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

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

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

Soft Story Seismic Retrofit

In earthquake prone areas like San Francisco, homes and other buildings need to be built to withstand the forces of a seismic event. Unfortunately, there are many buildings that went up in times that predate our modern understanding of the way that these forces affect structures. For these buildings, some

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

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

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.

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,

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

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

Rock 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

Keystone classic block walls

When someone enters your kitchen, the first place that captures their eyes is the kitchen backsplash. For this reason the choice of the backsplash material and designs should be thoroughly selected and professionally installed in order to come up with the best results possible. Travertine backsplash is one of the

Travertine kitchen backsplash

When someone enters your kitchen, the first place that captures their eyes is the kitchen backsplash. For this reason the choice of the backsplash material and designs should be thoroughly selected and professionally installed in order to come up with the best results possible. Travertine backsplash is one of the

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,

Composite retaining wall timbers

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

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,

Moss rock prices in the Oakland area

Moss rock is a type of sandstone that is usually red and brown in colors. Moss rock comes in many different sizes and shapes. It’s used to border flower beds, and make retaining walls. Full pallet price – 8¢ per lb Handpicked price – 10¢ lb A full pallet usually

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

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

A good way to make your garden and landscape look good using tan garden wall blocks

Using tan garden wall blocks is a good choice because of the almost neutral color as is looks good with almost any landscape or garden job. Not only do they look good, they are fully functional and will have your neighbors wanting their own tan garden walls. If you are

Adding the final touch to your stone retaining wall by using stone caps

After you have your stone wall by us we would highly recommend you having us install stone wall caps on your new wall. The stone wall caps add the final touch to your wall and make the job complete. If you are looking for a contractor in the San Francisco

Backyard Houses

Are you interested in backyard houses? If you are looking to take advantage of some free backyard space, building a backyard house is a good way to add some value to your property and depending at the size you build it could bring you in extra income if you rent

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.

Foundation repair in the San Francisco bay area

If you are looking for foundation repair in the San Francisco be sure to contact Montclair Construction. Repairing your damaged foundation you will maintain or increase your home’s value while having sturdy reliable foundation. Below are some pictures, if you have any questions or want an estimate don’t hesitate to

Slate tile patio installation – helpful tips

If you are looking to have slate tile installed on your patio make sure you know your climate first, and make sure there isn’t frequent freeze thaw cycles or the slate tile will most likely crack out. To clean your slate tile flooring, brush the floor surfaces occasionally to get

Hand Dug Home Foundation Piers and Grade Beam

Here is a sample of the Work, Hand Dug Home Foundation Piers and Grade Beam.

Rod Iron Gates

When looking for a gate for your property a rod iron gate will meet all your expectations. Rod iron gates are heavy duty and fully functional, these are not just for looks. Once your gate is installed it will give you an added level of security and keep unwanted guests

Exterior Handrails

When choosing a handrail system for the exterior of your home or property make sure it’s designed for exterior use otherwise it might not hold up to the outside elements. Exterior handrails are usually designed to be maintenance free, and when manufactured appropriate steps have been taken so the hand

Cable Railings For Decks

Cable railings for decks are the way to go if you don’t want to block beautiful scenery. Check your local ordinances to see if you’re able to have a cable railing system. Cable railing systems aren’t always a good choice if you have small kids that play on your deck,

Decorative, Cedar Wood Shingle Sidding

Cedar Shingle Siding: Cedar shingles come in Eastern White or Western Red and come in a wide assortment of designer shapes, stains and finishes. You can use an unfinished look for a weathered-gray appearance or a vibrant color to match any color you choose. The color possibilities are endless which

Aluminum handrail systems and accessories

Aluminum handrail systems and accessories provide a wide range of innovative products designed to make life easier for home owners and makes business sense for contractors. The aluminum handrail systems and accessories are easy to install that lasts a long time with little or no maintenance. Be sure to check

Patio Design

If you are planning to design your patio, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re renovating an existing patio, or building a new one. We have amazing design ideas and practical tips to help you create the perfect patio or deck. We start with inspiring tips on ways to

Metal railings in Berkeley

Today there are all kinds of beautiful designs of metal railings available from ornamental fabricators for home owners who want to add their own personalization to home decor. Most of the time where safety is a concern a metal railing is a good choice for example around a pool area

Patio canopy Gazebo

A patio gazebo is a good way to add value to your property and gives you a nice place to relaxes and cook out with family and friends. It adds character to your patio and a place to get out of the sun. A gazebo in your back yard can

Mosaic Stairway

Having a Mosaic stairway designed and built in your home or outside will add amazing beauty and energy to that area. You will feel happy and good every time you use your new Mosaic stairway, all your friends & neighbors will envy you and want their own. It is best

Outdoor Tile

There are many benefits of installing metal garden gates. Metal garden gates not only are beautiful but are sturdy and fully functional; your new garden gate is a good way to add security to your home by keeping unwanted guests out. Our team can help you pick out the right

Dock ladders

Dock ladders, are an attractive addition to any marine application such as straight or retractable ladders. When picking out a dock ladder system make sure it is sturdy, safe and will withstand the outside elements. Since dock ladders are a safety issue, be sure to get dock ladders made from

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

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

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

Custom Mexican wood stair balusters

The root form of the word Baluster is derived from the word for “pomegranate flower” – probably the resemblance to the bulbous form of the half open pomegranate flower. A baluster is a molded shaft, square or of lathe-turned form, in stone or wood and sometimes in metal standing on

Average cost of a wood deck per square foot in Oakland CA

These Wood Decking Costs are calculated for the San Francisco Bay Area Homes, and are just an estimate of the going rates for the decks built and installed on the level ground, These prices and calculations are NOT Montclair Construction’s Rates / Figures or considered an estimate from us, If

Aluminum handrail systems and accessories

Aluminum handrail systems and accessories provide a wide range of innovative products designed to make life easier for home owners and makes business sense for contractors. The aluminum handrail systems and accessories are easy to install that lasts a long time with little or no maintenance. Be sure to check

Wood and Wire backyard fence ideas

If you are looking for wood and wire backyard fence ideas here are a couple for you. I put up two pictures for you to look at that I liked. Montclair Construction can build your wood and wire backyard fence, we have the skills, tools and man power to get