Tag Archives: Home Remodeling Contractor

How to Make Your Small Home Feel Less Stuffy and More Spacious

How to Make Your Small Home Feel Less Stuffy and More Spacious - home remodeling - Mares Dow

Is there a certain area of your home that feels stuffier than the others? Several factors could be contributing, such as a lack of daylight, the color of your walls and flooring, and bulky furniture. Fixes can range from minor changes, like removing unnecessary furniture, to larger ones likes hiring skylight contractors or home remodelers.

Simplify your furniture to make space

If your home is stuffed corner-to-corner with extra couches, chairs, tables, or an abundance of houseplants, you could benefit from some rearranging. Take inventory of your furniture and decide if any of them are unnecessary or could be replaced with something more compact. 

Overstuffed furniture can take up much needed space, and can block your windows, closing you off to sunlight. Low-lying furniture, like couches with short backrests, can give your home more “air space” as well.

Also make use of vertical space. Add shelves to bare walls, floor to ceiling, to maximize your storage and clear up your home. Cover your bathroom walls with mirrors. Also get creative with your storage options, such as using below bed storage, putting baskets on top of wardrobes or cabinets, and filling empty luggage with out-of-season clothes.

Change your wall paint or flooring to brighten your interior

A common cause of stuffiness is dark decor. From dark furniture to dark walls and flooring, it’s better to have bright colors. If you’re able to work with a home remodeling contractor, consider installing light wooden panels or carpet, or repainting your walls to be brighter. When they reflect light, they’ll give your home a more expansive feel.

If you can’t change your flooring or walls, a quick getaround is to roll out bright rugs, throw blankets, or change your curtains and drapes. You could also hang bright paintings and photos, but don’t go overboard or you’ll crowd out your home. Try to keep it simple.

Increase your home’s access to daylight

If you’re thinking of home remodeling but don’t want to tear out your floors or repaint, you can look skyward. Have skylight contractors recommend the best spots to get optimal sunlight. This will chase away shadows, which is a major culprit of rooms feeling small. If coupled with leaving your windows uncovered, you’ll get a dramatic increase in perceived space.

Mares & Dow are your local skylight contractors

Contact the skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to install the latest VELUX models. With over 40 years of experience, we offer the best in skylight installation.

Does Your Kitchen Feel Too Small? Try These Design Tips

Does Your Kitchen Feel Too Small_ Try These Design Tips - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

The largest culprit of kitchens feeling small and congested is styling. The wall paint might be too dark and create the illusion of a shrunken room. There might not be enough lighting—natural or artificial—to chase away the shadows. The reasons can go on and on. Instead of trying to work around them to make your kitchen larger, you attack the problem head-on with the help of home remodeling contractors and the following design tips.

Style your kitchen with white and neutral colors

Dark backsplashes, cabinets, and countertops will make a small kitchen feel claustrophobic. Opt for light colors that seamlessly blend together. White is a go-to for designers and residential general contractors because of its reflective nature. Incorporate different shades and textures of white to give your kitchen a multi-dimensional feel. You can accent the white with soft, natural shades that make for smooth color transitions.

Be careful with strong color contrast because that can emphasize edges and shrink your kitchen. Typically, countertops and cabinets should be of the same color family, while walls and trim are of the same color. One exception is painting one wall a dark color to create the appearance of an alcove or nook.

Increase natural light

One of the most immediate fixes to make a kitchen appear larger is increasing the natural light. You don’t need to install new windows. Instead, keep your blinds open or install shades or window treatments that offer privacy without blocking out light. Natural light can also bounce off surfaces from the windows of adjacent rooms.

If you’re open to window renovation, a trend is to install a single, long skylight above your island counters or the center of the kitchen. Flooding a room with natural light will smooth out shadows and make it appear seamlessly expansive.

Draw the eye up and out

Open shelves, or shelf uppers, in place of wall cabinets will make your kitchen appear larger by exposing the backsplash. They might not offer the same storage space as traditional 24-inch deep cabinets, but a single wall can make a significant difference. If you need that extra cabinet space, you can remove the cabinet doors or use glass doors to give the impression of open space.

If you want to increase your storage space, you can install wall cabinets that stretch to the ceiling. It has a similar effect to open shelves or doorless cabinets. To maximize the height, use cabinets with hidden hinges, simple designs, minimalistic door pulls, and flat doors. 

