Tag Archives: Home Remodeling Contractor

Home Renovation Ideas That Require a Great General Contractor

Home Renovation Ideas That Require a Great General Contractor - Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Basement Finishing and Remodeling

Turning an unfinished basement into a functional living space is a popular renovation. This project often involves adding walls, insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems. Whether you plan to create a home theater, gym, or bedroom, you’ll need a contractor to manage the complexities of structural work, waterproofing, and adhering to building codes. A qualified general contractor like Mares & Dow Construction will also manage ventilation, lighting, and egress windows, ensuring safety and comfort.

Kitchen Remodels

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and a full kitchen remodel can significantly enhance its functionality and aesthetic. However, this type of renovation usually requires moving appliances, rewiring electrical outlets, and installing new plumbing for sinks and dishwashers. A kitchen remodel is not just about replacing countertops and cabinets. A GC can manage integrating appliances with new layouts, ensuring that plumbing and electrical systems meet modern standards, and any structural adjustments like removing walls to create an open floor plan.

Bathroom Expansions

Bathrooms are some of the most complex areas to renovate due to their plumbing and electrical requirements. Expanding a bathroom—whether by adding square footage or installing a luxury tub or walk-in shower—can require rerouting pipes, upgrading water heaters, and installing new electrical circuits. For such work, a knowledgeable GC like Mares & Dow can manage the design and installation while ensuring compliance with local building regulations. They can also help with aesthetic choices like tile installation and custom cabinetry, which can elevate the overall design of the space.

Structural Changes and Room Additions

These types of projects require a deep understanding of load-bearing walls, foundation work, and possibly rerouting plumbing and electrical systems. The General contractor will work with engineers to ensure that any structural changes won’t compromise the integrity of your home. In addition, they will obtain necessary permits and inspections, making sure the project complies with local codes.

Exterior Siding Replacement

Updating your home’s exterior siding is one of the best ways to boost curb appeal and protect your home from the elements. However, installing new siding involves more than just aesthetics. It often requires assessing and repairing any underlying structural issues, ensuring proper insulation, and addressing moisture control. A qualified general contractor can help you choose the best materials that suit both your climate and style preferences. 

Home renovations that involve significant structural, electrical, or plumbing work are best left to the professionals. Hiring an experienced general contractor ensures that the job is done safely, on time, and within budget. From basement remodels to siding replacements, working with the right contractor will save you stress and prevent costly mistakes..

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Contact your local general contractor at Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 37 years of installation and consulting experience.

Home Remodeling is a Great Way to Invest Your Tax Return

Home Remodeling is a Great Way to Invest Your Tax Return - Mares & Dow

Embarking on home remodeling is more than just a renovation; it’s a strategic investment that can yield both immediate and long-term benefits. When pondering how to allocate your tax return wisely, directing it towards enhancing your living space can be a prudent decision. In this article, we will explore the tangible gains and enduring advantages of using your tax return for home remodeling. From boosting property value to enhancing daily life, each facet offers a unique perspective on why home remodeling stands out as a great way to invest your tax return.

Boosting Property Value

Investing your tax return in home remodeling has the potential to yield tangible returns, especially when it comes to boosting the value of your property. Certain remodeling projects, such as updating the kitchen, installing VELUX skylights, or enhancing the bathroom are known to have a positive impact on the resale value of homes. By strategically choosing projects aligned with market trends and buyer preferences, you can maximize the return on your investment when it comes time to sell or refinance.

Comfort and Functionality

Home remodeling goes beyond the realm of numbers; it significantly improves the comfort and functionality of your living space. Allocating your tax return to projects that enhance daily living, such as creating a more functional kitchen or adding extra living space, directly contributes to your overall satisfaction with your home. The intangible benefits of improved comfort and functionality are enduring, positively impacting your day-to-day life in meaningful ways.

Energy Efficient Upgrades

Redirecting your tax return towards energy-efficient upgrades during home remodeling can lead to long-term savings on utility bills. Upgrading windows, doors, or insulation contributes to better energy efficiency, reducing your home’s environmental footprint and providing ongoing financial benefits. This upfront investment in energy-efficient features pays off over time through lower utility costs, making it a wise and sustainable use of your tax return funds.

