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…
As Bay Area homeowners face shifting soils, settling foundations, and uneven structures, the need for professional house leveling has never been greater. Whether you’re experiencing sloped floors, stuck doors, or foundation cracks, more homeowners are investing in solutions that stabilize their homes and protect their property value. Working with an experienced general contractor ensures your home is leveled safely and efficiently, while preserving its integrity and long-term comfort.
House leveling is no longer just a reactive repair—it’s a proactive investment in the longevity of your home. Homeowners are taking steps to prevent further damage, maintain safety, and preserve their property’s structural integrity for years to come. Achieving this requires expert planning, precise engineering, and a contractor who understands both the practical and aesthetic goals of your property.
With more than 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is the trusted Bay Area general contractor for house leveling, foundation stabilization, and related structural services. We’ve worked on homes of all ages and designs, delivering quality-driven solutions tailored to your unique needs. Our focus is on providing durable, effective, and long-lasting results that restore stability and confidence in your home.
As homes settle and shift over time, structural issues may arise, including uneven floors, cracking walls, or sagging foundations. Our team collaborates closely with you to assess your property and develop a comprehensive plan that fits your goals and budget. From partial leveling to full foundation stabilization, we provide practical, engineered solutions that enhance safety, comfort, and long-term property value.
As your dedicated Bay Area general contractor, we make every house leveling project smooth, precise, and rewarding. It begins with a thorough evaluation, followed by a clear, cost-effective strategy, and expert execution to restore your home’s stability. Discover what’s possible with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights and ensure your home remains safe and level for years to come.
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…
When your home shows signs of settling or foundation movement, questions naturally arise about safety, costs, and the leveling process. Our clients often want clarity on timelines, techniques, and long-term results before committing to a house leveling project. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our Bay Area house leveling services. This FAQ will give you insight into how Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights stabilizes homes with precision, safety, and lasting results.
House leveling is the process of stabilizing and raising a home that has settled unevenly due to soil movement, foundation settling, or structural shifts. Proper leveling restores structural integrity, prevents further damage, corrects uneven floors and walls, and protects your home’s overall value. It’s a critical step in safeguarding both safety and long-term livability.
We offer a full range of house leveling solutions, including:
Project duration depends on the size of the home, severity of settling, and the leveling method required. Smaller areas may be stabilized in a day or two, while full home leveling projects can take several days to a week. We provide a detailed schedule during your consultation and maintain consistent communication throughout the process.
While natural soil movement may continue, properly engineered house leveling stabilizes the structure and reduces the risk of further uneven settling. Our solutions, such as piering and underpinning, are designed for long-term stability and durability.
We begin with a thorough structural assessment, including soil testing, foundation analysis, and load evaluation. Our team then develops a custom leveling plan using high-quality materials, precise engineering, and proven techniques to restore evenness and long-term stability.