchen
Who says you can’t cook out in December? Far less expensive than indoor kitchens, respectable outdoor kitchens can generally be built for under $3,000, but if you want all the bells and whistles, you could end up with a bill of $10,000+. The most basic outdoor kitchen layouts include a grill, a cabinet for storing glasses, dishes, and utensils, as well as counter space to make food and drink prep easier. More elaborate outdoor kitchens have all of the appliances and fixtures you’d find in a normal indoor kitchen. Whether you go modest or expensive, nothing enhances a gathering like good food and drink. This is one addition that guests and homeowners alike will truly appreciate all year round!
Happy Holidays,
Anselmo Goulart
GM&C, INC.
2208 Camino Ramon, Suite A
San Ramon,CA 94583
(925) 327 – 0800
(925) 327 – 0801
anselmo@gmandcinc.com
www.gmandcinc.com
Flagstone Patio Designs
The right design will add huge value to your property
We’re here to help you choose the right patio design for your home improvement project. There are many designs to consider – hopefully we here at Goulart Masonary can help you find what you need.
Flagstone Patio Designs
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock composed of quartz and mica. The cementing material that binds flagstone is usually composed of silica, calcium, or iron oxide, and gives it its distinctive color. Some common colors are red, blue, green, gray and buff, with exotic options like chocolate also available. Flagstone is often used for patios, walkways, steps, fences, housing, fireplaces, and many construction projects.
Patio (from the Spanish word patio meaning backyard) refers to an outdoor space adjoining a residence and generally used for dining or recreation. Patios are typically made of concrete or stone slabs laid over a base of compacted stone chips, sand and concrete. Flagstone is a common component of patios.
What makes flagstone patio designs preferable over other options?
* Appearance – Flagstone’s appearance is much more attractive than synthetic alternatives, with the unique nature of each stone lending character to the patio. Being available in different colors – red, blue, green, gray and buff, or the less common white or chocolate – flagstone allows for a wide range of choice.
* Durability – Flagstone is an extremely durable material and does not corrode even in harsh weather. As long as the base is solidly built, flagstone patio designs will retain their integrity come rain or shine.
* Suitability – Not only are flagstone patio designs durable, they are suitable for outdoors in being able to provide traction in the wettest weather. Consequently, there is little chance of slipping and falling on a flagstone-paved patio.
* Flexibility – Flagstone patio designs are known for their flexibility. This is due to the wide range of choices – in colors, sizes and shapes of the stones. Large stones are easier to balance than smaller ones but they offer a less jigsawed look. Smaller ones are harder to balance but easier to fit together. In some cases, it is also possible to use a combination of the two.
Anselmo Goulart
GM&C, INC.
2208 Camino Ramon, Suite A
San Ramon,CA 94583
(925) 327 – 0800
(925) 327 – 0801
anselmo@gmandcinc.com
www.gmandcinc.com
How to Maintain a Brick Patio
Brick patios have many advantages. They’re durable and attractive, being great complement to your home’s look and value. Regular maintenance is required if you want to enjoy your brick patio for a long time. These steps will help ensure that your brick patio remains a positive addition to the landscaping and outdoor environment of your home.
Things you will need:
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Water
- Stiff-bristled broom
- Construction sand
- Weed killer
Once or twice a year, mix a solution of 2 cups on household bleach with 1 gallon of warm water in a plastic bucket.
Step one
- Thoroughly sweep away any loose dirt, leaves, and dust from the patio surface.
- Dip the broom in the bleach solution and scrub the surface of the bricks to remove mold and mildew. Pay particular attention to areas that are frequently damp or shady.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water when finished scrubbing.
Step two
- Spread a thin layer of sand over the bricks once they are clean and dry.
- Sweep the sand vigorously along the seams of the bricks to work new sand into the spaces between the bricks. This prevents a buildup of water and erosion of the brick surface and keeps the bricks even, preventing settling and unevenness in the surface of the patio.