Tailoring Your Living Space

Home renovation allows you to infuse your living space with a personal touch. Allocating your tax return to projects that reflect your taste, such as updating interior decor or reconfiguring layouts, transforms your home into a personalized sanctuary. This investment in personalization not only enhances your connection to your home but also creates a space that truly reflects your individuality and style.

Investing in Happiness

The emotional well-being derived from a renovated and aesthetically pleasing home is an invaluable return on investment. Home remodeling projects contribute to a sense of pride and happiness in your living environment. The joy and satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life, coupled with the improved functionality and aesthetics, create a positive impact on your overall well-being—a priceless return that extends far beyond financial considerations.

Utilizing your tax return for home remodeling offers a range of transformative returns, from increased property value and energy efficiency savings to enhanced comfort, personalization, and emotional well-being. The strategic allocation of funds toward remodeling projects provides tangible benefits and contributes to long-term financial security. Home remodeling stands out as a practical and rewarding choice with multifaceted returns that positively impact your present and future.

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.

6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Home Remodeling Company

6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Home Remodeling Company - Mares & Dow

When embarking on a home remodeling project, the choice of a remodeling company can significantly impact the success and satisfaction of the endeavor. Certain factors distinguish a reliable and competent home remodeling company. Understanding what to look for when making this critical decision ensures that your remodeling project is in capable hands.

1. Reputation and Reviews

A reputable home remodeling company often boasts a track record of excellence. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the company’s reputation. Positive feedback and satisfied customers are indicative of a remodeling company’s commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction. A thorough online search and recommendations from friends, neighbors, and coworkers can provide valuable insights into the company’s reputation.

2. Licensing and Insurance

Licensing and insurance are non-negotiable factors when hiring from a home remodeling company. A legitimate company holds the necessary licenses, showcasing compliance with industry regulations and standards. Insurance is equally crucial, protecting both you and the company in the event of accidents or unforeseen circumstances during the remodeling process. Verifying these credentials ensures that you are entrusting your project to a professional and responsible remodeling company.

3. Experience and Expertise

The experience and expertise of a home remodeling company are key indicators of their ability to handle your specific project. Different remodeling projects require different skills, whether it’s a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodeling, VELUX skylight installation, or an overall home makeover. An experienced company brings a depth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that they are well-equipped to tackle the unique challenges and requirements of your remodeling project.

4. Clarity Throughout the Process

Effective communication is a cornerstone of a successful home remodeling project. Look for a company that values transparent communication, providing clarity throughout the remodeling process. This includes clear timelines, detailed project plans, and open channels for discussing any concerns or changes. A remodeling company that prioritizes communication helps establish a collaborative and stress-free environment for both parties.

5. Visual Evidence of Capability

A reputable home remodeling company often showcases a portfolio of past projects. This visual evidence allows you to assess the company’s craftsmanship, design aesthetics, and versatility. Examining their portfolio gives you a tangible sense of their capabilities and the quality of their work. It also provides inspiration and ideas for your own remodeling project, helping you align your vision with the company’s expertise.

6. Assurance of Quality

A reputable home remodeling company stands behind the quality of their work with warranties and guarantees. Inquire about the company’s policies regarding warranties on materials and workmanship. A company that offers warranties demonstrates confidence in the durability and longevity of their work, providing you with assurance and peace of mind as you embark on your home remodeling journey.

Knowing what to look for when hiring a home remodeling company empowers you to make informed decisions for a successful remodeling project. From reputation and licensing to experience and communication, these factors play a pivotal role in determining the reliability and competence of a remodeling company. By thoroughly assessing these aspects, you can confidently choose a home remodeling partner that aligns with your vision and ensures a positive and transformative experience for your home.

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.

