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 Pinole, CA, is often about making smart improvements that increase comfort, functionality, and long-term value. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we help homeowners upgrade their spaces with practical, well-planned renovations designed to get the most out of their homes.
With over 40 years of experience, we handle everything from kitchen and bathroom remodels to full-home renovations and additions. Our focus is on efficient design, quality workmanship, and clear communication—so your project stays on track and delivers results that make sense for your home and your budget.
Whether you’re updating an older home or improving your current space, we provide remodeling solutions that are built to last and tailored to your needs.
Home remodeling in Pinole, CA often involves making thoughtful upgrades that improve both daily living and long-term home value. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping homeowners make practical, well-informed remodeling decisions.
We focus on creating solutions that make sense for your home—whether that means improving layout, updating outdated features, or maximizing the use of your existing space. Our team takes a straightforward, organized approach to every project, ensuring clear communication, realistic timelines, and dependable results.
From smaller updates to larger renovations, we work closely with you to deliver improvements that are efficient, functional, and built to last.
As a home remodeling contractor serving Pinole, CA, we understand the unique needs of homeowners in the area—from updating older homes to improving functionality and maximizing existing space. Our experience working throughout the East Bay allows us to deliver remodeling solutions that are both practical and well-suited to each home.
We proudly serve homeowners in Pinole and surrounding communities, including Hercules, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Richmond, and nearby East Bay areas. Whether you’re making targeted upgrades or planning a larger renovation, we provide reliable service and quality workmanship you can count on.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
We upgrade kitchens to improve layout, storage, and everyday usability. Whether it’s modernizing finishes or reworking the space for better flow, our kitchen remodeling services are designed to make your home more functional without unnecessary complexity.
Our bathroom remodeling services focus on creating clean, practical spaces that are easier to maintain and more comfortable to use. We prioritize durable materials and smart design choices that deliver long-term value.
For homeowners looking to improve multiple areas of their home, we provide whole-home remodeling solutions that enhance layout, efficiency, and overall livability while making the most of your existing space.
If your home needs more space, we design and build additions that expand your living area without compromising the structure or flow of your home. Each addition is built to integrate naturally and function efficiently.
Our design-build approach keeps your project organized and cost-effective by combining planning and construction under one team. This reduces delays, improves communication, and helps keep your project aligned with your goals and budget.
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 Pinole 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 Pinole 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 remodeling project starts with a clear and efficient process. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we guide Pinole homeowners through each stage of their remodel with organized planning, steady communication, and a focus on keeping projects on track and within scope.
We begin by discussing your goals, your home, and your priorities. This helps us define a clear scope of work and identify the most effective approach for your project.
We develop a practical plan that outlines layout changes, material options, and overall project direction. Our goal is to create a design that balances function, efficiency, and long-term value.
Our team carries out the construction phase with attention to detail and efficient project management. We focus on maintaining progress, minimizing disruption, and keeping communication consistent.
Before completing the project, we review every detail with you to ensure everything meets expectations and functions as intended. We make sure the job is done right before we consider it complete.
We’ve completed a variety of home remodeling projects in Pinole, CA, and throughout the East Bay, helping homeowners improve functionality, update outdated spaces, and make better use of their homes. Each project reflects our focus on efficient design, quality workmanship, and long-term value.
Whether it’s a targeted upgrade or a larger renovation, our work is built to deliver practical improvements that homeowners can rely on every day.
We’ve helped homeowners improve kitchen layouts, increase storage, and update finishes to create more functional and efficient spaces for everyday use.
Our bathroom remodeling projects focus on clean, durable, and easy-to-maintain designs that improve comfort and usability.
We’ve completed full-home renovations that improve flow, maximize space, and bring older homes up to modern living standards.

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 Pinole 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 Pinole, 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 Pinole, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, room additions, garage conversions, siding upgrades, skylight installations, and structural improvements.
Yes. Pinole has many older suburban homes as well as newer developments. We’re experienced in updating layouts, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing finishes while maintaining the home’s integrity and style.
Absolutely. Our design-build approach allows us to manage your project from initial design and planning through permitting and construction, providing a smooth and coordinated remodeling experience.
Costs vary depending on project scope, materials, and the existing condition of the home. Pinole remodeling projects can range from smaller upgrades to full-home renovations. We provide transparent, detailed estimates so you know what to expect before work begins.
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 Pinole to ensure your remodeling project meets local building codes and regulations.
In many cases, yes. We work with Pinole 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 ready to improve your home, our team is here to help you make smart, practical upgrades that deliver lasting value. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience helping Pinole homeowners complete remodeling projects with confidence, clarity, and dependable results.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen update, bathroom renovation, or a larger home improvement project, we focus on keeping the process efficient, organized, and aligned with your goals and budget.
Let’s improve your home while preserving the character that makes it unique.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation.