House Leveling Services
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House Leveling In Martinez, CA – Trusted, Lasting Solutions Near You
Uneven floors, sticking doors, wall cracks, and visible foundation movement may indicate that your home has settled unevenly. These problems can affect your comfort, damage interior finishes, and place added stress on the structure if they continue.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Inc. provides professional house leveling in Martinez, CA, for homes affected by settling foundations, shifting soil, sagging supports, and related structural concerns. Since 1983, our team has helped Bay Area homeowners protect their properties through careful evaluations, practical recommendations, and quality workmanship.
Every house leveling project begins with a detailed assessment of the home and the conditions contributing to the problem. We then develop a solution based on the property’s construction, foundation type, and degree of movement.
Stabilize your Martinez home with experienced house leveling services. Schedule a free estimate with Mares & Dow today.
Need House Leveling In Martinez, CA?
A house does not always settle evenly. Changes in soil moisture, drainage problems, aging structural components, inadequate support, and natural ground movement can cause one portion of a home to sink or shift more than another.
House leveling is used to address these differences and restore proper support where practical. Depending on the home and the cause of the movement, the work may involve stabilizing the foundation, strengthening support systems, correcting sagging areas, or carefully raising portions of the structure.
You may need a professional evaluation if you notice:
- Floors that slope, dip, or feel uneven
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick
- Cracks around doors, windows, walls, or ceilings
- Gaps between walls, floors, or trim
- Sagging or bouncing floors
- Cabinets or countertops pulling away from walls
- Cracks in the foundation
- Leaning or shifting structural elements
- Repeated repairs that do not resolve the underlying problem
Some cosmetic cracks result from normal material movement, but persistent or expanding symptoms deserve attention. A professional assessment can help determine whether the issue is isolated or connected to broader structural movement.
Contact Mares & Dow to arrange an evaluation of your Martinez home.
Why Martinez Homeowners Trust Our House Leveling Experts
House leveling requires more than correcting a visible slope. The contractor must understand how the foundation, framing, soil, drainage, and surrounding parts of the home work together. Raising a structure without addressing these relationships may cause additional damage or fail to provide lasting stability.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights brings more than 40 years of Bay Area construction experience to every project. Our approach is honest, organized, and focused on solutions appropriate for the individual property.
More Than 40 Years Of Bay Area Experience
We have served homeowners throughout San Francisco and the East Bay since 1983. That experience gives our team practical knowledge of older homes, varied foundation systems, hillside conditions, and the soil movement commonly found throughout the region.
Licensed Construction Expertise
Mares & Dow is licensed as a General and Electrical Contractor under California license number 618118. Our broader construction background helps us evaluate house leveling concerns in the context of the entire home rather than treating an uneven floor as an isolated problem.
Property-Specific Recommendations
No two settling problems are the same. We evaluate the home’s foundation type, framing, access conditions, drainage, and visible damage before recommending a course of action.
Clear Communication
We explain what we observe, why the problem may be occurring, and which services may be appropriate. Homeowners receive straightforward guidance without unnecessary pressure or confusing language.
Quality-Focused Workmanship
Our team approaches structural work with care and attention to detail. The goal is to provide dependable support while protecting the surrounding areas of your home as work proceeds.
Coordinated Structural Services
House leveling may be connected to foundation stabilization, concrete foundation work, drainage improvements, waterproofing, dry rot repair, or other structural services. Mares & Dow offers related construction expertise that can help simplify projects involving several parts of the home.
Ready to address uneven floors or settlement concerns? Schedule a free estimate with Mares & Dow.
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.
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.
- Over 40 Years of Bay Area Expertise
- Hands-On Leadership
- Dual Licensed Expertise
- VELUX 5-Star Skylight Specialists
- Referral-Driven Reputation
- Seismic-Safe, Design-Focused Construction
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.
Words of Appreciation from Our Valued Clients
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!
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
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Comprehensive House Leveling Services In Martinez
The correct leveling method depends on the home’s construction, the severity of movement, and the conditions beneath the structure. Mares & Dow evaluates these factors before developing a practical plan.
Structural Evaluations
We begin by examining visible symptoms and accessible structural areas. The evaluation may include reviewing floor slopes, foundation conditions, crawl-space supports, framing connections, cracks, moisture concerns, and other indicators of movement.
Partial House Leveling
When settlement affects a specific portion of the home, localized correction may be appropriate. Partial leveling focuses on the affected area while considering how adjustments may influence adjoining walls, floors, doors, windows, and finishes.
Full House Leveling
Widespread or significant settlement may require a broader plan. Full-house projects involve careful preparation and controlled adjustments designed around the home’s structure and existing condition.
Foundation Stabilization
Leveling and stabilization often work together. Stabilization helps support the structure and reduce the risk of continued movement after corrective work is completed.
Piering And Underpinning
Some homes may require added support beneath sections of the foundation. Piering or underpinning can transfer structural loads to more stable supporting material when appropriate for the property.