4 Complicated Home Construction Projects Where Home Remodeling Contractors Excel

4 Complicated Home Construction Projects Where Home Remodeling Contractors Excel - Mares & Dow

Home construction projects can vary widely in complexity, from simple renovations to extensive structural changes. While some homeowners might assume that general contractors are solely for remodeling and renovation work, leading home remodeling contractors are well-equipped to handle complex home construction projects. For example, home foundations are known to settle over time and through seismic activity, and often require the coordination of multiple disciplines to correct the problems that arise. Home remodeling contractors who are licensed as general contractors can get the project done faster and more economically by managing time, efficiently scheduling subcontractors, and taking care of issues that arise as the repairs move forward.

1. Home Additions

Expanding your home with a new addition is a complex undertaking that involves structural modifications, foundation work, roofing, and integration with the existing structure. Leading home remodeling contractors have experience in planning and executing home additions seamlessly. They can ensure that the new space complements the existing layout and adheres to local building codes and regulations. Whether you are converting a garage to a nursery, adding a sunroom, or expanding your front porch, home remodelers have the experience to get the job done right and on time.

2. Whole-House Remodels

 Whole-house remodels are comprehensive projects that involve renovating multiple areas of a home simultaneously. These projects often require structural modifications, electrical and plumbing updates, and redesigning the interior layout. Home remodeling contractors excel in orchestrating large-scale renovations. They can oversee every aspect of the project, from demolishing walls to installing new fixtures.

3. Structural Repairs

Addressing structural issues in a home, such as foundation problems, requires specialized knowledge and skills. Home remodeling contractors are well-versed in structural repairs, which can be complicated and critical to a home’s stability. They collaborate with structural engineers and other experts to diagnose and remedy these issues effectively. Whether it’s reinforcing a foundation, repairing load-bearing walls, or addressing sagging floors, home contractors have the experience to tackle challenging structural repairs.

4. Custom Home Building

Custom home building involves designing and constructing a home from the ground up, tailored to the homeowner’s specifications. While it may seem like a task for traditional general contractors, leading home remodeling contractors are increasingly involved in custom home building. Their expertise in design, project management, and attention to detail makes them well-suited for overseeing these complex projects. They work closely with architects and designers to bring the homeowner’s vision to life, ensuring that every aspect of the new home meets their expectations.

Home remodeling contractors are not limited to traditional remodeling and renovation work. They excel in complex home construction projects, including home additions, whole-house remodels, structural repairs, custom home building, and sustainable and green building. Their expertise in project management, design, and attention to detail, combined with their ability to coordinate various aspects of construction, makes them valuable partners for homeowners seeking to undertake complicated projects. Whether you’re expanding your home, renovating an entire house, addressing structural issues, building a custom residence, or embracing sustainability, home remodeling contractors have the knowledge and experience to ensure the successful completion of these complex endeavors.

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.

Leading Home Remodeling Contractors: Your One-Stop Contact for Most Home Repairs

Leading Home Remodeling Contractors Your 1-Stop Contact for Most Home Repairs - Mares & Dow

Owning a home is an ongoing investment that involves regular maintenance and occasional renovations. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, renovate your bathroom, or address general repairs, finding a reliable contractor is crucial. While you might consider hiring different specialists for various tasks, there’s a practical and efficient alternative: working with leading home remodeling contractors who can serve as your one-stop contact for most home repairs. Here are some of the most important advantages of relying on these professionals for a wide range of projects.

Expertise Across Multiple Disciplines

Leading home remodeling contractors often employ a team of experts with diverse skills and experience. This means they can handle a wide array of projects, from plumbing and electrical work to carpentry and roofing. Their team’s multifaceted expertise ensures that you receive comprehensive solutions for your home improvement needs. You can rely on a single contractor with the knowledge and resources to manage the various aspects of your project.

Streamlined Project Management

Managing multiple contractors for a home improvement project can be challenging. It involves scheduling, communication, and ensuring that each contractor aligns with the project timeline. Leading home remodeling contractors offer streamlined project management. They act as the central point of contact, handling all coordination and communication on your behalf. With a licensed general contractor at the helm, the different disciplines and project phases can take shape in the proper order and with each function, such as electrical and plumbing working together to save time and resources.

