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 Piedmont, CA requires a thoughtful approach—one that enhances your home while preserving its architectural integrity. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we specialize in carefully planned renovations that blend modern functionality with timeless design.
With over 40 years of experience, we work closely with homeowners to deliver kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, home additions, and full-home renovations that feel cohesive, intentional, and built to last. Every detail is considered—from layout and materials to craftsmanship and finish.
Our goal is simple: to create spaces that not only look exceptional, but also feel natural within the character of your home.
As a home remodeling contractor serving Piedmont, CA, we understand the importance of working with homes that often carry architectural history, distinctive layouts, and long-standing design character. Our approach is built around enhancing these homes thoughtfully while maintaining their integrity and style.
We also serve select nearby East Bay communities, including Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and Montclair. This regional experience allows us to bring a consistent level of craftsmanship and design sensitivity to a wide range of home styles across the area.
Whether your project involves a kitchen update, bathroom renovation, or full-home transformation, we focus on delivering results that feel cohesive, intentional, and well-executed.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
We design kitchens that balance beauty and function while respecting the overall character of your home. From layout refinements to custom finishes, our kitchen remodeling services are tailored to create elegant, highly usable spaces that feel intentional and cohesive.
Our bathroom remodeling services focus on creating refined, comfortable spaces that feel calm and well-designed. We prioritize quality materials, thoughtful layouts, and subtle design enhancements that elevate everyday routines.
For homeowners seeking a comprehensive transformation, we provide whole-home remodeling that improves flow, functionality, and design consistency throughout the entire property. Every decision is made to preserve balance while enhancing livability.
We design and build home additions that integrate seamlessly with your existing architecture. Whether expanding living space or adding new functional areas, we ensure each addition feels natural and cohesive with the original structure.
Our design-build approach brings planning and construction together under one team, ensuring a unified vision from concept to completion. This process allows for greater precision, fewer disruptions, and a more cohesive final result.
In Piedmont, remodeling is not just about upgrading a home—it’s about preserving character while improving function and livability. That balance requires experience, precision, and care.
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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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.
Over the years, we’ve completed a range of home remodeling projects in Piedmont, CA, and surrounding East Bay communities. Each project reflects a careful balance of design refinement, structural improvement, and attention to architectural detail.
Our work focuses on enhancing how a home functions while preserving its character, ensuring that each renovation feels intentional, cohesive, and aligned with the existing structure.
We’ve improved kitchen spaces by refining layouts, upgrading materials, and enhancing flow to create spaces that are both functional and visually balanced.
Our bathroom remodeling work emphasizes clean design, high-quality finishes, and thoughtful spatial planning to create calm, well-proportioned environments.
We specialize in full-home transformations that improve flow, unify design elements, and enhance the overall livability of older or outdated homes.
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.
Piedmont is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and elegant residential architecture. Remodeling in this community requires a contractor who understands both modern construction practices and the importance of preserving original design details.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we have more than four decades of experience renovating homes throughout the East Bay. Our team works closely with Piedmont homeowners to modernize interiors while maintaining the character that makes these homes unique.
Homeowners choose us because we provide:
Over 40 years of Bay Area remodeling experience
Licensed and insured general contractors
High-quality materials from trusted brands
Detailed planning and transparent communication
A reputation built largely on referrals
Our goal is to deliver remodeling solutions that enhance comfort, functionality, and long-term property value.
A clear and organized process helps ensure every remodeling project runs smoothly.
We begin by discussing your goals, design ideas, timeline, and budget.
Our team assesses the structure, layout, and opportunities for improvement.
We develop a detailed project plan outlining materials, scope of work, and timeline.
Our skilled craftsmen complete the renovation using proven building practices and high-quality materials.
We review the completed project to ensure everything meets your expectations.
Homes in Piedmont often benefit from thoughtful renovations that balance modern living with historic charm.
Some of the most common projects we complete include:
Custom kitchen renovations designed to improve layout, storage, and lighting while maintaining the architectural style of the home.
Modern bathroom upgrades featuring improved functionality, updated fixtures, and elegant finishes.
Complete interior updates that modernize older homes while preserving their original design character.
Transforming underused spaces into guest suites, home offices, or entertainment rooms.
Professional skylight installation that brings natural light into darker areas of the home.
Seamless additions that expand living space while blending with the existing structure.
These renovations help homeowners improve both everyday living and resale value.
Many Piedmont homes were built decades ago and feature architectural styles such as Craftsman, Tudor, and Mediterranean. Remodeling these homes requires careful planning and experience with older structures.
Common renovation challenges include:
- Outdated plumbing and electrical systems
- Limited insulation and energy efficiency
- Aging foundations or structural components
- Floor plans that no longer match modern lifestyles
Our team specializes in upgrading historic homes while maintaining their architectural integrity.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights proudly works with homeowners throughout Piedmont, including:
- Central Piedmont
- Piedmont Hills
- Grand Avenue area
- Oakland Avenue area
- Crocker Highlands nearby
We also serve surrounding East Bay communities including Oakland, Berkeley, Lafayette, Moraga, and Walnut Creek.
Piedmont remains one of the most desirable residential communities in the East Bay. Rather than relocating, many homeowners choose remodeling to improve their homes while staying in a neighborhood they love.
Remodeling can help homeowners:
- Increase property value
- Improve energy efficiency
- Add functional living space
- Modernize interior layouts
- Preserve historic architectural charm
A well-planned renovation can significantly enhance both comfort and long-term property 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont, 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 Piedmont, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. Piedmont features many older, high-end homes that require careful planning and craftsmanship. We’re experienced in updating these properties while preserving architectural character and enhancing functionality and value.
Absolutely. Our design-build approach allows us to manage your project from initial design and planning through permitting and construction, providing a seamless and efficient remodeling experience.
Costs vary depending on project scope, materials, and the condition of the home. Piedmont remodeling projects can range from small 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 schedule before construction begins.
Yes. We manage all required permits and coordinate inspections with the City of Piedmont to ensure your remodeling project meets local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with Piedmont homeowners to phase construction, minimize disruption, and maintain a clean, safe worksite throughout the 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 considering a home remodeling project in Piedmont, CA, our team is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience delivering carefully planned renovations that respect your home’s character while improving its function and livability.
Whether you’re updating a kitchen, renovating a bathroom, or planning a full-home remodel, we focus on thoughtful execution, clear communication, and results built to last.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.