Tag Archives: Home Remodeling

5 Home Improvements Available From Reputable Home Remodeling Contractors

5 Home Improvements Available From Reputable Home Remodeling Contractors -Mares & Dow

As homeowners seek to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their living spaces, the expertise of reputable home remodeling contractors becomes increasingly invaluable. These skilled professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table, offering a spectrum of improvements that can transform your residence into a haven of elegance. Here we will look at five outstanding home improvements available from reputable contractors:

1. Customized Kitchen Renovations

A bespoke kitchen is the heart of a well-designed home, and reputable home remodeling contractors excel in crafting personalized culinary spaces. Collaborating with these professionals allows you to tailor your kitchen to meet your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. From custom cabinetry and high-end appliances to luxurious countertops and stylish backsplashes, the possibilities are limitless.

2. Luxurious Bathroom Transformations

Transforming your bathroom into a spa-like retreat is a popular and indulgent trend that reputable home remodeling contractors can seamlessly bring to life. These professionals are adept at incorporating luxurious features such as walk-in showers, soaking tubs, VELUX skylights, and heated flooring. Elegant fixtures, modern lighting, and premium materials can elevate the overall ambiance, turning your bathroom into a sanctuary for relaxation. 

3. Energy-Efficient Window Replacements

In an era of heightened environmental consciousness, energy-efficient home improvements are gaining prominence. Reputable home remodeling contractors offer expert solutions, with window replacements being a key focus. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows not only enhances your home’s insulation but also contributes to lower energy bills. Additionally, these replacements often come in stylish designs, allowing you to marry sustainability with aesthetic appeal. The result is a home that not only looks impressive but also prioritizes eco-friendly practices, a significant draw for modern homeowners.

4. Stylish Home Siding

The exterior of your home is its first impression, and reputable home remodeling contractors recognize the importance of stylish and durable siding. Contemporary siding options go beyond mere protection, adding an element of aesthetic sophistication to your residence. Whether it’s vinyl, fiber cement, or wood siding, contractors can guide you through a range of choices that complement your home’s architectural style while providing durability and weather resistance. Upgrading your home’s siding not only enhances its curb appeal but also ensures long-term protection against the elements.

5. Outdoor Living Spaces

Reputable home remodeling contractors recognize the growing importance of outdoor living spaces in today’s homes. Whether it’s a cozy patio, a stylish deck, or an elaborate garden oasis, these professionals can transform your outdoor area into an extension of your living space. By seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor elements, contractors create a harmonious flow that enhances the overall appeal of your property. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and comfortable seating arrangements are just a few examples of how these spaces can be designed to maximize both entertainment and relaxation.

The services offered by reputable home remodeling contractors extend far beyond mere renovations—they are a gateway to a home tailored to your desires. Embrace the transformative power of reputable contractors and unlock the full potential of your living space, creating a home that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Mares & Dow

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.

5 Easy Ways to Boost Resale Value With Home Remodeling Contractors

5 Easy Ways to Boost Resale Value With Home Remodeling Contractors -Mares & Dow

Increasing the resale value of your home is generally a top priority for homeowners. When it comes to boosting your property’s market appeal, teaming up with home remodeling contractors can be a game-changer. These skilled professionals bring expertise and creativity to the table, helping you make strategic improvements that can significantly elevate your home’s overall value.

1. Curb Appeal

The first impression is often the most lasting one, and this holds true for your home’s resale value. A well-maintained and visually appealing exterior creates an instant allure for potential buyers. Work with remodeling contractors to enhance your home’s curb appeal by updating the landscaping, refreshing the paint, and ensuring the front entrance is welcoming. Consider incorporating modern yet timeless design elements to give your home a fresh and contemporary look. 

2. Efficient Kitchen Upgrades

Buyers often view the kitchen as the heart of the home, making it a crucial focal point for potential resale value. Collaborate with remodeling contractors to revamp your kitchen efficiently, or with VELUX skylight contractors to highlight your kitchen. Upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models not only adds a modern touch but also appeals to environmentally conscious buyers. Additionally, consider refinishing cabinets, updating countertops, and installing contemporary fixtures to give the kitchen a polished and stylish appearance.

