Insulating a home, Saving on your Bills

Lowering your Bills by Investing in Home Insulation When it comes to home maintenance, making sure your home is well insulated is one of the best ways to invest your money and get an immediate return by saving energy and lowering your bills. Unless your house was built specifically with

Do you need a French drain on your property?

We might not put much thought to the drainage on our property, but drainage systems play an important role in protecting homes in the San Francisco and Oakland areas. Poor drainage can result in a variety of different types of damage. French drains are some of the most common types

Foundation upkeep, avoid costly repairs

At Montclair Construction, we have been performing foundation repairs in the San Francisco/Oakland areas for many years. We have worked on many repairs from the minor foundation issues to some of the most serious forms of damage. In these years, one thing that we have noticed is that many foundations

Enjoy time on your deck this summer

With the nice weather, summer makes most people want to spend more time outdoors. With a backyard deck, you have a great range of options for enjoying time outdoors when you are at home. A deck makes for outdoor spaces that are more functional, and they can be perfect for

Great Low Cost Home Improvements

When people talk about home improvement projects, so much attention is paid to the big jobs. While it can be great to do a complete remodel of a room or a section of your house, there is something to be said for the little upgrades. These projects might not be

Why Foundation Repairs Need to be Done Right Away

A lot of homeowners put off doing repairs. Some repairs might be expensive, and others might require a lot of work. You figure that it can wait for a better time. With some repairs, this might be acceptable, but there are some repairs that need to be done as soon

Spring Home Maintenance

Spring is here, and as the weather improves, you may want to take the opportunity to get a little home maintenance done. To ensure that your home is in great shape for the summer, here are a few tips for spring home maintenance. Clean Your Gutters Many homeowners do not

5 Home Repairs that You Can’t Afford to Put Off

It is understandable if you do not want to spend your money making repairs that may seem less than urgent. If it is not affecting your everyday life right now, there can be a tendency to let things go until the problem can’t be ignored. With some minor problems, this

Planning an Outdoor Living Space

An outdoor living space can do a lot for a home. It can give you a place to relax in your free time, it can be good for entertaining guests, and it will provide you with more opportunities to enjoy the nice weather that is so common in the San

Consider Green Home Upgrades

When it comes to home improvements and upgrades, you have a lot of options. If you are looking to get the most back in return for your investment in a home upgrade, then going green is something that you should seriously consider. When you go with upgrades that make the

Does your home need a seismic retrofit?

If you have lived in the area of San Francisco or Oakland for a long enough time, then you have probably experienced an earthquake. Depending on the magnitude, it can be a frightening experience and it can cause a significant amount of damage. To prevent earthquake damage to the home,

Get your roof ready for winter

As we move into winter, there are a few things that you may want to do to protect your home. One point that should be on every fall/winter home maintenance list is to inspect your roof and do some steps to protect the roof from damage. When it comes to

Seismic Retrofitting Basics

As a resident of the San Francisco and Oakland areas, you are likely aware of the potential for earthquake damage. However, many are not fully aware of the level of risk for which some structures are exposed. Many of the homes and buildings in the region were built many decades

Hardwood or Tile Floors for the Kitchen

When it comes to a kitchen remodel or building the kitchen for a new home, there are a lot of decisions to be made. The brand, style and design of the different appliances, the layout of the room and the design of the cabinets and countertops. In addition to these

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor cooking is one of the most popular summertime activities. People love to have cookouts because the food tastes great and it is a good way to enjoy the yard with family and friends. For some people, just having a grill and a dining area is enough, but for others,

Summer Home Improvement Projects

As the summer approaches, many homeowners will start to think about doing some home improvements and upgrades. The nice weather and the longer days make this a good time of year to plan these projects. Depending on the home and the circumstances of the owner, there are plenty of options

When to get your foundation inspected

As a homeowner, it is unlikely that you have the knowledge and experience to identify when a foundation needs to be repaired. But that’s okay; most people are not foundation experts. That said, the foundation is one of the most important parts of any structure. A damaged foundation will lower

Home Improvements that offer a good value

When it comes to getting improvements done to your home, there are several things to consider. For some, luxury improvements might be worthwhile because they plan to stay in the house for a long time and they really like the idea of the benefits that come with the given improvement.

Check your home foundation every spring

With the winter gone and the springtime weather taking over, it gives homeowners a good opportunity to do a lot of their home maintenance jobs. Among the things that you want to consider every spring is taking some steps to protect the foundation of the home. With a yearly inspection

Dormer balcony additions to on your house

If you are looking to add a balcony to your house it’s a great way to add value and beauty to your home. Below are some pictures, if you have any questions or want an estimate don’t hesitate to contact Montclair Construction.

