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…
In today’s housing landscape, homeowners are rethinking how their garages can better support their lifestyles. What was once a simple storage or parking space has now become an essential part of the home—whether as an organized workshop, a well-designed utility area, a secure entry point, or even an additional functional room. Many Bay Area residents are choosing to improve their existing garages rather than expand their homes, blending practical upgrades with modern enhancements to create a space that is efficient, durable, and tailored to their needs. These improvements not only elevate daily living but can also increase long-term property value.
With over 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is your trusted partner in garage remodeling. We’ve worked with garages of all sizes, ages, and architectural styles, and we’re committed to building high-quality, energy-efficient spaces that enhance how you use your home every day. From structural repairs to custom storage to complete layout transformations, we deliver reliable craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Whether you’re adding a brand-new porch, replacing an aging structure, or upgrading your home’s curb appeal, our team provides durable, high-quality construction tailored to your home’s style and your design vision. We’re committed to creating an inviting entryway that blends seamlessly with your property.
Over the years, how we use our garages naturally changes. Families grow, hobbies evolve, and storage needs expand. Some homeowners want a cleaner, more organized garage, while others need a functional workshop, fitness space, or utility area. No matter your goals, our team works closely with you to turn your ideas into a clear, cost-effective remodeling plan that suits your lifestyle and budget.
For example, we can install custom shelving and cabinetry to reduce clutter, upgrade lighting and electrical systems to support tools or appliances, or refresh your garage with new insulation, flooring, or ventilation to improve comfort. If your garage doubles as a primary entryway, we can transform it into a welcoming, efficient transition space that enhances everyday convenience.
As dedicated garage remodeling contractors, we ensure every step of the process is smooth, practical, and rewarding. We help you create a realistic wish list, understand your garage’s structural and mechanical needs, and design a plan that leads to a safe, functional, and visually appealing finished space. Explore what’s possible with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, and let your garage transformation begin.
As experienced porch installation contractors, we take care of everything: structural framing, carpentry, roofing tie-ins, foundations, railings, flooring materials, steps, and overall design cohesion. Our goal is to create a welcoming, functional, and durable entry that stands the test of time.
Explore the possibilities with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights and bring your home’s exterior to life with thoughtful, high-quality porch craftsmanship.
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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