3. Flexible Living Spaces

Today’s homebuyers are often looking for versatile spaces that can adapt to their unique lifestyles. Collaborate with remodeling contractors to create flexible living spaces within your home. This could involve converting a spare room into a home office or transforming a basement into a multifunctional space. By showcasing the adaptability of your home, you appeal to a broader range of potential buyers who may have diverse needs and preferences.

4. Contractor-Crafted Enhancements

Enlist the expertise of home remodeling contractors to incorporate tailored enhancements throughout your property. These professionals can provide custom solutions, such as built-in storage, crown molding, or unique architectural features that add a touch of luxury and uniqueness to your home. By investing in these expertly crafted details, you elevate the overall aesthetic and perceived value of your property, making it a standout choice in the real estate market.

5. Energy-Efficient Improvements

Incorporating energy-efficient upgrades not only aligns with eco-conscious living but also appeals to buyers looking to save on utility costs. Work with home remodeling contractors to identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved. This may involve upgrading windows and doors, enhancing insulation, or installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Highlighting these improvements not only attracts environmentally conscious buyers but also positions your home as a cost-effective and sustainable investment. Energy-efficient features contribute to the long-term value of the property, making it an attractive option for potential buyers.

Collaborating with home remodeling contractors to boost your home’s resale value doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By focusing on curb appeal, efficient kitchen upgrades, flexible living spaces, contractor-crafted enhancements, and energy-efficient improvements, you can strategically enhance your property’s market appeal. These easy and thoughtful remodeling strategies not only make your home more attractive to potential buyers but also contribute to its long-term value in the competitive real estate landscape.

Mares & Dow

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.

Why You Should Retain Your Home’s Original Style During a Remodel

Why You Should Retain Your Home’s Original Style During a Remodel - home remodeling contractors - Mares & Dow

Whether you plan to expand the kitchen or replace a worn-down roof, hiring a team of highly-rated home remodeling contractors is the key to getting the project done on time and within the home improvement budget. One of the common projects that is associated with a home remodel involves addressing changes to the exterior of your house. However, the urge to overhaul the exterior design of your home should be met with a reasonable approach to the project.

When the time comes to remodel your home, you want to make sure to retain its original style for several reasons.

Maintain the Current Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is difficult to assign a value to, but it plays a pivotal role in determining the attractiveness of your home to people that view it from street level. First impressions can make the difference between prospective homebuyers wanting to learn more about a property and simply driving away unimpressed with what they have seen from the outside of a house.

Dramatically changing or even adding subtle design touches to your home can diminish its curb appeal, which also is a prominent factor in calculating the value of a residential property. Homes that exude an attractive curb appeal, such as presenting a stylish exterior design, sell for an average of seven percent more than homes in the neighborhood that present unsightly landscaping or blemishes in the structure of a house.

Follow Homeowners Association Guidelines

If you live in a neighborhood that is managed by a homeowners association, you have to follow several guidelines that concern how you take care of your residential property. The primary goal of a homeowners association is to maximize the value of every residential property in the neighborhood. A dramatic change to the original style of your home can be a violation of the architectural style guidelines established by your homeowners association.

Most homeowners associations want to maintain a consistent appearance when it comes to exterior styles, which means changing your home’s architectural style might violate a guideline written into your homeowners association’s rules and regulations. The rules and regulations are typically listed in a document called the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R).

Follow the Local Building Code

In the United States, we enter a residential structure without worrying about the structural integrity of the property. This is because residential property owners must follow a local building code that protects the health and safety of everyone that enters a home. One of the ways a property owner can compromise the structural integrity of a house is to make significant changes to the original architectural design of the home.

Before you start on a home remodel project, make sure to create a plan for an exterior update that does not violate one or more of the rules written into the local building code.

The Bottom Line

Homeowners complete home remodel projects for several reasons, from enhancing the structural integrity of a residential property to making it stand out visually to everyone that passes by the property. One of the most effective ways to upgrade a home, without changing your home’s original architectural style, involves adding visually appealing siding. For example, hiring a team of siding contractors to install vinyl siding provides you with an affordable way to increase your home’s curb appeal, while retaining your home’s original architectural style.

Mares & Dow

Contact your local skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.

Top 10 Reasons You Need a Remodel

Top 10 Reasons You Need a Remodel - home remodeling contractors - Mares & Dow

Remodeling your house might seem like a huge challenge, but as an experienced team of home remodeling contractors, we educate our clients about the benefits of completing a comprehensive home remodeling project. Let’s review the top 10 reasons you need a remodel.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Whether it is enhanced curb appeal or an improvement in function, remodeling a home can increase its value. You do not have to sell your home right away, but down the road, a comprehensive remodeling project should produce a significant return on your investment. 