Cost-Efficiency

Hiring separate contractors for different tasks can lead to increased costs. Each specialist may have their overhead expenses, and managing multiple contracts can be time-consuming. Leading home remodeling contractors often provide cost-efficient solutions. They can offer bundled services, reducing overall project costs. Their experience in project management allows them to optimize resources and minimize waste, further reducing costs. Centralized management will also improve materials acquisition, and well-established home remodelers often receive quantity discounts, priority delivery, and other construction-related perks.

Consistency in Quality

Ensuring consistency in quality across various aspects of a home improvement project can be challenging when working with multiple contractors. Leading home remodeling contractors maintain high standards throughout the project. Their commitment to quality extends to all aspects, from the initial planning and design to the final touches. Similarly, if something goes awry during the project, the property owner has a central point of contact to discuss issues and solutions, eliminating “he said, she said” blame naming that inhibits getting things sorted out and back on track.

Accountability and Warranty

Accountability is essential when undertaking home improvement projects. Leading home remodeling contractors take responsibility for the entire project. If issues arise or if adjustments are needed, you have a single point of contact for resolution. Moreover, many reputable contractors offer warranties on their work, providing peace of mind that your investment is protected.

When it comes to home repairs and renovations, partnering with leading home remodeling contractors offers numerous advantages. Their expertise across multiple disciplines, streamlined project management, cost-efficiency, consistency in quality, and accountability make them a valuable one-stop contact for most home improvement needs.

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.

5 Professional Traits to Look For in Home Remodeling Contractors

5 Professional Traits to Look For in Home Remodeling Contractors - home remodeling contractors - Mares & Dow

You have put a considerable amount of time into planning a home remodeling project. Now, the time has come to hire one of the best home remodeling contractors in the neighborhood where you live.

Remodeling a home requires a substantial financial investment, as well as an emotional investment that can be nerve-wracking unless you hire a reputable general contractor to oversee the entire project. A general contractor that has compiled an impressive number of positive online reviews is a good place to start when pruning your shortlist of candidates to manage your home remodeling project. The general contractor that you hire also should understand how to retain the charm of your home.

However, online reviews by themselves are not enough information for you to make the right decision regarding the hiring of a home remodeling contractor. You should consider five additional factors starting with a general contractor’s level of experience.

Experience

You can expect to hear the phrase “experience matters” when it comes to hiring one of the best home remodeling contractors operating in the Bay Area. However, it is not just the number of years that defines experience. A general contractor might have amassed 25 years of experience, but the experience consists of an inconsistent record of completing quality projects.

Experience matters when it involves a home remodeling contractor that has compiled a record of success completing projects similar to the one you have planned. For example, if your project is about remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms, you should consider one of the highly-rated home remodeling contractors that have experience completing the same type of project.

Professional Credentials

When you review the names of general contractors, you should see one or more abbreviations following each contractor’s name. The abbreviations represent the professional certifications awarded by national trade organizations. Professional certifications indicate a residential general contractor follows the code of ethics established by the organizations awarding credentials. Examples of professional credentials include Building Industry Association (BIA) and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR).

Cost Versus Quality

Basing a hiring decision for a home remodeling contractor solely on cost often leads to the completion of a home remodeling project that displays shoddy workmanship. A low bid for a home remodeling project might mean a company uses inferior quality materials and/or has employed inexperienced trade professionals.

Although you do not want to exceed your budget, it is an equally unwise financial practice to base the choice for a home remodeling contractor on cost alone.

Complies with Regulations

The regulatory shortcuts a general contractor takes can lead to the shutting down of your home remodeling project. Instead of saving time by cutting corners, your project can either stall or end before all the work is completed. Every general contractor on your shortlist of candidates must possess the proper insurance certificates, including workers’ compensation and property damage coverage. Make sure the certificates are current, as well as meet the legal standards established by California law.

Understand the Project Management Process

Communication breakdowns represent the number one reason why home remodeling projects turn out bad for all parties involved. A reputable home remodeling contractor should work closely with you, which includes explaining in detail the project management process. You should come to an understanding of how to communicate, as well as how often to communicate. There also should be a clear plan to address unexpected project delays.

