When’s the Right Time to Remodel After Buying a House?
The right time to remodel after buying a house depends on your goals, budget, and the condition of the property. Others rush into renovation projects…
Home remodeling in Albany, CA often focuses on making the most of limited or moderately sized living spaces while improving comfort, functionality, and long-term usability. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners transform compact and mid-sized homes into more efficient, comfortable, and practical living environments.
We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, and whole-home improvements that prioritize smart layouts, better storage, and improved flow. Our approach is focused on making homes work better for everyday family life without unnecessary complexity or overdesign.
Whether you’re improving a single room or reworking multiple areas, we deliver remodeling solutions that are efficient, practical, and built for real-world living.
Home remodeling in Albany, CA often requires thoughtful planning to improve functionality within compact or moderately sized homes. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners maximize space, improve layout efficiency, and enhance everyday livability without unnecessary complexity.
Our approach focuses on making homes feel more open, organized, and practical by improving flow, increasing storage opportunities, and optimizing how each space is used. Every project is designed with real family living in mind, ensuring that improvements support daily routines and long-term comfort.
The result is remodeling work that makes homes more functional, easier to live in, and better suited for modern family needs.
As a home remodeling contractor serving Albany, CA, we focus on helping homeowners improve space efficiency, functionality, and everyday livability in compact and mid-sized homes. Many properties in Albany benefit from thoughtful remodeling that maximizes usable space, improves layout flow, and enhances overall comfort without requiring major structural expansion.
We also serve nearby North East Bay communities, including Berkeley, El Cerrito, and Richmond. These areas share similar housing styles and space constraints, and we tailor each project to create smarter layouts, better storage, and more efficient living environments across connected neighborhoods.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or whole-home improvement, we focus on delivering practical, space-optimized remodeling solutions that make homes easier to live in.
What updates would make your house feel more like home? Let’s find out together. Call Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in Albany. We’re ready to bring your remodeling project to life with craftsmanship you can count on.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
We redesign kitchens to improve workflow, increase storage, and make compact spaces feel more open and practical for daily use.
Our bathroom remodels focus on space-saving layouts, improved storage solutions, and clean, functional designs that maximize usability.
We improve overall home layouts by reworking inefficient spaces and creating better flow between rooms for more comfortable living.
We integrate storage improvements that reduce clutter and make small spaces more organized and efficient.
We adjust room layouts to improve movement, usability, and connection between key living areas.
Since 1983, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has proudly served the East Bay with dependable, high-quality residential remodeling. Our decades of experience mean we’ve seen nearly every type of home, layout, and construction challenge—especially in cities like Albany with a mix of older properties and newer builds. We understand local permitting, neighborhood styles, and homeowner expectations. This experience allows us to anticipate issues before they arise and deliver solutions that stand the test of time.
You deserve peace of mind when hiring a contractor. Our team is fully licensed in the state of California, bonded for your financial protection, and insured to cover every aspect of your project. We follow strict building codes, local safety requirements, and industry best practices to ensure that every project is done right, legally, and safely. When you hire Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you’re working with professionals who stand behind their work.
Why juggle designers, architects, and contractors when you can work with one team from start to finish? Our design-build model means we handle every stage of your remodel—planning, permitting, designing, and building—under one roof. This integrated process reduces miscommunication, cuts down on delays, and helps control your budget. You’ll have a single point of contact throughout your entire project, simplifying the process and improving your experience.
We’re proud to be certified installers for top-tier brands like James Hardie siding, Grip-Tite foundation systems, and VELUX skylights. These certifications mean we meet rigorous training and installation standards, giving you added confidence in our workmanship. You’ll also benefit from manufacturer-backed warranties and the latest product innovations when you work with a certified contractor like us.
As a Bay Area company, we’re committed to sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and support long-term efficiency. Whether we’re installing energy-efficient windows, using durable fiber cement siding, or upgrading insulation during a remodel, our team looks for ways to make your home greener and more cost-effective. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s part of our core values.
Trust is everything in our industry. That’s why we’re proud that more than half of our new clients come to us through referrals from satisfied homeowners. Our clients know we show up when we say we will, we communicate clearly, and we treat their homes with respect. When neighbors in Albany recommend us to friends and family, we know we’ve done our job well. That reputation is what drives us, and we work hard every day to earn it.
Home remodeling in Albany is most successful when the process is efficient, organized, and focused on improving usable space. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we follow a clear, step-by-step approach designed to maximize function while keeping projects straightforward and well-managed.
We evaluate your home layout to identify inefficiencies, underused areas, and opportunities to improve flow and storage.
We create a clear plan focused on improving functionality, increasing usable space, and making the home work better for daily living.
We carry out the remodel in a structured, organized way that minimizes disruption and keeps the project on track.
We ensure all improvements work as intended, confirming that the space is more efficient, practical, and comfortable.
