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 Alamo, CA looking to transform your kitchen, you deserve a trusted team that delivers stunning results, uses premium materials, and stands by their craftsmanship. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’ve been remodeling kitchens across Alamo and the Bay Area since 1983. With decades of experience, a strong reputation for excellence, and a licensed, insured team, we’re ready to bring your dream kitchen to life.
Whether you’re envisioning a sleek open-concept layout, better storage and organization, or just want to refresh outdated finishes, we’re here to help you make it happen.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we offer full-service kitchen remodeling tailored to your style, needs, and budget. Our Alamo kitchen remodeling services include:
Full Kitchen Renovations – Complete redesigns, including layout changes and custom cabinetry
Countertops & Cabinetry – High-quality materials, precision installation, and personalized options
Lighting & Electrical – Upgrades for improved function, ambiance, and energy efficiency
Appliance Installation – Seamless integration of modern or upgraded kitchen appliances
Flooring & Backsplashes – Durable and stylish options that elevate your kitchen’s design
Plumbing Fixtures – New sinks, faucets, and updated plumbing for form and function
From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, we’ll guide you through every step of the process with transparency, attention to detail, and clear communication.
We’ve earned the trust of homeowners throughout the region by delivering exceptional results with integrity. When you choose Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you can expect:
Clear, responsive communication
Respect for your home and schedule
Lasting craftsmanship with attention to detail
A beautiful, functional kitchen you’ll be proud to show off
Is it time to reimagine your kitchen? Let’s create a space that fits your lifestyle and reflects your vision. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in Alamo. We can’t wait to help you 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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Remodeling a kitchen in Alamo, CA often involves thoughtful planning, quality materials, and attention to local permitting and home styles. Whether you’re upgrading an older kitchen or creating a more open, modern layout, these FAQs address the most common questions Alamo homeowners ask when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Most kitchen remodels in Alamo take 4 to 8 weeks once construction begins. Larger projects involving layout changes, structural work, or custom cabinetry may take 8 to 12 weeks, not including the design and permitting phase.
Yes. In Alamo, permits are typically required for kitchen remodels that involve electrical, plumbing, gas lines, structural changes, or wall removal. Cosmetic updates may not require permits, but Mares & Dow handles the permitting process to ensure everything complies with Contra Costa County requirements.
Kitchen remodeling costs in Alamo vary based on size, finishes, and scope. Most homeowners invest anywhere from a mid-range renovation to a high-end custom remodel, especially when upgrading cabinetry, appliances, countertops, and lighting. A detailed estimate helps define costs clearly before work begins.
Absolutely. Mares & Dow provides design-build kitchen remodeling, meaning we assist with layout planning, material selection, cabinetry design, lighting, and overall functionality to create a kitchen that fits both your lifestyle and your home’s architecture.
In most cases, yes. Many Alamo homeowners remain in their homes during construction, though the kitchen will be temporarily unusable. We work to minimize disruption and keep you informed about timelines and access throughout the project.
A full kitchen remodel may include custom or semi-custom cabinets, stone or quartz countertops, new flooring, updated lighting, backsplash installation, appliance upgrades, and improved storage solutions, all coordinated as part of a cohesive plan.
Yes. Many homes in Alamo feature larger footprints, open-concept layouts, and high-end finishes, which can influence structural planning, electrical loads, and design choices. Our team accounts for these factors while ensuring all work meets current building codes.
The process begins with a free consultation and in-home estimate. We’ll review your goals, evaluate your existing kitchen, discuss design ideas, and outline next steps for planning, permitting, and construction.