Better Energy Efficiency

A home improvement project that includes the installation of one or more skylights should improve the energy efficiency of your house. Installing solar panels and a smart thermostat also delivers the eco-friendly benefit of improved energy efficiency.

Upgrade an Outdated Look

Maybe your house was one of the first structures built in your neighborhood or the entire neighborhood has a tired, lackluster look to it. Whatever the reason, a home remodeling project can usher in a new look while discarding the old, tired appearance.

Save Money

Investing in a remodeling project such as a new roof costs a considerable amount of upfront money, but on the back end, remodeling your home is much more affordable than buying a new house.

No Moving Stress

Outside of paying taxes, moving into a new home represents the most stressful event in our lives. You have to pack, unpack, and meet new neighbors. Remodeling your current house allows you to enjoy more stability, albeit the project itself might be a bit nerve-racking.

Recondition Your Property

You might not be able to restore your home to the exact condition it was when you first laid eyes upon it during an open house tour. However, working with the best home remodeling contractors can help you come close to restoring your house like it was 10, 20, even 40 years ago. Foundation repair represents one of many ways to recondition your house.

Stronger Security

By installing a security system, you immediately reap the benefits of a much more secure house. You also should consider installing newer, more secure windows, as well as replacing the current front door with one that is much sturdier.

Optimize Every Space

How you utilize the spaces inside your house plays an important role in determining the value of it. For example, if your house feels too crowded in some spaces, you can tear down one or more walls to add more space for entertaining guests.

Raise Your Comfort Level

A home improvement project should include taking a few steps to heighten the comfort of the entire family. From replacing an old heating and cooling system to changing out old furniture for new furniture, you can create a more comfortable living environment.

Changing Lifestyle

One of more of several factors can change your lifestyle. Whether your family is starting to grow or you and your spouse have become an empty-nest family, a home remodeling project can accommodate a change in lifestyle.

Mares & Dow

Contact your local skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.

What is Lap Siding?

lap-siding-Mares Dow

If you are a homeowner who is working with siding contractors on your next renovation project, you have likely had the term lap siding come up. But what is lap siding? Very simply, it is siding that is made of long boards laid horizontally to overlap each other. This simple definition, however, can get a little more complicated when you take into account the options for materials the boards can be made of and the several ways they can be made to overlap. Here is a brief overview of these many options, and their benefits for your home. 

Materials

For much of the history of this style of house siding, lap siding has been made of wood. Today you can still install wood lap siding, but you can also look into vinyl, fiberglass, or fiber cement options. Fiber cement is an increasingly popular material because it is less expensive than wood and more durable than vinyl. It is also low maintenance, typically only needing replacement every 50 years, and can utilize different pigmentation technology that offers homeowners a range of colors without the hassle of traditional paint. 

Installation styles

There is more than one way siding can be made to overlap. If you ask home remodeling contractors, they will likely be able to rattle off more than a few – shiplap, channel lap, dutch lap, nickel gap, bevel, and clapboard are some examples. Clapboard is the most common and likely what you think of when you think of traditional lap siding. Each of these installation styles has its benefits, but the main difference is in the aesthetic and what appeals to the homeowner. 

Benefits of lap siding

No matter the material or installation style, there are many benefits of lap siding which is why it is the most popular siding in the US. When weighing the pros and cons of lap siding, consider these benefits: 

  • Easy installation – For wood lap siding, it is one of the easiest ways to mill the board. Additionally, other materials such as vinyl and fiber cement are manufactured for ease of installation, which can also help to decrease the cost of siding installation overall.
  • Excellent water-resistance – The main purpose of siding is to keep the outdoor elements from the vulnerable infrastructure of your house, which if damaged, can lead to costly and complicated repairs. Lap siding does an excellent job of repelling exterior moisture by nature of its installation style. The overlapping of the boards wicks water down and away so water leaks are much less common with lap siding. 
  • Timeless aesthetic – Lap siding has an aesthetic appeal that lasts as long as its materials. It has been the most popular siding style for a long time, and will be for years to come. And as a classic, lap siding is a good investment for any homeowner because it is not likely to go the way of fleeting trends and in turn diminish home value. Lap siding will always be in fashion. 

