What Should Homeowners Ask Before Signing A Deck Installation Contract?
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
A dry, safe basement is essential for both the comfort and structural health of your home. Bay Area homeowners know that excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and foundation damage if left unchecked. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights brings over 40 years of construction expertise to basement waterproofing, combining advanced techniques, high-quality materials, and precision craftsmanship to keep your basement dry and your home secure.
Waterproofing is not just a maintenance task—it’s a long-term investment in your property’s value and your family’s safety. From interior and exterior drainage solutions to sump pumps, vapor barriers, and crack sealing, we design customized waterproofing systems for each home, ensuring reliable performance no matter the weather or soil conditions.
Basement waterproofing is a critical step for Bay Area homeowners seeking to prevent water intrusion, mold, and foundation damage. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we begin with a thorough inspection of your basement, identifying leaks, cracks, grading issues, and drainage concerns. This allows us to create a comprehensive waterproofing plan that addresses both immediate problems and long-term protection.
We specialize in a wide range of waterproofing techniques, including exterior excavation and drainage, interior French drains, sump pump installation, crack repair, sealants, and vapor barriers. Our team uses premium materials and proven construction methods to ensure water is effectively redirected away from your basement, protecting your home and keeping your indoor spaces safe and comfortable.
With decades of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is the trusted Bay Area general contractor for basement waterproofing of any scale. From initial inspection and strategy development to installation and final checks, we manage every detail, ensuring that your basement remains dry, structurally sound, and ready for whatever purpose you envision.
Some of our basement waterproofing methods include applying high-quality sealers, upgrading drainage systems, and using waterproof coatings. Together, these methods can provide a robust solution to prevent flooding, moisture issues, and water damage.
It is essential to control the surface water around the house from rain and sprinklers.
The ground surface should be sloped to drain water from the house.
Roof gutter and downspout water should be directed away from the house.
Installation of a full-perimeter “French Drain” system is recommended to stop basement and crawl space water seepage.
It involves installing a system to collect water entering the basement or crawl space and sending it to a sealed sump pump system.
Different interior waterproofing systems are installed depending on the water seepage or flooding.
A sealed drainage system may be required beneath concrete floors to prevent water from causing cracks and seepage.
Wall vapor barriers or floor barriers should be installed to protect against moisture or water passing through floors and porous concrete walls.
These barriers protect against moisture, water, mold, and unwanted pests.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights and Grip-Tite Manufacturing products offer cost-effective and permanent solutions for crawl space problems.
Basement wall and floor cracks are significant causes of water problems due to hydrostatic pressure.
Water seepage through the foundation, walls, or floors will continue without repair.
A wet lay-up method with carbon fiber is recommended for crack repair.
Unidirectional carbon fabric provides an economical, low-profile repair appearance, adds structural integrity, and can be used with crack injection.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is certified and accredited by the best manufacturers in the industry. From Grip-Tite Foundation Systems, to James Hardie Siding, to VELUX Skylights, you can be sure to get the highest quality products for whatever your project.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for over 40 years with quality general contracting, home remodeling, and skylight installation means you'll get the benefits of our expertise for every project.
Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc. is a longstanding partnership of 40 years between Archie Mares, Dennis Dow and hundreds of great customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We are a general contractor, building custom homes, additions, home remodeling, skylights, retaining wall construction and commercial remodeling.
Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.
Quality and service come first. We approach every job, big or small, with the same care and attention to detail we’d give our own homes. Our team combines time-tested building practices with modern innovation to deliver results that stand the test of time.
Ready to start your next project? Whether you’re planning a home remodel, skylight installation, or foundation repair, our team is here to help.
Reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll listen, offer expert guidance, and provide a detailed estimate tailored to your goals.
To enhance the lives of Bay Area homeowners through expert construction, thoughtful design, and dependable service. For over 40 years, our mission has remained simple: build with integrity, serve with pride, and create spaces our clients love to live in.
We believe in integrity, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships. Every project is built on honesty, transparency, and respect - for our clients, our partners, and the homes we’re entrusted to improve.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights installed a large Velux skylight for me in August 2017. The entire experience was wonderful and the skylight is beautiful, both functionally and aesthetically. Janet made sure the work was scheduled to be completed before a trip I had planned. Jimmy measured carefully when he quoted the work and even accommodated a last minute change on the location when he arrived to do the work. They protected my new floors and were careful to keep dust to a minimum. Archie came by to ensure that all was going smoothly. Freddy helped matched the stain on my nearly 70 year old tongue and grove ceiling that really took some effort and he even matched some a few small spots that a previous contractor had sanded and removed the original stain. EVERYONE was cheerful and knowledgeable. Now, my little mid century house has emerged into the light!
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights replaced two aging skylights in our bedroom and installed automatic blinds on four skylights. This was not an easy job, since our bedroom has very very high cathedral ceilings. In fact, one other skylight installer refused to do the job altogether, and a second made a bid that was almost twice as expensive as Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. Janet Mares, who was our main contact for the job, was a pleasure to work with. Her son, Jimmy, who led the installation, was fearless climbing the ceiling, and he eally knew his stuff. We’re thrilled with our new and improved skylights, and we appreciate Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights’ solid, reasonably priced, work. Thanks guys!
I’ve had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install 3 sun tunnels in my home and most recently, 2 skylights in my garage/art studio. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the quality of their work and professionalism! All my communications with their office and installers have been extremely pleasant. I would use them again (and again) and highly recommend them to anyone looking to install Velux skylights/sun tunnels in their home!
Being a new homeowner, i really did my research before having someone come out and give me a quote on a skylight. You never know what to believe when you read yelp reviews. So, i went ahead and had Jimmy from mares and dow come out and give me an estimate. He was right on time, came out and measured and was very professional while he was here. Janet called me a few days later and sent me over an estimate. I went them them and couldn’t be happier. It arrived in the time frame she had told me, and they were out that week. The workers came out on time, and were very friendly and professional. Dennis ( one of the owners) came out as well and checked on the job. The went above and beyond with their work. The skylight looks beautiful! Night and day from the old one. If you are wanting a skylight, i strongly reccomend going with mare and dow
We had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install a Velux skylight in our new master bathroom. The space was small and dark, so Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights suggested a big skylight to add in lots of natural light. They built in a double crown molding to beautifully frame the skylight, and now the space is open and airy with wonderful natural light. We can open the skylight during warm months to let in fresh air. It was a superb addition to our bathroom renovation and a great suggestion from Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. They did a fantastic job and were great to work with! Thanks guys!
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Key Takeaways A new deck installation before you sell your home can really add to the value and appeal of your home, particularly when your…
Key Takeaways Check any deck installer’s credentials, licensing and insurance to protect yourself from potential risk and to comply with local regulations. Evaluate the contractor’s…