Tag Archives: siding contractor

Fiber Cement Siding: What You Need to Know

Fiber Cement Siding- What You Need to Know - siding contractor - Mares Dow

Home remodeling contractors and siding contractors alike tend to favor cement siding above all others, especially when they work with a homeowner who wants to balance affordability with durability. Fiber- cement siding is a dependable mix of cement and cellulose fibers that is sturdy, low maintenance, and can fit into countless homeowner aesthetics.

Before you select fiber cement as your siding material, you’ll want to know a few other details.

Fiber cement is resistant to pests and fire

As your first line of defense against pests, siding quality and material can make all the difference in protecting your home from an invasion. If pests break through your siding, they can make a feast of your home’s wooden structure. Fortunately, fiber-cement siding makes it a lot harder for pests to find gaps or make their own entrances. They’ll give up and move on to other less durable materials, like wood siding or low quality siding with bulges or gaps that provide easy access.

If your home is surrounded by greenery or in an area heavily populated with pests and wildlife, fiber siding is a perfect choice to keep your home secure. You’ll get double the protection if you’re in a woodland area that’s susceptible to wildfire, because fiber cement is also fire resistant.

Fiber cement accommodates all house styles

Whether your home has the rugged put-togetherness of a Craftsman or the feminine touch of a Victorian, its architectural beauty will only stand out further with fiber cement siding. Fiber cement comes in all color shades, and various shapes and textures.

For homes that are short and lower to the ground, fiber cement vertical siding can create the impression of height. Homes that are narrow can appear longer with fiber cement horizontal siding. And homes that are looking for a unique touch can use fiber cement shingles or textured panels, which can create modern or timeless designs.

A contractor favorite is James Hardie fiber cement siding

When it comes to quality, James Hardie is the go-to for fiber cement siding. In fact, its fiber cement horizontal siding is the most popular brand in North America. Contractors trust James Hardie for its extensive array of options—from colors to textures to shapes—and its proven ability to withstand extreme climate and fire, and still look fantastic years after installation. James Hardie also has an excellent blend of quality and affordability so homeowners can keep within their budget.

Mares & Dow specializes in fiber cement siding

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

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.

3 Ways Home Remodeling Can Increase Your Resale Value

3 Ways Home Remodeling Can Increase Your Resale Value - siding contractors - Mares Dow

Whether you plan to sell your home soon or in the distant future, it’s worth remodeling your home to increase your resale value and attract a crowd of interested buyers. If a total home remodel isn’t in your budget, smaller upgrades such as installing siding from professional siding contractors, updating appliances, and adding rooms, all help increase the resale value of your home. You’ll also get to enjoy some of the benefits before you sell.

1. Increasing your curb appeal

Your home should look well maintained and welcoming from the outside. The exterior is the first thing buyers notice, and if it doesn’t pull their attention away from other houses on the market, they’ll walk past. This isn’t to say your home needs to be the most impressive property in the neighborhood, but it should be on par with others.

You can improve your home’s curb appeal by adding a front porch to accommodate outdoor seating, upgrading your front door, or better yet, installing new siding. New siding can be expensive, but the Cost vs. Value 2020 report says it can increase the value of your home by approximately 77.6% of the cost to install. A great siding option is James Hardie fiber cement siding, which combines durability with long-lasting colors, two features prospective buyers find attractive. 

Another feature worth looking into are new garage doors, which recuperate a nationwide average of 94.5% of the cost. But if your home is in the Pacific region (West Coast), new garage doors recuperate about 117.1% of the cost. Installing stone veneer into the walkway or siding of a Pacific region home will also recuperate 119.5% of the cost.

Overall, revamping the exterior of your home will increase a buyer’s willingness to step inside. Here is where the rest of your home remodeling steps in.

2. Assuring buyers your home is functional

When you remodel for the purpose of attracting buyers, the key word is keep it simple. You don’t know everybody’s preferences or lifestyles. Not everybody needs a high-end chef’s kitchen, and minor remodelings can make a larger difference in value. Also keep in mind that major remodelings can price you out of the neighborhood.

Most buyers are looking for basic functionality. They want their new home to have dependable essentials so they can focus on their own upgrades. Helpful remodelings pre-signing include new stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, energy efficient windows, and a new water heating unit. Upgrading your siding to one that is more appropriate for the climate of your home’s region is also a great show of functionality. Home remodeling contractors might recommend the top selling James Hardie siding, which is formulated to protect against specific climate regions.

Any large issues such as a roof that needs replacement, leaky pipes, and a basement that floods, should be taken care of before you list your home. Damaged siding should be replaced to assure buyers that the elements won’t damage their new home. Most buyers won’t look past huge repairs without a significant cut into the offering price.

3. Making your home larger (or appear larger)

If you’ve wanted an additional bedroom or bathroom for some time, you should add at least one or two. Additional square footage bumps up your resale value, and if you add a bedroom that can be pitched as a “flex room,” or a room that can serve multiple purposes, you’ll appeal to a variety of buyers. Adding a backyard patio or deck also helps.

It’s not always possible to expand your floor plan, but you can still make it appear larger by knocking down walls to create a trendy and open living space. Avoiding knocking down walls between bedrooms, because two small bedrooms can add more value than one big bedroom.

Ready to remodel?

