Category Archives: Home Remodel

6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Home Remodeling Company

6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Home Remodeling Company - Mares & Dow

When embarking on a home remodeling project, the choice of a remodeling company can significantly impact the success and satisfaction of the endeavor. Certain factors distinguish a reliable and competent home remodeling company. Understanding what to look for when making this critical decision ensures that your remodeling project is in capable hands.

1. Reputation and Reviews

A reputable home remodeling company often boasts a track record of excellence. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the company’s reputation. Positive feedback and satisfied customers are indicative of a remodeling company’s commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction. A thorough online search and recommendations from friends, neighbors, and coworkers can provide valuable insights into the company’s reputation.

2. Licensing and Insurance

Licensing and insurance are non-negotiable factors when hiring from a home remodeling company. A legitimate company holds the necessary licenses, showcasing compliance with industry regulations and standards. Insurance is equally crucial, protecting both you and the company in the event of accidents or unforeseen circumstances during the remodeling process. Verifying these credentials ensures that you are entrusting your project to a professional and responsible remodeling company.

3. Experience and Expertise

The experience and expertise of a home remodeling company are key indicators of their ability to handle your specific project. Different remodeling projects require different skills, whether it’s a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodeling, VELUX skylight installation, or an overall home makeover. An experienced company brings a depth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that they are well-equipped to tackle the unique challenges and requirements of your remodeling project.

4. Clarity Throughout the Process

Effective communication is a cornerstone of a successful home remodeling project. Look for a company that values transparent communication, providing clarity throughout the remodeling process. This includes clear timelines, detailed project plans, and open channels for discussing any concerns or changes. A remodeling company that prioritizes communication helps establish a collaborative and stress-free environment for both parties.

5. Visual Evidence of Capability

A reputable home remodeling company often showcases a portfolio of past projects. This visual evidence allows you to assess the company’s craftsmanship, design aesthetics, and versatility. Examining their portfolio gives you a tangible sense of their capabilities and the quality of their work. It also provides inspiration and ideas for your own remodeling project, helping you align your vision with the company’s expertise.

6. Assurance of Quality

A reputable home remodeling company stands behind the quality of their work with warranties and guarantees. Inquire about the company’s policies regarding warranties on materials and workmanship. A company that offers warranties demonstrates confidence in the durability and longevity of their work, providing you with assurance and peace of mind as you embark on your home remodeling journey.

Knowing what to look for when hiring a home remodeling company empowers you to make informed decisions for a successful remodeling project. From reputation and licensing to experience and communication, these factors play a pivotal role in determining the reliability and competence of a remodeling company. By thoroughly assessing these aspects, you can confidently choose a home remodeling partner that aligns with your vision and ensures a positive and transformative experience for your home.

Mares & Dow

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.

Top 10 Reasons You Need a Remodel

Top 10 Reasons You Need a Remodel - home remodeling contractors - Mares & Dow

Remodeling your house might seem like a huge challenge, but as an experienced team of home remodeling contractors, we educate our clients about the benefits of completing a comprehensive home remodeling project. Let’s review the top 10 reasons you need a remodel.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Whether it is enhanced curb appeal or an improvement in function, remodeling a home can increase its value. You do not have to sell your home right away, but down the road, a comprehensive remodeling project should produce a significant return on your investment. 

Better Energy Efficiency

A home improvement project that includes the installation of one or more skylights should improve the energy efficiency of your house. Installing solar panels and a smart thermostat also delivers the eco-friendly benefit of improved energy efficiency.

Upgrade an Outdated Look

Maybe your house was one of the first structures built in your neighborhood or the entire neighborhood has a tired, lackluster look to it. Whatever the reason, a home remodeling project can usher in a new look while discarding the old, tired appearance.

Save Money

Investing in a remodeling project such as a new roof costs a considerable amount of upfront money, but on the back end, remodeling your home is much more affordable than buying a new house.