On going
- Inspect the patio for growth of weeds and plants between the spaces of the bricks on a regular basis. The roots of plants growing between the bricks can cause cracks to form. Use a full spectrum herbicide (such as Roundup) to kill the weeds.
Enjoy your summer, and feel free to contact me anytime with questions you may have.
Anselmo Goulart
GM&C, INC.
2208 Camino Ramon, Suite A
San Ramon,CA 94583
(925) 327 – 0800
(925) 327 – 0801
anselmo@gmandcinc.com
www.gmandcinc.com
Patio
Outdoor Brick and Patio Designs
Concrete Patio Designs
Create a relaxing mood in your backyard with cool outdoor patio ideas. Make efficient and inviting use of your outdoor space using brick patio designs with the help of a contractor or do it yourself. These beautiful patio designs are also dramatic and long lasting.No matter what style architecture your home is, there are outdoor patio ideas to complement them. Brick patio designs would look really good with traditional Tudor or Colonial style homes. Spanish architecture looks great with stamped concrete patio designs.
Some may think concrete has a cold and sterile look, which it can. Today there are so many concrete patio designs that use various color stains and forms. These forms and stains can create concrete patio designs that look like Mexican tile pavers or custom stonework without the cost. When done properly the look is stunning. A drainage system should be considered. A concrete patio can become a shallow pond if not planned and poured correctly.
Brick Patio Designs
Brick patios can be laid on a bed of sand or on a layer of concrete. This would greatly depend upon where you live and what you are using the area for. Bricks can be laid in many different patterns that can be interesting and fun. They come in a variety of shades, colors, shapes and sizes. Edging a plain concrete patio can add drama or the bricks can be used to denote different areas.
The patio is an extension of your living space. It is another area to entertain, serve dinner, and play. Your patio can add interest and value.
Welcoming Patio Ideas
Enjoy backyard living and make a soothing environment with creative patio ideas. Consider a backyard with an inviting patio on which to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries or just very good close friends. If you wish to make the most out of your backyard living space convert it into a multi-use space. Front and backyard patio designs which will contain an outdoor kitchen and containers full of herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers will not be only delightful but useful too.
Patio ideas might be eye-catching not to mention handy. You might want to make a patio design using old world influences. Consider “tumbled” stones that aren’t really aged but have been completely treated to appear vintage. Texturing surfaces and ultizing intriguing colors can also help fuse the existing with the new.
A large amount of patio ideas should include investing in several wonderful greenery. Pick up attractive pots to put on the patio, types with color and texture. Then fill up the containers using herbs like basil, mint, oregano and cilantro. A majority of these will add a pleasing aroma along with supply fresh cuttings for salads and also other recipes. There are many veggies that also do exceptionally in pots. Growing ones own fruit and vegetables in baskets additionally makes them simpler to maintain and continue to keep bug free.
Come up with a plan for your patio. Think of various different patio designs and alternate patio ideas. Design a space for food preparation, barbequing and peaceful dining. The outdoor kitchen area has become the most useful of new patio ideas. You could plan a small outside cooking area or made to be bigger complete with a sink, fridge, oven, pizza oven and barbeque.
Patio ideas that consist of some version of water feature can certainly enhance any kind of outdoor living space into a exclusive paradise. A new small-scale water feature can create a calming feeling as well as grow to be the focus of the patio design. The trickling sounds from the water are comforting. Additionally bring in birds and butterflies of many types. A ornamental water feature may be hidden into a nook, constructed into a wall or put into the center of the patio.
Patio ideas which are well planned and created ought to be uncomplicated, easy care areas. Elevated flower beds and gardens bordering a patio containing hearty plants can create points of interest. Use a drip irrigation system that is run by an automatic timer.
Discover New Patio Ideas For Your Home
A brilliantly crafted patio not merely extends a property’s outdoor living space but conveys the owners’ tastes and individuality.
Make a series of patio rooms that will be made use of just about all year around employing the use of patio gazebos. A patio gazebo can certainly add more drama plus safety from periodic rain showers as well as the hazardous sun’s rays. A slate, gravel or brick pathway directing guests to a patio gazebo with potted plants encircling it provides an inviting environment for outside dining.
