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’re searching for a dependable Deck & Porch Construction Contractor in Pleasant Hill, CA, you’re likely ready to turn underused outdoor space into something far more valuable, an extension of your home built for relaxation, entertaining, and everyday living.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Inc., we bring over 40 years of Bay Area construction experience to every deck and porch we design and build. Homeowners throughout Pleasant Hill trust our team because we don’t just build outdoor structures, but we build safe, long-lasting, and beautifully integrated living spaces that match your home’s architecture and your lifestyle.
Whether you’re envisioning a modern backyard deck for gatherings, a welcoming front porch that elevates curb appeal, or a full outdoor renovation, we deliver results that combine structural integrity, thoughtful design, and lasting value. Our approach is simple: Build it right. Build it strong. Build it to last decades, not seasons. From the first consultation to the final nail, we focus on precision craftsmanship, clear communication, and a seamless construction process that keeps your project stress-free.
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. Schedule a free estimate and explore our full Deck and Porch Services.
Outdoor living has become one of the most valuable upgrades for homeowners in Pleasant Hill, and for good reason. A well-designed deck or porch doesn’t just improve your home’s appearance, it transforms how you use your space every day.
We work with homeowners who are looking to:
Every home in Pleasant Hill is different, from the tree-lined streets of Poet’s Corner to the spacious residential lots in Gregory Gardens, and your outdoor structure should reflect that uniqueness.
That’s why we don’t offer cookie-cutter builds. We design and construct fully customized decks and porches tailored to your property layout, architectural style, and long-term goals. Our process starts with understanding how you want to use your space. From there, we create a build plan that balances functionality, safety, aesthetics, and budget, ensuring your investment enhances both lifestyle and property value.
When you work with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you get more than a contractor, and you get a long-term construction partner committed to doing the job right the first time.
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.
When it comes to deck and porch construction in Pleasant Hill, CA, homeowners consistently choose Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights because they want more than just a builder, and they want a contractor with proven experience, structural expertise, and a long-standing reputation for doing things the right way.
For over 40 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, we’ve built our reputation on one core principle: quality and integrity come first in every project, no matter the size or budget. That means every deck post we set, every beam we secure, and every porch we design is built with long-term performance in mind, not shortcuts or temporary fixes.
Pleasant Hill homeowners trust us because we deliver:
We understand that a deck or porch isn’t just an exterior feature, but it’s where life happens. It’s where families gather, where weekends are enjoyed, and where your home extends beyond its walls. That’s why we take the time to ensure every design is both beautiful and structurally sound, blending functionality with architectural harmony.
Unlike general contractors who treat outdoor builds as side projects, deck and porch construction is a core part of our expertise. We bring the same level of detail used in full home remodels and structural work to every outdoor living space we build.
That commitment to craftsmanship is what makes our work stand the test of time in neighborhoods across Pleasant Hill, from established residential streets to newer developments where homeowners want to elevate their outdoor lifestyle.
If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor living space with a contractor you can rely on, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today, and explore our Deck and Porch Construction Services.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we provide full-service deck and porch construction in Pleasant Hill, CA, designed to take your project from early concept to a fully finished outdoor living space. Whether you’re starting from scratch, replacing an aging structure, or upgrading your backyard into a more functional extension of your home, our team delivers craftsmanship built for long-term performance, safety, and everyday use.
Every project begins with a clear understanding of your property, your goals, and how you want to use your outdoor space. From there, we design and build a structure that balances aesthetics, structural integrity, and usability, ensuring your deck or porch enhances both your lifestyle and your home’s value.
We handle every phase of construction in-house, including planning, structural design, material selection, permitting guidance, and full build execution, so you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors or worry about inconsistencies in workmanship.
Our deck and porch services in Pleasant Hill include:
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. Explore our full Deck and Porch Construction Services.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we proudly provide professional deck and porch construction services throughout Pleasant Hill, CA, delivering custom outdoor living spaces designed to fit the character, layout, and lifestyle of each neighborhood. Whether you live in an established residential area or a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, our team brings over 40 years of Bay Area construction experience directly to your home.