Crawl-Space Leveling And Support Repair
Homes with raised foundations may develop sagging floors because of deteriorated posts, beams, joists, connections, or support locations. Our team can evaluate accessible crawl-space components and recommend repairs or reinforcement based on their condition.
Slab And Concrete Leveling
Uneven concrete or slab areas may require specialized lifting or correction. The appropriate method depends on the slab’s condition, the amount of settlement, and the underlying cause.
Foundation And Framing Repairs
Settlement can damage structural components or reveal weaknesses that need to be corrected as part of the project. Related repairs may include addressing damaged framing, foundation sections, connections, or supporting elements.
Drainage And Moisture-Related Solutions
Poor drainage and changing soil moisture can contribute to foundation movement. When water management is part of the problem, recommendations may include drainage improvements, waterproofing, French drains, or repairs to moisture-damaged materials.
Our team will recommend only the work that fits the conditions found at your home. Learn more about our professional house leveling services or request an estimate.
Where We Work In Martinez: Neighborhoods And Areas We Serve
Mares & Dow provides house leveling services throughout Martinez and nearby East Bay communities. We work on properties of different ages, architectural styles, foundation types, and site conditions.
Downtown Martinez
Downtown includes historic residences and established properties near Main Street and the Contra Costa County government district. Older homes may have raised foundations, aging supports, or settlement patterns that require careful evaluation.
Alhambra Valley
Homes in and around Alhambra Valley can have larger lots, varied terrain, and different drainage conditions. House leveling plans in this area must account for the individual site and how water moves around the property.
Virginia Hills
Virginia Hills contains established residential streets and homes built across gently rolling terrain. Sloping lots and soil movement can contribute to uneven settlement in certain properties.
Hidden Lakes
The Hidden Lakes area includes residential neighborhoods near Hidden Lakes Park. Homeowners who notice sloping floors, recurring cracks, or sticking doors can request an assessment to determine whether structural movement is involved.
Mountain View
The Mountain View area includes a mix of established homes and residential properties near central Martinez. Foundation age, drainage, and previous alterations can all affect how a home settles over time.
Vine Hill
Properties around Vine Hill vary in age, layout, and foundation design. Our team evaluates each home individually before recommending leveling or stabilization work.
Morello Avenue And Muir Road Areas
Homes near Morello Avenue, Muir Road, and surrounding residential streets may experience settlement symptoms related to soil conditions, drainage, foundation age, or structural wear.
Martinez Marina And Waterfront Area
Properties closer to the Martinez waterfront and marina may have different soil and moisture considerations from homes farther inland. A site-specific evaluation is essential before deciding on a correction plan.
John Muir Area
Established homes near the John Muir National Historic Site and surrounding neighborhoods may include older structural systems that require a measured approach to leveling and repair.
Reliez Valley Road Area
Homes near the southern Martinez and Reliez Valley Road area can sit on varied terrain. Drainage patterns, slopes, and foundation design should all be considered when evaluating settlement.
Whether your property is near Downtown Martinez, Hidden Lakes Park, Alhambra Valley, or another part of the city, Mares & Dow can assess your concerns and explain the available options.
Common House Leveling Problems We Address In Martinez
Structural movement can show itself in many ways. Although one symptom does not automatically confirm a major foundation problem, several related changes may indicate that the home should be evaluated.
Uneven Or Sloping Floors
Floors may slope because of foundation settlement, weakened supports, undersized framing, moisture damage, or movement beneath the home. We evaluate the surrounding structure to identify the likely source.
Sagging Or Bouncing Floors
Soft, sagging, or unusually flexible floors may be connected to damaged joists, beams, posts, or support connections. Moisture and dry rot can also weaken accessible wood components.
Sticking Doors And Windows
When a structure shifts, door and window openings may move out of square. This can make doors difficult to close and windows harder to operate.
Interior Wall And Ceiling Cracks
Cracks near doors, windows, wall joints, or ceilings may develop when parts of a home move differently. Changes in crack width, length, or direction should be monitored.
Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks vary in significance. Their location, orientation, width, and progression help determine whether they may be related to settlement or another condition.
Gaps Around Trim And Cabinets
Movement can create gaps between walls and floors, separate trim, or pull cabinets and countertops away from adjoining surfaces.
Crawl-Space Support Problems
Posts, piers, beams, joists, and connections beneath a raised home may deteriorate, shift, or lose proper bearing. These conditions can contribute to uneven interior floors.
Soil Movement
Expansive or unstable soil can change as moisture levels rise and fall. This movement may place uneven pressure on foundations and contribute to settlement.
Drainage Around The Foundation
Water collecting near the house can alter soil conditions and damage susceptible materials. Downspout discharge, grading, surface runoff, and subsurface water may all influence the foundation area.
Previous Repairs That Did Not Address The Cause
Cosmetic repairs may hide cracks or gaps temporarily, but they will not stop structural movement. Recurring damage may indicate that the underlying cause still needs attention.
If these warning signs are present, avoid relying on cosmetic repairs alone. Contact Mares & Dow for a professional evaluation.
