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…
Is your Piedmont home starting to feel a bit tight? Whether your family is expanding, your lifestyle needs are changing, or you want more space to relax and entertain, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is here to help. Since 1983, we’ve provided high-end, seamless home additions throughout Piedmont and the surrounding East Bay communities.
Our design-build team specializes in customized expansions that honor the unique architecture and character of Piedmont homes, while boosting functionality, comfort, and long-term value.
From historic estates to stately Craftsman and Tudor homes, Piedmont’s architectural charm is unmatched—and we ensure every addition blends beautifully with your home’s original design. We manage the entire process, from design through construction, so your new space fits naturally into your existing home.
We specialize in:
Primary Suite Additions – Create a spacious, private retreat with luxury bathrooms, walk-in closets, and timeless finishes
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Great for extended family, guests, or rental income. Our ADUs meet California code and integrate with the scale and style of Piedmont neighborhoods.
Second-Story Expansions – Add more space while preserving your backyard. Ideal for families looking to grow without leaving their location
Garage Additions & Conversions – Whether you need a new garage or want to convert an existing one into a studio, office, or guest unit, we provide elegant, efficient solutions
We understand the unique permitting requirements and architectural standards of Piedmont, and we’ve built a reputation for delivering results that exceed expectations, without compromising your home’s charm or the city’s aesthetic.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Over 40 Years of Local Experience – Building in the Bay Area since 1983
Full-Service Design/Build Approach – One expert team guiding your project from start to finish
Superior Craftsmanship – High-end finishes and meticulous attention to detail
Sustainable Building Practices – Energy-efficient materials, smart systems, and green construction methods
Hassle-Free Project Management – We handle permits, timelines, and inspections so you don’t have to
Take a look at our Residential Project Portfolio to see how we’ve elevated homes throughout the East Bay.
Whether you’re expanding upward, outward, or building a self-contained ADU, our team provides a streamlined, worry-free process. From architectural design and permitting to material selection and final inspection, we take care of it all with professionalism and precision.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
If you’re ready to transform your space without sacrificing the location and beauty you love, contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today. With over four decades of experience in Piedmont and the East Bay, we’re the trusted choice for high-quality, custom home additions. Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s bring your vision to life. Get in touch today!
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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Planning a home addition in Piedmont requires thoughtful design and careful attention to local regulations. Below are answers to common questions homeowners ask when expanding their homes with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Mares & Dow designs and builds a wide range of custom home additions, including primary suite additions, bedroom and bathroom expansions, kitchen and living room extensions, second-story additions, garage conversions, and ADUs tailored to your home and lot.
Yes. Their design-build approach brings design, permitting, and construction together under one team, helping streamline timelines and simplify the process.
Absolutely. Each addition is carefully designed to blend seamlessly with your home’s existing architecture, materials, and layout, which is especially important in Piedmont’s established neighborhoods.
Yes. Mares & Dow manages all required permits, zoning compliance, and inspections with the City of Piedmont to ensure your project meets local building and planning requirements.
Timelines vary depending on scope and complexity. Smaller additions may take a few months, while larger or multi-level projects take longer. You’ll receive a clear project schedule and ongoing communication throughout construction.
Yes. ADUs and garage conversions are increasingly popular in Piedmont. The team helps homeowners navigate local zoning rules, size limits, and setback requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
Mares & Dow emphasizes skilled craftsmanship, durable materials, and energy-efficient construction practices to improve comfort, performance, and long-term value.
Getting started begins with scheduling a consultation to discuss your goals, explore design options, and receive expert guidance on planning, budgeting, and next steps.