Brava

July 2012

Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/74289

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 19 of 83

live at home A Quick Fix Home repairs got you stumped? For quick fixes, local home con- struction and landscape pros offer expertise and resources to get your small jobs done right Architectural Building Arts What they offer: Known for building new homes and producing stunning remodeling projects, Architectural Building Arts has a bevy of local con- tractors at its fingertips. So president Melinda Monroe developed Melinda's Maintenance Crew to be a source for home maintenance and upkeep needs. What they do: Home repairs and main- tenance tasks along with small projects either now or in the future. Contact: designbuildmadison.com A Functional Work of Art Transforming what's underfoot into an accent for your home By Jessica Fecteau When most homeowners think of outdoor patios, walkways and driveways, function- ality takes center stage. But while asking what will be easy to maintain, consider asking what will also add to the style of your home. Today's trendy answer? Deco- rative concrete. "People are realizing there's so much front sidewalk with a splash of style or thinking about tearing out those pavers (and accompanying weeds), pouring down a personalized concrete patio or walkway may be the right move. Whether you're looking to replace a more that can be done with concrete than just your classic gray driveway look," says Aaron Kinas, owner of Madison-based Ageless Concrete. Yes, it's not just a drab slab anymore. The trend: Transforming gray concrete pathways, patios and even interior floors into colorful and decorative statements. With endless color combinations (think bright shades to the muted hues you find in pavers and stone) and hundreds of detailed patterns, your concrete surfaces can result in a look unique to your tastes. Although staining or stamping concrete Best for: Those looking for an alternative to pavers or stone. Stamped concrete can mimic any sort of stone or pattern you de- sire and be tinted in a range of hues from muted neutrals to bolder colors. has been popular for decades, the trend is now taking a solid hold in the Midwest for adding a vibrant visual appeal while offer- ing the durability and easy maintenance many homeowners desire. "There are really no drawbacks to hav- ing a stamped concrete patio," Kinas says. "Well-poured concrete can be expected to last for decades." 18 BRAVA Magazine July 2012 Durability: Dirty patio? Simply hose it off. The fear of slipping on a rainy day is also nixed with a traction additive. The cost: Depending on the size of the area and the amount of detail, the cost can range from $10 to $20 a square foot. Pictured: Patio by Ageless Concrete, 5518 Cty. Hwy. CV, Madison; (608) 242- 2446 or agelessconcrete.com. Avant Gardening and Landscaping What they offer: Beyond the typical landscaping and lawn designs, Avant helps you maintain the yard you've worked to develop. Utilizing the exper- tise of their staff, they offer services to help make your day-to-day mainte- nance easier. What they do: Standard lawn care such as mowing and weeding, as well as planting and harvesting vegetable gardens. Contact: avantgardening.com Home Works Remodeling What they offer: From handy repair services to custom carpentry and large additions, Tom Johnson aims to make his company a resource for tackling a variety of projects in a timely and cost- effective way. What they do: Minor to extensive projects including roof, door, window and water damage repairs as well as painting and other fixes. Contact: homeworksremodeling.com Sweeney Construction What they offer: When you have jobs around the house that you don't have time or energy to deal with, the handy folks behind Sweeney Construction help you get your house looking the way you've always pictured it. What they do: Small projects such as painting, small fixes such as repairing broken cabinetry, and small additions such as shelving, and more. Contact: remodelmadison.com For more home repair resources, visit Madison's National Association of the Remodeling Industry at remodeling- madison.org or the Madison Area Builders Association at maba.org. Photby Kristin Joiner

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Brava - July 2012