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Home Remodeling in Alameda, CA

Thoughtful Renovations That Preserve Historic Character While Improving Modern Livability

  • Over 40 Years of Bay Area Expertise
  • Hands-On Leadership
  • Dual Licensed Expertise
  • VELUX 5-Star Skylight Specialists
  • Referral-Driven Reputation
  • Seismic-Safe, Design-Focused Construction

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights: Alameda, CA Home Remodeling Services | Home Remodeling Contractors

Home remodeling in Alameda, CA often involves updating historic and older homes while preserving the architectural charm that makes them unique. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners carefully modernize their spaces while maintaining the integrity of their home’s original design.

We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, and whole-home improvements that balance preservation with functionality. Our approach focuses on upgrading comfort, usability, and efficiency without compromising the historic character of the property.

Whether you’re restoring a Victorian-era home or improving a Craftsman-style residence, we deliver remodeling solutions that respect the past while enhancing everyday living.

Historic Home Remodeling in Alameda, CA

Home remodeling in Alameda, CA requires a careful and informed approach, especially when working with historic and early-era homes. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners modernize older properties while preserving the architectural details that define their character.

Our work focuses on thoughtful integration—upgrading functionality, comfort, and efficiency while respecting original craftsmanship and design elements. We pay close attention to proportion, material selection, and structural compatibility to ensure that new improvements feel natural within the existing home.

The result is a balanced approach to remodeling that enhances livability while maintaining the integrity and charm of Alameda’s historic housing stock.

Serving Alameda, CA and Nearby East Bay Communities

As a home remodeling contractor serving Alameda, CA, we focus on updating historic and older homes with care, precision, and respect for original architectural design. Many homes in Alameda require thoughtful remodeling that improves functionality and comfort while preserving the unique character that defines the city’s residential areas.

We also serve nearby East Bay communities, including Oakland, Bay Farm Island, and surrounding waterfront neighborhoods. These areas share similar housing styles, renovation challenges, and architectural considerations, especially when working with older or historic properties.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen update, bathroom renovation, or full-home remodel, we provide careful, well-structured remodeling solutions that balance modern livability with historic preservation.

Book Your Free Home Remodeling Estimate in Alameda, CA

What do you want done to make your house more of a home you’re happy to spend time in? We would be more than happy to make an appointment with you for a free in-home estimate. Call us today to book your consultation.
Home Remodeling in Alameda
Home Remodeling in Alameda

Other Services

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.

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Home Remodeling Services in Alameda, CA

We provide home remodeling services in Alameda, CA focused on thoughtfully updating historic and older homes while preserving their original character. Our work emphasizes careful design decisions that improve functionality, comfort, and livability without compromising architectural integrity.

General Contractor - San Francisco Bay Area

Kitchen Remodeling in Alameda, CA

We modernize kitchens in older homes by improving layout efficiency, updating materials, and enhancing usability while respecting original architectural style.

 

Bathroom Remodeling in Alameda, CA

Our bathroom renovations focus on upgrading functionality and comfort while maintaining design elements that complement the home’s historic character.

Whole-Home Remodeling in Alameda, CA

We carefully update entire homes to improve flow, systems, and livability while preserving the architectural identity of older properties.

Historic Home Renovation & Restoration Work

We specialize in updating historic homes with a balanced approach that protects original craftsmanship while improving modern usability.

Structural & Interior Modernization

We enhance aging homes through selective structural and interior improvements that improve safety, efficiency, and long-term livability.

General Contractor - San Francisco Bay Area

Why Alameda Homeowners Choose Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Home remodeling in Alameda requires a contractor who understands how to modernize older homes while preserving their architectural identity and original craftsmanship.

40+ Years of Local Experience

Since 1983, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has proudly served the East Bay with dependable, high-quality residential remodeling. Our decades of experience mean we’ve seen nearly every type of home, layout, and construction challenge—especially in cities like Alameda with a mix of older properties and newer builds. We understand local permitting, neighborhood styles, and homeowner expectations. This experience allows us to anticipate issues before they arise and deliver solutions that stand the test of time.

Fully Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

You deserve peace of mind when hiring a contractor. Our team is fully licensed in the state of California, bonded for your financial protection, and insured to cover every aspect of your project. We follow strict building codes, local safety requirements, and industry best practices to ensure that every project is done right, legally, and safely. When you hire Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you’re working with professionals who stand behind their work.

Streamlined Design-Build Process

Why juggle designers, architects, and contractors when you can work with one team from start to finish? Our design-build model means we handle every stage of your remodel—planning, permitting, designing, and building—under one roof. This integrated process reduces miscommunication, cuts down on delays, and helps control your budget. You’ll have a single point of contact throughout your entire project, simplifying the process and improving your experience.

General Contractor - San Francisco Bay Area
General Contractor - San Francisco Bay Area

Certified by Industry-Leading Manufacturers

We’re proud to be certified installers for top-tier brands like James Hardie siding, Grip-Tite foundation systems, and VELUX skylights. These certifications mean we meet rigorous training and installation standards, giving you added confidence in our workmanship. You’ll also benefit from manufacturer-backed warranties and the latest product innovations when you work with a certified contractor like us.

Environmentally Conscious Construction

As a Bay Area company, we’re committed to sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and support long-term efficiency. Whether we’re installing energy-efficient windows, using durable fiber cement siding, or upgrading insulation during a remodel, our team looks for ways to make your home greener and more cost-effective. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s part of our core values.

