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 Dublin home starting to feel a little too snug? Whether you’re welcoming a new family member, working from home more often, or simply need extra room to unwind and entertain, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is here to help. Since 1983, we’ve been building smart, stylish home additions that blend seamlessly with existing homes across the Bay Area—including right here in Dublin.
Our experienced design-build team works closely with you to create customized solutions that maximize space, functionality, and long-term value—all while maintaining the charm and comfort of your home.
No two families are alike, and your home addition should reflect that. We tailor each project to your needs, your space, and your style.
We specialize in:
Primary Suite Additions – Add a luxurious, private space complete with a spa-inspired bathroom, custom layout, and walk-in closets.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Ideal for in-laws, guests, or rental income. We design ADUs that meet California regulations and Dublin’s local requirements.
Second-Story Expansions – Gain more living space without giving up your yard. A great choice for families who want to stay in place but need to grow.
Garage Additions & Conversions – Build a new garage or convert your existing one into a home office, gym, guest suite, or income-generating unit.
We’ve helped families all over Dublin and the Tri-Valley area create the space they need, without the stress of relocating. Here’s what makes us a trusted local choice:
40+ Years of Bay Area Experience – Building homes since 1983
Full-Service Design/Build Team – One team manages the entire project, start to finish
On-Time, High-Quality Work – Efficient schedules, top-tier materials, and excellent craftsmanship
Green Building Options – We offer sustainable materials, energy-efficient windows, and eco-friendly insulation
Permit and Project Management – We handle the details, so you can focus on the vision
Take a look at our Residential Project Portfolio to see how we bring beauty and function together in every home.
Whether you’re expanding out, building up, or adding a detached ADU, we guide you through every step—design, engineering, permitting, material selection, construction, and final inspection. Our goal is to make the process smooth and rewarding from day one.
Want to get to know the people behind the process? Visit our About Us page to meet the team and learn what drives our work.
Stop searching for a “home addition contractor near me.” Trust the experienced team that’s been building in Dublin and the East Bay for more than four decades. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule a free consultation for your Dublin 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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Planning a home addition in Dublin is an excellent way to create more space without leaving the neighborhood you love. Below are answers to common questions homeowners ask when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights on custom home additions.
Mares & Dow builds a variety of custom home additions, including bedroom and bathroom expansions, primary suite additions, family room extensions, second-story additions, garage conversions, and ADUs tailored to your home and lot.
Yes. Their design-build process integrates design, planning, permitting, and construction under one team, simplifying communication and helping projects stay on schedule.
Absolutely. Each home addition is custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, finishes, and layout for a cohesive look and feel.
Yes. Mares & Dow manages all required permits, zoning reviews, and inspections with the City of Dublin to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.
Timelines vary depending on size and complexity. Smaller additions may take a few months, while larger or multi-story additions take longer. You’ll receive a clear timeline and regular updates throughout the project.
Yes. ADUs and garage conversions are popular in Dublin. The team helps homeowners navigate local zoning rules, size limits, and setback requirements to create compliant, functional living spaces.
Mares & Dow focuses on quality craftsmanship, durable materials, and energy-efficient building practices that improve comfort, performance, and long-term value.
Getting started begins with a consultation to discuss your goals, explore design options, and receive expert guidance on planning, budgeting, and next steps.