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 San Francisco, CA requires a specialized approach—one that accounts for older home structures, limited space, and strict building requirements. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience delivering well-planned renovations that balance design, function, and compliance.
From kitchen and bathroom remodels to full-home renovations and structural upgrades, we help homeowners transform their spaces with smart layouts, efficient use of space, and high-quality craftsmanship. Every project is carefully managed to ensure it meets both your goals and the demands of San Francisco’s building environment.
Whether you’re updating a historic home or modernizing your current space, we deliver remodeling solutions that are precise, practical, and built to last.
Home remodeling in San Francisco, CA comes with unique challenges—from working with older home structures to navigating strict building codes and limited space. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience managing complex remodeling projects with precision and care.
Our team understands how to approach renovations in a way that balances design goals with structural realities and regulatory requirements. Whether it’s updating a historic property, reconfiguring tight layouts, or improving overall functionality, we develop solutions that are both practical and well-executed.
We focus on clear planning, organized project management, and consistent communication—ensuring your remodeling project moves forward efficiently while meeting the expectations of both homeowners and local building standards.
As a home remodeling contractor serving San Francisco, CA, we understand the unique challenges and characteristics of homes throughout the city—from historic properties to more modern residences. Our experience allows us to adapt our approach based on the layout, structure, and requirements of each project.
We work with homeowners across San Francisco neighborhoods, including Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, Sunset District, Richmond District, and surrounding areas. Each neighborhood presents its own considerations, and we tailor our remodeling solutions to fit both the home and the environment.
Whether you’re updating a single space or planning a full-home renovation, we bring a consistent level of organization, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to every project.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
We redesign kitchens to maximize space, improve flow, and enhance usability. Whether working within compact layouts or updating older designs, our kitchen remodeling services focus on smart storage, efficient layouts, and durable materials suited for everyday use.
Our bathroom remodeling services are designed to make the most of limited space while improving comfort and functionality. We prioritize efficient layouts, quality materials, and practical upgrades that work within the constraints of San Francisco homes.
We handle full-home renovations that improve layout, modernize outdated spaces, and enhance overall livability—while carefully addressing structural considerations common in older homes.
Many San Francisco homes require structural adjustments to improve layout or support renovations. We manage these upgrades with precision, ensuring safety, compliance, and long-term stability.
Our design-build approach streamlines your project by combining planning and construction under one team. This allows for better coordination, faster problem-solving, and a more efficient overall process.
Choosing the right remodeling contractor means finding a team you can trust to deliver quality work, stay organized, and make the most of your investment.
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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.
We’ve completed a range of home remodeling projects in San Francisco, CA, helping homeowners improve layout, modernize older spaces, and make better use of limited square footage. Each project reflects our ability to plan carefully, manage complexity, and deliver well-executed results.
From updating kitchens and bathrooms to full-home renovations, our work focuses on improving both functionality and long-term performance—while addressing the structural and spatial challenges common in San Francisco homes.
We’ve transformed kitchens by optimizing layouts, improving storage, and upgrading finishes to create more functional, efficient spaces within existing constraints.
Our bathroom remodeling work focuses on maximizing usability in compact areas while incorporating durable materials and practical design solutions.
We’ve completed full-home renovations that improve flow, update outdated interiors, and create more cohesive living environments—while managing structural considerations common in older properties.
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.
San Francisco homes are some of the most architecturally distinctive in California. From classic Victorian houses to modern hillside properties and city condos, remodeling projects often require careful planning and specialized construction experience.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been helping homeowners throughout San Francisco and the East Bay transform their homes for more than four decades. The company provides full-service remodeling, including design support, permitting, and construction management to ensure every project runs smoothly.
Homeowners in San Francisco choose our team because we offer:
More than 40 years of Bay Area remodeling experience
Licensed general and electrical contractors
Full project management from design to final inspection
High-quality materials from trusted manufacturers
A reputation built largely through client referrals
Our goal is to deliver renovations that improve comfort, functionality, and long-term property value.