We’ve completed a variety of home remodeling projects in Albany, CA, focused on improving space efficiency, functionality, and everyday usability. Many homes in the area benefit from smart reconfiguration of existing layouts to create more storage, better flow, and improved comfort.
Our work prioritizes practical transformation—making homes easier to live in, organize, and move through on a daily basis.
We’ve redesigned kitchens to improve workflow, increase storage capacity, and make compact layouts feel more open and efficient.
Our bathroom remodels focus on maximizing usable space, improving fixture placement, and creating cleaner, more functional layouts.
We help homeowners rework inefficient floor plans to improve movement between rooms and create more usable living areas.
We integrate custom storage solutions that reduce clutter and make small or mid-sized homes significantly more organized.
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.
Albany homeowners want a remodeling contractor who understands the unique character of East Bay homes. Many houses in Albany were built in the early to mid-1900s, which means remodeling often requires experience working with older structures, updated building codes, and careful attention to structural integrity.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’ve spent more than four decades remodeling homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including many projects in Albany and nearby communities like Berkeley, El Cerrito, and Kensington.
Homeowners choose our team because we provide:
• Careful planning before construction begins
• Clear communication throughout the project
• Licensed and insured remodeling professionals
• Proven experience with structural upgrades and renovations
• High-quality materials built to last
From small upgrades to full home transformations, our team delivers results Albany homeowners can depend on.
Remodeling your home should feel organized and predictable, not stressful. Our step-by-step process ensures every project moves forward smoothly.
We start with a conversation about your goals, budget, and ideas.
Our team evaluates your home’s structure and identifies opportunities for improvement.
We create a clear plan that outlines the scope of work, materials, and timeline.
Our experienced craftsmen complete the work with careful attention to detail.
We review the finished project with you to make sure every detail meets expectations.
Homes in Albany often benefit from thoughtful renovations that improve space, comfort, and long-term value. Some of the most common remodeling projects we complete in Albany include:
Modern kitchens with better layouts, upgraded cabinetry, energy-efficient appliances, and improved lighting.
Bathroom upgrades that add comfort and functionality while improving resale value.
Adding square footage through room additions, second stories, or expanded living areas.
Brightening Albany homes with natural light through professionally installed VELUX skylights and sun tunnels.
Addressing foundation concerns, waterproofing basements, and reinforcing aging structures.
Each project is designed around the homeowner’s goals, the home’s structure, and the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights proudly serves homeowners throughout Albany, including:
• Albany Hill
• Solano Avenue District
• West Albany
• University Village
• Thousand Oaks area nearby
We also work throughout nearby East Bay communities including Berkeley, El Cerrito, Kensington, Richmond, and Oakland.
Albany remains one of the most desirable communities in the East Bay. With its walkable neighborhoods, proximity to San Francisco, and strong housing demand, home remodeling can significantly increase both property value and everyday living comfort.
Upgrading kitchens, expanding living space, improving natural light, and reinforcing older structures can dramatically improve how a home functions while also increasing resale value.
For many Albany homeowners, remodeling allows them to stay in a neighborhood they love while adapting their home to changing needs.
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!
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Home remodeling is a major investment, and Albany homeowners often have important questions before starting the process. To help you plan with confidence, we’ve answered the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Albany, CA when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. These FAQs give you a clear picture of what to expect, how our team works locally, and how we help create homes that are more functional, comfortable, and built to last.
We provide full-service home remodeling in Albany, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. Many Albany homes are older and may require electrical, plumbing, or structural updates. We have extensive experience remodeling older properties while bringing them up to current building codes and improving comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
We do. Our design-build approach allows us to manage the entire remodeling process — from planning and design to permits and construction — helping streamline communication and reduce delays.
Costs vary based on the size of the project, materials selected, and the condition of the home. Albany remodeling projects can range from smaller upgrades to full renovations. We provide clear, detailed estimates so you understand your investment from the start.
Timelines depend on the scope and complexity of the work. Smaller remodels may take several weeks, while larger renovations or additions may take a few months. We provide a realistic project timeline before construction begins.
Yes. We manage all necessary permits and coordinate inspections with the City of Albany to ensure your remodeling project complies with local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with Albany homeowners to phase the project when possible and minimize disruption, allowing you to remain in your home safely during remodeling.
Simply contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your goals, evaluate your home, discuss budget and timeline options, and help you move forward with confidence.
If you’re planning a home remodeling project in Albany, CA, working with a contractor who understands how to improve space, functionality, and everyday livability can make a significant difference. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners make the most of their homes through smart, efficient, and well-planned renovations.
Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, improving a bathroom, or reworking your home’s layout, we focus on creating spaces that are more practical, organized, and easier to live in.
Let’s turn your home into a more efficient, comfortable space that works better for your daily life.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.