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…
Is your Danville home starting to feel a little crowded? Whether you need more room for a growing family, a new home office, or just want extra space to relax and entertain, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is here to help. Since 1983, we’ve been the trusted choice for residential home additions across the Bay Area, offering beautifully designed expansions that blend effortlessly with your existing home.
Our expert design-build team delivers customized solutions that enhance comfort, boost functionality, and increase long-term property value, while preserving your home’s curb appeal and character.
No two homes—or families—are alike, which is why every addition we build is tailored to your lifestyle and architectural style.
We specialize in:
Primary Suite Additions – Create a private, luxurious retreat with spa-inspired bathrooms, walk-in closets, and custom finishes.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Whether for extended family, guests, or rental income, our ADUs are thoughtfully designed and built to meet California’s current ADU laws.
Second-Story Expansions – Add significant living space without losing your yard—ideal for maximizing views and lot potential in Danville neighborhoods.
Garage Additions & Conversions – Build a new garage or convert an existing one into a gym, office, guest suite, or rental-ready space.
We’ve helped families across Danville and the San Ramon Valley unlock more space without the hassle of moving. Here’s what sets us apart:
Over 40 Years of Local Experience – Proudly serving Danville and the East Bay since 1983
Integrated Design/Build Approach – One experienced team from start to finish
Timely, High-Quality Results – Efficient timelines and premium craftsmanship
Energy-Efficient Materials – Sustainable insulation, framing, and window options
We Handle It All – From permits to inspections, we make the process simple and stress-free
Browse our Residential Project Portfolio to see the quality of our work and the creativity we bring to every build.
Whether you’re building up, out, or adding a separate ADU, our team handles everything—design, engineering, permitting, construction, and final walkthrough. You can count on a smooth process and results you’ll love for years to come.
Want to know more about our team and values? Visit our About Us page for insights into how we work and what drives us.
Stop searching for a “home addition contractor near me” and work with the team that’s been building in Danville and the East Bay for over four decades. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free consultation and get started on your Danville home addition. Get in touch today!
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!
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Expanding your home in Danville is a great way to gain space while preserving the character of your neighborhood. Below are answers to common questions homeowners ask when planning a custom home addition with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Mares & Dow builds a wide range of custom home additions, including primary suite additions, kitchen and living room expansions, second-story additions, garage conversions, and ADUs designed to fit your home and property.
Yes. Their design-build approach keeps everything under one roof — from design and engineering to permits and construction — helping streamline timelines and reduce stress for homeowners.
Absolutely. Each addition is custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture, finishes, and layout so the new space looks intentional and cohesive.
Yes. Mares & Dow manages all required permits, zoning compliance, and inspections with the Town of Danville and Contra Costa County to ensure your project meets local building requirements.
Timelines vary based on project scope. Smaller additions may take a few months, while larger or multi-level expansions take longer. You’ll receive a clear schedule and ongoing communication throughout the build.
Yes. ADUs and garage conversions are increasingly popular in Danville. The team helps navigate local zoning rules, size limitations, and setback requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
Mares & Dow prioritizes skilled craftsmanship, durable materials, and energy-efficient construction practices to deliver long-lasting results that enhance comfort and property value.
Start by scheduling a consultation to discuss your goals, review design options, and receive expert guidance on budgeting, planning, and next steps.