A clear process helps ensure every remodeling project is completed efficiently and with minimal disruption.
We begin by discussing your goals, design ideas, timeline, and budget.
Our team evaluates the structure and layout of your home to identify opportunities for improvement.
We develop a detailed plan outlining materials, project scope, and timelines.
Our skilled craftsmen complete the renovation using high-quality materials and proven construction techniques.
We review the completed project with you to ensure everything meets your expectations.
San Francisco homeowners often remodel to modernize interiors, add living space, and improve energy efficiency while maintaining the city’s historic architectural character.
Some of the most common remodeling projects we complete include:
Modern kitchens designed for city living, featuring custom cabinetry, efficient layouts, and updated appliances.
Bathroom upgrades that improve comfort, accessibility, and style.
Smart additions that create more living space while respecting the structure and character of the home.
Transform underused spaces into guest rooms, offices, or additional living areas.
Add usable square footage without expanding the home’s footprint.
Professional skylight solutions that increase natural light and ventilation.
These renovations help homeowners create spaces that feel both modern and functional.
Many San Francisco homes were built decades ago and feature unique architectural styles such as Victorian, Edwardian, and Craftsman. Remodeling these homes requires specialized knowledge and careful planning.
Common renovation challenges include:
- Aging plumbing and electrical systems
- Structural upgrades and seismic retrofitting
- Limited insulation and energy efficiency
- Floor plans that no longer fit modern lifestyles
Experienced contractors can modernize these homes while preserving the character that makes San Francisco architecture so distinctive.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights works with homeowners throughout San Francisco, including:
- Noe Valley
- Mission District
- Sunset District
- Pacific Heights
- Bernal Heights
- Richmond District
We also serve nearby Bay Area communities including Oakland, Berkeley, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Moraga.
San Francisco remains one of the most competitive housing markets in California. Many homeowners choose remodeling rather than moving because updating their current home allows them to stay in the neighborhood they love.
Remodeling can help homeowners:
- Increase property value
- Improve energy efficiency
- Add functional living space
- Modernize outdated layouts
- Preserve historic architectural character
A well-planned renovation can significantly enhance both daily comfort and long-term resale value.
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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 in San Francisco’s unique urban environment.
We provide full-service home remodeling in San Francisco, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, condo and townhouse remodels, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. San Francisco has many older, historic, and multi-unit properties that require careful planning and specialized expertise. We’re experienced in preserving architectural character while upgrading homes to meet modern safety, comfort, and code requirements.
Absolutely. Our design-build approach allows us to manage the entire process — from design and planning to permitting and construction — helping streamline projects in San Francisco’s complex regulatory environment.
Remodeling costs vary based on project scope, materials, building type, and site conditions. San Francisco projects can range from smaller interior upgrades to full-scale renovations. We provide detailed, transparent estimates so you understand your investment upfront.
Timelines depend on the size and complexity of the project, as well as permitting requirements. Smaller remodels may take several weeks, while larger renovations or additions can take several months. We provide a clear project schedule during planning.
Yes. We manage all required permits and coordinate inspections with the City and County of San Francisco to ensure your remodeling project complies with local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with San Francisco homeowners to phase construction when possible and minimize disruption, maintaining a clean and safe worksite throughout the project.
Getting started is easy. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights to schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, assess your space, review budget and timeline options, and help you move forward with confidence.
If you’re planning a home remodeling project in San Francisco, CA, working with an experienced and organized team can make all the difference. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience managing complex renovations with a focus on careful planning, code compliance, and high-quality workmanship.
Whether you’re updating a kitchen, renovating a bathroom, or planning a full-home remodel, we guide you through the process with clear communication and a structured approach designed to keep your project on track.
Let’s bring clarity and confidence to your remodeling project—so you can move forward knowing it’s done right.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.