No Moving Stress

Outside of paying taxes, moving into a new home represents the most stressful event in our lives. You have to pack, unpack, and meet new neighbors. Remodeling your current house allows you to enjoy more stability, albeit the project itself might be a bit nerve-racking.

Recondition Your Property

You might not be able to restore your home to the exact condition it was when you first laid eyes upon it during an open house tour. However, working with the best home remodeling contractors can help you come close to restoring your house like it was 10, 20, even 40 years ago. Foundation repair represents one of many ways to recondition your house.

Stronger Security

By installing a security system, you immediately reap the benefits of a much more secure house. You also should consider installing newer, more secure windows, as well as replacing the current front door with one that is much sturdier.

Optimize Every Space

How you utilize the spaces inside your house plays an important role in determining the value of it. For example, if your house feels too crowded in some spaces, you can tear down one or more walls to add more space for entertaining guests.

Raise Your Comfort Level

A home improvement project should include taking a few steps to heighten the comfort of the entire family. From replacing an old heating and cooling system to changing out old furniture for new furniture, you can create a more comfortable living environment.

Changing Lifestyle

One of more of several factors can change your lifestyle. Whether your family is starting to grow or you and your spouse have become an empty-nest family, a home remodeling project can accommodate a change in lifestyle.

Mares & Dow

Contact your local skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.

Exciting Backyard Home Remodeling Projects

backyard__home_remodel_mares_dow

In the summertime, backyards become outdoor havens that are worth cultivating and considering as the site for your next home remodeling project. By partnering with skilled home remodeling contractors, backyard projects can amplify the functionality and beauty of your little piece of the outdoors. 

Backyard structures

One of the classic, though often underappreciated, backyard structures is the backyard shed. As a home remodeling project, the shed can offer a vast amount of possibilities for its (relatively small) size. What it lacks in square footage, sheds can make up for in design targeted at their function. More than a place to store your lawnmower, the shed can also be where you grow your garden starts. A shed built for this purpose should maximize natural light exposure with its position relative to the path of the sun and have ample windows. Sheds can also function as quiet home offices or maker spaces that can be outfitted with the requisite work surfaces, storage, and utilities that make a comfortable place to be for hours at a time.  

Backyard surfaces

Transformative backyard home remodeling projects don’t have to be built vertically, they can also be constructed horizontally. A beautiful deck or patio is a great addition to any backyard that immediately changes how family and friends gather in the outdoors. These backyard surfaces can use a variety of materials and a multitude of designs that can fit any space and any budget. Stone or concrete pavers are a durable and visually striking option that can also be installed so any runoff from summer storms is channeled to the ground below. Wood-hewn decks and patios are another classic option where the beams and planks can be arranged and finished to create stunning patterns. 

Backyard landscaping

The backyard landscape itself can be thought of as a home remodeling project, with the yard almost turning into a type of sculpture. One way homeowners achieve this is by working with retaining wall contractors who literally carve and create dimensions in the landscape to create lovely tiers in backyards. These multi-level spaces can accommodate not only the previously mentioned backyard structures and surfaces but also assets like gardens and water features. And while retaining walls can make the most of a small or sloped landscape, they are not required to undertake a high-quality garden design or incorporate a pond or stream into the landscape of your backyard. 

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our general contractors are home remodeling experts and enjoy working with homeowners as they start the process with their next project.  Contact us today to get started on your home remodel!

Spring Home Refresh: Adding a Front Porch

Harbor Springs Home Renovation Project

Why should you consider a front porch addition this season? There are several good reasons, primarily that front porches freshen curb appeal, offer a connection to your neighbors and community, and they provide a warm welcome for your guests. This type of remodel/addition project can be relatively straightforward, and with the help of a local general contractor, it can be a project that stretches your creativity and your dollar.

