A well-designed deck or porch can completely transform the way you use and enjoy your home. More than just an exterior feature, a professionally constructed outdoor living space creates an inviting area where family and friends can gather, meals can be shared, and everyday moments can be enjoyed in comfort. Whether you want a quiet retreat for relaxation, a spacious entertainment area, or a welcoming front porch that enhances curb appeal, investing in quality deck and porch construction can provide lasting value for years to come.
In Walnut Creek, where homeowners enjoy beautiful weather throughout much of the year, outdoor living spaces have become an increasingly important part of residential design. A custom deck or porch extends your usable living area beyond your home’s walls, creating a seamless connection between indoor comfort and outdoor enjoyment. When thoughtfully designed and expertly built, these additions can improve functionality, increase property appeal, and enhance the overall character of your home.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has proudly served Bay Area homeowners since 1983, providing professional deck and porch construction services backed by more than four decades of residential construction experience. As a trusted general contractor, we understand that every property is unique. Our team works closely with homeowners to design and build outdoor spaces that complement the architecture of the home while meeting practical lifestyle needs.
From simple backyard decks and elevated viewing platforms to expansive multi-level outdoor living areas and custom front porches, we approach every project with a commitment to craftsmanship, durability, and attention to detail. Our goal is to create outdoor spaces that not only look beautiful but also perform reliably for years to come.
Whether you’re planning a brand-new deck, replacing an aging structure, or upgrading your existing outdoor space with modern features and amenities, our experienced team is ready to help bring your vision to life.
Ready for a beautiful new deck? Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today for a free estimate.
Outdoor living has become one of the most valuable investments homeowners can make. As families spend more time at home and place greater importance on functional outdoor spaces, decks and porches have evolved from simple additions into essential extensions of everyday living. A professionally designed and constructed deck or porch can provide a comfortable space for entertaining guests, enjoying family gatherings, working outdoors, or simply relaxing after a busy day.
Beyond lifestyle benefits, a quality deck or porch can also contribute to your property’s long-term value. Homebuyers increasingly appreciate homes with attractive outdoor living areas, making these improvements a smart investment for homeowners who want to enhance both enjoyment and resale appeal.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we understand that every homeowner has different goals for their outdoor space. Some clients want a private backyard retreat, while others envision a large entertainment area complete with multiple levels, integrated seating, lighting, and shade structures. Whatever your objectives may be, our team takes the time to understand your vision, evaluate your property, and develop a construction plan tailored to your needs and budget.
Our process begins with a thorough consultation where we discuss your ideas, intended use of the space, design preferences, and project goals. From there, we help guide you through design considerations, material options, structural requirements, and construction planning. Throughout the project, we maintain clear communication and focus on delivering quality workmanship that meets the highest standards.
Whether you’re replacing an aging deck that has seen better days, adding a brand-new porch to improve curb appeal, or creating a custom outdoor living area from the ground up, our experienced deck and porch construction specialists can help you achieve a result that enhances both your home and your lifestyle.
Learn more about our deck installation and outdoor construction services.
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.
Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you can make when improving your home. A deck or porch isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a structural investment that affects safety, property value, and long-term usability. That’s why homeowners in Walnut Creek and throughout the East Bay continue to rely on experienced professionals like Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
With decades of proven work and a reputation built on consistency, our team focuses on delivering outdoor living spaces that are functional, durable, and tailored to each home.
Since 1983, our team has completed a wide range of residential construction and remodeling projects across the Bay Area. This long-standing experience gives us a deep understanding of:
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This knowledge helps prevent common construction issues before they start, saving homeowners time, money, and future repairs.
No two properties are the same, and outdoor living spaces should reflect that. Instead of using generic designs, we create custom decks and porches that match:
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Whether you want a modern entertainment deck, a traditional front porch, or a multi-level outdoor living area, our designs are built to blend seamlessly with your property while maximizing usable space.
A deck or porch must withstand constant exposure to sun, moisture, and seasonal temperature changes. That’s why we emphasize structural integrity at every stage of construction.
