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 Orinda home starting to feel a bit tight? Whether your family is growing, your lifestyle has changed, or you’re simply ready for more space to relax and entertain, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is here to help. Since 1983, we’ve served Orinda and the surrounding Lamorinda communities with thoughtfully designed home additions that elevate comfort and preserve architectural charm.
Our experienced design-build team creates seamless, customized expansions that match your home’s character, increase functionality, and add lasting value, while staying true to Orinda’s scenic and residential feel.
From hillside properties to classic ranch homes, every Orinda home has its story, and every addition we build is tailored to complement it beautifully. We collaborate with you from start to finish to ensure your new space enhances both your home and lifestyle.
We specialize in:
Primary Suite Additions – Transform part of your home into a private oasis with spacious layouts, custom baths, and walk-in closets.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Perfect for extended family, guest accommodations, or added income. Our ADUs meet California regulations and are designed to blend seamlessly with your property.
Second-Story Expansions – Ideal for preserving yard space while adding extra square footage. Great for growing families and properties with stunning views of the Orinda hills.
Garage Additions & Conversions – Whether you need new covered parking or want to convert a garage into a home office, gym, or in-law suite, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve helped homeowners throughout Orinda—from Sleepy Hollow to the Glorietta neighborhood—expand their living space while respecting the natural beauty and architecture of the area.
Here’s why we’re a trusted name:
Over 40 Years of Experience – Serving the Bay Area since 1983
Full-Service Design/Build Team – One expert group from concept through completion
Exceptional Craftsmanship – Timeless finishes and high-quality construction
Energy-Efficient Building – Sustainable materials and smart design solutions
Streamlined Process – We manage permits, inspections, and timelines so you don’t have to
Check out our Residential Project Portfolio to see how we bring thoughtful design and craftsmanship to every project.
Whether you’re building up, expanding outward, or adding a self-contained ADU, our team handles every detail—from architectural plans and permits to final finishes. We ensure your project is stress-free and built to the highest standard.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our team, values, and what drives our commitment to excellence.
Don’t keep searching for a “home addition contractor near me.” Choose the team with over four decades of experience in Orinda and the East Bay. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free consultation and get started on your custom 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!
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…
The best way to remodel a home for a growing family is to focus on utility. These spaces need to be flexible enough to transform…
Smart lighting is an easy, practical upgrade for home remodeling, rolling convenience into energy efficiency and customizable ambiance. You can easily control brightness levels, color…
A home addition in Orinda is an excellent way to create more space while maintaining the character and value of your property. Below are answers to common questions homeowners ask when planning a custom home addition with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Mares & Dow designs and builds a wide range of custom home additions, including primary suite additions, bedroom and bathroom expansions, family room extensions, second-story additions, garage conversions, and ADUs tailored to your home and lot.
Yes. Their design-build approach integrates design, permitting, and construction under one coordinated team, helping streamline timelines and simplify the overall process.
Absolutely. Each addition is custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your home’s existing style, materials, and layout so the new space feels cohesive and intentional.
Yes. Mares & Dow manages all required permits, zoning compliance, and inspections with the City of Orinda and Contra Costa County to ensure your project meets local building requirements.
Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity. Smaller additions may take a few months, while larger or multi-level expansions take longer. You’ll receive a clear schedule and regular updates throughout construction.
Yes. ADUs and garage conversions are popular options in Orinda. The team helps homeowners navigate local zoning regulations, setback requirements, and size limits to ensure compliance and functionality.
Mares & Dow prioritizes expert craftsmanship, durable materials, and energy-efficient construction practices to enhance comfort, performance, and long-term value.
The first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss your goals, explore design options, and receive professional guidance on planning, budgeting, and next steps.