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 San Francisco home starting to feel a bit too snug? Whether your household is growing, your work-from-home needs have changed, or you’re simply looking to enhance your living space, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is here to help. Since 1983, we’ve been trusted across the Bay Area for designing and building thoughtful, high-quality home additions that preserve the character of your home while improving how it functions.
From classic Victorian and Edwardian townhomes to modern builds and everything in between, our design-build team tailors each project to fit your home’s style and your family’s needs.
San Francisco’s architecture and zoning regulations can be complex, but we’re experienced in navigating city requirements and designing creative, space-efficient solutions that make the most of every square foot. Our team manages the full process, ensuring your addition feels like a natural extension of your home.
We specialize in:
Primary Suite Additions – Build the private retreat you’ve always wanted, complete with luxury touches and smart layouts
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Perfect for multigenerational families, rental income, or live-in caregivers—always designed to comply with San Francisco’s ADU guidelines
Second-Story Expansions – Gain living space without giving up outdoor areas—a great option in tightly spaced neighborhoods
Garage Additions & Conversions – Add a new garage or convert existing garage space into a home office, studio, or compact rental unit
We’ve worked throughout San Francisco—from the Outer Sunset to Noe Valley—helping homeowners enhance their properties with seamless, stylish additions. Our in-depth understanding of local architecture, permitting, and construction codes gives us a unique advantage when working in the city.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Over 40 Years of Bay Area Experience – Trusted in San Francisco since 1983
Full-Service Design/Build Approach – One team managing every step from initial sketches to final inspections
High-Quality Workmanship – Elegant finishes, durable materials, and expert construction
Sustainable Building Options – Energy-efficient windows, eco-conscious materials, and smart insulation
Stress-Free Project Oversight – We handle city permits, neighborhood notifications, and every stage of planning and execution.
Want to see our work in action? Browse our Residential Project Portfolio to view past home additions across the Bay Area.
Whether you’re building up, out, or creating a standalone ADU, we make the process simple. From architectural planning and materials to permits and project timelines, our team handles it all, ensuring your new space is functional, beautiful, and stress-free.
To learn more about our team’s values and vision, visit our About Us page.
Don’t waste time searching for a “home addition contractor near me.” Partner with the team San Francisco homeowners have trusted for over four decades. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward more space in the home you already love. 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 San Francisco is a strategic way to add living space while staying in one of the city’s unique neighborhoods. 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, kitchen and living area extensions, second-story additions, garage conversions, and ADUs tailored to your home and lot.
Yes. Their design-build approach integrates design, permitting, and construction into one coordinated process, helping streamline communication and reduce delays.
Absolutely. Each addition is thoughtfully designed to complement your home’s existing architecture, materials, and proportions—an important consideration in San Francisco’s architecturally diverse neighborhoods.
Yes. Mares & Dow manages all required permits, zoning compliance, and inspections with the City and County of San Francisco to ensure your project meets local building and planning regulations.
Project timelines vary based on size, complexity, and permitting requirements. 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 especially popular in San Francisco. The team helps homeowners navigate local zoning rules, density requirements, and size limitations to create compliant, functional living spaces.
Mares & Dow emphasizes skilled craftsmanship, durable materials, and energy-efficient construction practices to improve comfort, performance, and long-term value.
The first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss your goals, evaluate your property, and receive expert guidance on planning, budgeting, and next steps.