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 Oakland, CA often involves updating older homes, improving layout efficiency, and creating more functional living spaces. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners transform outdated properties into modern, comfortable, and practical homes.
We specialize in kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, home additions, and full-home renovations that focus on improving usability, flow, and overall livability. Our approach is centered on thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, and solutions that fit both your home and your budget goals.
Whether you’re updating a single space or planning a larger renovation, we deliver remodeling work that is efficient, well-executed, and designed to add long-term value.
Home remodeling in Oakland, CA often involves working with older homes that require thoughtful updates, improved layouts, and modern functionality. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners transform outdated or inefficient spaces into homes that better support today’s living standards.
Our approach focuses on solving practical design and construction challenges—whether that means improving flow, updating essential systems, or reconfiguring spaces for better usability. We prioritize clear planning, efficient execution, and solutions that are grounded in both design intent and real-world constraints.
Every project is managed with attention to structure, function, and long-term performance, ensuring that improvements are not only visually updated but also meaningful in how the home is used every day.
As a home remodeling contractor serving Oakland, CA, we understand the wide range of home styles and renovation needs found throughout the city. From older properties that require layout improvements to more updated homes seeking functional upgrades, we tailor each project to the specific structure and goals of the homeowner.
We work across Oakland and surrounding East Bay neighborhoods, including Rockridge, Montclair, Temescal, Glenview, and the Dimond District. Each area presents its own housing characteristics, and we adapt our approach to ensure practical, well-executed remodeling solutions that fit both the home and the neighborhood.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen update, bathroom renovation, or full-home remodel, we focus on delivering efficient, organized, and high-quality results.
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 improve workflow, increase storage, and modernize outdated layouts. Our kitchen remodeling approach focuses on making the space more efficient, functional, and suited to everyday use.
Our bathroom remodeling services upgrade older bathrooms with better layouts, improved materials, and more efficient use of space—creating clean, functional, and durable results.
We help homeowners rework outdated homes into more functional living spaces by improving layout flow, updating key areas, and addressing long-standing design inefficiencies.
When additional space is needed, we design and build home additions that integrate with the existing structure while improving overall functionality and livability.
Many Oakland homes benefit from layout changes that improve flow and usability. We specialize in reworking existing spaces to create more open, efficient, and functional environments.
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 Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland, CA, and throughout the East Bay, helping homeowners transform older properties into more functional, modern living spaces. Each project reflects our focus on practical improvements, thoughtful planning, and quality craftsmanship.
Our work often involves updating outdated layouts, improving flow, and making better use of existing space to create homes that are more comfortable and efficient for everyday living.
We’ve redesigned kitchens to improve workflow, modernize outdated layouts, and increase functionality through smarter storage and better use of space.
Our bathroom remodeling work focuses on upgrading older bathrooms with durable materials, improved layouts, and more efficient use of space.
We’ve completed full-home renovations that modernize older homes, improve livability, and create more cohesive and functional interiors.
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.
Homeowners in Oakland value quality construction, thoughtful design, and contractors who understand the unique character of East Bay homes. From hillside properties to established neighborhoods, remodeling projects often require specialized experience with structural design, permits, and careful planning.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has served homeowners across the Bay Area since 1983, completing a wide variety of residential construction projects, including remodels, additions, skylights, and structural improvements.
Oakland homeowners choose our team because we offer:
• More than four decades of Bay Area construction experience
• Licensed, bonded, and insured general contractors
• Clear communication from start to finish
• High-quality materials and trusted building methods
• Transparent estimates and detailed project planning
Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, expanding your living space, or renovating an entire home, we bring proven craftsmanship and attention to detail to every project.
A clear process helps ensure your remodeling project runs smoothly from concept to completion.
We begin by discussing your goals, design ideas, timeline, and budget.
Our team evaluates your home’s structure and identifies opportunities for improvement.
We develop a detailed plan outlining materials, project scope, and timeline.
Our experienced craftsmen complete the project using high-quality materials and proven building practices.
We review the completed project with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations.
Homes in Oakland range from mid-century ranch homes to modern hillside properties. Remodeling projects often focus on improving space, modernizing interiors, and increasing energy efficiency.
Some of the most common remodeling projects we complete in Oakland include:
Modern kitchen upgrades with improved layouts, custom cabinetry, upgraded lighting, and high-efficiency appliances.
Bathroom renovations designed to increase comfort, accessibility, and resale value.
Room additions, expanded living areas, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to accommodate changing family needs.
VELUX skylights and sun tunnels that bring natural light into darker spaces.
Transforming underused garages into home offices, guest suites, or hobby rooms.
Foundation repairs, retaining walls, and waterproofing improvements that protect the integrity of hillside homes.
Many homes in Oakland are built on slopes or hillside terrain. Remodeling these properties requires special attention to structural stability, drainage, and foundation integrity.
Common considerations for hillside remodeling projects include:
• Retaining wall construction and reinforcement
• Foundation stabilization and seismic upgrades
• Proper drainage systems to prevent moisture damage
• Structural framing adjustments for additions
Our experienced construction team understands the challenges that come with hillside homes and uses proven engineering and construction practices to ensure every project is safe, durable, and compliant with local building codes.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights works with homeowners throughout Oakland, including:
• Campolindo
• Rheem Valley
• Sanders Ranch
• Oakland Country Club area
• Los Perales neighborhood
We also serve nearby East Bay communities including Lafayette, Orinda, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill.
Oakland remains one of the most desirable residential communities in Contra Costa County. With excellent schools, scenic hillsides, and proximity to major Bay Area job centers, many homeowners choose to remodel rather than relocate.
Home remodeling can help:
• Increase property value
• Improve energy efficiency
• Add functional living space
• Modernize older layouts
• Enhance long-term comfort
For many Oakland homeowners, remodeling is the best way to adapt a home to changing needs while staying in a neighborhood they love.
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 Oakland 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. Oakland has a wide variety of older and historic homes, many of which require careful planning and skilled craftsmanship. We’re experienced in updating these properties while preserving character, improving functionality, and meeting current building codes.
Absolutely. Our design-build approach allows us to manage the project from initial design and planning through permitting and construction, creating a smooth and coordinated remodeling experience.
Costs vary depending on project scope, materials, and the condition of the home. Oakland remodeling 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 a few weeks, while larger renovations or additions may take several months. We provide a clear project schedule before construction begins.
Yes. We manage all required permits and coordinate inspections with the City of Oakland to ensure your remodeling project meets local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with Oakland homeowners to phase construction and minimize disruption, allowing you to remain in your home safely throughout the remodeling project.
Getting started is simple. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your goals, evaluate your home, discuss budget and timeline options, and help you move forward with confidence.
If you’re planning a home remodeling project in Oakland, CA, working with an experienced contractor who understands older homes and practical renovations can make all the difference. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners transform outdated or inefficient spaces into functional, modern homes.
Whether you’re updating a kitchen, renovating a bathroom, or planning a full-home remodel, we focus on delivering clear planning, reliable execution, and solutions that improve how your home actually works for you.
Let’s turn your home into a space that’s more functional, more efficient, and better suited to your everyday life.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.