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 Berkeley, CA, ready to transform your kitchen, you deserve a trusted team that delivers beautiful, functional results using top-tier materials and stands behind every detail. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’ve been remodeling kitchens in Berkeley and across the Bay Area since 1983. With over 40 years of experience, a strong local reputation, and a fully licensed and insured crew, we’re here to turn your kitchen into the space you’ve always envisioned.
Whether you’re looking for a modern, open-concept layout, improved storage and workflow, or simply want to refresh outdated finishes, we’re ready to help bring your ideas to life.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, our kitchen remodeling services are tailored to match your home’s style, your needs, and your budget. Our Berkeley kitchen remodeling solutions include:
Full Kitchen Renovations – From layout redesign to complete custom builds
Countertops & Cabinetry – High-end materials, custom craftsmanship, and expert installation
Lighting & Electrical – Upgraded lighting plans for function, mood, and efficiency
Appliance Installation – Professional integration of new or replacement appliances
Flooring & Backsplashes – Durable, attractive finishes to complement your design
Plumbing Fixtures – Updated sinks, faucets, and piping for a complete refresh
Whether you already have a vision or need help creating one, we guide you through the entire process—from the first consultation to the final walkthrough—with clear communication, transparency, and care.
For more than three decades, Berkeley homeowners have trusted us for quality work and an exceptional remodeling experience. When you choose Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you can expect:
Clear, consistent communication
Respect for your home and your schedule
Detail-focused craftsmanship that lasts
A finished kitchen that enhances your lifestyle and home value
Is your kitchen ready for a new beginning? Let’s create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in Berkeley. We can’t wait to bring your dream kitchen to life.
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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Kitchen remodeling in Berkeley, CA often involves updating older homes, improving energy efficiency, and navigating local permitting requirements. Whether you’re modernizing a classic Craftsman or reworking a compact kitchen for better functionality, these FAQs answer common questions Berkeley homeowners have when planning a kitchen remodel with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Most kitchen remodels in Berkeley take 4 to 8 weeks once construction begins. Projects that include layout changes, structural work, or custom cabinetry may extend to 8 to 12 weeks, not including the design and permitting phase.
Yes. Berkeley requires permits for most kitchen remodels involving electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural changes. Because many Berkeley homes are older, updates often must meet current California codes and city-specific requirements. Mares & Dow handles the permitting process from start to finish.
Kitchen remodeling costs vary depending on size, materials, and scope. Berkeley homeowners typically invest in mid-range to high-end remodels, especially when upgrading cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and energy-efficient systems. A detailed estimate helps clarify costs upfront.
Yes. We provide design-build kitchen remodeling, assisting with layout optimization, cabinetry selection, lighting design, and finish coordination to create a kitchen that fits your lifestyle and home style.
In most cases, yes. Many Berkeley homeowners remain in their homes during construction, although the kitchen will be temporarily unavailable. We plan work carefully to reduce disruption and keep you informed throughout the project.
Common upgrades include custom or semi-custom cabinets, quartz or stone countertops, modern lighting, updated flooring, tile backsplashes, improved ventilation, and energy-efficient appliances, tailored to the home’s layout and age.
Yes. Many Berkeley homes require electrical upgrades, plumbing updates, seismic considerations, or structural reinforcement during remodeling. Homes in historic districts may also require additional design review.
Start with a free in-home consultation and estimate. We’ll assess your current kitchen, discuss your goals and budget, and outline next steps for design, permitting, and construction.