Transform your Siding in San Francisco CA with our expert remodeling services. From simple updates to complete renovations, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has the expertise you need. Contact us for a free estimate and let us help you create the bathroom of your dreams.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983. We are experienced home remodeling contractors, commercial skylight experts & siding contractors. We enjoy working with homeowners & businesses to ensure their vision becomes a reality. Contact us today to get started on your next project!

Home Remodel Spotlight: Adding a Home Theater

Home Remodel Spotlight: Adding a Home Theater

Nothing increases the value of your home or enhances your family’s entertainment experience like the addition of a home theater. Previously associated as a luxury amenity only available in the homes of film company executives, today’s home theaters are a popular option for any homeowner with a room to spare and a subscription to an online streaming service. If you are thinking about bringing the movie theater experience into your home, here are some ideas to think about and contact your local home remodeling contractor to consult on what goes into completing your new remodel project.  

Determine your home theater space 

Home theaters can be a great option for an unfinished basement or attic, but can also be achieved in smaller spaces, such as an extra bedroom. The main dimensional requirement is to have enough room for your desired amount of seating. If two rows of theater-style seating will accommodate your family and friends for a movie night, you may only need a space of approximately 10 x 16 feet. As you consider where you would like to install your home theater, create a list of your ideal specifications and compare it with the opportunities and limitations of the space you have available. If it seems you don’t have a room that is suitable, another option is to construct an addition on your home for your theater, and this option comes with the benefit of designing and creating the space specifically for that purpose.  

Remodeling the room 

One of the most important considerations when it comes to adding a home theater is to mind the acoustics. The theater experience is not just about a large screen, it’s also about big sound, and you’ll need to use specific materials to achieve it. The ideal material for the ceiling and walls is zero-sound drywall, which is engineered to control absorption, diffusion, and reflection of sound. This means your movie-going activities won’t disturb your neighbors, and their barking dog won’t disrupt your film. And because zero-sound drywall does all the soundproofing for you, you can paint or decorate your theater with any additional materials you desire. The type of flooring you choose is also pivotal, as hard surfaces like hardwood, tile, and concrete will distort the acoustics. Carpet is best and has ratings for sound dampening, so look for carpet that is geared toward soundproofing rooms.  

Geek out 

A home theater is a blank canvas for your technological creativity. There are the options of a projector or a flat screen, a wide array of sound systems, and myriad home automation systems to integrate your lighting scheme and give you total control from a remote or phone app. Sleek, minimalist lighting is best suited for home theaters, and there are several styles to choose from, such as dimmable recessed lighting or wall sconces, and additional lighting details like LED or fiber optic lighting strips in the floor and task lamps next to seating. It is to your benefit to work with an electrician or general contractor for all electrical installations, as they can guarantee the installation meets all building and safety codes. 

Transform your home Remodel in San Francisco CA with our expert remodeling services. From simple updates to complete renovations, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has the expertise you need. Contact us for a free estimate and let us help you create the bathroom of your dreams.

2019 Home Remodeling Trends

Home Remodeling Trends

A new year means new resolutions, fresh starts, and, for some, big ideas for home remodeling projects. Whether you are planning something large or small, there are several trends to keep an eye on for 2019. Some of the popular projects of the year lend themselves to DIY-ers with a healthy Pinterest habit, while still others may benefit from the expertise of your local home remodeling contractor. Whatever categories your project falls under, here are a few ideas and trends to consider for your next home remodel.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

A nice, transformative kitchen or bathroom remodel is an annual favorite and 2019 is no different. There are several ways to approach this type of remodel, and the one you choose may depend on your vision, budget, and space. One way to transform a kitchen or bathroom is to update a selection of high impact features or fixtures. In the coming year, many people are opting to drop overhead cabinets in kitchens and instead embrace a more minimalist aesthetic. In order to compensate for the loss of storage of overhead cabinets, some people will install a floor-to-ceiling storage wall, like an updated butler’s pantry – ideal for smaller spaces. In bathrooms, a statement shower enclosure can have a big impact and completely change the look of a space. In both kitchens and bathrooms, trading out old fixtures like tiles, sinks, or cabinets can be an easier, but no less impactful, project. In 2019, designers are predicting that fixtures with seamless features, clean lines, and subtle metallic finishes or splashes of bold color will be the popular trends to watch out for. Of course, for some people, this may be the year that they gut the kitchen or bathroom for a clean slate and opt for all of the above!