When you have an image of your dream remodeling, however vague or detailed, reach out to your local home remodeling contractors for further guidance. They know the best way to update your home and increase your resale value.


If you’re located in the Bay Area, you can contact your trusted contractors at Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights for best options in resale value improvement. With over 40 years of experience, you can feel confident you’re choosing the best in business.

James Hardie Siding: Why It’s a Siding Contractors Favorite

James Hardie-Siding contractor-Mares Dow

Siding protects your home from outdoor elements. If you begin to notice cracking, color fading, or damage, due to water or wind, it may be time for a replacement. It can be hard to know where to find a company whose products will fit all the particular needs of your home. 

James Hardie is a highly recommended and acclaimed siding company with unique products and superior services. Why is James Hardie preferred among siding contractors? Here are five reasons why James Hardie is a popular choice for siding. 

Innovative Siding Products

James Hardie has been the leader in innovating unique technology to combat common threats against your home. They are credited for creating fiber cement siding and trim, which are made to withstand more than the average house can handle. 

They also have developed Baked-on ColorPlus® Technology, a finish added to siding and trim to brighten and strengthen the color. This color is made to resist cracking and fading from UV rays, with the ultimate goal of reducing maintenance. 

Dependability

You can trust that your home is in good hands with the developers of James Hardie Siding who are acclaimed for being precise and timely. Their products are designed to withstand natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes. They have also developed siding that will not ignite or spread flames, in case of a house fire.

Their products are designed to last and protect your home from outside forces. They overcome the weaknesses of products made out of wood or vinyl, which are known to easily catch fire and warp from natural weather. 

Reliable Services

You can be assured that when you invest in products created by the manufacturers of James Hardie, they’re going to stay beautiful and strong for a long time. To ensure quality construction, all siding products include a 30-year, non-prorated warranty. 

After studying climate-related effects on trim and siding, Jame Hardie manufacturers created a system called HardieZone®. This feature personalizes what services your house needs, based on the climate that you live in. Even after a long period of time, products that are made specifically to remain strong in your climate will not wear and tear. 

Beautiful Results

The results of James Hardie’s work are nothing short of a complete transformation of your house. Excellent craftsmanship and skill can be expected of every manufacturer involved in improving the siding of a home

James Hardie is also known for being meticulous in detail, knowing that lasting products also should make your home beautiful. The curb appeal that will be added to your home after investing in beautiful ColorPlus®  technology will be undeniable. 

Customer Service

With a commitment to understanding the desires and concerns about a client’s home,  communication is a priority of James Hardie siding. Customer reviews have claimed James Hardie to be attentive, efficient, clean, and prudent. Clients with high-standards have left the experience feeling pleased with their choice and happy with their new home. 

The siding on your home is not only important to make your home appealing, but it is also crucial in the protection of your home against outside forces. James Hardie siding is a favorite with contractors for all of the reasons that are most important when improving the structure of your home.

How Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Can Help

If you are looking to use James Hardie siding products, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights offers siding installation and siding replacement for homeowners in Concord, CA, and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area. To find out more about our services, contact us at 925.671.9500. We can help you with all your siding needs.

Why Choose Siding For Your Home

house-siding-siding-contractor-Mares Dow

For homeowners in the midst of construction of their home, or for those looking for a high-impact project for their home remodeling contractors, new siding is likely an option up for consideration. If you are wondering why you should choose siding for your home, it is a good idea to take into account these three basic benefits of siding. 

Protection

Whether you live in the Southwest with its extreme heat, in the Northeast with its rough winters, or the many places in between, your home is subject to the erosive effects of your local climate. Siding is the main barrier that protects the vulnerable materials that make up the interior and framework of your home from all the elements that would damage it. One of the most important functions of siding is to keep moisture from reaching a house’s interior components which, when damaged, can compromise the integrity of the whole structure. If you consider all the materials that constitute the bones of your home – wood frames, plywood, drywall, wiring – it is easy to see the necessity of an impermeable barrier like exterior siding. Siding also helps keep pests and critters from making a home out of your home, saving you from a begrudgingly close relationship with your local exterminator. No matter where you live, most homeowners would prefer to work with siding contractors instead.  

Curb Appeal

Siding covers a house from the foundation to the roof and is one of the first things people notice about a home. This means there is a great opportunity to make a good first impression with your choice in siding. You may have a gorgeous master bedroom, a sleek modern kitchen, or a beautifully manicured backyard, but if your home’s exterior is wanting it can’t help but be an eyesore. There are many styles of siding made from a variety of materials and offering endless color options, so homeowners can create an aesthetic for the exterior of their home that suits them. With the range of textures and colors that are available, siding can complement any architectural style and highlight your favorite features of your home. With quality siding, guests, neighbors, and passers-by will appreciate the beauty of your home as much as you do. 

Energy Efficiency

Siding not only protects your home and spruces up its aesthetic, but it also has the very economical benefit of aiding its energy efficiency. Siding is a key part of a secure building envelope, which is essential for efficiently regulating your home’s internal temperatures. The layer of insulation siding provides can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, just like you want and have programmed in your thermostat. When houses lack this insulating barrier, HVAC systems have to work overtime to keep the interior at the desired temperature setpoint. This wastes energy and money. Opting for quality siding for your home is a simple step toward saving you money in utility costs, which is something any homeowner can get behind. 

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!

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