Explore styles and design options

As you consider undertaking a new front porch addition on your home, be sure to take time to explore the many porch options that will suit your style and budget. Front porches can be quaint, simple affairs, using poured or decorative concrete for the base and steps with a small portico over the front door, or they can be elaborate wraparounds with separate areas for seating, dining, and even outdoor fireplaces. Small or large, it’s important to give enough depth to your porch and it’s recommended to make it at least 6 feet deep. Other porch designs include a raised wooden base with posts supporting a roof, or a screened-in porch with fiberglass or aluminum mesh or sun-blocking screens. Some of these types of porches even have remote-controlled screens, lifting and lowering depending on the homeowner’s needs.

Prep the site

After you’ve decided on your design, work with your general contractor to finalize your budget and outline the construction schedule. Naturally, the front door is a high traffic area and access to your home will need to be ironed out while the project is underway. Construction teams may be able to flex their schedule to only work on site when you are out of the home, but many homeowners will opt to utilize a back door or garage entrance for the duration of construction anyway. Once you and your family have determined how to adjust your day-to-day routines to accommodate your exciting porch addition project, you can help clear the areas of the yard and home interior that will be impacted. This might include relocating plants or raised beds, moving outdoor furniture, or taking pictures or paintings from the walls that might experience shuddering from the exterior construction.

Sit back and relax

Now that you’ve done all you can to ease the beginning of your project for all involved, you can take a step back and enjoy the fruits of your planning efforts. With an experienced general or Home Remodeling Contractors, you can expect your porch addition and any adjacent updates or remodel projects you’ve included to proceed according to the design and schedule you worked out. If there are any hiccups, your
contractor will communicate and troubleshoot with you promptly. So sit back and relax, soon you will be enjoying the summer breeze from the swing on your new porch.

Transform your Siding in San Francisco CA with our expert remodeling 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.

Mares & Dow Construction has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our team of general contractors are home remodeling experts and can help you with your next project. Contact us today to get started!

Home Remodel Spotlight: Adding a Home Theater

Home Remodel Spotlight: Adding a Home Theater

Nothing increases the value of your home or enhances your family’s entertainment experience like the addition of a home theater. Previously associated as a luxury amenity only available in the homes of film company executives, today’s home theaters are a popular option for any homeowner with a room to spare and a subscription to an online streaming service. If you are thinking about bringing the movie theater experience into your home, here are some ideas to think about and contact your local home remodeling contractor to consult on what goes into completing your new remodel project.  

Determine your home theater space 

Home theaters can be a great option for an unfinished basement or attic, but can also be achieved in smaller spaces, such as an extra bedroom. The main dimensional requirement is to have enough room for your desired amount of seating. If two rows of theater-style seating will accommodate your family and friends for a movie night, you may only need a space of approximately 10 x 16 feet. As you consider where you would like to install your home theater, create a list of your ideal specifications and compare it with the opportunities and limitations of the space you have available. If it seems you don’t have a room that is suitable, another option is to construct an addition on your home for your theater, and this option comes with the benefit of designing and creating the space specifically for that purpose.  

Remodeling the room 

One of the most important considerations when it comes to adding a home theater is to mind the acoustics. The theater experience is not just about a large screen, it’s also about big sound, and you’ll need to use specific materials to achieve it. The ideal material for the ceiling and walls is zero-sound drywall, which is engineered to control absorption, diffusion, and reflection of sound. This means your movie-going activities won’t disturb your neighbors, and their barking dog won’t disrupt your film. And because zero-sound drywall does all the soundproofing for you, you can paint or decorate your theater with any additional materials you desire. The type of flooring you choose is also pivotal, as hard surfaces like hardwood, tile, and concrete will distort the acoustics. Carpet is best and has ratings for sound dampening, so look for carpet that is geared toward soundproofing rooms.  

