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…
Poor drainage, changes in temperature, tree roots, a leaking water line, or even poor initial construction can all be reasons why your foundations begin to deteriorate. You may notice that water is beginning to penetrate your basement; cracks may appear in your walls or around doors and windows; you may find that doors don’t fit as snugly as they used to, and that wallpaper begins to look damp and wrinkled for no obvious reason in one part of your home. If you notice any of these problems, it could be the case that your foundations need attention. As seasoned foundation repair experts, we are able to resolve your foundation problems correctly and for a competitive price.
Without an accurate diagnosis, it’s impossible to come up with a suitable plan to resolve the foundation problems you’re experiencing. We use seasoned inspectors to complete a meticulous examination of your foundations and wood framing. This allows us to discover exactly what’s going on and come up with a suitable plan to fix it.
Many of our projects are undertaken using materials and products from the prestigious Grip-Tite range; well-known as a leading manufacturer of premium foundation solutions, we have found that Grip-Tite choices provide the exceptional answers our customers deserve. If required, we can also provide a number of other options, including waterproofing and retaining wall construction. Each job we do is tailored to meet the requirements of the property in question, ensuring you receive customized work that’s exactly right for your building.
We are proud of our local reputation for honesty, good value, and excellent workmanship; we look forward to working with you to bring your foundations back into top condition. If you want to find out more about what we can offer, or would value a FREE estimate, it’s time to give us a call 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…
A stable foundation is crucial for homes in Moraga, CA, especially with local soil variations and occasional moisture-related movement. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we provide expert concrete foundation repair services for Moraga homeowners, ensuring your home remains safe, level, and structurally sound. Below are answers to common questions from Moraga residents:
Common indicators include cracks in walls or floors, uneven or sloping surfaces, doors and windows that stick, or gaps around frames. Moraga’s clay soils and hillside locations make early detection important to prevent further structural issues.
Our Moraga team starts with a thorough inspection, assessing soil conditions, drainage, and structural integrity. Repairs may involve pier installation, slab leveling, crack stabilization, and drainage improvements to ensure long-term stability.
Yes. Water intrusion often worsens foundation problems in Moraga. Our repairs can include waterproofing, French drains, and proper grading to address both structural concerns and moisture control.
Simple repairs like crack sealing may take 1–2 days, while more extensive piering or slab leveling could take several days. We provide a clear timeline upfront so Moraga homeowners know what to expect.
Costs vary based on damage severity, foundation size, and repair method. We provide detailed estimates outlining materials, labor, and project scope, giving Moraga residents confidence in their investment.
Yes. Most repairs are done while homeowners remain in their homes. Our Moraga crews work efficiently to minimize disruption, though some areas may have temporary access restrictions.
Foundation repair stabilizes and corrects problems such as sunken slabs or wall movement, while full replacement is only necessary for severely damaged foundations. Our Moraga experts conduct thorough inspections to recommend the most appropriate solution.
We are licensed, certified, and local to Moraga, understanding the area’s unique soil, seismic, and drainage challenges. Choosing us ensures repairs are safe, effective, code-compliant, and backed by a workmanship warranty.