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…
If you’re considering a retaining wall, it’s important to use a contractor who has the right skills and experience to get the job done properly. As a well-established construction firm, we have completed many retaining wall projects in the past, using several different designs and a range of materials to create walls that look fantastic and are also built to offer durable, long-lasting performance.
No two projects are the same, which is why we treat each retaining wall project we do as a discrete project. Our retaining wall design is undertaken on an individual, customized basis, taking into consideration what our customers want and combining that with the safety features that are vital if the wall is going to support tons of soil or rock. We take care to build for longevity, so when you choose us, you are opting for a company that builds walls to last.
Interlocking systems are a relatively new solution for retaining walls that can give great results. Including top brands such as Rockwood, Basalite, and Tensar, these systems may be built into curved, sloped, or tapered walls, providing many different design opportunities. If you prefer some other material, we can also complete concrete walls or use carefully chosen, treated timber to create a wood retaining wall.
We are seasoned, professional construction experts who can complete new retaining wall projects as well as repair existing walls to prolong their natural life and safeguard the integrity of your landscaping features. Punctual, courteous, tidy, professional, and highly skilled, we are committed to providing every customer with the very best possible service. To request a FREE estimate, find out more about our services, or for anything else, call us at (925) 671-9505.
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…
Retaining walls are more than just landscape features — they protect your property from erosion, improve usable outdoor space, and enhance curb appeal. Whether you’re dealing with a steep slope or want to upgrade your yard, understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions. Below are common questions homeowners in Orinda and the East Bay area ask before starting a retaining wall project.
A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion on sloped land. In Orinda's varied terrain, walls can create level areas for lawns, patios, or driveways while preventing soil movement that can damage landscaping or foundations.
Contractors in the Bay Area commonly work with materials like pressure-treated wood, redwood, concrete, cinder blocks, and modern interlocking systems such as Versa-Lok, Pavestone, and Rockwood, allowing you to choose based on durability and aesthetic preferences.
Costs can vary widely based on size, materials, design complexity, and site conditions. On average, smaller residential walls in Orinda might range from roughly $860 to $6,453 or more, not including permits or engineering fees.
Yes — many retaining walls, especially those over a certain height or carrying significant load, require building permits and may need engineered plans to comply with local codes. Proper permitting protects you legally and ensures the wall meets safety standards.
Without effective drainage, water can build up behind the wall, increasing pressure and leading to cracking or failure. Features like gravel backfill, drain pipes, and weep holes are essential in the Orinda climate to extend the wall’s lifespan.
With quality materials and proper installation — including drainage and correct structural design — retaining walls can last for decades. Professional contractors build for longevity and performance under local weather and soil conditions.
Yes — experienced contractors can often repair weakened or damaged walls before problems worsen, saving you the cost of full replacement. Early intervention is key to preventing bigger structural issues.
Look for a contractor with local experience, proper licensing, solid references, and familiarity with Bay Area soils and building codes. Ask for multiple quotes and ensure the contractor plans for drainage, structural integrity, and long-term performance.