Home Remodeling is a Great Way to Invest Your Tax…
Embarking on home remodeling is more than just a renovation; it’s a strategic investment that can yield both immediate and long-term benefits. When pondering how…
Your home should reflect the way you live, with thoughtful design, refined finishes, and spaces that feel both functional and timeless.
When it’s time to update or expand your home, working with experienced home renovation contractors in Alamo, CA ensures every detail is handled with precision.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we specialize in high-quality home renovations tailored to the expectations of Alamo homeowners. Whether you’re reimagining a kitchen, transforming a primary suite, or planning a full home renovation, our team delivers craftsmanship that enhances both daily living and long-term property value.
Homes in Alamo often require a more tailored approach, balancing modern upgrades with existing architecture, structural considerations, and elevated design standards. With over 40 years of experience throughout the East Bay, we guide you through every phase of the renovation, from initial concept to final build, with clear communication and a focus on delivering results that feel cohesive, intentional, and built to last.
Every home renovation should feel intentional, cohesive, and built to last. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we provide full-service home renovation solutions tailored to Alamo homeowners’ expectations, combining thoughtful design with expert craftsmanship.
Whether you’re updating a single space or transforming your entire home, our team handles every phase with precision, from planning and design through construction and final detailing.
Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations
Elevated, design-forward spaces that balance functionality with high-end finishes, tailored to how you live every day.
Home Additions & Expansions
Seamlessly integrated additions that enhance your home’s layout, flow, and long-term value without compromising its original character.
Whole-Home Renovations
Comprehensive transformations that modernize your home while maintaining architectural integrity and design consistency throughout.
Finished Basements & Attics
Turn underutilized areas into refined, livable spaces such as guest suites, offices, or entertainment areas.
Windows, Doors & Exterior Upgrades
Improve energy efficiency, natural light, and curb appeal with high-quality exterior enhancements designed to complement your home.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Custom decks, patios, and outdoor areas designed for comfort, entertaining, and enjoying Alamo’s year-round climate.
Skylight Installation
Bring in natural light with professionally installed skylights that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Garage & Bonus Room Conversions
Maximize your existing footprint by converting underused areas into purposeful, well-designed living spaces.
In addition to aesthetic upgrades, we also handle structural improvements such as foundation repair, dry rot correction, and waterproofing, ensuring your home is as strong as it is beautiful.
Choosing the right home renovation contractor in Alamo is about more than just construction, it’s about trust, experience, and the ability to deliver a finished product that meets a higher standard.
For over 40 years, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has built a reputation throughout the East Bay for delivering high-quality renovations with a focus on craftsmanship, communication, and long-term value.
Decades of Experience in the East Bay
We understand the nuances of renovating homes in Alamo, from older properties that require structural updates to larger custom homes that demand a more refined approach.
Design-Focused, Build-Driven Approach
Our team combines practical construction expertise with thoughtful design guidance, helping you make informed decisions that improve both function and aesthetics.
Seamless Project Management
From initial consultation through final inspection, we manage every phase of your renovation with clear communication, timelines, and attention to detail.
High Standards of Craftsmanship
We work with skilled tradespeople and trusted materials to ensure every aspect of your renovation is completed to a level that reflects the quality of your home.
Trusted by Homeowners Across the East Bay
Much of our work comes from referrals, a direct result of consistently delivering projects that meet and exceed expectations.
When you work with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you’re partnering with a team that understands how to execute complex renovations while maintaining the character, quality, and value of your home.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
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.
Choosing the right home renovation contractor in Alamo, CA often comes down to experience with homes similar to yours. While every project is unique, our work throughout the East Bay reflects the level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and design consistency that Alamo homeowners expect.
Here are a few examples of recent renovation projects completed in communities near Alamo:
This project involved a full kitchen transformation, including layout reconfiguration, custom cabinetry, upgraded lighting, and high-end finishes. The goal was to create a more open, functional space that aligned with the home’s overall design while improving flow for everyday living and entertaining.
For this project, we completed a comprehensive renovation that included structural updates, interior redesign, and finish upgrades throughout the home. Special attention was given to maintaining architectural consistency while modernizing key living areas.
