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 Lafayette, CA, is about creating spaces that feel cohesive, comfortable, and well-designed without unnecessary complexity. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners elevate their homes with thoughtful renovations that balance design, function, and long-term value.
We specialize in kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, home additions, and full-home renovations that focus on improving flow, refining layouts, and enhancing everyday livability. Our approach is centered on clean design, quality craftsmanship, and careful attention to detail.
Whether you’re updating a single space or planning a full-home remodel, we deliver results that feel intentional, functional, and built to last.
In Lafayette, CA, home remodeling is often less about adding more and more and more about refining what’s already there. Well-executed renovations focus on proportion, flow, and material consistency, creating spaces that feel connected rather than pieced together.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we approach each project with that level of intention. With over 40 years of experience, we help homeowners rework layouts, improve transitions between spaces, and select materials that create a cohesive, balanced result throughout the home.
Our work is guided by restraint and clarity—ensuring that every change contributes to how the home looks, feels, and functions over time.
As a home remodeling contractor serving Lafayette, CA, we work with homeowners who value thoughtful design, cohesive interiors, and well-executed renovations that feel natural to the home. Our projects are shaped by a focus on flow, proportion, and material consistency—ensuring each space connects seamlessly with the next.
We also serve nearby Lamorinda communities, including Moraga and Orinda, as well as surrounding East Bay areas where homes share similar architectural styles and design priorities. This allows us to apply a consistent, design-focused approach across projects while adapting to the unique structure and layout of each home.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or a full-home transformation, we focus on delivering results that are balanced, functional, and aligned with the overall character of your home.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights would be happy to quote you on your home remodeling project. We have more than three decades of satisfied customers in and around Lafayette, CA. We would be happy to offer a free estimate. Want to see some of our work? Check out our portfolio of restaurant and residential remodeling and contracting projects.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
We design kitchens that integrate naturally with the rest of the home—improving layout, aligning materials, and creating a space that feels connected rather than separate.
Our bathroom renovations emphasize clean design, material consistency, and efficient layouts that feel calm, functional, and cohesive with adjacent spaces.
We help homeowners unify their interiors by reworking layouts, improving transitions, and aligning design elements across the entire home.
We design additions that feel like a natural extension of the original structure—maintaining proportion, continuity, and architectural balance.
Many homes benefit from subtle layout adjustments that improve movement and connection between spaces. We focus on changes that enhance flow without overcomplicating the design.
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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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.
Our home remodeling projects in Lafayette, CA, focus on creating homes that feel unified, balanced, and thoughtfully updated. Rather than approaching each space independently, we work to ensure that layout changes, materials, and finishes come together as a cohesive whole.
Many of the homes we work on benefit from subtle but meaningful refinements—improving transitions between rooms, aligning design elements, and creating a more natural flow throughout the home.
We’ve completed kitchen remodels that integrate seamlessly with surrounding living areas, improving layout while maintaining consistency in materials, finishes, and overall design.
Our bathroom remodeling work emphasizes calm, well-composed spaces that reflect the same design language as the rest of the home.
We’ve transformed homes by reworking layouts and aligning design elements across multiple spaces—resulting in interiors that feel connected and intentional from room to room.
Many projects focus on improving how spaces connect—refining transitions, opening layouts, and creating a more cohesive experience throughout the home.
Home remodeling in Lafayette benefits from a process that keeps design, layout, and construction aligned from start to finish. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we follow a structured approach that prioritizes clarity, coordination, and consistency throughout every phase of the project.
We begin by understanding your goals, evaluating your space, and identifying opportunities to improve flow, cohesion, and overall usability.
We develop a clear plan that addresses layout improvements, transitions between spaces, and material selections—ensuring everything works together before construction begins.
During construction, we maintain close attention to detail to ensure the work stays aligned with the original design intent, from layout execution to finish consistency.
We complete the project with a detailed walkthrough, confirming that all elements—from individual spaces to the overall flow—come together as intended.
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!
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Home remodeling is a major investment, and Lafayette 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 Lafayette, CA when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. These FAQs provide a clear understanding 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 Lafayette, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. Lafayette features many older, upscale homes that require thoughtful planning and careful execution. We’re experienced in updating these properties while preserving character, enhancing functionality, and meeting modern building standards.
Absolutely. Our design-build approach allows us to manage the project from initial design and planning through permitting and construction, providing a seamless remodeling experience.
Costs vary depending on the project scope, materials, and condition of the home. Lafayette remodeling projects can range from small updates to full-home renovations. We provide transparent, detailed estimates so you know what to expect before construction begins.
Project timelines depend on the size and complexity of the remodel. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while larger renovations or additions may take several months. We provide a clear schedule before construction starts.
Yes. We manage all required permits and coordinate inspections with the City of Lafayette to ensure your remodeling project complies with local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with Lafayette homeowners to phase construction, minimize disruption, and maintain a clean, safe worksite throughout the remodeling process.
Getting started is easy. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights to schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your home, review budget and timeline options, and help you move forward with confidence.
If you’re planning a home remodeling project in Lafayette, CA, working with a contractor who understands how to balance design, function, and long-term quality can make all the difference. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience delivering thoughtful renovations that feel cohesive, intentional, and built to last.
Whether you’re updating a kitchen, renovating a bathroom, or planning a full-home remodel, we focus on aligning every detail—from layout to materials—to create a home that feels connected and well-resolved.
Let’s create a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed from start to finish.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.