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…
Often, the early signs of foundation damage can be quite subtle – perhaps you notice that your basement is more damp than usual, or that a crack or two has appeared in a previously smooth wall. In some cases, floors may develop a new unevenness, or a doothatch previously fit within its frame smoothly begins to stick. If something is adrift with your foundations, prompt intervention isn’t just safer, it’s also almost invariably cheaper. When you spot any of the warning signs given above, or anything else that makes you think your foundations are deteriorating, get in touch, and we can advise or undertake appropriate restorative work if necessary.
We have been in business for more than thirty years, providing high-grade foundation repair solutions to property owners in and around Lafayette. Our company is committed to making sure you obtain an accurate diagnosis of the issues that are causing your foundation problems, as well as a suitable solution. Our skilled team can take on a wide range of restorative works, as well as fix the actual foundations themselves.
Our company uses top-grade materials from premium manufacturers to achieve exceptional results every time. We frequently use Grip-Tite foundation products, which, over the years, we’ve found to yield great outcomes for our customers as well as being a good-value choice. We are certified installers for the Grip-Tite range, so you can trust us to do the job to a great standard.
We feel it’s important that our customers have access to all the information they need for good decision-making when it comes to their foundation repairs. For this reason, we are happy to come out and complete a FREE, no-obligation quotation process on your property. To find out more or book one of our team members to come out and take a look at the problem, call us at (925) 671-9500 (East Bay) or (415) 447-6136 (San Francisco).
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.
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 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…
Homes in Lafayette, CA often face foundation challenges due to expansive clay soils, hillside construction, seasonal moisture changes, and Bay Area seismic activity. Over time, these conditions can cause concrete foundations to crack, settle, or shift. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides professional concrete foundation repair services in Lafayette to help homeowners protect their property and maintain long-term structural stability.
Lafayette homeowners frequently notice cracks in concrete slabs or interior walls, sloping or uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, gaps around window and door frames, and separation between walls and ceilings. These symptoms often point to foundation movement caused by soil expansion and contraction.
Our process begins with a thorough foundation inspection, assessing soil conditions, slope stability, drainage patterns, and structural integrity. Based on our findings, repairs may include foundation pier installation, slab leveling, crack injection, or structural reinforcement, customized for Lafayette’s hillside and soil conditions.
Lafayette has clay-rich soils that expand during wet winters and contract during dry summers. Combined with hillside lots, irrigation runoff, and regional seismic activity, these conditions place continuous stress on concrete foundations, making professional repair essential.
Yes. Many foundation issues in Lafayette are worsened by poor drainage or hillside runoff. Along with structural repairs, we often recommend grading corrections, drainage improvements, and waterproofing solutions to reduce moisture-related foundation movement.
Minor repairs such as crack stabilization may take one to two days, while more extensive projects like pier installation or foundation leveling may take several days to a week, depending on slope access and project scope. We provide clear timelines before work begins.
Costs vary depending on the extent of foundation damage, foundation type, site accessibility, and repair method used. We provide transparent, detailed estimates so Lafayette homeowners understand the scope of work and associated costs upfront.
In most cases, yes. Our experienced crews plan work to minimize disruption, allowing homeowners to remain in their homes during the repair process. Certain areas may be temporarily restricted during active repairs for safety.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights brings local expertise, certified professionals, and extensive experience with Lafayette’s hillside, soil, and seismic conditions. We follow California building codes, use proven repair techniques, and stand behind our workmanship for long-lasting results.