High Referral and Repeat Client Rate

Trust is everything in our industry. That’s why we’re proud that more than half of our new clients come to us through referrals from satisfied homeowners. Our clients know we show up when we say we will, we communicate clearly, and we treat their homes with respect. When neighbors in Alameda recommend us to friends and family, we know we’ve done our job well. That reputation is what drives us, and we work hard every day to earn it.

Our Home Remodeling Process in Alameda, CA

Home remodeling in Alameda requires a structured, careful process that balances modern improvements with the preservation of historic character. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we follow a disciplined approach designed to protect architectural integrity while improving function, comfort, and livability.

Step 1 – Home Evaluation & Historic Sensitivity Review

We assess the existing structure, layout, and architectural details to understand what must be preserved and what can be thoughtfully improved.

Step 2 – Careful Planning & Design Alignment

We develop a remodeling plan that respects original construction while identifying opportunities to improve usability and modern comfort.

Step 3 – Controlled, Phased Construction Work

We execute the remodel in structured phases to ensure precision, protect existing features, and maintain consistency throughout the project.

Step 4 – Final Review & Detail Verification

We complete a thorough walkthrough to confirm that all updates align with both functional goals and the home’s historic character.

Home Remodeling Projects in Alameda, CA

We’ve completed a variety of home remodeling projects in Alameda, CA, focused on preserving historic character while improving modern livability. Many homes in the area require careful updates that enhance function, comfort, and efficiency without compromising original architectural details.

Our work prioritizes subtle, respectful improvement—ensuring that upgraded spaces feel consistent with the home’s existing design and era.

Historic Kitchen Modernization Projects

We’ve updated older kitchens with improved layouts, modern functionality, and carefully selected materials that maintain architectural harmony.

Bathroom Upgrades in Older Homes

Our bathroom remodels focus on improving comfort and usability while preserving design elements that align with the home’s original character.

Whole-Home Sensitive Renovations

We help homeowners update multiple areas of historic homes while maintaining consistency in style, proportion, and materials.

Selective Interior Restoration Work

We refine key interior elements such as trim, flooring, lighting, and cabinetry to improve livability while respecting original craftsmanship.

View our home remodeling projects in Alameda, CA, to see examples of preservation-focused renovations that balance historic character with modern functionality.

Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights →
General Contractor - San Francisco Bay Area

Benefits of Going with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Experience & Accreditations

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.

Knowledge & Expertise

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.

Proven Customer Satisfaction

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.

40
Years of Experience

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for 40 Years

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.

  • Over 40 Years of Bay Area Expertise
  • Hands-On Leadership
  • Dual Licensed Expertise
  • VELUX 5-Star Skylight Specialists
  • Referral-Driven Reputation
  • Seismic-Safe, Design-Focused Construction
Learn More About Us

Philosophy

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.

Get In Touch

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.

Schedule a Free Estimate

Our Mission

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.

Values

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.

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Words of Appreciation from Our Valued Clients

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we believe great service is its own reward. Every satisfied client, glowing review, and lasting relationship reminds us why we’ve dedicated over 40 years to building with integrity, craftsmanship, and care.

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!

Norma B. San Francisco, California

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!

Aaron R. Concord, California

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!

Myla L. Concord, California

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

Chris W. Walnut Creek, California

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!

Jennifer S. Walnut Creek, California

Our Service Area

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Building Knowledge: Insights From 40 Years of Craftsmanship

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, sharing knowledge is part of our commitment to great service. Our blog offers expert tips, project insights, and inspiration drawn from decades of experience building and remodeling homes across the Bay Area.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Home Remodeling in Alameda, CA

Home remodeling is a major investment, and Alameda homeowners often have important questions before starting the process. To help you move forward with confidence, we’ve answered the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Alameda, CA when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. These FAQs provide a clear overview of what to expect, how our team approaches remodeling projects in Alameda, and how we help create homes that are more functional, comfortable, and built to last.

We provide comprehensive home remodeling services in Alameda, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, full-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements for both older and newer homes.

 

Yes. Alameda has many older and character-rich homes, and we’re experienced in remodeling properties that require careful planning, structural updates, and code-compliant improvements while preserving original charm where desired.

Absolutely. Our design-build approach means we manage the entire process — from design and planning to permitting and construction — creating a smoother, more efficient remodeling experience for Alameda homeowners.

Remodeling costs vary based on the scope of work, materials, and existing conditions of the home. Alameda projects can range from smaller upgrades to full renovations. We provide detailed, transparent estimates so you understand your investment upfront.

Project timelines depend on the size and complexity of the remodel. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while larger renovations or additions can take several months. We provide a clear project timeline before construction begins.

Yes. We take care of all required permits and coordinate inspections with the City of Alameda to ensure your remodeling project meets local building codes and regulations.

In many cases, yes. We work closely with homeowners to phase construction, minimize disruption, and maintain a safe, clean worksite whenever clients choose to remain in their home during remodeling.

Getting started is easy. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights to schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your home, review budget and timeline options, and help you take the next step toward your Alameda home remodel.

Start Your Home Remodeling Project in Alameda, CA

If you’re planning a home remodeling project in Alameda, CA, working with a contractor who understands historic preservation and thoughtful modernization is essential. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners improve functionality and comfort while respecting the original character of their homes.

Whether you’re updating a kitchen, remodeling a bathroom, or renovating an entire historic home, we focus on careful execution that maintains architectural integrity while enhancing everyday livability.

Let’s improve your home while preserving the character that makes it unique.

Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.