What Are The Pros And Cons Of DIY Kitchen Remodeling?
Remodeling a kitchen can be expensive, but with DIY kitchen remodeling, homeowners have the opportunity to create their dream space. Boom, now they’ve completed their…
If you’re a homeowner in Alameda, CA, looking to remodel your kitchen, you deserve a team that delivers beautiful results, uses quality materials, and stands by their work. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’ve been remodeling kitchens in Alameda and across the Bay Area since 1983. With decades of experience, a strong local reputation, and a licensed, insured team, we’re here to help turn your kitchen into a space you’ll love.
Whether you’re dreaming of a modern open-concept kitchen, improved storage and functionality, or simply upgrading outdated fixtures and finishes, we’re ready to help bring your ideas to life.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we offer complete kitchen remodeling services tailored to your home, lifestyle, and budget. Our Alameda kitchen remodeling services include:
Full Kitchen Renovations – Complete redesigns, from layout changes to custom cabinetry
Countertops & Cabinetry – High-quality materials, expert installation, and custom options
Lighting & Electrical – Functional and aesthetic improvements for a brighter kitchen
Appliance Installation – Seamless integration of new or upgraded kitchen appliances
Flooring & Backsplashes – Durable, stylish options to match your design vision
Plumbing Fixtures – Sinks, faucets, water lines, and more
Whether you’re starting with a few ideas or need help building a complete vision, we’ll walk you through every step—from initial consultation to final walkthrough. We take pride in our transparent process, honest pricing, and unmatched attention to detail.
We’ve spent over 30 years earning the trust of Alameda homeowners through quality work and a commitment to excellence. Our experienced team treats every home like it’s our own—because we know how important your space is. When you work with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you can expect:
Clear communication
Respect for your home and timeline
Quality craftsmanship that lasts
A finished kitchen you’ll be proud to show off
Is your kitchen ready for a fresh start? Let’s create something exceptional together. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in Alameda. We’re excited to help you design and build the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
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!
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Whether you’re planning a modern update, expanding your kitchen’s layout, or simply refreshing your space, homeowners in Alameda, CA have specific questions about permits, costs, timelines, and what to expect. Below are the answers to the most common questions we hear about kitchen remodeling in our community — from planning your vision with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights to navigating local code requirements.
The timeline depends on the scope of work. Most full kitchen renovations in the Bay Area take 4–8 weeks, with more complex projects (like layout changes or structural work) extending up to 10–12 weeks — not including the upfront planning and permitting phase.
In Alameda, most renovations that involve moving cabinets, changing electrical or plumbing configurations, or altering the layout require a building permit from the city. Simple cosmetic updates (like like-for-like countertop replacement) are often exempt, but anything beyond that needs approval.
Costs can vary widely based on materials, appliances, and design goals. Local data shows average kitchen remodels in Alameda often range from around $19,000 to $26,000, and can go higher depending on finishes and custom work.
Yes — Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides full design-to-build services, helping you refine your vision and integrate cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and flooring into a cohesive plan tailored for your home.
Typically, homeowners can remain in their home, but the kitchen area will be out of commission during active construction. Your contractor can help plan work stages to minimize disruption. Most remodelers in the area emphasize clear communication about access and scheduling.
A full remodel can include layout redesign, custom cabinetry, new countertops, lighting upgrades, appliance installation, updated flooring and backsplash, and modern plumbing fixtures, all coordinated from initial consultation to final walkthrough.
Yes — Alameda follows California building codes and local permitting rules. Any electrical, plumbing, or structural changes must meet current standards and pass inspections before final approval. Your contractor should manage this process and keep you informed.
Start with a free in-home estimate to discuss your ideas, budget, and timeline. Mares & Dow will help assess your current layout, recommend possibilities, and outline the next steps including design, materials selection, scheduling, and permitting.