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.

What You Need to Consider Before Remodeling Your Home

What You Need to Consider Before Remodeling Your Home - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

You already know why you want to remodel your home, whether to expand for a growing family, update a 20-year-old design, or change things up. But before you get quotes from home remodeling contractors, you should consider the following:

Building Codes and Homeowner Association (HOA) Guidelines

Homeowners frequently disregard building codes and guidelines when they brainstorm renovation plans. This often results in wasted time and heartache when their local government or HOA board rejects their proposed project. 

Before setting your mind on specific layouts, look up the codes and regulations for your residential zone—including HOA guidelines if you’re part of an association. Sample restrictions include not having enough property space for a room addition, limits on fence height, and an acceptable range of colors for your siding. 

Some HOAs have strict rules to preserve the aesthetics of a neighborhood, which could drastically impede your remodeling plans. However, don’t let that discount your interior remodeling. Home remodeling contractors can maintain your exterior’s appearance while completely transforming the inside.

Your Plans for the Future

How long do you plan to live in your home after remodeling? Do you predict your household will grow? If you’re planning for kids, long-term overnight guests like close friends or extended family, or additional pets, your remodeling should speak to it. If your household is thinning out, you could knock down walls to expand your rooms. You could convert an unused bedroom into an office, library, or even a workout room.

Do you expect to lease out or sell your house after enjoying it for a few years? Then consider adding amenities that will appeal to renters and buyers. For example, additional bedrooms and bathrooms will attract families, while a home with fewer but larger rooms might attract older couples.

The Overall Theme or Style

Your style will reflect in the flooring, wall paint, and ceiling pattern you choose, you’ll also need to choose how those materials look and which style suits your home. Home remodeling contractors specialize in structural designs and determining the best layout for your home, but interior designers can help you with the specifics of interior design.

Home remodeling contractors can still help you select materials ranging from decorative to durable to economical. Your remodeling contractor might already have a partnership with an interior designer. If not, you can ask if it’s possible to collaborate with an interior designer before finalizing the remodeling plan.

Your Project Budget

The materials you choose and whether you hire both a remodeling contractor and interior designer will impact your budget. In addition to paying your contractors, you’ll have to cover building materials, permits, and possible conditions that surprise you.

Also consider the after-installation cost, including utility bills. Environmentally-friendly choices, like skylights and large windows, can reduce your electricity bills by increasing your natural light.  Considering getting quotes for green builds, which focus on lowering your home’s carbon footprint.

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.

Three Ways a New Home Office Will Boost Your Business

Three Ways a New Home Office Will Boost Your Business - home remodeling contractor - Mares & Dow

It’s no secret COVID-19 has changed the way modern business looks. If you’re like countless others, you may have ditched the daily commute in exchange for your home office. You may be saving on gas, but is your home office conducive to productive work? 

As your circumstances change, so do your needs. What once was a dining room may have been repurposed into a work space, or perhaps you’ve had no choice but to stick a desk in your bedroom and call it an “office”. As you navigate these changes, you may be considering home renovations. It’s normal to wonder where to begin, and this requires an experienced home remodeling contractor. 

How remodeling a home office will boost your business:

  1. Increased Productivity: Designating a space specifically for work can reduce distractions and increase productivity. Adjusting to working from home can be just that, an adjustment. Add pets or children to the equation, and it can feel downright impossible. But many of those challenges can be offset if you organize your space properly. Check out these productivity tips from Forbes. A key takeaway: a designated space promotes focus. Skip the couch, and opt for an office chair. 
  2. Ultra-Convenient: Less time commuting means increased availability and time to grind. Skip the traffic and take a walk to your office; lucky for you, coffee no longer requires a trip to Starbucks or the community kitchen. Just remember to get dressed (at least from the waist up, for the sake of other Zoom attendees)!
  3. Happiness: Odds are, you spend around 40 hours a week at work. It’s important to have a space you feel comfortable in. After all, it’s your home away from home (or in this case, within, your home). Little things- such as lighting and decor, can make a stark difference in your workspace. Designing a personalized office area will let your creativity flow and allow you to get more done! 

The main benefit of a designated home office is organization and minimized distractions. Remodeling is a great option worth exploring if you’re in need of extra living space or a home addition. 

If you’re considering building a new home office, a trusted home remodeling contractor is key. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to turn your ideas into reality!