Geek out 

A home theater is a blank canvas for your technological creativity. There are the options of a projector or a flat screen, a wide array of sound systems, and myriad home automation systems to integrate your lighting scheme and give you total control from a remote or phone app. Sleek, minimalist lighting is best suited for home theaters, and there are several styles to choose from, such as dimmable recessed lighting or wall sconces, and additional lighting details like LED or fiber optic lighting strips in the floor and task lamps next to seating. It is to your benefit to work with an electrician or general contractor for all electrical installations, as they can guarantee the installation meets all building and safety codes. 

Transform your home Remodel in San Francisco CA with our expert remodeling 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.

2019 Home Remodeling Trends

Home Remodeling Trends

A new year means new resolutions, fresh starts, and, for some, big ideas for home remodeling projects. Whether you are planning something large or small, there are several trends to keep an eye on for 2019. Some of the popular projects of the year lend themselves to DIY-ers with a healthy Pinterest habit, while still others may benefit from the expertise of your local home remodeling contractor. Whatever categories your project falls under, here are a few ideas and trends to consider for your next home remodel.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

A nice, transformative kitchen or bathroom remodel is an annual favorite and 2019 is no different. There are several ways to approach this type of remodel, and the one you choose may depend on your vision, budget, and space. One way to transform a kitchen or bathroom is to update a selection of high impact features or fixtures. In the coming year, many people are opting to drop overhead cabinets in kitchens and instead embrace a more minimalist aesthetic. In order to compensate for the loss of storage of overhead cabinets, some people will install a floor-to-ceiling storage wall, like an updated butler’s pantry – ideal for smaller spaces. In bathrooms, a statement shower enclosure can have a big impact and completely change the look of a space. In both kitchens and bathrooms, trading out old fixtures like tiles, sinks, or cabinets can be an easier, but no less impactful, project. In 2019, designers are predicting that fixtures with seamless features, clean lines, and subtle metallic finishes or splashes of bold color will be the popular trends to watch out for. Of course, for some people, this may be the year that they gut the kitchen or bathroom for a clean slate and opt for all of the above!

Exterior Renovations

Though exterior renovations might not be considered as glamorous as a new master bathroom, they are some of the home remodeling trends projects with the greatest return on investment and can also have a significant effect on the look and feel of your front or backyard. Roofing projects or foundation repair immediately improve the value and integrity of your home, while installing skylights or adding a retaining wall with a decorative concrete finish can also increase curb appeal. Additionally, these projects can have a big impact on the energy efficiency of the home, which means you begin earning your money back with your first utility bill. In 2019, many homeowners may opt for the path of exterior renovations, as it is a solid investment and can provide an updated outdoor landscape for them to enjoy in the years to come.

Home Remodeling Trends in San Francisco CA with our expert remodeling 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

Serving the Bay Area since 1983, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights are home remodeling experts that also offer experienced general contracting services.  Contact us today to discuss your next home remodel project.

Creating a Schedule for your Next Home Remodel

Home Remodeling Contractors in San Francisco CA

Home remodel projects, whether you are adding another level to your home or simply adding a small bump-out, can alter your typical routine and disrupt the normal order of your home until they are finally wrapped up. The end result is always worth it, but it can be a relief when you get your newly remodeled home to yourself again. But how long before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor? Putting together a schedule for your next project can help you get an idea of what to expect and is an essential tool for evaluating if the remodel is on time and on budget.

Plan it out

The first step in your home remodel should be a thorough and well-researched planning process, which you can anticipate taking around one month. This portion of your project includes articulating your vision, budgeting, and yes, creating a timeline. At this point, it is also a good idea to acquire any permits or wiring or plumbing schematics you may need to begin your remodel.

This phase of your project can also be helped along with the expertise of a home remodeling contractor or general contractor in your area – don’t hesitate to use them as a resource. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we are happy to walk through the project with you, discuss the experience we have with the type of remodel you are doing, and share our insights in the planning process.

