Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Inc.

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House leveling is the term used when you bring a home’s foundation back to its proper placement so everything – floors, doors, windows – operates correctly. Houses can sink or tilt from soil shift, water damage, or simply age. Addressing it early prevents more severe damage and helps keep the house structurally sound. Typical indicators Continue Reading

Slab vs raised foundation repairs are two different approaches to addressing house bases, and each applies to specific types of dwellings. Slab repairs focus on concrete foundations poured directly on the soil and are more common in newer houses. Raised foundation repairs work for homes built above the ground with crawl spaces, piers, or beams. Continue Reading

Seismic retrofits East Bay refer to methods of reinforcing existing buildings to withstand earthquakes. Most of the homes and smaller buildings around here were constructed before modern codes, so they probably won’t withstand a major earthquake very well. The reason you might need it in the East Bay is that the ground shakes more here, Continue Reading

Foundation cracks occur as a result of soil movements, water leakage, or subpar construction techniques. Soil moisture changes, tree roots, and minor earthquakes can cause cracks in a home’s foundation. Most small cracks develop while concrete dries or settles after construction, and they generally don’t signal major problems. Wider or expanding cracks can indicate more Continue Reading

Signs your Bay Area home may need foundation repair often show up as wall cracks, uneven floors, or doors that stick. Certain homes in the area sit on clay soil that can move, leaving small cracks or leaks around the foundation of your home. Windows that jam or floors that slope indicate potential foundation issues. Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Benefits of natural light home additions Natural light is vital for physical and emotional well-being. Strategic window location and the utilization of different window styles such as clerestory, corner, picture and transom windows guarantee optimal daylight exposure and privacy distribution throughout living areas. Inside, interior design choices — reflective surfaces, light pallets, open Continue Reading

As you all know, kitchen remodels fail most often because of poor planning, hidden costs or unclear goals. Too many projects fall flat when teams omit obvious steps, make hurried decisions, or apply incorrect materials for the space. Layout mistakes, missed permits, and unskilled hands manifest as delays or increased expenses. We stay on top Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Start each second story addition with due consideration of your foundation and framing to protect your home. Getting structural engineers and wise contractors involved early can help you discover and mitigate lurking weaknesses before you break ground. Make it look like it belongs by styling your addition to match your home’s current architecture, Continue Reading

Preparing your home for a full kitchen remodel means clearing out the kitchen, setting up a backup spot to cook, and bracing yourself for dust or noise. For most, that means the first step is to pack up dishes, food and tools, only leaving out what they need day to day. Safe storage keeps breakables Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Familiarity with the local permitting process, zoning codes and design guidelines is necessary for a successful second story addition as each California municipality can have different requirements and restrictions. A proper feasibility study, working with seasoned professionals, including architects and structural engineers, will uncover potential challenges early and make certain you meet safety Continue Reading

Selecting pieces that utilize strong woods, thick finishes and simple hardware with a track record of strength. Good cabinets frequently originate from plywood or hardwood, not skinny boards or bargain fiberboard. Long-lasting counters use stone, quartz or solid surface materials that don’t scratch or stain easily. Inspecting the edges, hinges and drawer slides can help Continue Reading

Key Takeaways primary suite features Design touches like ample natural lighting, cohesive layouts and adaptable spaces make a primary suite become a sanctuary for every lifestyle and schedule. Upscale finishes, smart home features, and spa-inspired touches set the primary suite apart — and add lasting value and a better lifestyle. Custom storage solutions and tailored Continue Reading

Transform your home in San Francisco, CA, with our expert General Contracting Services. From simple updates to complete renovations, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has the expertise you need. Contact us for a free estimate and let us help you create the bathroom of your dreams.