Our craftsmanship approach includes:
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We don’t just aim for a finished project—we build outdoor structures designed to perform for years with minimal issues.
Home improvement projects can feel overwhelming without clear guidance. That’s why we prioritize communication from start to finish.
Homeowners can expect:
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This ensures you always know what’s happening with your project and what comes next.
Not every home needs the most expensive solution—and not every upgrade is necessary. Our approach is centered on honest evaluation and practical recommendations.
We help homeowners:
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The goal is simple: deliver value-driven solutions that make sense for your home, not just sales-driven upgrades.
If you’re considering a new deck or porch in Walnut Creek or nearby East Bay communities, our team is ready to help you plan a space that fits your home and lifestyle.
Contact us today for a free estimate and discover how a custom-built deck or porch can enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of your home.
We provide full-service design, construction, and renovation solutions for homeowners looking to improve their outdoor living spaces.
We design and build decks tailored to your property layout, elevation, and intended use. Popular options include:
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Each structure is engineered for stability, drainage, and long-term performance.
A well-designed front porch enhances both curb appeal and everyday functionality. We build:
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A properly designed porch not only improves appearance but also adds usable outdoor space for relaxation and social interaction.
For homeowners looking to improve existing structures, we offer a wide range of upgrades, including:
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These enhancements can significantly improve comfort, safety, and usability without requiring a full rebuild.
Over time, decks can deteriorate due to weather exposure, age, or structural fatigue. We provide detailed inspections to determine whether repair or replacement is the best solution.
We address issues such as:
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When replacement is necessary, we rebuild with modern materials and updated standards to ensure long-term durability.
Learn more about our full offerings here.
Homeowners across Walnut Creek trust experienced local builders like Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights for deck and porch construction because each neighborhood comes with its own home styles, terrain, and design opportunities. From compact city lots to hillside properties with sweeping views, we tailor every project to fit the character of the area.
Downtown Walnut Creek is one of the most dynamic residential and mixed-use areas in the city, known for walkable streets, upscale condos, and beautifully maintained single-family homes.
Here, outdoor living spaces are often designed to:
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Even small outdoor upgrades can significantly increase comfort and property value in this highly desirable area.
Saranap is a quiet, established residential neighborhood known for its spacious lots and mature landscaping.
Homeowners here often invest in:
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The generous lot sizes make Saranap ideal for custom deck expansions and long-term outdoor living enhancements.
Northgate is a family-friendly area with larger homes, well-kept streets, and strong community appeal.
Outdoor projects commonly include:
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Many homeowners in Northgate prioritize durability and usability in their outdoor construction projects.
Rossmoor is a well-known active adult community where comfort, safety, and low-maintenance design are top priorities.
Deck and porch projects here often focus on:
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The goal is to create relaxing outdoor environments that are both practical and beautiful.
Walnut Heights features hillside homes and custom architecture, often with elevated views of surrounding landscapes.
This area is ideal for:
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Because of elevation changes, these projects often require advanced structural planning and engineering.
Parkmead is a long-established neighborhood with a mix of original homes and updated properties.
Common improvements include:
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Many homeowners here focus on updating older outdoor structures for safety and modern style.
Rudgear Estates is known for its proximity to open space, trails, and natural surroundings.
Outdoor projects often emphasize:
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It’s a strong location for homeowners who want to take advantage of nature right outside their door.
We also proudly serve homeowners near some of Walnut Creek’s most recognized destinations and recreational spaces, including:
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These locations influence many deck designs, especially homes that prioritize outdoor views, shaded comfort, and seamless access to nature.
Across all neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, homeowners request a wide range of outdoor living upgrades designed to improve lifestyle, comfort, and property value.
Perfect for everyday living and social gatherings, these decks often include:
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They’re designed to turn backyards into functional extensions of the home.
Ideal for sloped or large properties, multi-level decks help define separate outdoor zones such as:
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This design adds both visual interest and functional separation.
Covered porches provide year-round usability and protection from sun and rain while enhancing curb appeal.
Common features include:
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They create a welcoming first impression while increasing usable space.