Whenever your property is built with an extreme slope it is tricky to work with this type of back yard. That kind of predicament is simply one dilemma which might be solved with innovative patio ideas. One challenge should be to allow easy access out of your home to the patio and also around other areas of the property. Designing patio terraces up and down the slope is going to increase the number of essential spaces.
It requires brilliant imagination and terrific patio ideas to refurbish outdated and crumbling outdoor spots. Whenever you are remodeling a property make sure to allow in daylight and open up the view to the backyard spaces by using large windows and sliding glass doors. Design patio spots which have attractive plants, colorful blossoms and water features. Make use of part of the vintage while putting in fresh pavers and patio stones.
Entry patio ideas which want to provide, if needed, a fence for any yard to block the view from your street might help with personal space issues. Ask for the aid of your neighborhood nursery or gardener in deciding on the proper kind of trees that will develop to surround the area. Another suggestion is to make a sunken patio area that could help it become difficult for the passerby to view.
Patio ideas and designs run from amazingly chic to very informal and enjoyable. The main thing is always to take advantage of what your property currently provides. If all you have is a small side yard place make as much of it it can be. A home built on a hillside may make terraced spaces which create stunning destination areas where visitors may linger. Houses with gorgeous views of mountains, rivers, seas or countryside really should design outdoor spaces that make use of these gorgeous vistas.
The perfect outdoor patio designs consistently feature an unique focal item say for example a fountain, pool, pond or waterfall. Water features also provide the restful sound of trickling water. Another patio design idea could be to put in a fire bowl or hearth. This will add heat on chilly evenings for your friends and family.
Patio Designs Can Work With Existing Home Landscape
Usually, patio designs are built around the existing house and the property terrain. Attention needs to be given to other outdoor living areas around the patio, and patios should be designed to function alone or together with the other outdoor living areas. Utilizing different colours and shapes of patio stones will allow patio designs to be distinctive, regardless of other places close to the home or can be built to fit in with a pathway close to flower beds or a pool.
Given that a patio will be usually be positioned in close proximity to the house, the patio designs should either compliment or contrast the current design of the house in design and color. Most concrete patios are left in the common grey colour, yet chemicals can be utilized to be able to change the color of the cement to virtually any color wanted. Many various varieties for sculpting the edge and surface of fresh cement are available, to permit a solid concrete patio to appear and seem like stones.
Numerous terrace designs include cement as a cost-saving measure as individual stone patios can get expensive. Not only is the cost of the paving stones greater than concrete, but installing prices are higher. It is significantly simpler to pour a concrete slab and form it than it would be to make the underlying gravel and sand perfectly to grade and install stones.
Utilizing Imagination With Terrace Styles
It doesn’t make a difference what you look at in building or home improvement magazines, there is nothing that says patio designs have to stick to the primary flow of the home. They can wrap around a corner if additional outside space is needed and can be incorporated into a outdoor patio on an additional grade of the home. If the ground slants away to one side from the house, the patio can include stairs leading to another grade of a decking on the area of the house with a greater elevation.
It is true that terrace styles are intended to be able to provide additional outdoor living area and also the person having to pay for the project should also get to select the design and style. Something to be able to remember whenever planning and constructing your patio deck is that when the house is ever bought, the existing patio design could have a good effect on the buyer and be a majorselling point or it might have a unfavorable impact and so they may prefer to rip it out and start over again.
The point is, patio styles can distinctively reflect the preferences from the homeowner, and improve the value of the residence. When the homeowner is going to the time and expense of setting up a patio, it may at the same time add value to the property too.
Enjoy your summer, and feel free to contact me anytime with questions you may have.
Anselmo Goulart
GM&C, INC.
2208 Camino Ramon, Suite A
San Ramon,CA 94583
(925) 327 – 0800
(925) 327 – 0801
anselmo@gmandcinc.com
www.gmandcinc.com


