Bring Your Vision to Life With a Team You Can Trust
Do you feel like your home in Hercules no longer fits your lifestyle? Maybe your kitchen feels too cramped to cook in, your bathroom is stuck in the 80s, or your family is outgrowing the existing layout.
These frustrations are common and they only grow over time. But tackling a remodeling project can be overwhelming. From permits to choosing materials, managing timelines to coordinating multiple subcontractors, it’s a lot for any homeowner to take on alone.
For over four decades, we’ve helped homeowners in Hercules and across the East Bay solve these exact problems. As a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, we specialize in residential remodeling projects of all sizes. We offer full design-build services, which means you won’t have to juggle separate designers, architects, or permit offices—we take care of everything under one roof.
We listen to your goals, create a tailored design plan, and execute the project with precision, transparency, and integrity. From full home remodels to focused updates like a new bathroom or garage conversion, we deliver results that improve your quality of life and increase the value of your home.
Curb appeal starts with the exterior. We specialize in James Hardie siding, known for its durability, fire resistance, and resistance to the salty air and winds common in the Hercules area. Whether you need repair or full replacement, we’ll protect and refresh your home with professional-grade installation.
Natural light adds life to every room. We install VELUX skylights and sun tunnels to brighten dark hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. Skylights not only improve aesthetics—they can reduce energy use, improve ventilation, and boost your mood.
Your home’s stability starts from the ground up. We offer expert foundation repair and seismic retrofits using Grip-Tite systems, protecting homes from structural issues and earthquake risks common in the East Bay. We’ll inspect, assess, and reinforce your foundation with industry-leading solutions.
Hercules’ historic homes deserve to be preserved. We offer historical restoration services that retain the character of older homes while making them safer, more energy-efficient, and functional for modern living. We’re experienced with the materials, techniques, and care these special projects require.
The kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you’re after better flow, more storage, or a full modern makeover, we’ll design a space that fits how your family actually uses it. From custom cabinetry and countertops to layout improvements and lighting upgrades, your new kitchen will be beautiful and functional.
Even small bathrooms can make a big difference. We remodel bathrooms to be more efficient, accessible, and relaxing. That might mean a walk-in shower, new tilework, double vanities, or upgraded fixtures that save water and energy—all while enhancing daily comfort and resale value.
When your family grows or your needs shift, a home addition can provide the space you need without having to move. We build primary suites, second-story expansions, and fully permitted ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Whether it’s for aging parents, a growing teenager, or rental income, we’ll help you design a new space that feels like it was always part of your home.
View Our Residential Portfolio →
Turn your underused garage into a productive part of your home—think home office, guest suite, gym, or studio. We handle the full transformation, including insulation, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and permits to ensure your new space meets all local requirements.
Since 1983, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has proudly served the East Bay with dependable, high-quality residential remodeling. Our decades of experience mean we’ve seen nearly every type of home, layout, and construction challenge—especially in cities like Hercules with a mix of older properties and newer builds. We understand local permitting, neighborhood styles, and homeowner expectations. This experience allows us to anticipate issues before they arise and deliver solutions that stand the test of time.
You deserve peace of mind when hiring a contractor. Our team is fully licensed in the state of California, bonded for your financial protection, and insured to cover every aspect of your project. We follow strict building codes, local safety requirements, and industry best practices to ensure that every project is done right, legally, and safely. When you hire Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you’re working with professionals who stand behind their work.
Why juggle designers, architects, and contractors when you can work with one team from start to finish? Our design-build model means we handle every stage of your remodel—planning, permitting, designing, and building—under one roof. This integrated process reduces miscommunication, cuts down on delays, and helps control your budget. You’ll have a single point of contact throughout your entire project, simplifying the process and improving your experience.
We’re proud to be certified installers for top-tier brands like James Hardie siding, Grip-Tite foundation systems, and VELUX skylights. These certifications mean we meet rigorous training and installation standards, giving you added confidence in our workmanship. You’ll also benefit from manufacturer-backed warranties and the latest product innovations when you work with a certified contractor like us.
As a Bay Area company, we’re committed to sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and support long-term efficiency. Whether we’re installing energy-efficient windows, using durable fiber cement siding, or upgrading insulation during a remodel, our team looks for ways to make your home greener and more cost-effective. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s part of our core values.
Trust is everything in our industry. That’s why we’re proud that more than half of our new clients come to us through referrals from satisfied homeowners. Our clients know we show up when we say we will, we communicate clearly, and we treat their homes with respect. When neighbors in Hercules recommend us to friends and family, we know we’ve done our job well. That reputation is what drives us, and we work hard every day to earn it.