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.

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.

Make a Bold Statement with New Siding

Make a Bold Statement with New Siding - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

As the end of 2021 approaches, you might already be thinking of your resolutions and home renovation ideas for 2022. Home remodeling contractors are gearing up for a new year of trends and exterior transformations, and so should you. Siding is your home’s first layer of protection against the elements and should be maintained to prevent moisture damage and pest invasion.

Another feature of siding is to decorate your home and impress visitors, so there are two key features to consider: material and appearance.

Material: There are 3 main types of siding

Vinyl 

Vinyl is low cost, easy to maintain, and is immune to termite and pest damage. It comes in different colors and styles but can look plastic up close. Siding contractors can also install vinyl that looks like wood from a distance.

Wood 

Wood gives your home a classic appearance and comes in styles including clapboard, shakes, shingles and solid wood. Clapboard wood is made of overlapping horizontal planks, shakes are hand-cut panels, and shingles are machine cut.

Fiber Cement 

Fiber cement is a durable low-maintenance mix of cement and cellulose fibers. It’s great for rainy climates and is resistant to fire and pests.

Appearance: Contrasting colors are trending

To boost their curb appeal with new siding, homeowners are gravitating toward designs that contrast against their window and door accents, garage doors, and entry doors. The right contrast combinations can make your home pop out or stand out just enough to be unique without looking out of place in your neighborhood.

Trend: Dark Siding, Light Accents

Siding that is black or another deep color has increased in popularity because it pops with a modern touch. Dark siding can be balanced with wooden columns and large windows to avoid looking washed out. For colors, going with light trim and accents will make your home appear multi-layered.

Trend: Light Siding, Dark Accents

White siding and dark accents will give a bold combination that is more conservative than covering your home with black or charcoal siding, making this more appealing to people who don’t want their home to really stand out.

Mares & Dow — Bay Area Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact siding contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to discuss the best materials and colors for your home. With over 40 years of experience, we offer the best in residential and commercial siding installation.

Spruce Up Your Kitchen with These Clever Upgrades That will Impress Guests

Spruce Up Your Kitchen with These Clever Upgrades That will Impress Guests - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

Your kitchen renovation is the sum of parts big and small, but when most homeowners think of their plans, their focus is fully on the big picture. Home remodeling contractors aren’t only in charge of installing new countertops, appliances, and VELUX skylights. They also assist with the finer details of remodeling, like the upgrades below.

Pot Rack

Do you or another family member spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing food or cooking? A pot rack can free up cabinet space for kitchen tools and cooking ingredients, and add to the kitchen’s design. Your remodeler can install a hanging pot rack above your island counter, or on the wall above a wall-adjacent counter. Some pot racks are attached to shelves that can hold plants, spices, decor, or whatever else you need to give your kitchen a personal touch.

Pull Down Faucet

Have your remodeler install a sink faucet with a pull-down nozzle for convenient cleaning. These nozzles are more convenient than swivel heads and can free up a hand for washing dishes and the sink itself. You’ll be able to pull the nozzle out for up-close and angled washing. Many pull-down nozzles come with two stream settings you can toggle between for your convenience and preference: stream and spray.

Butcher Block Island Counter

Instead of installing an island counter with built-in cabinets, you could give the impression of more space without sacrificing storage room with a butcher block island counter. They can be designed in various ways, but typically have open-air storage cubbies or shelves. This helps make your small home feel less stuffy and more spacious. You could have closed-door drawers on two opposite sides, with open shelves lined up in the middle. You could have one shelf at the bottom and pull-out drawers underneath the surface. Ask your home remodeler for advice regarding the best countertop designs to choose from.

Spinning Spice Rack

Are you part of a spice-heavy family? Create an organization area for your spices by installing a spinning spice rack in a corner cabinet. The cabinet doors can be handleless so when pushed in, the carousel rotates to expose the shelves. You could purchase a spice rack from a department store, but built-in spice racks are sturdy and customized to accommodate your kitchen design.

Mares & Dow — Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to give your kitchen a new look with impressive built-in features. We have over 40 years of experience in planning and leading beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

Should You Add an Interior Archway to Your Renovation Plans?

