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 Pleasanton, CA, is about creating a space that works better for your lifestyle today while adding long-term value to your home. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we specialize in well-planned renovations that combine modern design, practical functionality, and high-quality craftsmanship.
With over 40 years of experience, we help homeowners transform their spaces through kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, home additions, and full-home renovations. Every project is approached with a focus on clean design, efficient layouts, and durable materials that stand the test of time.
Whether you’re updating key areas or reimagining your entire home, we deliver remodeling solutions that are tailored, well-executed, and built around how you live.
Home remodeling in Pleasanton, CA requires a balance of thoughtful design, efficient planning, and reliable execution. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners improve their spaces with well-structured, high-quality renovations.
Our approach focuses on creating homes that feel more open, functional, and aligned with modern living. Whether you’re updating outdated layouts, improving key living areas, or planning a larger renovation, we provide clear guidance and consistent project management from start to finish.
We take the time to understand your goals and develop solutions that not only enhance your home today, but also support long-term value and usability.
As a home remodeling contractor serving Pleasanton, CA, we understand the needs of homeowners looking to modernize their spaces, improve functionality, and increase long-term value. Our experience in the area allows us to deliver remodeling solutions that align with both the structure of the home and the expectations of today’s homeowners.
We proudly serve Pleasanton and nearby Tri-Valley communities, including Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re updating key living spaces or planning a larger renovation, we provide reliable service, quality craftsmanship, and a well-managed process from start to finish.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
We create modern, functional kitchens that improve flow, maximize storage, and enhance everyday use. From layout updates to material upgrades, our kitchen remodeling services are designed to deliver both style and long-term usability.
Our bathroom remodeling services focus on clean, contemporary design paired with durable materials and efficient layouts. We create spaces that are comfortable, easy to maintain, and built for daily use.
We help homeowners transform their entire home by improving layout, updating finishes, and creating a more cohesive, modern living environment that supports long-term functionality.
When you need more space, we design and build home additions that integrate seamlessly with your existing structure while improving usability and overall home value.
Our design-build process brings planning and construction together under one team, ensuring a streamlined experience, better coordination, and a more consistent final result.
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 Pleasanton 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 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, 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 Pleasanton 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.
A successful home remodeling project starts with a clear, structured process. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we guide Pleasanton homeowners through every phase with organized planning, consistent communication, and a focus on delivering high-quality results on time and within scope.
We begin by understanding your goals, your home, and your priorities. This allows us to define the project scope and recommend the best approach moving forward.
We develop a detailed plan that includes layout improvements, material selections, and overall project direction—ensuring everything is aligned before construction begins.
Our team manages the construction process with attention to detail and efficiency. We maintain steady progress, a clean job site, and clear communication throughout the project.
Before completing the project, we review all work with you to ensure everything meets expectations and is finished to a high standard.
We’ve completed a wide range of home remodeling projects in Pleasanton, CA, and throughout the Tri-Valley, helping homeowners modernize their spaces, improve functionality, and increase overall home value. Each project reflects our focus on thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and long-term performance.
From targeted upgrades to full-home renovations, our work is designed to create spaces that feel more functional, cohesive, and aligned with today’s living standards.
We’ve transformed kitchens by improving layout, increasing storage, and incorporating modern finishes that enhance both usability and visual appeal.
Our bathroom remodeling projects focus on creating clean, comfortable spaces with efficient layouts and durable materials built for everyday use.
We’ve completed full-home renovations that improve flow, update outdated designs, and create more cohesive living environments.
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!
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…
The best way to remodel a home for a growing family is to focus on utility. These spaces need to be flexible enough to transform…
Smart lighting is an easy, practical upgrade for home remodeling, rolling convenience into energy efficiency and customizable ambiance. You can easily control brightness levels, color…
Home remodeling is a major investment, and Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, CA when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. These FAQs provide a clear understanding 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 Pleasanton, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. Pleasanton has many newer and master-planned communities, as well as established neighborhoods. We’re experienced in updating layouts, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing finishes while working within HOA and local requirements when applicable.
Absolutely. Our design-build approach allows us to manage your project from design and planning through permitting and construction, creating a streamlined and efficient remodeling experience.
Remodeling costs vary based on project scope, materials, and the condition of the home. Pleasanton projects can range from smaller updates to full-home renovations. We provide detailed, transparent estimates so you know what to expect upfront.
Timelines depend on the size and complexity of the remodel. Smaller projects may take several weeks, while larger renovations or additions may take a few months. We provide a clear project schedule before construction begins.
Yes. We manage all required permits and coordinate inspections with the City of Pleasanton to ensure your remodeling project complies with local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with Pleasanton homeowners to phase construction when possible, minimize disruption, and maintain a clean, safe worksite throughout the remodeling process.
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 ready to upgrade your home, our team is here to help you move forward with a clear plan and dependable execution. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping Pleasanton homeowners create modern, functional spaces that support everyday living and long-term value.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or full-home improvement, we focus on delivering a smooth, organized process with results that are built to last.
Let’s create a home that feels more modern, more functional, and better suited to your lifestyle.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.