While this page highlights our services in Hercules, we work with homeowners across the East Bay, including nearby communities like Hercules, El Sobrante, Richmond, and San Pablo. Our team understands the architectural styles, permitting processes, and homeowner priorities unique to the region.
Learn more about our projects →
When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a small bathroom upgrade or a full-scale addition, we offer free estimates, clear project timelines, and personal attention to every detail.
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Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights →

When searching for a general contractor near me in Hercules, CA, you’ll likely come across dozens of options. But not all general contractors bring the experience, reliability, and full-service capabilities that Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has built over more than 40 years in the Bay Area. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a remodel or a business owner reimagining a commercial space, our team delivers expert solutions designed for lasting results.
We help Hercules homeowners transform their living spaces—inside and out. From stylish kitchen renovations to structural upgrades like basement waterproofing and home additions, we manage every aspect of your project with care, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Our residential services include:
Custom Home Remodeling – Full kitchen and bathroom renovations with timeless style and energy-efficient upgrades
Window Installation & Replacement – Improve comfort, reduce energy bills, and upgrade your home’s appearance
Patios, Decks & Siding – Boost curb appeal and create comfortable outdoor living spaces
Skylights – Brighten your home naturally with durable, high-quality installations
Seismic Retrofitting & Foundation Repair – Essential for safety and stability in earthquake-prone Hercules
Whether you’re updating a mid-century home or customizing a newly purchased property, we guide you from concept through construction with a smooth, streamlined process.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is also a trusted name in commercial general contracting. We’ve worked with business owners across the Bay Area on everything from retail buildouts to complete restaurant renovations.
One of our signature commercial projects includes the transformation of Bentley’s Restaurant in San Francisco, now known as Gaspar Brasserie. We brought the client’s bold vision to life with standout features such as:
A stunning 96-foot bar
Soaring 30-foot ceilings
Refreshed exterior and updated architectural elements
Whether you’re remodeling a professional office, restaurant, or retail space in Hercules, our team is equipped to handle permitting, scheduling, trades coordination, and final delivery—so your project stays on time and on budget.
Over 40 years of proven experience in both residential and commercial construction
Licensed, insured, and locally trusted by homeowners and business owners alike
Full-service project management, including design consultation, permitting, and build execution
A long history of referrals and repeat clients across the East Bay
We combine small-company attentiveness with big-project capability—giving you peace of mind from day one.
Whether you’re planning a custom home renovation or a commercial upgrade in Hercules, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is ready to bring your vision to life. Contact our East Bay office at (925) 671-9500, our San Francisco office at (415) 447-6136, or reach out online to schedule your free consultation and estimate today.
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Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights offers complete home remodeling services, including kitchen and bathroom renovations, home additions, basement waterproofing, window replacement, patios, decks, skylights, foundation repair, and seismic retrofitting.
Yes. In addition to residential remodeling, we handle commercial projects such as restaurant buildouts, office renovations, and retail space upgrades. One of our featured projects is the renovation of Gaspar Brasserie in San Francisco.
Absolutely. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is fully licensed and insured in California, so your home or business project is in safe, qualified hands.
Most remodeling projects—especially additions, structural changes, and commercial work—require permits. We handle all permitting and inspections to ensure full compliance with the City of Hercules building codes.
Yes. We offer free, no-obligation consultations for both residential and commercial clients. We’ll review your project, discuss goals, and provide a detailed, transparent estimate.
Definitely. We specialize in custom kitchen and bathroom remodels designed for both beauty and functionality. From cabinets to plumbing fixtures, we manage every detail.
Timelines vary based on scope. A small remodel may take a few weeks, while a home addition or full commercial buildout could take several months. We provide clear timelines and keep you informed at every stage.
We offer expert structural repair, including dry rot remediation and foundation stabilization. Many Hercules homes benefit from our basement waterproofing and seismic retrofitting services as well.
Yes. We have the capacity and experience to manage full commercial renovations, including custom interiors, structural upgrades, exterior finishes, and detailed buildouts—all while staying compliant with ADA and fire codes.
Yes. We install modern windows and skylights that improve insulation, reduce utility bills, and add natural light—perfect for both homes and commercial spaces.
With over 40 years of experience, we offer unmatched craftsmanship, project management, and reliability. Whether it’s your home or business, we bring clarity, care, and consistency to every job.
Just call our East Bay office at (925) 671-9500, our San Francisco office at (415) 447-6136, or contact us online. We’ll schedule your free consultation and walk you through the next steps.

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