Exterior Renovations

Though exterior renovations might not be considered as glamorous as a new master bathroom, they are some of the home remodeling trends projects with the greatest return on investment and can also have a significant effect on the look and feel of your front or backyard. Roofing projects or foundation repair immediately improve the value and integrity of your home, while installing skylights or adding a retaining wall with a decorative concrete finish can also increase curb appeal. Additionally, these projects can have a big impact on the energy efficiency of the home, which means you begin earning your money back with your first utility bill. In 2019, many homeowners may opt for the path of exterior renovations, as it is a solid investment and can provide an updated outdoor landscape for them to enjoy in the years to come.

Home Remodeling Trends in San Francisco CA with our expert remodeling services. From simple updates to complete renovations, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has the expertise you need. Contact us for a free estimate and let us help you create the bathroom of your dreams

Serving the Bay Area since 1983, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights are home remodeling experts that also offer experienced general contracting services.  Contact us today to discuss your next home remodel project.

Finding an Experienced and Knowledgeable General Contractor

general-contractor-san francisco

The many components to conducting a construction or home remodeling project can feel overwhelming at first glance, and hiring a residential general contractor can be a huge help in sorting and prioritizing all the elements of a project. The process of hiring a general contractor, however, can also feel like a challenging task. You want someone who is skilled, reliable, and experienced – but how do you go about finding a contractor with those characteristics? A good start is to determine the qualities that are important to you in the contractor you will work with on your project and then to look to your network for recommendations. You likely have friends, coworkers, or neighbors who have recently completed a home remodel and know a general contractor to recommend, or in some cases to avoid. Create a list of the top three to five general contractors and begin reaching out.

Interview more than one general contractor

Once you have generated a good list of recommended general contractors, schedule time to discuss your project with them individually. Outline your job, including materials you are looking for and any design inspiration. If you anticipate any tricky components to the process, go over your questions and concerns and see what ideas they may have for problem-solving. It may be helpful to walk through the space being remodeled or the site where construction will occur, so the contractor can get an idea of any limitations of the work environment. It is also important to discuss your budget. A contractor may be able to bring you savings in the long run by leveraging professional relationships they have with certain materials suppliers or skilled subcontractors. And don’t hesitate to ask for references from other projects they’ve contracted on and to reach out to those references to learn how the contractor works.

Don’t go with the cheapest bid

The contractor who bids the lowest elicits a few red flags, namely that they will cut corners and cost you more later in repairs. Generally, a contractor should cost about 10 to 15% of what you anticipate spending on the rest of the line items for the project. However, there is a lot involved in each project, including some unanticipated expenses. If this is your first kitchen remodel, for example, you may not have an accurate picture of what the final cost of the project will be. Of course, the more remodeling projects of the same type you have completed, the more precise an idea you will have about the total expense. But until you’ve cultivated your own expertise, it is a good idea to rely on the expertise of a general contractor and a safe rule of thumb to avoid the lowest bidder.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our general contractors are experienced and knowledge with home remodels in the San Francisco area.  Ready to start your next project?  Contact us today!

Waterproofing your Basement – What you Need to Know

waterproofing - after

Waterproofing your basement is important, not just to protect your belongings but also to maintain the quality of the foundation of your home. In the San Francisco Bay Area’s drier climate where rain comes now and again, a leak could remain unnoticed for a while, and because the soil is dry, when a large rainfall comes, the soil may runoff causing water to interact with the foundation differently over time. As housing prices increase, more homeowners are looking to finish their basement, either for storage or additional living space. Waterproofing is where protecting your investment in your home begins. This is why waterproofing your basement in the San Francisco Bay Area is important.

Check Drainage

There are several strategies for waterproofing your basement and the right solution for you depends on the origin of the water. Water can be entering your basement because of inadequate drainage or due to the water moving through the soil. If your home has poor drainage, the water running off your roof does not move away from your home. In this situation, you can extend downspouts, clean gutters, and increase grading around your house. You can start by checking your gutters and cleaning and repairing any damage you see. Downspouts should be placing water at least four feet away from your home for adequate damage. Lastly, look at the soil around your home to ensure it is sloping away from your home.

