What Should Homeowners Ask Before Signing A Deck Installation Contract?
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Your kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals. It serves as the heart of your home—a gathering place where family and friends connect, conversations happen, and memories are made. When your kitchen no longer meets your needs, feels outdated, or lacks the functionality required for modern living, a professional kitchen remodel can completely transform the way you experience your home.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we provide professional kitchen remodeling in Hercules, CA, helping homeowners create beautiful, functional, and lasting spaces tailored to their lifestyles. Serving the Bay Area since 1983, our team brings more than 40 years of design-build and remodeling expertise to every project. Whether you’re interested in a modern kitchen renovation, a traditional kitchen makeover, or a complete redesign, we have the experience and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life.
Many homes throughout Hercules were built during periods when kitchen layouts prioritized separation over openness. Today, homeowners want kitchens that offer better flow, more storage, improved lighting, and seamless integration with surrounding living spaces. Our remodeling solutions are designed to address these evolving needs while enhancing comfort, efficiency, and property value.
Every kitchen remodeling project begins with understanding your goals. Some clients want expanded countertops for cooking and entertaining. Others need custom storage solutions, larger islands, upgraded appliances, or a more open-concept design. Whatever your objectives may be, our team works closely with you to develop a customized plan that balances aesthetics, practicality, and budget.
As a full-service remodeling contractor, we manage every aspect of your project, including layout redesign, custom cabinetry, countertop installation, flooring upgrades, lighting improvements, plumbing modifications, appliance integration, and finishing details. Our goal is to make the remodeling process as smooth and stress-free as possible while delivering exceptional results.
Kitchen remodeling remains one of the most valuable home improvement investments available. A thoughtfully designed kitchen can improve daily living, increase energy efficiency, enhance resale value, and create a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
For homeowners searching for a trusted kitchen remodeling contractor in Hercules, CA, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights delivers the experience, communication, and quality craftsmanship needed for a successful project.
Learn more about our professional kitchen remodeling services:
https://maresdow.com/kitchen-remodeling/
Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a kitchen renovation. A successful remodel requires careful planning, quality workmanship, and a team that understands both construction and design.
Many Hercules homeowners come to us because their existing kitchens no longer support the way they live. Common concerns include limited storage, outdated cabinetry, poor lighting, inefficient layouts, worn countertops, and kitchens that feel disconnected from the rest of the home.
A professionally planned remodel allows you to address these challenges while creating a space that reflects your personal style and supports your daily routines.
You may benefit from kitchen remodeling if:
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we take a personalized approach to every project. We begin by learning about your goals, evaluating your existing kitchen, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Our team then develops recommendations tailored specifically to your home and lifestyle.
Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen renovation, a custom kitchen remodeling project, or targeted upgrades, we help ensure every decision contributes to a beautiful and functional final result.
Ready to start planning your dream kitchen?
Contact our team today:
https://maresdow.com/contact/
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.
For more than four decades, homeowners throughout Hercules and the Bay Area have trusted Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights for quality remodeling and construction services.
Since 1983, we have helped homeowners improve their properties through expert remodeling, renovations, additions, custom homes, and general contracting services.
Our design-build approach helps streamline the remodeling process by improving communication, coordination, and project efficiency.
Every family uses their kitchen differently. We tailor every project to your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term goals.
Our commitment to quality workmanship ensures every detail is completed with care and precision.
Experienced oversight helps maintain quality standards throughout every phase of construction.
We believe in transparency, realistic expectations, and ongoing communication from consultation through completion.
In addition to kitchen remodeling, our experience includes home renovations, custom homes, additions, skylights, foundation repair, and seismic retrofitting, providing a broad understanding of residential construction.
Many of our new clients come from referrals, reflecting decades of dependable service and customer satisfaction throughout the Bay Area.
Kitchen remodeling offers benefits that extend far beyond appearance.
Improved Functionality – a well-designed kitchen supports efficient meal preparation, easier cleanup, and better organization.
More Storage – custom cabinetry and specialized storage solutions help maximize available space.
Better Energy Efficiency – modern appliances, LED lighting, and updated fixtures can help reduce utility costs.
Enhanced Entertaining – open layouts and expanded gathering spaces make it easier to host family and friends.
Increased Property Value – kitchen remodeling consistently ranks among the most valuable home improvement projects.
Improved Comfort – a customized kitchen creates a more enjoyable and practical environment for everyday living.
We improve traffic flow, maximize usable space, and create layouts that support modern living.
Our cabinetry solutions are designed to combine functionality, durability, and style.
We install premium countertops that enhance both beauty and performance.
Custom islands provide additional storage, seating, and workspace.
Durable flooring options help improve both appearance and long-term performance.
We incorporate task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting to create balanced and functional spaces.
Updated plumbing systems and fixtures improve convenience and efficiency.
Modern appliances are incorporated seamlessly into your overall kitchen design.
Finishing touches help create a cohesive and visually appealing final result.
We manage complete kitchen transformations from planning through final installation.
Explore our kitchen remodeling expertise:
https://maresdow.com/kitchen-remodeling/
Many homeowners in The Birds choose kitchen remodeling projects to modernize older layouts and improve storage.
Waterfront homes frequently benefit from premium kitchen renovations designed for entertaining and everyday luxury.
Many homeowners choose open-concept kitchen renovations that improve flow and connectivity.
Foxboro residents often invest in kitchen remodeling to update aging finishes and improve efficiency.
Homes near the waterfront often benefit from kitchens that maximize natural light and gathering space.
We regularly help homeowners solve:
Our remodeling solutions are designed to eliminate these frustrations while improving daily life.
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 has proudly served Bay Area homeowners since 1983.