Things to consider when building a deck

When it comes to home improvement jobs, an outdoor deck is an idea that provides one of the best values for the money. It extends the living space of the home, and it does it in a way that is economical and attractive. In addition to that, a deck can

Why drainage is important for protecting the home

A home is an investment and property owners need to do what they can to protect the value of that investment. When it comes to protecting a home and the property that it sits on, there are few things that are as important as proper drainage. Water is one of

The benefits that come with a home addition

You probably love the home that you live in, but for one reason or another, it may not be meeting all of your needs or the needs of your family. Your family might have grown or it could be in the process of growing and you need more space. It

5 Spring Home Maintenance Jobs

With winter coming to a close and spring just around the corner, many homeowners are starting to think about their spring-cleaning routine. The spring provides a good opportunity to get things back in order after winter, but you might want to do more than just clean and organize. This can

The value of replacing your old windows

When it comes to home improvement projects, replacing the old windows in the home is probably one of the least exciting options. Most people want to do things like a kitchen remodel or install shiny new appliances. However, when it comes to the value of the project, there are few

Signs that you may need foundation repair

Foundation problems can be some of the most troubling issues for any structure. If you have a problem with the foundation of your home, then it is important to get the problem addressed as soon as possible. A faulty foundation could compromise the structural integrity of the home itself and

Home Improvement Ideas for the Holidays

As the holidays approach, you may want to consider a home improvement project as your holiday gift for the home. Everybody can enjoy improvements that make the house more practical and attractive and many of these can add value to the home. For some of these ideas, it might be

Does My Home Need a Seismic Retrofit?

San Francisco can be a great place to live. However, we do live in an area that is prone to earthquakes and this means that we need to do what we can to be prepared for a potential disaster. If you are a homeowner in the Bay Area, then you

Things to consider when you remodel your bathroom

As far as construction jobs go, a bathroom remodel is a small-scale project. But that does not in any way diminish the importance of the job itself. To a California homeowner, getting a bathroom remodeled is a big deal and they want to make sure that everything goes right. With

The Benefit of Energy Efficient Home Improvement Projects

Any remodel or home improvement project is going to have a lot to offer the homeowner. However, most people only approach the project from the aspect of the functional benefits or the improvement in the way that the end-result will look. While these are important considerations for any remodel or

3 Ways to settle your workers compensation claim in California

1. Stipulation a. Both sides, the insurance company and you agree as to the level of permanent disability based upon the medical reports available, which is generally the Permanent and Stationary Report issued by the primary treating doctor. b. The report is rated and a disability chart is used to

Rock Walls

Mortared stone is technically not the most difficult, but it is the most labor intensive, basically you’re taking big rocks and making them into little ones. When done correctly, mortared stone is, one of the nicest looking rock walls you will ever see. I think that you’ll agree when you

Versa-lok Anchor

Does your retaining wall need, texture and color. Versa-lok Anchor wall systems offer blocks in multiple sizes so you always have the right scale. Versa-lok Anchor block surfaces are random and distinct with a choice of colors. That’s why the blocks appear as an extension of nature and not an

Retaining Wall Code for California

Retaining Walls & Definitions A retaining wall is a wall designed to resist lateral earth and/or fluid pressures, including any surcharge, in accordance with accepted engineering practice. This definition also applies to freestanding pool walls. The Folsom Municipal Code adopts, by reference, the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). UBC §106.2,

Wood Retaining Wall

Some good reasons to build a retaining wall is to eliminate steep and difficult to mow slopes. They are also made to stop erosion and also create attractive planting beds. Creating a retaining wall out of wood is a good choice because it will be strong and durable. Be sure

CMU Block Retaining Wall

Some good reasons to build a retaining wall is to eliminate steep and difficult to mow slopes. They are also made to stop erosion and also create attractive planting beds. Creating a retaining wall out of wood is a good choice because it will be strong and durable. Be sure

How much are river stones

River stones have multiple uses in and around your home. River stone is a highly popular “hardscape” material and is used for such diverse purposes as mulch, ground cover, driveways and filler around pools and patios. Used as mulch, the stones help retain soil moisture, blocks weed growth and enhances

Landscape designer bay area

Landscape design focuses on both the integrated master landscape planning of a property and the specific garden design of landscape elements and plants within it. The practical, aesthetic, horticultural, and environmental sustainability components merit Landscape design inclusion. There can be significant overlap of talents and skills, depending on the education,

Concrete (Definition)

Definition taken from Wikipedia, Concrete is a composite construction material made primarily with aggregate, cement, and water. There are many formulations of concrete, which provide varied properties, and concrete is the most-used man-made product in the world. Concrete is widely used for making architectural structures, foundations, brick/block walls, pavements, bridges/overpasses,