Should You Add an Interior Archway to Your Renovation Plans? - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

Have you considered archways in your home remodeling plan? If you’re doing big renovations, such as redoing your kitchen or adding a room, why not add an archway while you’re at it? Home remodeling contractors can add archways to your walls, making an alcove to display a window or decor, or build arched doorways between rooms.

Reasons to consider adding an interior archway:

You want to highlight a specific room or area

Every home has a room or communal space that’s the highlight of the layout. If you don’t think you have one, ask yourself what area of your house makes you the most proud. Is it your living room where you enjoy entertaining your family and guests? Is it your kitchen, where your guests are always amazed by your cooking? Or is it an alcove where people can sit and relax during parties?

Wherever your pride is, remodeling general contractors can highlight it with an interior archway. Even without remodeling the room or space, an interior arch can make it appear extra special. This is because an arch can function as a framing device. Now, imagine combining an arch with a remodeling of the interior. Home remodeling contracts can make the arch complement the new layout in a striking way, such as giving the dining room an elegant touch.

Your home is small

An interior arch can make your small home feel less stuffy by expanding the space a regular door would take. A wide arch can open the wall, elongating your square footage and creating an open floor space. Your home can feel even larger if one side of the arch has access to plenty of sunlight, a natural component to shrinking shadows that make spaces feel smaller and cramped.

You want to complement your architectural style

There are four different types of arches, and each one complements a different architectural style. Knowing your home’s architectural style is one of several things you need to consider before remodeling your home. The four arches are semi-circle, soft, gothic, and bell curve.

Semi-Circle Arch

The semi-circle arch has a rounded top with a typically narrow walkway. They’re simple and modern, and look great when framing a window or door. They’re also great ideas for arched hallways.

Soft Arch

The soft arch is like an elongated semi-circle arch, as its entryway is wider and the curve is flatter. These arches are best for larger rooms, such as kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms.

Gothic Arch

The gothic arch has a pointed center, similar to the dramatic arches seen in churches. They’re not as commonly used in houses, as their design can be a touch too dramatic for most architectural styles. But if you’re looking for added flair, they might interest you.

Bell Curve Arch

The bell curve arch has a rounded top with ends that swoop down and extend to the sides. The gentle swoop of the curve can accentuate rooms that appear rather ordinary, such as a living room with simple decor that doesn’t draw the eye.

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your interior archway ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in planning and leading beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

The Allure of an Open-Air Kitchen

The Allure of an Open-Air Kitchen - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be entirely outdoors to be open air. Though many open-air concepts are outdoor kitchens separate from the home’s interior, home remodeling contractors can open your indoor kitchen to the outdoors in a variety of ways to meet your vision and budget.

Not convinced about a new kitchen? Read below to learn why other homeowners are opening their kitchens.

Makes your home spacious

A simple trick to make a home feel more spacious is by opening windows and doors. This extends the field of the vision, giving the impression of more space. Large windows can be slid open to extend the view and allow in breezy air. This makes your kitchen feel like a part of the outdoors, and thus larger. In this simple open-air concept, home remodelers can install multi-panel windows that open all the way.

For a more outdoorsy kitchen, a remodeler or general contractor can extend the exterior wall out to create some standing space and a slidable glass door. If you can push the wall out further, you can add a table, chairs, and a retractable awning.

Allows for more natural light

Whether an open-air designs are simple or intensive, it greatly increases a home’s light allowance. This makes the smallest kitchens appear larger because light chases away shadows. Even when an open-air kitchen is closed off, its windows or glass doors will let daylight through. Additionally, if your walls, countertops, furniture, and flooring are lighter in color, the extra light will bounce off.

Makes it easy to entertain guests

An open-air kitchen will entertain guests with little effort on your part. Simply open the windows and roll aside the doors. Guests can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about sitting in the sun or getting their feet dirty. For outdoor BBQs and parties, your kitchen can serve as a “take-out” window. It will be easy to hand out dishes and drinks, because you won’t need to go through the backyard door.

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

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

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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

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