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…
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc. is well-known and well-respected for its foundation repair contractors who can offer more than thirty years of experience in the field. Used to working on foundation problems of many different types, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc. is committed to using rigorous investigation and assessment to determine the cause of the problem, and then come up with cost-effective, dependable answers. No matter what shape your foundations are in, we can normally sure them up successfully.
We know that age, size, and construction can all determine the type of foundation problems that are experienced. Because we are familiar with local ground conditions, we’re in a strong position to identify the stress factors that have led to your foundation issues. Our team assesses each property individually, coming up with customized answers that are tailored to your particular circumstances.
With more than three decades of completed local foundation repair projects behind us, we are proud of the fact that a significant portion of our business is acquired through recommendation. We aim to provide a blend of exceptional workmanship, great products, and courteous, dedicated customer care. We know how worrying finding out that your foundations need work can be, which is why we do everything we can to provide the affordable solutions you’re looking for
If you’ve noticed some of the signs of foundation degradation (seepage in the basement, cracks, uneven flooring or ill-fitting windows or doors, for example), get in touch, and we will be happy to come out, take a look, and provide you with a FREE, no-obligation estimate to get the work completed. To find out more, call us at (415) 447-6136 (San Francisco) or (925) 671-9500 (East Bay).
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…
A solid foundation is essential for any home in Alameda, CA, especially with our local soil conditions and occasional shifting caused by moisture or seismic activity. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing concrete foundations for Alameda homeowners, ensuring your home stays safe, level, and structurally sound. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we get from local residents:
In Alameda, signs like cracks in interior or exterior walls, uneven or sloping floors, doors and windows that stick, or gaps around frames can indicate foundation problems. With our bay-front location and clay soils, early inspection is essential to prevent serious damage.
Our Alameda team begins with a comprehensive inspection, checking soil stability, drainage, and structural integrity. Repairs may include piering, slab leveling, crack injection, or drainage improvements. Our goal is to stabilize your foundation while minimizing disruption to your home.
Yes. Many Alameda foundations are affected by moisture from heavy rains or poor drainage. Our repairs often include solutions like French drains, grading adjustments, and waterproofing to protect your home against water intrusion while addressing the structural issues.
Minor repairs such as crack sealing may only take a day or two, while more extensive piering or slab leveling may take several days. We provide detailed timelines upfront so Alameda homeowners know exactly what to expect.
Costs vary depending on the type and extent of damage, foundation size, and repair method. We provide free, detailed estimates that clearly outline materials, labor, and the repair plan so you know the investment needed to protect your Alameda home.
Yes. Most repairs are done while you continue living in your home. Our Alameda-based crews plan work carefully to limit disruption, although certain areas may be temporarily inaccessible during repair.
Foundation repair stabilizes and corrects existing issues, such as lifting sunken slabs or reinforcing walls. Replacement is only necessary if the foundation is severely compromised. Our Alameda experts perform thorough inspections to recommend the safest and most cost-effective solution.
We are certified, experienced, and local to Alameda, which means we understand the unique soil, moisture, and seismic challenges in the area. Choosing us ensures your foundation repairs are done safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all California building codes, with workmanship backed by a solid warranty.