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…
Foundations are not only one of the most vital parts of any construction project, but their lack of visibility means they are also likely to be one of the areas that are most often neglected. Particularly in older local properties, the stresses of earthquakes, temperature changes, freeze/thaw action, and even vegetation can all result in foundations gradually deteriorating. If you’ve noticed any telltale signs that your foundations may be shifting, fast action is vital.
As a seasoned team of foundation repair experts, we are ideally placed to fix any issues your foundations might have. Although many people think that replacement is going to be the only solution, we have plenty of repair options available that will give you the same dependable outcome, but for far less cost and disruption than a complete replacement.
If you’re going to get the repairs you need, finding out the exact causes of the deterioration is important. Our skilled, experienced assessors are happy to come out and take a good look at the problems, accurately pinpointing the nature of the issue and presenting you with clear choices for rectification. We customize our work to suit the needs of each property we work on, ensuring you enjoy great results that are right for your building’s needs.
We use high-grade materials (including foundation products from the well-respected Grip-Tite brand) and a skilled, time-served workforce who understand the need for courtesy, consideration, and punctuality as well as excellent work at every stage of the foundation repair process. To request your FREE estimate or for further information, call us at (925) 671-9500 (East Bay) or (415) 447-6136 (San Francisco).
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…
Berkeley, CA homes face unique foundation challenges due to frequent seismic activity, expansive clay soils, hillside terrain, and older construction. Cracks, uneven floors, and moisture issues are common warning signs of foundation damage. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides expert concrete foundation repair services in Berkeley, helping homeowners protect their property and maintain long-term structural integrity.
Berkeley homeowners often notice cracks in concrete slabs, interior or exterior wall fractures, sloping or uneven floors, doors and windows that stick, and gaps around frames. These issues may worsen over time due to ongoing soil movement and seismic activity.
Our process begins with a thorough foundation inspection, assessing structural movement, soil conditions, and drainage. Depending on the findings, repairs may include foundation pier installation, slab leveling, crack injection, wall reinforcement, or structural upgrades designed to meet Berkeley’s building standards.
Berkeley sits near major fault lines and experiences regular seismic activity, which places stress on concrete foundations. Additionally, expansive clay soils and hillside construction contribute to foundation settlement, cracking, and shifting—making proactive repair essential.
Yes. Many Berkeley homes experience moisture-related foundation issues due to poor drainage, heavy winter rains, or hillside runoff. Our foundation repair services often include grading improvements, drainage solutions, and waterproofing measures to help protect your foundation long term.
Smaller repairs, such as crack stabilization, may take one to two days, while larger projects like pier installation or foundation leveling may take several days to a week or more, depending on site conditions and access. We provide clear timelines before work begins.
Costs vary depending on the severity of damage, foundation type, repair method, and property accessibility. We provide transparent, detailed estimates so Berkeley homeowners understand the scope of work and investment upfront.
In most cases, yes. Our team works carefully to minimize disruption, allowing homeowners to remain in their homes during repairs. Certain areas may be temporarily restricted during active work for safety.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights brings local expertise, certified professionals, and extensive experience with Berkeley’s seismic and soil conditions. We comply with all California and Berkeley building codes and stand behind our workmanship to deliver reliable, long-lasting foundation repairs.