What to Consider When Planning for a Home Addition

What to Consider When Planning for a Home Addition - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

Are you looking to add more square footage to your home? If so, you may be considering a room addition. Adding living space provides more options for your family and adds value to your property. Before you begin your project, you may want to discuss several considerations with your home remodeling contractor.

For instance, you’ll want to pay special attention during the designing and planning phase. Also, you’ll want to consider building codes, zoning regulations, building outward, or adding a second floor, as well as staying within your budget. By working out the details, your home addition project will go more smoothly. Let’s take a closer look at what to consider when planning for a home addition.

The Design Phase

The most critical stage in a home addition project is the design and planning phase. During this stage, you will work with the home remodeling contractor on several items such as:

  • Drawing up floor plans and the overall design scheme
  • Choosing building materials
  • Creating a budget that you can work within
  • Ensuring a seamless transition between the existing house and the added space
  • Establishing timelines and deadlines
  • Preparing your home for demolition and construction

Blending the new addition with the current structure requires extensive planning and precision if the project is going to be successful. Make sure you allocate extra time for planning and design so that the addition is completed to your specifications.

Building Codes and Zoning Regulations

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is thinking that they can do whatever they want with the plot of land they own. However, zoning regulations and building codes prevent homeowners from launching specific projects or remodeling their homes in certain ways.

Before you start your project, your contractor can review all local planning and zoning regulations. They can ensure that you have the necessary space on your property for a room addition. Once you understand the zoning regulation, then you’ll have a better idea of your building options.

System and Structural Integration

Your house contains a vast network of systems that provide comfort and security from the outside elements. Your home’s design is engineered for maximum structural integrity, ensuring that it can support the framework, all materials, and all contents inside.

When you add a new room to the house, consider how it will affect the following:

  • Structural framework
  • HVAC/Air conditioning system
  • Electrical wiring and panel
  • Plumbing
  • Load-bearing walls

If you are building upward and adding a second floor, you need to make sure that the existing framework can support the added load. You’ll also need to make sure that all systems can handle the additional floor space. Will you need to add a larger electrical panel? How will the addition affect your water pressure? Is your HVAC large enough to heat or cool the added room?

Setting a Proper Budget

The average room addition project ranges from $21,000 to $69,000. Umbrella costs can include materials, demolition, permits, and labor. Therefore, before you move forward with your project, you need to know what type of financial commitment it will require.

Your home remodeling contractor can help you determine how much you need to budget for with a bottom-line figure that includes materials and labor. Having a budget and knowing what you are paying for will eliminate any problems that could cause your project to come to a halt.

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

Your Guide to Stunning Decorative Siding Patterns

siding-pattern

Today’s siding gives homeowners more options for sparking their creativity and implementing a design that enhances their home exterior. When working with siding contractors, you can complete nearly any project to your specifications, choosing the pattern that is right for you. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular siding patterns available today.

Horizontal Patterns

The most common type of siding pattern is horizontal. This traditional siding may include styles such as beaded, Dutch lap, or traditional lap siding. 

Traditional Lap

Traditional lap siding offers a straightforward, simple, and effective layout that works in almost any home setting. In a traditional lap, each siding board is layered over the board below. The design offers a water barrier and reduces airflow through the siding. 

Dutch Lap

Dutch siding features a groove cut out of the top of each board. It’s similar to a traditional lap but offers more textured contrast across the facade due to the shadow that each board creates. 

Beaded

Beaded vinyl is named for the ‘bead’ or added texture at the bottom of each board. Beads come in a variety of shapes and textures, giving you more choices for your home. Beaded siding is ideal if you want to create a more interesting composition on your wall exterior.

Vertical Patterns

Although horizontal patterns are the most common, you may be looking for an alternative to the traditional design. Vertical patterns may your best bet. They work incredibly well with certain home styles and can accent the eaves across your home’s façade. 

Panel Siding

If you took horizontal siding and made it vertical, then you would get panel siding. Panels are placed over each other to create a uniform flush layout. Panel siding comes in a broad range of colors and textures.

Board and Batten

Most board and batten siding is fabricated from natural wood. The vertical boards are installed on the house. Battens are used to cover any cracks so that the home is sealed from moisture and airflow.