Serving Martinez For Over 40 Years – Local House Leveling Experts You Can Rely On
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has served the San Francisco Bay Area since 1983. From our East Bay office in Concord, we provide construction and structural services throughout Martinez and neighboring communities.
Our experience includes house leveling, foundation repair, concrete foundations, drainage systems, retaining walls, dry rot repair, basement waterproofing, seismic retrofitting, remodeling, and other general contracting services. This broad background helps us understand how structural movement can affect more than one part of a home.
Our process is built around four priorities:
- Careful evaluation: We inspect the visible and accessible conditions before recommending work.
- Clear recommendations: We explain the issue and proposed solution in understandable terms.
- Dependable coordination: We keep homeowners informed as the project moves forward.
- Lasting workmanship: We focus on stability, safety, and quality rather than temporary cosmetic fixes.
When you work with Mares & Dow, you receive guidance from an established Bay Area contractor committed to honesty, friendly service, and dependable results.
What To Do If You Notice Uneven Floors Or Structural Issues
Acting promptly can help you understand the problem before visible damage becomes more extensive. If you notice settlement symptoms, take the following steps.
Document The Changes
Photograph cracks, gaps, uneven areas, or other visible symptoms. Include the date and monitor whether they become wider, longer, or more frequent.
Avoid Covering The Problem Immediately
New flooring, drywall patches, paint, or trim may hide symptoms without correcting their source. It is usually better to evaluate suspected movement before completing major cosmetic work.
Check For Moisture And Drainage Concerns
Look for standing water, overflowing gutters, damaged downspouts, plumbing leaks, wet crawl-space areas, or soil that remains saturated near the foundation.
Do Not Attempt Major Leveling Yourself
House leveling involves substantial structural loads. Improper lifting can damage framing, walls, windows, plumbing, electrical systems, and finishes. The work should be planned and performed by qualified professionals.
Arrange A Professional Evaluation
A contractor can assess the visible and accessible conditions, explain likely causes, and determine whether leveling, stabilization, repairs, or monitoring may be appropriate.
Review The Recommended Scope
Before work begins, make sure you understand the affected areas, proposed method, related repairs, expected limitations, and anticipated project sequence.
Stabilize your home with expert house leveling. Schedule a free estimate with Mares & Dow today.
FAQs About House Leveling In Martinez
House leveling is the process of correcting uneven settlement and restoring appropriate structural support. Depending on the property, it may involve carefully raising settled areas, repairing support components, stabilizing the foundation, or combining several methods.
Common signs include sloping floors, sagging areas, sticking doors, difficult-to-open windows, wall cracks, foundation cracks, and gaps between building materials. A professional evaluation is needed to determine whether these symptoms are related to structural settlement.
3. What Causes A House To Become Uneven?
Not always. The safest and most practical goal may be to stabilize the structure and improve the most affected areas without placing excessive stress on finishes, utilities, or framing. Older homes may retain some variation even after appropriate work. The recommended target depends on the condition and response of the structure.
The timeline depends on the size of the affected area, foundation type, access, severity of settlement, repair method, and whether related structural or moisture damage must also be addressed. A localized project may take a few days, while broader work can take longer. We provide a project-specific schedule after evaluating the home and defining the scope.
The timeline depends on the home’s size, foundation type, accessibility, extent of settlement, and selected repair method. A localized correction may take less time than a full-house leveling and stabilization project. Mares & Dow provides a project-specific schedule after evaluating the property.
Not necessarily. Some properties need correction in only one area, while others require a broader solution. The work should be limited to what is appropriate for the conditions and structural needs of the home.
Yes. Poor drainage can change moisture levels in the soil around a foundation, contribute to erosion, and damage wood or other vulnerable materials. Correcting water-management issues may be an important part of protecting the structure.
The services are related but not identical. House leveling focuses on correcting elevation differences and restoring support. Foundation repair addresses damaged, weakened, or unstable foundation components. Some homes require both services.
Call the East Bay office at (925) 671-9500 or complete the Mares & Dow contact form. Provide details about the symptoms you have noticed so the team can help arrange an evaluation
We Proudly Serve Martinez And Surrounding Areas
In addition to Martinez, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights serves homeowners throughout San Francisco and the East Bay, including:
- Concord
- Pleasant Hill
- Walnut Creek
- Lafayette
- Orinda
- Moraga
- Benicia
- Hercules
- Richmond
- Berkeley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Danville
- San Ramon
- Alameda
- San Francisco
Service availability depends on the property, project type, and scheduling. Contact our team to discuss your location and house leveling needs.
Get Reliable House Leveling Services In Martinez Today
Uneven floors and structural movement should not be ignored. A professional evaluation can help clarify what is happening, determine whether corrective work is needed, and provide a practical path forward.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights combines more than 40 years of Bay Area experience with honest recommendations, clear communication, and quality-focused workmanship. We are ready to help you address settlement concerns and improve the stability of your Martinez home.
Stabilize your home with expert house leveling. Schedule a free estimate with Mares & Dow today.