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…
Most basements sit unused or underdeveloped, even though they hold some of the greatest potential for added comfort and property value. A professional basement remodel can turn that space into something functional and inviting. With Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you can turn a neglected area into a purposeful extension of your home.
Homeowners across the Bay Area are rethinking how they use their square footage. Whether you want a flexible living area, added storage, a workshop, or a quiet spot for work or hobbies, a thoughtful remodel can make your basement one of the most valuable parts of your home. The key is proper planning, durable construction, and a team that understands how to turn a challenging space into something that works for your lifestyle.
With more than 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights delivers custom basement remodeling with quality materials, dependable craftsmanship, and clear communication. We know how to enhance older homes, manage moisture concerns, and create layouts that last.
Basements evolve along with your needs. Families grow, work situations change, and priorities shift. A remodel gives you the chance to reshape the space in a way that supports your daily life.
Our team handles every phase of your project, including waterproofing for long-term protection. This keeps your basement safe from flooding, moisture, mold, and other risks.
Once your foundation and structure are secured, we shape the space to match your goals.
Some homeowners convert their basements into entertainment areas or guest suites. Others choose home offices, fitness rooms, storage solutions, or craft and workshop spaces. Whatever you envision, we help you build a plan that fits your budget and turns your ideas into a practical design.
As your dedicated basement remodeling contractor, we make the process smooth and rewarding. We start with your wish list and build a cost-effective strategy that ensures a safe, durable, and comfortable result. Your remodel should add real value to your home while giving you space that serves a purpose every day.
Let your basement transformation begin with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
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 remodeled basement can serve as an extra living space, guest room, office, gym, entertainment room, workshop, or organized storage area. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights helps you plan a layout that supports your goals while improving comfort and home value. We shape the space so it works for your daily life instead of sitting unused.
Yes. A basement remodel should start with waterproofing to protect your home from moisture, flooding, and mold. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights evaluates your basement, identifies any water risks, and provides the right waterproofing solution. This ensures your remodel stays durable and safe for years to come.
Timeframes depend on the size of your basement, the condition of the space, and the custom features you want. Projects may include waterproofing, framing, electrical work, plumbing, flooring, and finishing. During your estimate, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides a clear timeline so you know what to expect from start to finish.
Yes. Older basements often need structural improvements, moisture protection, or layout adjustments. Our team has more than forty years of experience working with Bay Area homes of all ages and architectural styles. We address foundation challenges, low ceilings, and outdated materials to create a safe and functional design.
A well-designed basement remodel increases usable square footage, improves livability, and strengthens long-term resale value. Buyers appreciate finished basements that offer flexible space. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights plans each project with both function and future value in mind.
Consider how you want to use the space, your long-term needs, storage requirements, lighting, ventilation, ceiling height, and moisture control. We walk you through each step to build a plan that fits your budget. The goal is a basement that feels comfortable and works well with the rest of your home.
Yes. Every basement is unique, and customization is central to the process. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights helps you choose layouts, materials, flooring, lighting, built-ins, and finishing details. Your basement should reflect your style and serve a purpose that matches your lifestyle.
Start by scheduling a free estimate. We evaluate your basement, discuss your goals, review moisture and structural conditions, and build a detailed plan for your remodel. You receive clear pricing, a defined scope of work, and expert guidance throughout the entire project.