Shake Patterns

Shake patterns are traditionally made from wood. However, today’s shakes offer the same patterns, but different materials such as vinyl or cement. There are endless shapes and designs that form patterns, allowing you to customize your siding design.

There are too many shake patterns to name, but some of the most popular include:

  • Square
  • Round
  • Staggered
  • Mitered corner
  • Octagonal & Hexagonal
  • Fish scale
  • Half cove

When using shake patterns, you can combine more than one shape, color, texture, or dimension to create your own layout. Your siding contractors can work with you to complete your design and implement your ideas on your home. 

What to Consider Before Choosing Your Pattern

Before you land on an idea for your siding pattern there are a few things you may want to consider. First, choose high-quality siding products. Quality vinyl siding can last up to 40 years with ongoing care and maintenance. Next, choose a pattern that truly complements your home exterior. Think about how the pattern will look once the project is complete.

Also, make sure that your pattern provides a proper seal and offers the highest level of energy efficiency inside the home. A decorative pattern may look attractive, but cause your energy usage to skyrocket inside. Last, consider your replacement or maintenance costs over the years. Horizontal siding may require less maintenance but replacement of more sections. In a smaller pattern, you may have more maintenance, but you can easily replace smaller pieces. 

Siding Contractors in San Francisco, California

Dow Construction has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our general contractors are home remodeling and commercial skylight experts. Contact us today to get started on your next project or for a consultation!

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our general contractors are home remodeling and commercial skylight experts. Contact us today to get started on your next project or for a consultation!

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.


5 Ways to Redo Your Bedroom and Increase Your Home’s Value

bedroom-renovation-Mares Dow

Of all the home remodeling projects you can do to increase your home value – whether it’s working with siding contractors to update your home’s exterior or hiring retaining wall contractors to make the most of your landscape and boost curb appeal – redoing your bedroom should have a second and equally important motivation. As you consider your bedroom remodel, its important to not only think of your home’s value but also your comfort. After all, most people spend a good deal of time in their bedroom and creating a space that is warm, inviting, and relaxing should be a key objective. 

When it comes to undertaking a bedroom remodel that prioritizes both increasing your home’s value and maximizing your comfort, there are many options. Here are some ideas for projects that can transform your space while also being a good investment. 

1. Renovating the master bathroom 

A spacious master bathroom with luxe and modern features is both an indulgence and a very practical renovation project. Depending on your home’s layout, you can increase your master bathroom’s square footage by building into an adjoining room or buy constructing a bump-out off the side of your house. After you’ve created more space, you can turn your attention to the fixtures: frameless glass shower enclosures, venting skylights, expansive sink tops, clever and stylish storage. It’s hard to go wrong with a well-appointed master bathroom. 

2. Expanding closet space

Adding a closet or expanding existing closet space is a very popular bedroom remodel project and one that any homeowner can benefit from. An additional closet can help reduce clutter and open up your room, offering you the peace of mind of a clean, organized space. If you are interested in turning your current closet into a walk-in, there are many smart, space-saving shelving configurations to choose from and additional perks you can include like a storage bench or vanity. On top of that, ample closet space is a great selling point with homebuyers. 

3. Updating windows

If your bedroom is burdened with old windows, you are doing a disservice to your experience of the space and negatively impacting your home’s value. Old windows tend to be leaky and can become filmy and let less natural light into your bedroom. Replace single-pane windows with double or triple-pane options to better regulate the temperature in the room and save on utility costs. Or you can trade out old window frames for casement or picture window styles. With new windows, you won’t have to worry about winter drafts or miss out on cool summer breezes anymore. 

4. Refreshing the paint

A professional paint job can go along way in giving a room a new look. For the bedroom, consider warm and soothing colors that make the most of the natural light in the room and help you to feel relaxed. You can also add crown molding as an elegant detail that instantly elevates the aesthetic of your bedroom. And if you are painting before you sell your home, it’s a good idea to stick to a neutral color palette that allows potential buyers to see the room as a canvas for their dream bedroom. 

5. Refinishing the floors

With all the stylish flooring options available, you won’t have a hard time finding something that suits you and your bedroom. You can trade-in your old carpet for a new, plush carpet in a vibrant color or opt for hardwood, bamboo, ceramic, or stone. Whatever you choose, you can trust that quality flooring does a lot to enhance the look and feel of a bedroom.   

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!