For hillside and scenic properties, view decks are designed to maximize visibility and natural surroundings.
Key design priorities include:
These full-scale projects combine multiple elements into one cohesive design:
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The result is a fully functional outdoor environment designed for everyday living and entertaining.
Front porches remain one of the most impactful upgrades for curb appeal and functionality.
Enhancements often include:
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A well-designed front porch immediately elevates the appearance of any home.
If you’re planning a deck or porch project anywhere in Walnut Creek or nearby neighborhoods, our team is ready to help you design and build an outdoor space that fits your home and lifestyle.
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.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has proudly served Walnut Creek and the greater Bay Area since 1983, bringing decades of hands-on construction experience to residential remodeling and outdoor living projects.
Over that time, we’ve worked on homes ranging from older established properties to newer custom builds, each with its own structural conditions, design requirements, and construction considerations. This long-term experience allows our team to approach every deck and porch project with a practical understanding of what works best in local conditions.
As a licensed general contractor, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights integrates structural integrity, design intent, and long-term durability into every project. That means we don’t just focus on appearance—we ensure the finished structure performs safely and reliably for years of use.
Our approach is built around three core priorities:
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Because of this, homeowners often come to us not just for new builds, but also for second opinions on existing decks, porches, and outdoor structures that may need improvement or replacement.
Many homeowners are unsure whether their existing outdoor structure needs simple repairs, partial upgrades, or a full rebuild. In many cases, issues develop gradually over time and are easy to overlook until they become safety concerns.
You may want to consider a new deck or porch if you notice any of the following:
Delaying repairs or upgrades can often lead to more extensive structural damage over time. Small issues like loose boards or minor water intrusion can gradually affect framing, support posts, and overall stability.
Taking action early helps:
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Whether it’s a targeted repair or a full rebuild, updating your deck or porch ensures your outdoor space remains both safe and enjoyable.
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!
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In addition to Walnut Creek, we serve homeowners across the East Bay, including:
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Our team brings decades of experience delivering reliable, code-compliant outdoor construction across a wide range of home styles and neighborhoods.
Whether you’re planning a custom backyard deck, a covered front porch, or a full outdoor living upgrade, the right design and construction team makes all the difference.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is ready to help you create a durable, functional, and beautifully designed outdoor space.
Ready for a free estimate? Contact us here.
Homeowners in Walnut Creek often have questions before starting a deck or porch project. Below are clear answers to the most common concerns we hear from clients working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Deck construction costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
Because every home is different, we provide detailed, customized estimates based on your specific goals, layout, and budget rather than one-size-fits-all pricing.
In many cases, yes. Most structural deck and porch projects require permits, especially when they involve:
Our team helps guide homeowners through the permitting process, ensuring the project complies with local building codes and safety standards.
Timelines depend on several factors, including:
Smaller, straightforward decks may take a few weeks, while larger or more complex outdoor living spaces may require longer schedules. We always provide a clear timeline before construction begins.
Yes. We regularly inspect and replace aging or unsafe decks throughout the East Bay.
Our process typically includes:
This ensures your new structure is safer, more durable, and better suited to modern use.
We offer a range of durable materials to match different budgets, styles, and maintenance preferences, including:
We help homeowners choose materials based on durability, appearance, and long-term upkeep needs.
Yes. Covered porches are a popular upgrade for homeowners seeking comfort and year-round usability.
Options include:
These structures enhance curb appeal while providing protection from sun and rain.
Absolutely. Multi-level decks are especially effective for:
These designs improve flow, maximize usable space, and create a visually dynamic outdoor environment.
Well-designed outdoor living spaces can significantly improve a home’s overall appeal. While value varies by property, a professionally built deck or porch can:
Quality construction and thoughtful design play a major role in long-term value impact.
Yes. Every project is fully customized based on:
Custom design ensures your deck or porch feels like a natural extension of your home rather than an added structure.
Yes. We offer free estimates for deck and porch construction projects throughout Walnut Creek and nearby East Bay communities. Our goal is to give homeowners clear expectations before any work begins.