We understand that every part of Pleasant Hill has its own architectural style, lot structure, and outdoor living needs. That’s why we tailor each deck and porch project to complement your specific neighborhood while ensuring long-term durability, safety, and design consistency.
We take into account slope, soil conditions, sun exposure, and architectural style to ensure your deck or porch not only looks exceptional but also performs reliably for decades. Explore our full Deck and Porch Service. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today.
In Pleasant Hill, decks and porches are constantly exposed to sun, seasonal moisture, shifting soil conditions, and everyday wear from regular use. Over time, even well-built structures can develop issues that affect both safety and appearance.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we frequently inspect, repair, and rebuild outdoor structures that have started to show signs of age, movement, or structural failure. With over 40 years of general contracting experience in the Bay Area, we know how to identify not just surface-level damage, but the underlying structural problems that cause it.
Here are some of the most common deck and porch issues we fix for Pleasant Hill homeowners:
Many homeowners don’t realize that deck issues often begin underneath the surface. What looks like minor cosmetic wear can actually be a sign of deeper structural weakening. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach, evaluating the framing, support posts, footings, and connections before recommending repair or replacement.
Our goal is always to restore safety first, then improve durability and appearance so your outdoor space can continue to be enjoyed with confidence.
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs at your property, it’s important to act early. Addressing issues promptly can prevent more extensive damage and more costly reconstruction later.
Explore our Deck and Porch Construction and Repair Services. Or Schedule a Professional Estimate Today.
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.
For over four decades, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been a trusted name in Bay Area construction, helping homeowners across Pleasant Hill and surrounding East Bay communities improve, expand, and reimagine their homes with confidence.
When it comes to deck and porch construction in Pleasant Hill, CA, experience matters. Local soil conditions, seasonal moisture, structural movement, and California building codes all play a critical role in how outdoor structures perform over time. Our 40+ years of hands-on experience mean we don’t guess, we build with proven methods that account for how homes in this region actually behave over decades.
Pleasant Hill homeowners continue to rely on our team because we bring together three things that are increasingly rare in the construction industry:
We’ve worked on homes of all ages and styles throughout Pleasant Hill, from established neighborhoods with mature landscapes to updated residential areas where homeowners want to modernize and expand outdoor living space. Every project is approached with the same mindset: build it once, build it right, and build it to last.
Our work goes beyond just installing decks and porches. We focus on creating long-term outdoor living environments that enhance how you use your home every day. That means careful attention to framing, load-bearing structure, drainage considerations, material selection, and architectural continuity with your existing home.
Whether you’re upgrading an aging structure or planning a brand-new outdoor living space, our team brings the expertise needed to ensure your project is safe, functional, and visually aligned with your home’s design.
To learn more about how we design and build long-lasting outdoor structures, explore our Deck and Porch Construction Services. Ready to start your project with a trusted local contractor? Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today.
If your deck or porch in Pleasant Hill is starting to show signs of wear, shifting, or surface damage, it’s important to take it seriously early. Outdoor structures in the Bay Area are constantly exposed to sun, seasonal moisture, and natural ground movement, so even small issues can quickly develop into larger structural concerns if they’re ignored.
The key is not to wait until the damage becomes obvious or unsafe. Instead, treat early warning signs as an opportunity to protect your home, your investment, and your safety.
Even if the deck still feels “usable,” these symptoms often point to underlying structural stress that should be evaluated by a professional contractor.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we evaluate both visible and underlying structural conditions to ensure your outdoor space is safe, stable, and built to last. With over 40 years of construction experience in the Bay Area, we understand how local weather and soil conditions impact long-term performance.
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, now is the right time to act. Schedule your free estimate and inspection. Or learn more about our full Deck and Porch Construction Services.
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…
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is proud to provide expert deck and porch construction in Pleasant Hill, CA, while also serving a wide range of nearby East Bay communities. Our service area is built around where we’ve worked for decades, helping homeowners design and build outdoor living spaces that are durable, functional, and tailored to California lifestyles.
