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…
In Orinda, where lush landscapes and seasonal rains create a beautiful—but sometimes damp—environment, dry rot is a common issue for homeowners. All it takes is moisture, wood, and a bit of warmth, and dry rot can begin to take hold. Over time, the affected wood shrinks, darkens, cracks, and softens—threatening both the look and structure of your home. Exterior trim is often the first area to show signs, even on newer properties.
While dry rot in trim can typically be repaired with minimal effort, it becomes much more complex when it reaches load-bearing elements like framing or mudsills. Because dry rot only affects wood with high moisture content (usually over 20%), the first step is always to find and eliminate the source of water intrusion.
In Orinda homes, this might come from interior leaks—such as dishwashers, showers, sinks, tubs, or washing machines—or from the outside via damaged roofing, cracked stucco, siding, or poorly sealed windows and doors. Once the moisture source is addressed, the area must be thoroughly dried to stop the rot from spreading.
After drying, all compromised wood should be removed and replaced with pressure-treated or pre-treated lumber. Proper framing techniques, weather-resistant flashing, and correctly installed trim are essential to prevent the problem from recurring. Any remaining wood that could still be at risk should be treated with a fungicide for added protection.
Whether you’re dealing with a small repair or a larger structural issue, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights offers expert dry rot repair services in Orinda. We’re here to restore the beauty and integrity of your home with lasting craftsmanship. Contact us today for a free estimate!
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…
Dry rot is a hidden but serious issue for many homes in Orinda, especially those with wood siding, decks, eaves, and shaded exterior areas. Seasonal rains, irrigation runoff, and limited airflow can allow moisture to seep into wood, triggering decay. If left untreated, dry rot can compromise both appearance and structural integrity. Here are answers to common questions Alamo homeowners ask about professional dry rot repair.
We provide full-service dry rot repair in Orinda, including structural wood replacement, framing and siding repair, window and door restoration, deck and beam rebuilding, and moisture prevention strategies.
Orinda’s shaded hillsides, oak tree cover, and winter rains create ideal conditions for hidden moisture—especially in crawlspaces and decks—which can quickly lead to dry rot if left untreated.
Yes. Many Orinda homes feature unique architecture, custom trim, and premium materials. We carefully match existing details and maintain your home’s aesthetic while reinforcing structural integrity.
Absolutely. Dry rot often starts in concealed areas—like behind stucco, under decks, or inside walls—and may not be visible until significant damage occurs. Early inspections are key.
Most structural and exterior repairs in Orinda require a permit through the City or Contra Costa County. We handle all permitting and code compliance on your behalf from start to finish.
Yes. We specialize in repairing elevated decks and balconies in Orinda’s hillside homes. We reinforce or replace joists, posts, and railing systems with rot-resistant materials that meet safety codes.
Most Orinda projects take 3 to 10 business days, depending on the extent of the damage and access conditions. We provide a detailed schedule after your free inspection and estimate.
Yes. We can install new flashing, vent screens, crawlspace drainage, and sealants to protect against future moisture intrusion—critical for homes surrounded by dense vegetation in Orinda.