The next several steps of your remodel will vary depending on the size and complexity of what you are doing with your home, but generally speaking, most projects take between three and eight months to complete. When constructing your home remodel timeline, be sure to give yourself a little wiggle room. No matter how well prepared you and your team are for your project, it is very normal for there to be timing hiccups. Giving yourself a little padding in your schedule acknowledges Murphy’s Law while reducing your stress levels.

Schedule the project parts

For the bulk of your home remodel, there is usually an order of operations that is standard and ensures your project will go smoothly. For example, it makes sense to plan to do electrical and plumbing work after demolition and before framing and drywall. Once you know in what order to tackle the different parts of your project, you can start to build your timeline. As an example of a generic home remodel timeline, you can estimate two weeks for demolition; five days for electrical and plumbing; ten days for framing and drywall; one week for painting; ten days for installing fixtures and cabinets; five days for doors and windows; one day for cleaning up the project area and cleaning your air vents; one week for flooring; and one week for trim and finishing work. Lastly, be sure to keep in mind that some of these components of a home remodel may be able to overlap, while others will require the completion of the previous step before the next can begin.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our general contractors are home remodeling experts and enjoy working with homeowners as they start the process with their next project.  Contact us today to get started on your home remodel!

Home Remodeling Trends

Trends in Home Remodeling

Every year there is a new wave of remodeling and design trends that seek to capture home owners’ attention. This year, many of the trends are driven by a homeowner population that is staying longer in their homes and are seeking to revitalize their space and utilize more of it in efficient ways to fit their changing needs, all without breaking the budget. These remodeling goals can also be summarized by a trending design concept: lagom, which is a Swedish word meaning, “just the right amount,” and is meant to evoke designs that are understated and balanced. When you start working with your home remodeling contractor to put together your next project, consider these simple yet impactful ideas.

Large, open spaces

Many homeowners are embracing large, open spaces in their kitchens and living room, methodically removing walls and counters that break up the rooms. These spaces are also being remodeled to be diffused with natural light by adding large, energy efficient windows and skylights. For an even more minimalist design effect, kitchens are also being outfitted with open shelves instead of cabinets. An open kitchen or living room allows for more friends and family to gather, sharing the space for a dinner party or game night with ease.

Finished basements and attics

Why undertake an involved home addition when there is perfectly good space already available? Often underutilized, basements and attic designs are now the subject of many homeowners’ remodeling projects. Basements are transformed into offices and craft rooms or a place to lounge in solitude. Attics are reimagined as reading nooks and playrooms. Instead of using them as just another storage space, finishing one of these previously forgotten rooms can feel like your home just gained a significant amount of desirable square footage.

Remodeling for accessibility

A more functional but no less popular remodeling trend is to adapt homes for their multi-generational residents with greater accessibility needs. Many families now require houses that not only accommodate the new arrivals of children, but also parents and grandparents. For some homes, this means widening doorways and hallways and renovating bathrooms so they are wheelchair accessible or introducing ramps at entrances. In other situations, it may mean constructing a new room on the ground floor for easy, stair-free access. As more and more families welcome more generations into their homes, they are turning to creative remodeling solutions to reimagine their space in a way that can comfortably accommodate their changing needs.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our team of general contractors are home remodeling experts and can help you with your next project.  Contact us today to get started!

Summer Project – Putting an Addition on your Home

Home Addition from Mares & Dow Construction

Your home is a place to bring your dreams to life – from a living room that fits the TV that you have been eyeing, to that extra full bathroom you have been thinking about for years. Taking steps toward realizing your dream home may be more achievable than you think with the help of an experienced and knowledgeable general contractor. This summer, complete a home addition and transform your home with a new space and design you will enjoy for years to come. Simple home additions can fulfill a wide variety of needs and these spaces not only improve the functionality and design of your home, but can also increase its value over time.

