Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about foundation problems come in many forms, and different problems can cause different symptoms. Nonetheless, if you see any of these signs, be sure to have your home’s foundation inspected as soon as possible.

• Interior cracking, especially along ceilings, floors, and wall spaces above doors
• Sticking doors
• Sloped or uneven flooring
• Wrinkled or torn wallpaper
• Exterior gaps around windows or doors
• Tilted chimney
• Wood trim separating at joints
• Stair-step cracks in brick or stone walls
• Water intrusion or bowed walls in basement or garage
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Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been providing the Bay Area with general contractor and home remodeling services for more than 40 years. From foundations to skylights, and exterior repairs to interior remodels, we offer the expert knowledge and customer service to do the job right, on time, and on budget. If you are ready for the home of your dreams, call us today at (925) 671-9500 (Concord) or (415) 447-6136 (San Francisco).

A retaining wall is a structure that is carefully engineered to hold back soil when there is a severe change in elevation. Although retaining walls can be made from solid concrete, in residential and commercial designs they are more often constructed from interlocking blocks or pressure-treated wood. They can be made in a wide variety of styles, textures, and colors, creating just the right aesthetic for any property.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. has been providing the Bay Area with general contractor and home remodeling services for more than 32 years. From foundations to skylights, and exterior repairs to interior remodels, we offer the expert knowledge and customer service to do the job right, on time, and on budget. If you are ready for the home of your dreams, call us today at (925) 671-9500 (Concord) or (415) 447-6136 (San Francisco).

Water intrusion is a very common problem in basements that are not properly waterproofed. If water gets into your basement, it can damage your belongings, create musty odors and general dampness, lead to mold growth and, over time, cause structural damage to your home and its foundation. No matter how well your home is built, water intrusion is likely to occur unless you proactively have your basement waterproofed.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. has been providing the Bay Area with general contractor and home remodeling services for more than 32 years. From foundations to skylights, and exterior repairs to interior remodels, we offer the expert knowledge and customer service to do the job right, on time, and on budget. If you are ready for the home of your dreams, call us today at (925) 671-9500 (Concord) or (415) 447-6136 (San Francisco).

Thank you for taking the time to read our Frequently Asked Questions. At Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights, we value your curiosity and interest in our services. We hope that our FAQ section has provided you with helpful insights and answers to your queries. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your construction and skylight projects. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Foundation problems can have many causes. If you have begun to see the common signs of foundation issues, such as water intrusion, uneven flooring, or cracking, here are some things we will consider:

• Soil Type: The ground on which your home sits must be able to support its weight. In the Bay Area, we have three major types of soil: sandy, loam, and clay. Both sandy and loam soils are very stable, and will change little under wet or dry conditions. However, clay soil is highly porous and absorbs water at a very high rate. It is responsible for many foundation problems in our area.
• Drainage: Standing or ponding surface water can soak into the soil around your home’s foundation, eventually causing softening that can allow the foundation to shift. Poor drainage is often to blame for foundation issues.
• Evaporation and Drought: Although too much water is bad for foundations, so are extended periods of dryness. Over time, dried out soil can pull away from the foundation, leaving gaps into which the foundation can move and settle.
• Trees: Tree roots can dehydrate the soil while pushing against the foundation, causing it to shift and crack. As a general rule of thumb, if the tree’s branches extend over your home, its roots likely extend under your home.
• Plumbing Leaks: Leaks in your home’s water lines can cause water to pour underneath the foundation, saturating and weakening the soil and allowing the foundation to sink. Leaks can also cause the opposite—a pressure buildup that actually lifts the foundation in a process known as heaving.
• Poor Site Preparation: Many times, soil is brought in to fill hollow regions and level out the ground before building begins. If this fill soil is not properly compacted, it can start to settle underneath your home, allowing the foundation to shift and crack.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. has been providing the Bay Area with general contractor and home remodeling services for more than 32 years. From foundations to skylights, and exterior repairs to interior remodels, we offer the expert knowledge and customer service to do the job right, on time, and on budget. If you are ready for the home of your dreams, call us today at (925) 671-9500 (Concord) or (415) 447-6136 (San Francisco).