Keystone classic block walls

Keystone classic block walls are the number one commercial retaining wall product on the market, and installer’s favorite choice. Some designs of Keystone blocks feature an open core design and the pin connection system that is trusted by contractors and engineers and contractors. The Keystone block design is easy to

Interlocking block walls

An interlocking concrete block retaining wall might be just what your landscape needs if you want to level a steep slope or enclose an area for a decorative garden. While being affordable and adding value to your property, you can add a beautifully landscaped area that’s easy to maintain. There

Stone wall shower panels

Stone wall shower panels can come in sizes of 8’ by 5’ natural stone slabs and backing at a mere 5/16th of an inch thick, making them lightweight and easy to install. If you are going to do your bathroom remodel using stone wall shower panels, you should save $2000-$4000

Walker Zanger Shabui stone for walls

Are you redesigning your bathroom and kitchen walls with tiles? Try a new pattern of mosaic or boarder tiles so that your house might look like a Gregorian shrine or an Islamic mausoleum.

With new designs and patterns in the tiles you have a lot to choose from. You can

Decorating your backyard fence

Decorating a backyard fence can be a way to make your back yard look better by adding the finishing touch for an outdoor room.

The décor could be as simple terra cotta pieces or as elaborate as some wall paintings. With some planning and time, with a gallery on your

City Of Oakland Requires Building Permit For Retaining walls

For city Of Oakland Home owners. Just to let you know The city Of Oakland Requires Building Permit For Retaining Walls, No matter How high It is! If it retains any kind of Hill Side It requires a Permit!

Soft Story Seismic Retrofit

What Is a Soft-Story Building?

A soft-story structure has one or more floors significantly more flexible or weaker than the floors above.

Typically, the ground floor has large openings (like garages or windows) and lacks structural support like walls or braces. During an earthquake, the weak floor can collapse or "pancake", causing serious damage and endangering lives.

Feeling unevenness on your floor? Could be settlement problem, want to find out?

Un-evenness on the floor could be due to the settlement of foundation and floor supporting structures, performing floor height level survey will give you insight on the amount of settlement your house is going through which is very important information for an engineer to find the potential issue for settlement.

FAILING DRIVEWAY BRIDGE? We can Replace/ Renovate it and bring it to Code!

Most of the homes in the hills of Oakland and Berkeley have Driveway Bridge to access to their garage, driveway bridge encounters water leakage, dry rot damage, foundation problems etc. and have to be maintained and replaced for safety purpose.

Making your home Earthquake Safe

Many houses in bay area are not earthquake safe. We can help you to make your home safer during the event of earthquake.

Bay Area Building Codes & Earthquake Safety: What You Need to Know in 2025

The 2025 California building code updates bring critical changes to earthquake safety in the Bay Area. This blog highlights what homeowners, builders, and investors need to know to stay compliant and protect their properties.

Montclair Construction is here to help you build safer, smarter, and stronger.

Foundation Reinforcement: The #1 Way to Protect Your Bay Area Property From Earthquakes

This blog explores why retrofitting is essential, how local ordinances support it, and what steps homeowners can take to get started.

Proper Ways to Install French Drain

There are some rules and regulations on proper ways to install French Drainage at you house. Here at Montclair Construction, we have mastered and came-up with innovative ideas on installing French drainage in various scenarios. Please click Read More to learn

Narrow Driveway? Failing Retaining wall? We can help replace it and make it wider, safer and useable

Many houses in the bay area, especially in hills have narrow and old driveway with failing retaining walls and we can help you to replace retaining wall and widen the driveway for ease of coming and going to and from garage,

Pier and Grade Beam Foundation

A pier and grade beam foundation consists of vertical piers (typically concrete or steel) that are drilled deep into the ground to reach stable soil, connected at the surface by horizontal grade beams. This system evenly distributes the building's load. It's particularly suitable for areas with poor or expansive soil, high moisture levels, or regions prone to soil movement, such as floodplains or areas with high water tables. It’s also ideal for sloped sites or locations where traditional slab foundations are not feasible.

How Soft-story Retrofits Can Prevent Catastrophic Earthquake Damage

Living in an earthquake-prone area means enjoying all the benefits of your community while being aware of the risks posed by seismic activity. Many buildings, especially those with soft-story designs—such as those with open ground floors or large windows—are particularly vulnerable when earthquakes strike. Recent tremors remind us that preparation must happen well before the shaking begins.

Want to Remodel your old Bathroom? Contact Us!

Tired of outdated tiles and cramped space? Upgrade your bathroom with our expert remodel services – modern designs, luxury finishes, and flawless craftsmanship. From sleek walk-in showers to custom vanities, we’ll bring your dream bathroom to life.