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 Richmond home starting to feel a little tight? Whether your family is growing, your needs have changed, or you’re simply looking for more room to relax, work, or host guests, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is here to help. Since 1983, we’ve been a trusted name in Richmond and the greater East Bay for high-quality, custom home additions that enhance both comfort and value.
Our expert design-build team creates personalized spaces that blend seamlessly with your existing home, tailored to your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs.
Richmond’s housing landscape is diverse—from bungalows in North & East to modern homes near Marina Bay—and we design additions that complement each home’s character and structure. From concept through completion, we manage every detail to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience.
We specialize in:
Primary Suite Additions – Build your dream bedroom retreat with walk-in closets, spa-style bathrooms, and modern amenities
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Ideal for multigenerational living, guest space, or rental income. We navigate Richmond’s ADU guidelines to deliver code-compliant, stylish units.
Second-Story Expansions – Add square footage without using up your yard—perfect for growing families and view-lot properties
Garage Additions & Conversions – Add a new garage or transform an existing one into a home office, fitness space, or income-generating rental unit
We’ve helped homeowners across Richmond—from Point Richmond to Richmond Heights—make the most of their space through thoughtful, high-quality additions. Our decades of local experience and dedication to detail set us apart.
Here’s why families trust us:
Over 40 Years of Experience – Proudly serving Richmond and the East Bay since 1983
Integrated Design/Build Team – One reliable team guiding your project from start to finish
Exceptional Workmanship – Quality construction, premium materials, and attention to every detail
Green Building Options – Energy-efficient windows, insulation, and sustainable materials
Stress-Free Project Management – We handle permits, inspections, and timelines so you don’t have to
Take a look at our Residential Project Portfolio to see how we turn ideas into beautiful, functional living spaces.
Whether you’re adding a second story, a new primary suite, or a backyard ADU, our team manages every phase—from architectural planning and material selection to permits and final inspection. We make expanding your home a smooth and rewarding process.
Learn more about our values, our team, and what makes us different by visiting our About Us page.
No need to keep searching for a “home addition contractor near me.” With four decades of experience in Richmond and the surrounding areas, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is the team you can count on. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward the extra space your home deserves. 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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A home addition in Richmond is a practical way to create more living space while staying in the community you call home. 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 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 approach integrates design, permitting, and construction under one coordinated team, helping streamline communication and keep projects on schedule.
Absolutely. Each addition is custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture, 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 Richmond to ensure your project meets local building codes and regulations.
Timelines vary depending on size and complexity. Smaller additions may take a few months, while larger or multi-level projects take longer. You’ll receive a clear timeline and regular updates throughout construction.
Yes. ADUs and garage conversions are popular in Richmond. The team helps homeowners navigate zoning requirements, setback rules, and size limits to create compliant and functional living spaces.
Mares & Dow emphasizes skilled craftsmanship, durable materials, and energy-efficient construction practices to enhance comfort, performance, and long-term value.
Getting started begins with scheduling a consultation to discuss your goals, explore design options, and receive expert guidance on planning, budgeting, and next steps.