How Long Do Retaining Walls Last?

retaining wall - Mares Dow

Retaining walls, when properly designed, built from durable materials, and maintained appropriately can last quite a long time. Consider the Great Wall of China or the Hoover Dam – while it may seem a stretch to talk about these artifacts of history in the same breath as your local home remodeling contractors, these structures are fundamentally similar to and the monumental ancestors of your common backyard retaining wall. When it comes to building a lasting structure, there are several elements to factor into your project plan. 

Proper design is key

Retaining walls have seven basic components: The wall itself, drainage stone, filter fabric, batter, weep hole, footing, footing drain. How these components are designed to all work together with the unique conditions of the retaining wall site is a big predictor of how long the retaining wall will last. For example, if the batter of the wall, or the backward lean of the wall toward the earth it is retaining, is not sufficient for the wall height, the structure will not last as long as it could. Eventually, the wall will break down under pressures it wasn’t successfully engineered to withstand. Simple miscalculations in the design can have a far reaching impact, which is something retaining wall contractors can help you to avoid. 

Durable materials make walls last a lifetime

As you can imagine, the material you use to construct your retaining wall has a huge influence on the structure’s longevity. Walls made of timber, for example, will not last as long as walls made of masonry. Timber retaining walls can last up to 40 years if the wood is high quality, while masonry walls if properly designed and installed, can last until someone decides to tear them down. Concrete block or poured concrete retaining walls are particularly long-lasting, as concrete is known for its strength and durability. In the end, it is up to you to decide how permanent you want your retaining wall to be. 

Good maintenance covers the rest of your bases

In themselves, retaining walls are fairly low-maintenance structures but doing what little upkeep is required can ensure the structure lasts. It is important to regularly inspect your wall to make sure groundwater is draining properly from the footing drain, weep holes are unobstructed, and the filter fabric isn’t damaged. Additionally, even the best retaining walls can be compromised by harsh changes in environmental conditions, such as soil erosion or extreme seismic or weather events. In these circumstances, you can work with a professional to identify and repair any damage. 

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 Remodel: 5 Reasons to Renovate Your Kitchen

Home remodel - Mares Dow

As you work with your home remodeling contractors on your next project, consider these five reasons to focus your efforts on a modern, on-trend kitchen renovation. 

  1. New color trends

For several years the all-white kitchen has been the predominant trend. While this clean and minimalist look may still have some staying power yet, other hues are making an appearance and looking to overtake monochromatic white color schemes. Pastel pink cabinets, for one, are a popular option that offers a beautiful complement to natural materials such as butcher block countertops or granite tiles. On the other end of the color spectrum, moody hues for the kitchen, such as navy or forest green, provide a bold accent to lighter walls and counters and pair beautifully with gold hardware and fixtures.  

  1. Cabinets are back

Though the open-shelving trend has an undeniably appealing aesthetic in the glossy pages of magazines or the bright glow of your browser, many homeowners have found them to be impractical in their real-life application. The epitome of unencumbered minimalism, open shelving can, unfortunately, tend to feel more cluttered in practice. As a result, cabinets are making a comeback. With the endless styles of cabinets to choose from, now is a great time to renovate and ditch your open shelving if they aren’t working for you. 

  1. Modern room dividers

There are multiple unique ways to designate and partition the kitchen from other household spaces without sacrificing the spacious and connected feeling of an open floor plan. Glass and steel room dividers, for example, can keep the kitchen sounds and smells out of your living room while still letting the spaces visually interact. Like the work of skilled retaining wall contractors, this modern take on partitions can transform how your kitchen and surrounding rooms look and feel. 

  1. Exciting texture options

Whether its rough-hewn stone tiles or polished concrete countertops or a live-edge wooden table or island, there are many dynamic textures to explore in your next kitchen renovation. To make a statement with texture, some homeowners are extending their tiled kitchen backsplash all the way up to the ceiling. This bold accent draws the eye and creates a stunning and visually interesting addition to any kitchen. 

 

  1. Enjoy a deep bench

Built-in bench seating for the kitchen table is a popular new renovation for homeowners looking to create a cozy dining nook that invites people to lounge and spend time at the table. Benches also have the benefit of offering additional storage for items like games, place settings, blankets, and any other accessories you may need to settle in for a while and spend time with friends and family. 

Transform your kitchen 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.

