Why Kitchen Remodels Fail—And How We Make Sure They Don’t
As you all know, kitchen remodels fail most often because of poor planning, hidden costs, or unclear goals. Too many projects fall flat when teams…
Custom home remodeling allows Bay Area homeowners to transform their living spaces to meet evolving needs, lifestyle changes, or aesthetic goals. Whether you want to modernize your home, expand square footage, or reconfigure layouts, our team delivers design-build solutions that improve comfort, functionality, and long-term value.
Instead of making generic upgrades, we focus on creating spaces that are tailored to your home, style, and family’s needs. This includes interior renovations, exterior improvements, energy-efficient updates, and full-scale remodels—all executed with precision and premium craftsmanship.
With over 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights brings expertise in working with homes of all ages and architectural styles. Every custom remodeling project is planned, managed, and executed to meet your expectations while maximizing your home’s potential.
Homeowners today want spaces that reflect their lifestyle, accommodate growth, and enhance functionality. From open-concept living rooms to updated kitchens, additional bedrooms, basement or attic conversions, and luxurious master suites, our team collaborates with you to turn ideas into practical, elegant solutions.
We ensure that every detail—from structural changes to finishes, materials, lighting, and energy efficiency—is considered in creating a cohesive, functional, and beautiful home.
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!
As you all know, kitchen remodels fail most often because of poor planning, hidden costs, or unclear goals. Too many projects fall flat when teams…
Preparing your home for a full kitchen remodel means clearing out the kitchen, setting up a backup spot to cook, and bracing yourself for dust…
Selecting pieces that utilize strong woods, thick finishes, and simple hardware with a track record of strength. Good cabinets frequently originate from plywood or hardwood,…
We handle full-scale home renovations, including interior updates, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home additions, basement and attic conversions, structural upgrades, exterior facelifts, and energy-efficient improvements. Every project is customized to match your home, style, and functional goals.
Yes. Our team is experienced in major structural modifications, including room additions, open-concept layouts, moving load-bearing walls, and foundation or framing work. We carefully evaluate each project for safety, compliance, and longevity.
Timelines vary depending on project size, complexity, and material selection. Smaller remodels may take a few weeks, while full-home remodels can span several months. We provide a detailed project schedule outlining every phase from design through completion.