What Checklist Helps First‑time Buyers Evaluate The Quality Of A…
Key Takeaways Create a warm, inviting aesthetic in your new bathroom remodel. Avoid trends and instead focus on practical functionality to ensure long-term comfort and…
Many Bay Area homeowners are choosing to update their existing bathrooms instead of relocating or undertaking major additions. A well-designed bathroom remodel enhances comfort, improves functionality, and increases the long-term value of your home. When planned carefully and executed by experienced professionals, bathroom remodeling can dramatically improve your daily living experience.
For more than forty years, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has helped homeowners upgrade aging or outdated bathrooms with modern features, dependable materials, and efficient layouts. We work with homes of all ages and architectural styles, providing remodeling solutions that align with your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs.
Bathrooms play an essential role in daily living, and their layout and features significantly affect comfort and efficiency. Whether your bathroom needs better storage, improved lighting, updated plumbing fixtures, or complete reconfiguration, our team works with you to develop a design that fits your goals and budget.
Homeowners often use bathroom remodeling to create more accessible layouts, include modern tile and finishes, update fixtures, or add energy-efficient systems. We help you prioritize your needs and craft a remodeling plan that enhances safety, aesthetics, and long-term durability.
When you work with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you receive a practical and well-planned path forward. Our team supports you through material selection, layout decisions, and efficient construction practices, all while ensuring your new bathroom meets current building standards.
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!
Key Takeaways Create a warm, inviting aesthetic in your new bathroom remodel. Avoid trends and instead focus on practical functionality to ensure long-term comfort and…
Key Takeaways Special needs trusts ensure an individual can still access government benefits such as Medicaid and SSI. They serve as an important source of…
Key Takeaways If your bathroom is causing daily frustrations, showing visible wear, or requiring constant repairs, now may be the right time to consider a…
The duration of a bathroom remodel depends on the scope of work, material choices, and structural considerations. Simple updates may take a few weeks, while full renovations typically range from 4–10 weeks. After inspecting your bathroom, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides a detailed project schedule outlining each phase—demolition, plumbing, electrical, installation, inspections, and finishing—so you know exactly what to expect and when.
Yes. We offer full customization, allowing you to choose every design element of your new bathroom. This includes tile patterns, flooring materials, countertop surfaces, shower systems, lighting styles, custom vanities, mirrors, built-in storage, hardware, and color palettes. We help you compare materials, balance aesthetics with durability, and select finishes that match your vision and budget.
Preventing moisture damage is one of our top priorities. We evaluate your entire ventilation system, including exhaust fans, ducting, and natural airflow. Depending on what we find, we may upgrade fans to higher-capacity models, improve duct routing, install additional vents, apply waterproofing membranes behind tile, and enhance insulation in key areas. Our goal is to ensure your remodeled bathroom stays dry, healthy, and mold-free for years to come.
Yes. A bathroom remodel is consistently one of the highest ROI home improvements, especially in the Bay Area. Modern bathrooms attract buyers, improve daily comfort, reduce long-term maintenance issues, and often increase overall resale value. Even practical updates—such as new tile, lighting, or a more functional layout—can make a meaningful difference.
Getting started is simple. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, and our team will visit your home to review the existing bathroom, discuss your goals, explore design possibilities, and evaluate structural and plumbing conditions. We then provide a transparent estimate and a step-by-step plan outlining how we’ll bring your new bathroom to life—on time and within budget.
We proudly provide professional bathroom remodeling services across the major cities of Contra Costa County, including:
Walnut Creek, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor specializing in custom designs, modern upgrades, and quality craftsmanship.
Concord, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor delivering functional layouts, durable materials, and expert installation.
Richmond, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor offering full-service renovations, from design planning to final finishes.
San Ramon, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor focused on upscale renovations, efficiency, and long-lasting results.
Danville, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor providing tailored bathroom upgrades that enhance comfort and home value.
Pleasant Hill, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor known for reliable service, thoughtful design, and smooth project execution.
Pittsburg, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor handling everything from small updates to complete bathroom transformations.
Antioch, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor offering cost-effective renovations without compromising quality.
Martinez, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor experienced in modern, traditional, and space-saving bathroom designs.
Brentwood, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor creating stylish, functional bathrooms built to last.
Oakley, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor delivering practical upgrades tailored to everyday living.
Lafayette, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor specializing in high-end finishes and custom renovation solutions.
Clayton, CA – Bathroom remodeling contractor providing personalized renovations with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
If you’re located elsewhere in Contra Costa County, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to discuss your bathroom remodeling needs and confirm service availability.