What does “green remodeling” entail?

green_remodeling_mares_how_contractors

Over the past decade, there has been a significant push in residential construction to achieve LEED certification and “green building” status in design and construction, and homeowners are reaping the substantial benefits. Many homeowners, however, are also realizing that the benefits of green buildings no longer need to be reserved for newly constructed homes. On the contrary, those who live in the millions of older homes across the US are partnering with home remodeling contractors to improve their houses with “green remodeling” projects.

Green remodeling concepts

Like the principles that underlie the residential LEED Certification guidelines, green remodeling focuses on energy efficiency, healthy indoor air, durability, and resource efficiency. Improving homes in these four areas and thinking about the house less as a collection of spaces and more as an interdependent system has immediate and resonant results: decreased utility bills, increased occupant comfort and wellbeing, and redirecting home maintenance cost savings into spending that benefits local communities. These are goals that every homeowner can get behind and can achieve with their next remodeling project.

Green remodeling project ideas

There are several green remodeling projects a homeowner can undertake, with varying degrees of complexity and costs, but with a guaranteed return on investment in the long term.

Roofs

Roof repair or replacement is an excellent green remodel. Not only can this project immediately improve a home’s energy efficiency, but it can also greatly enhance it with modern solar cell roofing materials which can provide off-grid electricity to the home.

Windows

Many older homes also use energy inefficiently due to leaky windows. Window replacement is an opportunity to recapture those lost utility costs while updating the look of the home and increase curb appeal.

Retaining walls

Working with retaining wall contractors to optimize the landscape around the home is also an ideal green project. Retaining walls can protect the foundation of the home from soil erosion and water damage, which can eventually lead to costly and resource-heavy repairs in the worst case scenarios. Additionally, retaining walls can be made of recycled materials and can function as a component of a water catchment system, managing and collecting groundwater for reuse in the yard or the home.

Skylights

One of the simplest green remodel projects can be installing venting skylights. In addition to the incorporation of natural light and reduction in electricity use that skylights are known for, venting skylights allow homeowners to remotely-control or automate their open/close functions, allowing healthier outdoor air to circulate throughout the home.

Spring Home Refresh: Adding a Front Porch

Harbor Springs Home Renovation Project

Why should you consider a front porch addition this season? There are several good reasons, primarily that front porches freshen curb appeal, offer a connection to your neighbors and community, and they provide a warm welcome for your guests. This type of remodel/addition project can be relatively straightforward, and with the help of a local general contractor, it can be a project that stretches your creativity and your dollar.

Explore styles and design options

As you consider undertaking a new front porch addition on your home, be sure to take time to explore the many porch options that will suit your style and budget. Front porches can be quaint, simple affairs, using poured or decorative concrete for the base and steps with a small portico over the front door, or they can be elaborate wraparounds with separate areas for seating, dining, and even outdoor fireplaces. Small or large, it’s important to give enough depth to your porch and it’s recommended to make it at least 6 feet deep. Other porch designs include a raised wooden base with posts supporting a roof, or a screened-in porch with fiberglass or aluminum mesh or sun-blocking screens. Some of these types of porches even have remote-controlled screens, lifting and lowering depending on the homeowner’s needs.

Prep the site

After you’ve decided on your design, work with your general contractor to finalize your budget and outline the construction schedule. Naturally, the front door is a high traffic area and access to your home will need to be ironed out while the project is underway. Construction teams may be able to flex their schedule to only work on site when you are out of the home, but many homeowners will opt to utilize a back door or garage entrance for the duration of construction anyway. Once you and your family have determined how to adjust your day-to-day routines to accommodate your exciting porch addition project, you can help clear the areas of the yard and home interior that will be impacted. This might include relocating plants or raised beds, moving outdoor furniture, or taking pictures or paintings from the walls that might experience shuddering from the exterior construction.

Sit back and relax

Now that you’ve done all you can to ease the beginning of your project for all involved, you can take a step back and enjoy the fruits of your planning efforts. With an experienced general or Home Remodeling Contractors, you can expect your porch addition and any adjacent updates or remodel projects you’ve included to proceed according to the design and schedule you worked out. If there are any hiccups, your
contractor will communicate and troubleshoot with you promptly. So sit back and relax, soon you will be enjoying the summer breeze from the swing on your new porch.

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 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!

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.

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Concord, CA 94520
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San Francisco, CA 94109
415-447-6136

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