Room Additions

For growing families that need a new space, a room addition can completely change how you interact with your home. Room additions come in many different varieties, including adding a new dining room, living room, kitchen, or bedroom. To more efficiently utilize the time and expense of a construction project in their space, homeowners will often also add an extra bathroom in the new addition. New rooms can also be an opportunity to update the design of your home, starting with the new room and expanding to the surrounding spaces.

Bump Out

Depending on your goals for an additional space in your home, a bump out, or small space addition, could be an ideal summer home remodeling project. A bump out is a smaller scale addition than a full room, and essentially expands an existing space within your home. For example, adding a bump out to a kitchen could allow you to add an island and additional appliances or counter space. Another popular bump out project is to extend a half bathroom to a full bathroom to incorporate a shower or tub. Creatively using a bump out addition in your home can change an existing room into the space you have been looking forward to for years.

Sunroom

Another residential construction project option is to create outdoor spaces that do not require the same level of construction equipment and home integration. Room additions and bump outs integrate your home’s existing HVAC and drywalling into the new space. The most popular type of these outdoor spaces is the sunroom. A sunroom is a room that is connected to your home and generally has glass walls on three sides and a roof. It is a great addition to create space for leisure activities and can be used most of the year. Some homeowners also use sunrooms to grow and display plants and other flora, creating a more natural space within their home.

Transform your summer project in San Francisco CA with our expert remodeling 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.

Whatever type of addition you are looking to add to your home’s footprint, you should contract an experienced and knowledgeable general contractor.  Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights are General Contractors & Home Remodelers.  In business since 1983, they have been serving the Bay Area for over 34 years.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your next home addition.

Considering a Home Remodel? 5 Questions to Ask a Contractor

General Contractors for Home Remodeling

Home remodeling can be an exciting but an overwhelming undertaking on your own. While you may know what you want out of a remodel, it is difficult and complex to turn your dreams into reality. General contractors have the expertise you need to create a beautiful, long lasting remodel. Here are 5 questions to ask a contractor to get started on your home remodeling.

5 Questions to Ask a Contractor

Are my timeline and budget reasonable?

The first components of your remodel that you need your contractor to understand are your timeline and budget. Be realistic and upfront with your contractor. This will allow the contractor to provide you with accurate advice and estimations of what is possible for your home remodel.

What remodeling options are available for my home’s structure?

Let your contractor know what you need out of a remodel. Prepare by creating a list of your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” For example, must-haves might be the new bedroom you need because a family member is moving in or an additional dining space to accommodate a growing family. Nice-to-haves could be additional windows or appliances that you have been considering, but could be cut from the project if needed to fit your time and budget.  Your contractor will survey your home to determine what options are available to you based on your home’s structure, timeframe, and budget.

What are the current design trends for my type of home remodeling?

A contractor will be up-to-date on current home remodeling design trends in your area. They can provide you with ideas from recent remodels as well as samples from magazines or design companies. Take your time considering what final look you want for your newly remodeled home. It is helpful to cut out magazine photos and place them in the area of your home that you will remodel, so you can envision what the space can look like in different styles.

What are the best materials?

Your contractor will also have the experience to source high-quality materials and local sub-contractors that will be able to give you a long-lasting installation. Ask your contractor about what materials they recommend for the remodel and the designs you choose. With a quality local home remodeling contractor, you will be able to rest easy that the materials you use in your remodel will last for years to come.

What are the long-term impacts of my remodel?

While many people undertake a remodel to fulfill evolving home needs, there are secondary considerations that your contractor can speak to.  For example, you will want to understand how your remodel will impact your homes’ long-term value and maintenance costs. Ask your contractor if they are aware of options for your remodel that can increase the value of your home or reduce maintenance.

We hope you found 5 Questions to Ask a Contractor to be useful.

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we are experts at home remodeling and general contracting.  We have been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Before you get started on your next home remodel, call us to discuss your plans and ensure you choose a general contractor that meets the needs of your project.

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Concord, CA 94520
925-671-9500

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1155 Ellis St. Suite #4
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-447-6136

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