What Should Homeowners Ask Before Signing A Deck Installation Contract?
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Your home in El Cerrito should be a true reflection of your lifestyle—comfortable, stylish, and built to adapt to your family’s needs. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a full-home renovation, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is your trusted partner for expert remodeling and personalized service.
For over 40 years, we’ve been helping East Bay homeowners reimagine their living spaces with thoughtful design, durable construction, and a commitment to excellence every step of the way.
From modernizing outdated interiors to expanding your living space for a growing household, we handle every detail of your project with care and precision. We specialize in working with El Cerrito’s unique blend of architectural styles and neighborhood charm.
Our El Cerrito renovation services include:
Kitchens & Bathrooms – Beautiful, efficient, and customized to your day-to-day life
Home Additions & Expansions – Seamless additions that feel original to the home
Finished Basements & Attics – Unlock extra square footage without altering your home’s footprint
Windows, Doors & Siding – Improve energy efficiency and exterior aesthetics
Decks, Patios & Porches – Create inviting outdoor spaces to enjoy El Cerrito’s mild climate
Skylight Installation – Brighten your home with natural light and improved ventilation
Garage & Bonus Room Conversions – Convert unused space into something functional and stylish
We also offer critical structural services, including foundation repair, dry rot correction, and basement waterproofing, helping protect your home from the ground up.
We’re more than builders—we’re long-term partners in your home’s transformation. Our licensed team of skilled craftsmen, electricians, and project managers delivers high-quality results while making the process smooth and transparent from start to finish.
What sets us apart:
40+ years of remodeling experience in El Cerrito and across the East Bay
Certified by industry-leading brands like Grip-Tite, James Hardie, and VELUX
Start-to-finish project management—design, permitting, inspections, and final walk-through
Exceptional customer satisfaction—over half of our business comes from referrals
No matter the size or complexity of your project, we bring integrity, creativity, and expert craftsmanship to every renovation.
Turn your current house into the home you’ve always wanted. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today for a free, no-obligation consultation in El Cerrito, CA.
📞 East Bay Office: (925) 671-9500
📞 San Francisco Office: (415) 447-6136
📨 Or reach out online to schedule your consultation.
Helpful Links:
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.
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!
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Key Takeaways A new deck installation before you sell your home can really add to the value and appeal of your home, particularly when your…
Key Takeaways Check any deck installer’s credentials, licensing and insurance to protect yourself from potential risk and to comply with local regulations. Evaluate the contractor’s…
We offer complete renovation services, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, home additions, basement and attic conversions, window and door replacement, decks and patios, siding upgrades, skylight installation, and structural repairs.
Yes, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is fully licensed and insured in the state of California. All work is completed to code, with safety, quality, and compliance as top priorities.
Absolutely. We offer free, no-obligation consultations in El Cerrito, CA. We’ll visit your home, discuss your ideas, and provide a detailed proposal based on your goals and budget.
Yes. We take care of all necessary permitting with Contra Costa County and the Town of El Cerrito area to ensure your renovation is fully compliant with local building codes and regulations.
Yes, we specialize in designing and building home additions that seamlessly integrate with your existing home. Whether it’s a new bedroom, guest suite, or expanded kitchen, we ensure the addition feels original to your property.
With over 40 years of experience, we bring unmatched craftsmanship, attention to detail, and honest communication. Our full-service approach, high-quality materials, and local reputation for reliability make us a preferred choice in El Cerrito.
Timelines vary depending on the scope. A bathroom remodel may take a few weeks, while a full-home renovation or major addition could take several months. We provide realistic timelines and keep you informed throughout the process.
Yes. We prioritize sustainable upgrades such as energy-efficient windows, insulated siding, skylights, LED lighting, and smart home features that help reduce energy usage and utility costs.