Concrete Foundation Services

Serving San Francisco and East Bay Since 1983

Build a Strong Foundation With Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

As Bay Area homeowners and property owners invest in their homes and buildings, the importance of a solid, reliable foundation has never been greater. Whether you are constructing a new foundation, reinforcing an existing structure, or addressing settling and structural issues, working with an experienced contractor ensures your foundation is safe, durable, and built to last.

Today, foundations are viewed not just as structural necessities, but as long-term investments in the stability, safety, and value of your property. Proper planning, precise engineering, and expert craftsmanship are essential to protect your home and support your evolving needs. With the right team, your foundation work can provide peace of mind, lasting durability, and significant property value for years to come.

With more than 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is the trusted Bay Area contractor for concrete foundation services of all types. We’ve worked on properties of every age and architectural style, delivering foundation construction, reinforcement, leveling, and repair with precision and quality craftsmanship. Our focus is on solutions that are efficient, code-compliant, and built to stand the test of time.

Concrete Foundation Services: Solutions for Every Need

As your property evolves, so do your foundation requirements. Whether you need a new foundation for an addition, a reinforced slab for stability, or repairs to address cracks or settling, our team collaborates closely with you to design and execute a comprehensive plan that fits your goals and budget. From new construction to preventative maintenance and structural upgrades, we provide smart, practical solutions that protect your property and enhance its functionality.

As your dedicated Bay Area foundation contractor, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights ensures every project is smooth, efficient, and reliable. We begin by understanding your vision, developing a cost-effective and practical strategy, and delivering high-quality work that keeps your property safe, structurally sound, and tailored to your needs. Discover what’s possible with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights and lay the groundwork for lasting stability with confidence.

Specialty General Contractor Services
Concrete Foundation Services
Concrete Foundation Services

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.

Benefits of Going with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Experience & Accreditations

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.

Knowledge & Expertise

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.

Proven Customer Satisfaction

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.

40
Years of Experience

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for 40 Years

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.

Philosophy

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.

Get In Touch

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.

Our Mission

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.

Values

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.

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Words of Appreciation from Our Valued Clients

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we believe great service is its own reward. Every satisfied client, glowing review, and lasting relationship reminds us why we’ve dedicated over 40 years to building with integrity, craftsmanship, and care.

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!

Norma B. San Francisco, California

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!

Aaron R. Concord, California

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!

Myla L. Concord, California

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

Chris W. Walnut Creek, California

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!

Jennifer S. Walnut Creek, California

Our Service Area

  • Alameda
  • Alamo
  • Albany
  • Benicia
  • Concord
  • Berkeley
  • Danville
  • Dublin
  • El Cerrito
  • Hercules
  • Lafayette
  • Martinez
  • Moraga
  • Oakland
  • Orinda
  • Pinole
  • Piedmont
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Pleasanton
  • Richmond
  • San Francisco
  • San Ramon
  • Walnut Creek

Building Knowledge: Insights From 40 Years of Craftsmanship

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, sharing knowledge is part of our commitment to great service. Our blog offers expert tips, project insights, and inspiration drawn from decades of experience building and remodeling homes across the Bay Area.
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Frequently Asked Questions about our Concrete Foundation Services

Concrete foundation projects can feel overwhelming. Homeowners often have questions about timelines, costs, structural requirements, and maintenance. To help you make confident, informed decisions, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our Bay Area concrete foundation services.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights specializes in a wide range of concrete foundation solutions designed to meet the unique needs of Bay Area homes and properties. We construct new foundations for single-family homes, room additions, and multi-story structures. We also install concrete slabs for garages, patios, and other exterior spaces, and provide reinforced foundations for structural upgrades or areas requiring extra load-bearing support. Every foundation is custom-engineered to suit your soil conditions, property layout, and long-term goals, ensuring safety, stability, and code compliance.
The duration of a foundation project depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the foundation, the materials selected, and site-specific conditions. Smaller slab installations may take only a few days, while full foundation construction or reinforcement for larger properties can take several weeks. During your free consultation, we provide a detailed project timeline, outlining each stage of the work—from site preparation and excavation to concrete pouring, curing, and finishing. We maintain open communication throughout, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Yes. As a licensed and experienced Bay Area general contractor, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights manages all necessary permits and coordinates with local building authorities to ensure your foundation meets or exceeds code requirements. We take responsibility for arranging inspections at key stages of construction, so you can have peace of mind knowing your foundation is fully compliant, safe, and approved by the appropriate agencies.
Absolutely. Our team provides comprehensive foundation repair services to address common issues such as settling, cracks, water damage, and compromised structural integrity. We offer concrete leveling, crack injection and sealing, reinforcement, and full structural restoration. Our goal is to restore your foundation’s stability, protect your home from further damage, and extend the lifespan of your property. Every repair plan is customized based on a thorough inspection and assessment of your foundation’s condition.
Yes. Bay Area soils can vary significantly, and weather conditions—from coastal moisture to seasonal rainfall—can impact foundation stability over time. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights uses high-quality concrete mixes, reinforcement techniques, and proven construction methods to ensure that each foundation is durable, resilient, and resistant to shifting, cracking, and other common issues. We also incorporate drainage solutions and structural safeguards to protect your home against long-term soil and environmental challenges.
Every foundation project begins with a thorough assessment of your property, including soil testing, load analysis, and engineering review. We calculate the proper dimensions, reinforcement placement, and material specifications to guarantee that your foundation can safely support the weight and design of your structure. Our team works closely with engineers when needed, ensuring that the foundation meets or exceeds building code standards and provides reliable performance for decades.
Yes. Preventative inspections are an essential step in maintaining the health of your foundation. Our team can identify early signs of settling, cracking, water intrusion, or other potential issues before they become costly problems. Through regular inspections and maintenance recommendations, we help homeowners safeguard their investment, ensure structural stability, and prolong the lifespan of their concrete foundation.
Getting started is simple. Schedule a free consultation with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. Our experts will visit your property to perform a comprehensive evaluation, discuss your foundation needs, and provide a detailed plan tailored to your project. From new construction to repairs or reinforcement, we handle every step with precision, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering a safe, durable, and long-lasting foundation.