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…
Home remodeling in Benicia, CA often involves improving older homes while preserving the charm and character that make them unique. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners update their spaces in a way that feels natural, balanced, and well-integrated.
We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, and whole-home improvements that enhance comfort, usability, and visual appeal without overwhelming the home’s original style. Our approach focuses on thoughtful updates that improve how you live in your home while maintaining its character.
Whether you’re making small improvements or planning a larger renovation, we deliver remodeling work that feels cohesive, practical, and visually aligned with the home’s personality.
Home remodeling in Benicia, CA requires a careful balance between improving functionality and preserving the charm that defines many of the area’s homes. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience delivering renovations that enhance comfort and usability without overwhelming the original character of the home.
Our approach is centered on thoughtful improvement—updating key areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces in a way that feels natural, cohesive, and appropriate to the existing architecture. We focus on making homes more livable while maintaining the warmth and personality that make them unique.
The result is remodeling work that feels intentional, comfortable, and well-integrated into the home’s original design.
As a home remodeling contractor serving Benicia, CA, we focus on improving homes with thoughtful updates that enhance comfort, functionality, and overall livability while preserving the character that makes each property unique. Many homes in Benicia benefit from balanced renovations that modernize key areas without altering their original charm.
We also serve nearby Bay Area communities, including Vallejo, Martinez, and American Canyon. These areas share similar housing styles and renovation needs, and we tailor each project to ensure improvements feel cohesive, practical, and well-integrated with the existing home design.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or whole-home update, we focus on delivering steady, well-executed remodeling solutions that improve everyday living.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
We update kitchens to improve usability, storage, and flow while maintaining design choices that complement the home’s original character.
Our bathroom renovations focus on comfort, clean finishes, and practical improvements that make daily routines easier and more enjoyable.
We improve multiple areas of the home in a coordinated way, ensuring updates feel cohesive and aligned with the home’s overall style.
We enhance living spaces through lighting, flooring, cabinetry, and layout improvements that increase comfort without disrupting the home’s character.
We make thoughtful adjustments to improve flow, functionality, and ease of movement throughout the home while respecting its original design.
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 Benicia, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Benicia 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.
Home remodeling in Benicia works best when the process is clear, steady, and well-coordinated. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we follow a simple, structured approach that keeps projects organized and focused on delivering balanced, high-quality results with minimal disruption.
We begin by reviewing your home, understanding your goals, and identifying realistic improvements that enhance comfort and functionality.
We define the scope of work, materials, and timeline so everything is understood before construction begins.
We complete the work in a structured and efficient manner, maintaining a clean job site and steady project progress.
We review all completed work with you to ensure everything functions properly and aligns with the agreed plan.
We’ve completed a range of home remodeling projects in Benicia, CA, focused on improving comfort, usability, and everyday livability while preserving the character of each home. Many properties in the area benefit from thoughtful updates that enhance functionality without changing the home’s original charm.
Our work emphasizes balanced improvements—upgrades that feel natural, practical, and aligned with how the home was originally intended to feel and function.
We’ve updated kitchens to improve flow, storage, and daily usability while maintaining design elements that complement the home’s character.
Our bathroom remodels focus on comfort, clean functionality, and practical improvements that make everyday routines easier.
We help homeowners improve multiple areas of the home in a cohesive way that enhances livability while preserving overall style.
We complete flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and interior updates designed to improve comfort without altering the home’s personality.
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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Home remodeling is a major investment, and Albany homeowners often have important questions before starting the process. To help you plan with confidence, we’ve answered the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Albany, CA when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. These FAQs give you a clear picture of what to expect, how our team works locally, and how we help create homes that are more functional, comfortable, and built to last.
We provide full-service home remodeling in Benicia, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. Benicia has many older and historic homes that require thoughtful planning and careful execution. We’re experienced in updating these properties while preserving character and ensuring compliance with current building codes.
Yes. Our design-build approach allows us to manage your project from initial planning and design through permitting and construction, providing a streamlined and efficient remodeling experience.
Costs vary depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and the existing condition of the home. Benicia remodeling projects can range from smaller updates to full renovations. We provide detailed, transparent estimates so you know what to expect.
Project timelines depend on the size and complexity of the remodel. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while larger renovations or additions may take several months. We’ll outline a clear timeline before construction begins.
Absolutely. We manage all required permits and coordinate inspections with the City of Benicia to ensure your remodeling project meets all local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with homeowners to phase construction and minimize disruption, allowing you to remain in your home safely during the remodeling process whenever possible.
Getting started is simple. 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 move forward with confidence.
If you’re planning a home remodeling project in Benicia, CA, working with a contractor who understands balance, comfort, and respect for your home’s character can make all the difference. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners improve functionality and livability through thoughtful, well-managed renovations.
Whether you’re updating a kitchen, refreshing a bathroom, or improving multiple areas of your home, we focus on delivering work that feels natural, cohesive, and aligned with the way you live.
Let’s improve your home in a way that feels comfortable, balanced, and true to its character.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.