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 Walnut Creek home starting to feel a bit cramped? Whether your family is growing, your lifestyle is changing, or you simply want more space to relax, work, or entertain, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is here to help. Since 1983, we’ve been a trusted name in Walnut Creek and across Contra Costa County for beautifully crafted home additions that enhance comfort, functionality, and value.
We specialize in designing and building seamless expansions that reflect your style and complement the unique architecture found throughout Walnut Creek—from classic ranch homes to modern hillside retreats.
From the quiet neighborhoods near Heather Farm Park to the scenic foothills of Shell Ridge, every home in Walnut Creek has its own character, and every family has unique needs. That’s why we tailor every addition to fit both your lifestyle and your lot. Our full-service design-build team manages the project from start to finish, making the process smooth and stress-free.
We specialize in:
Primary Suite Additions – Create a relaxing, private escape with spacious layouts, luxury bathrooms, and custom features
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Whether for aging parents, rental income, or visiting guests, our ADUs are built to comply with Walnut Creek zoning and California state guidelines
Second-Story Expansions – Add space without taking up yard room—ideal for growing families or homes with a view
Garage Additions & Conversions – Add a new garage or transform your existing one into a home gym, office, or rental-ready studio
We’ve proudly served homeowners throughout Walnut Creek for over four decades. From Broadway Plaza to the Diablo Foothills, we bring a deep understanding of local building codes, architecture, and lifestyle needs.
Here’s why our clients keep coming back and referring friends:
40+ Years of Local Experience – Trusted in Walnut Creek and the East Bay since 1983
All-in-One Design/Build Services – One streamlined team managing everything from planning to construction
Superior Workmanship – Premium materials and detail-driven execution
Sustainable Solutions – Energy-efficient options, including windows, insulation, and eco-conscious construction practices
Hands-Off Project Management – We handle permitting, inspections, and timelines so you can focus on enjoying the process.
Take a look at our Residential Project Portfolio to see examples of our custom additions across the Bay Area.
Whether you’re adding upward, outward, or creating a fully detached ADU, we take care of every detail—design, materials, permits, and final walk-through. Our goal is to make your home addition experience efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding from day one.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our company’s mission and values.
Stop searching for a “home addition contractor near me.” Trust the team that has been serving Walnut Creek for over 40 years. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free consultation and get started on the home expansion you’ve been dreaming of. 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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A home addition in Walnut Creek is a great way to add space, comfort, and long-term value while staying in the neighborhood you love. Below are answers to common questions homeowners ask when planning a custom home addition with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Mares & Dow designs and builds a wide range of custom home additions, including bedroom and bathroom expansions, primary suite additions, kitchen and living room extensions, second-story additions, garage conversions, and ADUs tailored to your home and lot.
Yes. Their design-build approach integrates design, permitting, and construction under one coordinated team, helping streamline communication and reduce delays throughout the project.
Absolutely. Each addition is custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture, materials, and layout so the new space feels cohesive and intentional.
Yes. Mares & Dow manages all required permits, zoning compliance, and inspections with the City of Walnut Creek to ensure your project meets local building codes and regulations.
Timelines vary depending on size and complexity. Smaller additions may take a few months, while larger or multi-level expansions take longer. You’ll receive a clear timeline and regular updates throughout construction.
Yes. ADUs and garage conversions are popular in Walnut Creek. The team helps homeowners navigate zoning rules, setback requirements, and size limits to create compliant, functional living spaces.
Mares & Dow emphasizes skilled craftsmanship, durable materials, and energy-efficient construction practices to enhance 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.