Employ Sealants

These drainage steps can help move water away from your home but may not solve your current or future water issues. Due to the intermittent rain in the Bay Area, it is possible that water will continue to change its flow year over year. To address these issues, you will need interior sealant, exterior sealants, or other exterior drainage methods. To stop water from damaging your basement, you can use interior wall and floor sealers. This is a category of sealants that prevent water from entering your basement by creating a waterproof interior. These are usually silicate-based, acrylic waterproof paint, or concrete waterproof coatings.

French Drains

Keeping water from coming in contact with your basement foundation is often a preferred waterproofing strategy, yet requires different methods. To keep water that moves through the soil from backing up against your foundation, exterior drainage such as a French drain can keep water away from your home. A French drain is a subsurface drain that directs water safely away from your home. Exterior sealants are effective to keep water from entering your basement walls. This requires removing the soil around your home and placing a sealant around the foundation to keep water out.

Often a combination of drainage improvements and sealants is the best choice for homes. This depends on the land around your home and your foundation. Contact the general contractors at Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to learn more about waterproofing your basement.

Creating a Schedule for your Next Home Remodel

Home Remodeling Contractors in San Francisco CA

Home remodel projects, whether you are adding another level to your home or simply adding a small bump-out, can alter your typical routine and disrupt the normal order of your home until they are finally wrapped up. The end result is always worth it, but it can be a relief when you get your newly remodeled home to yourself again. But how long before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor? Putting together a schedule for your next project can help you get an idea of what to expect and is an essential tool for evaluating if the remodel is on time and on budget.

Plan it out

The first step in your home remodel should be a thorough and well-researched planning process, which you can anticipate taking around one month. This portion of your project includes articulating your vision, budgeting, and yes, creating a timeline. At this point, it is also a good idea to acquire any permits or wiring or plumbing schematics you may need to begin your remodel.

This phase of your project can also be helped along with the expertise of a home remodeling contractor or general contractor in your area – don’t hesitate to use them as a resource. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we are happy to walk through the project with you, discuss the experience we have with the type of remodel you are doing, and share our insights in the planning process.

The next several steps of your remodel will vary depending on the size and complexity of what you are doing with your home, but generally speaking, most projects take between three and eight months to complete. When constructing your home remodel timeline, be sure to give yourself a little wiggle room. No matter how well prepared you and your team are for your project, it is very normal for there to be timing hiccups. Giving yourself a little padding in your schedule acknowledges Murphy’s Law while reducing your stress levels.

Schedule the project parts

For the bulk of your home remodel, there is usually an order of operations that is standard and ensures your project will go smoothly. For example, it makes sense to plan to do electrical and plumbing work after demolition and before framing and drywall. Once you know in what order to tackle the different parts of your project, you can start to build your timeline. As an example of a generic home remodel timeline, you can estimate two weeks for demolition; five days for electrical and plumbing; ten days for framing and drywall; one week for painting; ten days for installing fixtures and cabinets; five days for doors and windows; one day for cleaning up the project area and cleaning your air vents; one week for flooring; and one week for trim and finishing work. Lastly, be sure to keep in mind that some of these components of a home remodel may be able to overlap, while others will require the completion of the previous step before the next can begin.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our general contractors are home remodeling experts and enjoy working with homeowners as they start the process with their next project.  Contact us today to get started on your home remodel!

Home Remodeling Trends

Trends in Home Remodeling

Every year there is a new wave of remodeling and design trends that seek to capture home owners’ attention. This year, many of the trends are driven by a homeowner population that is staying longer in their homes and are seeking to revitalize their space and utilize more of it in efficient ways to fit their changing needs, all without breaking the budget. These remodeling goals can also be summarized by a trending design concept: lagom, which is a Swedish word meaning, “just the right amount,” and is meant to evoke designs that are understated and balanced. When you start working with your home remodeling contractor to put together your next project, consider these simple yet impactful ideas.

Large, open spaces

Many homeowners are embracing large, open spaces in their kitchens and living room, methodically removing walls and counters that break up the rooms. These spaces are also being remodeled to be diffused with natural light by adding large, energy efficient windows and skylights. For an even more minimalist design effect, kitchens are also being outfitted with open shelves instead of cabinets. An open kitchen or living room allows for more friends and family to gather, sharing the space for a dinner party or game night with ease.