Our experience includes:
Our mission remains simple: build with integrity, serve with pride, and create spaces homeowners love.
If your kitchen creates daily frustrations, consider taking the following steps:
Early planning often leads to smoother projects and better outcomes.
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!
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Key Takeaways A new deck installation before you sell your home can really add to the value and appeal of your home, particularly when your…
Key Takeaways Check any deck installer’s credentials, licensing and insurance to protect yourself from potential risk and to comply with local regulations. Evaluate the contractor’s…
In addition to Hercules, we proudly serve:
If you do not see your city listed, contact us to discuss your project.
A professionally remodeled kitchen can transform your home’s functionality, comfort, efficiency, and value. Whether you’re envisioning a modern kitchen renovation, custom cabinetry, premium countertops, or a complete redesign, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is ready to help.
Our team combines more than 40 years of Bay Area experience with quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and dependable service to deliver kitchens built around the way you live.
Ready to create a kitchen you’ll enjoy for years to come?
Schedule your consultation today:
https://maresdow.com/contact/
Learn more about our kitchen remodeling services:
https://maresdow.com/kitchen-remodeling/
Kitchen remodeling is a major investment, and homeowners in Berkeley often have important questions before starting a project. Below are clear, detailed answers to the most common concerns we hear during consultations. These are designed to help you better understand the process, timeline, and what to expect when working with a professional design-build contractor.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides comprehensive kitchen remodeling services designed to transform outdated or inefficient kitchens into beautiful, functional spaces. Our services include kitchen layout redesign, custom cabinetry, storage solutions, countertop installation, kitchen islands, flooring replacement, lighting upgrades, plumbing improvements, appliance integration, backsplash installation, and complete kitchen renovations. Whether you are looking for a simple kitchen refresh or a full-scale remodel, our team develops customized solutions tailored to your home, lifestyle, and budget. Every project is carefully planned to improve functionality, enhance aesthetics, and increase the long-term value of your property.
Yes. Kitchen layout redesign is one of the most impactful improvements homeowners can make. Many older homes in Hercules were built with kitchens that feel closed off, cramped, or inefficient by today's standards. Our team evaluates your existing layout and identifies opportunities to improve workflow, increase usable space, and enhance connectivity with adjacent living areas. We can relocate appliances, add or expand islands, improve traffic flow, increase storage capacity, and create open-concept designs when appropriate. Every layout is customized to support your cooking habits, entertaining preferences, and daily routines while maximizing comfort and efficiency.
Absolutely. With more than 40 years of experience serving the Bay Area, we have extensive knowledge of older homes and the unique challenges they often present. Older kitchens may contain outdated electrical systems, aging plumbing, inefficient layouts, insufficient storage, or materials that no longer meet modern standards. Our team carefully evaluates these conditions and develops solutions that improve functionality while respecting the character and architectural style of the home. We can update infrastructure, address code requirements, improve energy efficiency, and integrate modern conveniences while maintaining the charm that makes many older Bay Area homes so appealing.
The timeline for a kitchen remodel depends on several factors, including the size of the kitchen, the complexity of the design, material selections, permitting requirements, and the scope of work involved. A smaller kitchen update focused on cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures may take several weeks, while a complete renovation involving structural changes, plumbing relocation, electrical upgrades, and custom features may require several months. During the planning phase, we provide a detailed project timeline and communicate regularly throughout construction so you understand what to expect at each stage of the remodeling process.
Yes. One of the greatest advantages of a professional kitchen remodel is the ability to personalize every detail. Homeowners can choose cabinetry styles, countertop materials, flooring options, backsplash designs, fixtures, hardware, lighting solutions, appliances, storage features, and layout configurations that reflect their preferences and lifestyle. Our team works closely with you throughout the design process, helping you evaluate options and select features that balance aesthetics, functionality, durability, and budget. The result is a kitchen designed specifically for the way you live and use the space every day.
Kitchen remodeling is consistently considered one of the most valuable home improvement investments. A well-designed kitchen can significantly improve your home's marketability, appeal to prospective buyers, and contribute to higher resale value. In competitive Bay Area real estate markets, updated kitchens are often among the first features buyers evaluate. Modern cabinetry, quality countertops, improved layouts, energy-efficient appliances, enhanced lighting, and thoughtful design elements can all contribute to a stronger return on investment. Even if you are not planning to sell immediately, a remodeled kitchen can improve your quality of life while increasing long-term property value.
In many cases, yes. Open-concept kitchens remain one of the most requested remodeling features among Hercules homeowners. These layouts create a more spacious feel, improve natural light distribution, and enhance connections between kitchens, dining areas, and living spaces. During the planning phase, we evaluate the structural characteristics of your home to determine what modifications are possible. If walls can be removed or reconfigured safely, we develop solutions that improve flow while maintaining structural integrity. The result is often a more inviting and functional environment that better supports modern family life and entertainment.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights proudly serves homeowners throughout Hercules and many surrounding Bay Area communities. Our service area includes Pinole, Rodeo, Crockett, El Sobrante, Richmond, San Pablo, Martinez, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, and additional communities throughout Contra Costa County and the East Bay. With more than four decades of experience serving Bay Area homeowners, we understand the unique characteristics of local homes and neighborhoods. If you are unsure whether your property falls within our service area, simply contact our team, and we will be happy to discuss your project.
Getting started is simple. The first step is scheduling a consultation with our experienced team. During this initial meeting, we discuss your goals, evaluate your existing kitchen, and learn more about your vision for the space. We will review design possibilities, layout options, material selections, and budget considerations while answering any questions you may have about the remodeling process. From there, we develop a customized plan designed around your needs and priorities. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, honest recommendations, and a smooth remodeling experience that results in a beautiful kitchen you can enjoy for many years to come.