What Should Homeowners Ask Before Signing A Deck Installation Contract?
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
As Bay Area homeowners prioritize long-term value, safety, and smart improvements, the need for reliable engineering expertise has become more essential than ever. Structural concerns, load-bearing calculations, seismic upgrades, and home expansions all require accurate engineering to ensure that your property is safe, compliant, and built to last. Working with an experienced engineering team ensures that every upgrade—whether small or large—integrates seamlessly with your home’s current structure while enhancing strength, safety, and efficiency.
Today’s homeowners are no longer approaching home projects as short-term fixes. Instead, they’re prioritizing safety, future-proofing their homes, and ensuring every improvement supports evolving lifestyle needs. Achieving these goals requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and a contractor who understands how to balance practicality with long-term structural performance. With the right engineering support, your investment can provide decades of security, comfort, and value.
With over 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is the trusted Bay Area contractor for engineering-driven construction solutions. We’ve worked with homes of all ages and architectural styles, providing high-level structural assessments, calculations, seismic reinforcement, and engineering-guided construction plans tailored to your project. Our focus is on delivering safe, code-compliant, and expertly engineered solutions that stand the test of time.
As homes age—or as your needs change—structural and engineering requirements naturally evolve. Whether you’re planning a remodel, repairing critical structural components, upgrading your home’s seismic integrity, or expanding your living space, our engineering team ensures every step is safe, compliant, and executed with precision.
We evaluate structural loads, identify weaknesses, design reinforcements, and create engineering plans that ensure your home remains strong, efficient, and ready for the future. From foundation assessments to beam sizing, shear wall layouts, and seismic retrofitting, our engineering work provides clarity and confidence for every project.
As your dedicated engineering partner, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights makes the process smooth and stress-free—from analysis and planning to construction and final inspection. We help you understand your options, develop cost-effective structural solutions, and complete your project with accuracy and superior workmanship.
As your dedicated Bay Area contractor, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights ensures every dry rot repair project is thorough, efficient, and rewarding. We begin with a detailed assessment, develop a clear and cost-effective repair plan, and deliver expert craftsmanship that keeps your home safe, comfortable, and structurally sound. Trust us to restore your property and safeguard your investment for years to come.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is certified and accredited by the best manufacturers in the industry. From Grip-Tite Foundation Systems, to James Hardie Siding, to VELUX Skylights, you can be sure to get the highest quality products for whatever your project.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for over 40 years with quality general contracting, home remodeling, and skylight installation means you'll get the benefits of our expertise for every project.
Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc. is a longstanding partnership of 40 years between Archie Mares, Dennis Dow and hundreds of great customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We are a general contractor, building custom homes, additions, home remodeling, skylights, retaining wall construction and commercial remodeling.
Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.
Quality and service come first. We approach every job, big or small, with the same care and attention to detail we’d give our own homes. Our team combines time-tested building practices with modern innovation to deliver results that stand the test of time.
Ready to start your next project? Whether you’re planning a home remodel, skylight installation, or foundation repair, our team is here to help.
Reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll listen, offer expert guidance, and provide a detailed estimate tailored to your goals.
To enhance the lives of Bay Area homeowners through expert construction, thoughtful design, and dependable service. For over 40 years, our mission has remained simple: build with integrity, serve with pride, and create spaces our clients love to live in.
We believe in integrity, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships. Every project is built on honesty, transparency, and respect - for our clients, our partners, and the homes we’re entrusted to improve.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights installed a large Velux skylight for me in August 2017. The entire experience was wonderful and the skylight is beautiful, both functionally and aesthetically. Janet made sure the work was scheduled to be completed before a trip I had planned. Jimmy measured carefully when he quoted the work and even accommodated a last minute change on the location when he arrived to do the work. They protected my new floors and were careful to keep dust to a minimum. Archie came by to ensure that all was going smoothly. Freddy helped matched the stain on my nearly 70 year old tongue and grove ceiling that really took some effort and he even matched some a few small spots that a previous contractor had sanded and removed the original stain. EVERYONE was cheerful and knowledgeable. Now, my little mid century house has emerged into the light!
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights replaced two aging skylights in our bedroom and installed automatic blinds on four skylights. This was not an easy job, since our bedroom has very very high cathedral ceilings. In fact, one other skylight installer refused to do the job altogether, and a second made a bid that was almost twice as expensive as Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. Janet Mares, who was our main contact for the job, was a pleasure to work with. Her son, Jimmy, who led the installation, was fearless climbing the ceiling, and he eally knew his stuff. We’re thrilled with our new and improved skylights, and we appreciate Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights’ solid, reasonably priced, work. Thanks guys!
I’ve had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install 3 sun tunnels in my home and most recently, 2 skylights in my garage/art studio. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the quality of their work and professionalism! All my communications with their office and installers have been extremely pleasant. I would use them again (and again) and highly recommend them to anyone looking to install Velux skylights/sun tunnels in their home!
Being a new homeowner, i really did my research before having someone come out and give me a quote on a skylight. You never know what to believe when you read yelp reviews. So, i went ahead and had Jimmy from mares and dow come out and give me an estimate. He was right on time, came out and measured and was very professional while he was here. Janet called me a few days later and sent me over an estimate. I went them them and couldn’t be happier. It arrived in the time frame she had told me, and they were out that week. The workers came out on time, and were very friendly and professional. Dennis ( one of the owners) came out as well and checked on the job. The went above and beyond with their work. The skylight looks beautiful! Night and day from the old one. If you are wanting a skylight, i strongly reccomend going with mare and dow
We had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install a Velux skylight in our new master bathroom. The space was small and dark, so Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights suggested a big skylight to add in lots of natural light. They built in a double crown molding to beautifully frame the skylight, and now the space is open and airy with wonderful natural light. We can open the skylight during warm months to let in fresh air. It was a superb addition to our bathroom renovation and a great suggestion from Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. They did a fantastic job and were great to work with! Thanks guys!
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Key Takeaways A new deck installation before you sell your home can really add to the value and appeal of your home, particularly when your…
Key Takeaways Check any deck installer’s credentials, licensing and insurance to protect yourself from potential risk and to comply with local regulations. Evaluate the contractor’s…
When planning a home improvement or structural project, engineering is often one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of the process. Many homeowners have questions about requirements, timelines, safety, and what to expect when engineering services are involved. To help you make informed and confident decisions, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our Bay Area engineering services and how they support your construction goals.