Finished basements and attics

Why undertake an involved home addition when there is perfectly good space already available? Often underutilized, basements and attic designs are now the subject of many homeowners’ remodeling projects. Basements are transformed into offices and craft rooms or a place to lounge in solitude. Attics are reimagined as reading nooks and playrooms. Instead of using them as just another storage space, finishing one of these previously forgotten rooms can feel like your home just gained a significant amount of desirable square footage.

Remodeling for accessibility

A more functional but no less popular remodeling trend is to adapt homes for their multi-generational residents with greater accessibility needs. Many families now require houses that not only accommodate the new arrivals of children, but also parents and grandparents. For some homes, this means widening doorways and hallways and renovating bathrooms so they are wheelchair accessible or introducing ramps at entrances. In other situations, it may mean constructing a new room on the ground floor for easy, stair-free access. As more and more families welcome more generations into their homes, they are turning to creative remodeling solutions to reimagine their space in a way that can comfortably accommodate their changing needs.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our team of general contractors are home remodeling experts and can help you with your next project.  Contact us today to get started!

Properly Constructing a Retaining Wall

Retaining Wall Construction

Retaining walls can open up landscaping options for your property, add beautiful design elements, and safely contain gradings throughout a property. They are also a summer project that can be fun for many homeowners. Properly constructing a retaining wall is important for your home’s long term value as well as the safety of every backyard barbecue next to a retaining wall. Constructing a retaining wall can be a do-it-yourself project, and here is a brief overview of how to properly construct one. This overview can help you better understand whether you are ready for a DIY project or if your project may require the help of a general contractor for retaining wall installation. If your wall is above four feet tall, you should consult an engineer, and you may need to submit building permits.

Creating a solid base for your retaining wall

Retaining walls function to provide the force to push back against the weight of the solid earth behind it. Soil can weigh up to one and a half tons per cubic yard, and much more when wet. This means that retaining walls must be strong. This starts with the base of your retaining wall, which must be level and secure. First, you will need to dig out the area where your retaining wall will be to a depth that can fit the first course of bricks as well as base material. Base material, usually crushed stone or gravel, allows for drainage and provides a compacted base to keep your retaining wall from settling. Once the base material is compacted, begin to place the first course to create the shape of the retaining wall. It is important that the first course is level, as any misalignment will become exaggerated in the upper courses, so take your time and ensure that the bricks are placed well.

Building up your retaining wall

Keep in mind that your retaining wall needs to be able to push back against the soil it is containing. There are a few simple design elements, drainage and sloping, that will help make your retaining wall more secure. Keeping water from accumulating behind your retaining wall helps prevent overloading your wall with the increased weight of wet soil. Integrating drainage is done by backfilling the area behind your retaining wall with coarse rock instead of topsoil. This will allow water to pass behind your wall. It is also helpful to include drainage pipes at the base of your wall to carry water away from the wall. This can be done by first placing a drainage pipe behind the first above-ground course. Then, you cut a brick in half in that course and place a drainage gate along the drainage pipe. You can rent a saw specifically designed to cut bricks at your local hardware store or contact your local general contractor for advice.

You will then continue to place each course on top of the other. When placing each course, make sure it is level and fits together with the course below as designed, and continue to the next course. Most block systems for retaining wall are designed to incorporate a slope and easily fit together with a lip on each course. This places each course slightly offset behind the course below, sloping the wall. Sloping the wall reduces the load on the higher courses of the wall, improving its stability.  When you are about a foot from the top of your wall, start placing topsoil instead of rocks behind the course and make sure the final level of the topsoil is even with the retaining wall to maximize water runoff.

If you need help with your retaining wall or would like to hand the project off to an en experienced and knowledgeable general contractor, contact us today!

Schedule your
ESTIMATE Today!

or

CALL US
925.671.9500 or 415.447.6136 for more information on Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc.

Velux 5 – Star Skylights Specialist

Locations

East Bay
5016 Forni Drive, Suite F
Concord, CA 94520
925-671-9500

San Francisco
1155 Ellis St. Suite #4
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-447-6136

Mares Dow Siding contractor

FOUNDATION REPAIR PRODUCTS & METHODS

Grip Tite - Certified Repair Specialist

Remodeling – Mares & Dow
© Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc.
Customer rating: 4.5 / 5 Mares Dow Rating based on 57 reviews
Like Us On Facebook  Follow Us On Twitter  RSS Feed