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’ve noticed that your doors aren’t as flush as they used to be, or that there is water seepage in your basement, unexplained cracks in your walls, or newly uneven flooring, it could well be the case that your foundations need some attention. Although a foundation repair sounds like a costly operation, the reality is that early intervention and the work of a skilled, experienced team can ensure that the problem is successfully resolved for far less than you might think. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc., we pride ourselves on being foundation repair contractors that are able to successfully treat a wide variety of foundation problems.
We have been serving the local area for more than thirty years, offering a skilled, honest, and competitively priced service to homes and businesses. When you call us out, we will complete a detailed inspection of your foundations, including the building framing. This enables us to obtain a comprehensive picture of your current situation, allowing us to provide an accurate diagnosis of the issue and suggest a suitable remedy.
Our company is able to take on jobs of all shapes and sizes, including large-scale projects and ones that are particularly complex or demanding. Whether you need a selection of our Grip-Tite manufacturing products to get the job done, require waterproofing, or need a retaining wall put in place to stop any further deterioration, you can rely on us to complete the work to an extremely high standard.
We are dedicated to giving every customer a winning combination of excellent results and honest, courteous, and obliging customer care. As the foundations contractor of choice for a growing number of people in and around Concord, we are proud of our reputation for honest workmanship, fair pricing, and providing an exceptional customer experience. For your FREE estimate or to find out more, 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…
Homes in Concord, CA, are often affected by expansive clay soils, seasonal moisture changes, and seismic activity common in Contra Costa County. Over time, these conditions can cause concrete foundations to crack, settle, or shift. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides professional concrete foundation repair services in Concord, helping homeowners restore structural stability and protect their property value.
Concord homeowners frequently notice cracks in concrete slabs or walls, uneven or sloping floors, sticking doors or windows, gaps around frames, and visible separation between walls and ceilings. These are often early indicators of foundation movement caused by soil expansion and contraction.
Our process starts with a detailed foundation inspection, assessing soil conditions, drainage, and structural movement. Depending on the findings, we may recommend foundation pier installation, slab leveling, crack injection, or structural reinforcement to stabilize your foundation and prevent further damage.
Concord is known for its clay-rich soils, which expand when wet and shrink during dry seasons. Combined with hot summers, winter rains, and regional seismic activity, these soil movements place ongoing stress on concrete foundations, making professional repair essential.
Yes. Many foundation issues in Concord are directly related to poor drainage or excess moisture around the foundation. We often recommend grading corrections, drainage improvements, and waterproofing solutions in conjunction with structural repairs to reduce future soil movement.
Minor repairs such as crack stabilization may take one to two days, while more extensive work like pier installation or slab leveling may take several days, depending on site conditions and the scope of repairs. We provide clear timelines before work begins.
Foundation repair costs vary based on the extent of damage, foundation size, repair method, and accessibility. We provide transparent, detailed estimates so Concord homeowners understand the full scope and cost of repairs upfront.
In most cases, yes. Our experienced crews work to minimize disruption, allowing homeowners to stay in their homes throughout the repair process. Certain areas may be temporarily restricted during active work for safety.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights offers local experience, certified professionals, and in-depth knowledge of Concord’s soil and environmental conditions. We follow California building codes, use proven repair techniques, and stand behind our workmanship to ensure long-lasting results.