This project included a custom home addition along with interior renovations to improve space, usability, and natural light. The final result blended seamlessly with the original structure, creating a cohesive and elevated living environment.
We completed a series of interior upgrades, including a bathroom renovation focused on clean design, improved functionality, and durable, high-quality materials suited for long-term use.
While these projects were completed in nearby communities, the same level of detail, planning, and execution is applied to every home renovation project we take on in Alamo.
From initial consultation to final construction, our focus remains on delivering results that feel intentional, well-built, and aligned with your vision.
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!
Embarking on home remodeling is more than just a renovation; it’s a strategic investment that can yield both immediate and long-term benefits. When pondering how…
When embarking on a home remodeling project, the choice of a remodeling company can significantly impact the success and satisfaction of the endeavor. Certain factors…
Home construction projects can vary widely in complexity, from simple renovations to extensive structural changes. While some homeowners might assume that general contractors are solely…
Home renovations in Alamo come with a unique set of considerations. Many properties in the area feature custom designs, larger floor plans, and established architectural styles that require a careful balance between modern upgrades and preserving the original character of the home.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we understand that renovating homes in Alamo isn’t just about improving appearance; it’s about enhancing how the home functions while maintaining a cohesive and elevated design.
Older homes in Alamo may require structural updates, layout improvements, or system upgrades to support modern living. At the same time, newer or custom-built homes often call for high-end finishes, refined details, and a consistent design vision throughout the space.
Our team approaches each project with a focus on:
We work closely with homeowners to develop renovation plans that feel intentional and well-executed, whether the project involves a single space or a full home transformation.
In addition to working with homeowners in Alamo, we also serve nearby communities, including Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and Orinda. Our experience across these areas gives us a deeper understanding of local home styles, construction standards, and renovation expectations.
The cost of a home renovation in Alamo can vary widely depending on the size of the project, the level of customization, and the materials selected. High-end renovations, which are common in Alamo, typically involve a greater investment due to design complexity, structural considerations, and premium finishes.
The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule a consultation where your goals, timeline, and budget can be reviewed in detail.
Project timelines depend on the scope of work. Smaller renovations such as bathrooms may take a few weeks, while full home renovations or major additions can take several months.
Homes in Alamo often require a more detailed planning phase to ensure the design, materials, and structural elements are aligned before construction begins, which helps avoid delays later in the process.
Yes, most home renovation projects in Alamo require permits, especially those involving structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or additions.
Working with experienced home renovation contractors in Alamo, CA ensures that all necessary permits are handled properly and that your project meets local building codes and regulations.
Yes. Many homes in Alamo feature custom designs or older construction that require a thoughtful renovation approach.
Our team has experience working with a wide range of home styles, carefully upgrading these properties while preserving their architectural character and improving functionality.
We specialize in a wide range of renovation services, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, whole-home renovations, home additions, and structural upgrades.
Each project is tailored to the homeowner’s goals, with a focus on delivering high-quality results that feel cohesive and built to last.
When selecting a contractor, it’s important to look for experience, licensing, past project examples, and clear communication.
Homeowners in Alamo often prioritize contractors who understand the level of quality and detail expected in higher-end homes, as well as the ability to manage projects from design through construction.
Yes, we provide design-build services, allowing for a more streamlined renovation process. This approach keeps design, planning, and construction aligned, helping reduce miscommunication and improve overall project efficiency.
The renovation process typically begins with an initial consultation, followed by design planning, material selection, and construction.
Throughout the project, our team maintains clear communication so you understand timelines, progress, and key decisions at every stage.
If you’re planning a home renovation in Alamo, working with the right contractor can make all the difference in achieving a result that feels cohesive, functional, and built to last.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring over 40 years of experience to every project, helping homeowners transform their spaces with a focus on quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and long-term value.
Whether you’re considering a kitchen remodel, home addition, or full renovation, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial planning to final construction.
Take the first step toward improving your home with a team that understands the expectations of Alamo homeowners.
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your consultation and get expert insight into your renovation goals, timeline, and budget.
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