Because we’ve been working throughout the Bay Area for over 40 years, we understand the regional building styles, neighborhood layouts, soil conditions, and permitting requirements that vary from city to city. That local knowledge allows us to deliver smoother projects, fewer delays, and higher-quality results no matter where your home is located.
We regularly serve homeowners in and around Pleasant Hill, including:
Each of these communities has its own character, and we tailor every project to fit both the home and the neighborhood aesthetic. Whether it’s a simple front porch upgrade or a full custom outdoor living transformation, our goal is always the same: build something that looks right, functions perfectly, and lasts for decades.
No matter where you are in the East Bay, you get the same level of craftsmanship, communication, and attention to detail that has defined Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights for over 40 years.
Ready to bring your outdoor project to life? Explore our Deck and Porch Construction and Repair Services. Or Schedule a Professional Estimate Today.
Upgrading your outdoor space is one of the most effective ways to improve both the livability and value of your home in Pleasant Hill, CA. Whether you’re envisioning a spacious backyard deck for entertaining, a shaded outdoor retreat for relaxing evenings, or a welcoming front porch that enhances curb appeal, the right contractor makes all the difference in how your project looks, feels, and lasts over time.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Inc., we specialize in delivering high-quality deck and porch construction services designed for long-term performance in the Bay Area climate. With over 40 years of hands-on experience, we understand how to build outdoor structures that hold up against sun exposure, seasonal moisture, and everyday use, without sacrificing style or comfort.
Our team handles every phase of the process, including design planning, structural engineering, permitting, material selection, and precision construction. The result is a finished outdoor space that feels natural to your home, functions beautifully for daily living, and is built with the level of craftsmanship you expect from an established general contractor.
Homeowners throughout Pleasant Hill choose us when they want more than a basic build, they want a thoughtfully designed outdoor extension of their home that supports entertaining, relaxation, and long-term enjoyment. From modern composite decking systems to traditional wood porches with timeless character, every project is tailored to your property and lifestyle.
If you’re ready to enhance your home with a space built for connection, comfort, and durability, our team is ready to help you take the next step. Explore our Deck and Porch Construction 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. Schedule a free estimate.
Building a new deck or porch is an excellent way to enhance your outdoor living space, improve your home’s curb appeal, and create an area for relaxing or entertaining. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about deck and porch construction in Pleasant Hill, including project timelines, material options, costs, design considerations, and what to expect throughout the construction process.
Before starting a deck or porch project, consider how you plan to use the space, the size and layout of your property, your preferred materials, and how the new structure will complement your home's design. Careful planning helps create an outdoor living area that is both functional and visually appealing.
Most standard deck or porch projects in Pleasant Hill take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to complete, depending on the size of the structure, design complexity, materials selected, and site conditions. Larger or more customized projects may require additional time to ensure quality craftsmanship and lasting performance.
Because Pleasant Hill experiences both sun exposure and seasonal moisture, we typically recommend:
We help you choose the right material based on durability, appearance, maintenance preferences, and budget.
A professionally built deck or porch can last anywhere from 15 to 30+ years, depending on materials and maintenance. Composite materials tend to last the longest with minimal upkeep, while natural wood requires regular sealing and care.
A deck is typically an open outdoor platform, often attached to the back or side of a home, designed for outdoor living and entertainment. A porch is usually a covered structure at the front or entry of a home, often integrated into the home’s architectural design. Both add value and functionality, but serve slightly different purposes in terms of design and lifestyle use.
Yes. We specialize in deck replacements and structural rebuilds, especially for older or unsafe structures. If your current deck has rot, instability, or outdated construction, we can design a safer, more modern version that meets today’s building codes.
Costs vary depending on size, materials, elevation, and design features. Simple builds may start at a lower investment range, while custom multi-level decks or porches with premium materials will cost more.
We frequently repair or correct issues such as:
Our goal is always to restore safety, stability, and long-term performance.
Yes. We provide full-service design-build solutions, meaning we manage everything from planning and layout to construction and final inspection. This ensures your deck or porch is cohesive, functional, and built to match your home’s architecture.
Getting started is simple. We begin with a consultation to understand your goals, assess your space, and provide expert recommendations. From there, we develop a clear plan and detailed estimate.