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 El Cerrito, CA, planning a kitchen remodel, you deserve a team that combines expert craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and decades of experience. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’veremodeledg kitchens in El Cerrito and throughout the Bay Area since 1983. With over 40 years of experience, a trusted local reputation, and a fully licensed and insured team, we’re ready to transform your kitchen into a space that truly works for you.
Whether you’re envisioning an open-concept layout, improved functionality, or updated finishes with timeless style, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we offer comprehensive kitchen remodeling services designed around your home, lifestyle, and budget. Our El Cerrito kitchen remodeling services include:
Full Kitchen Renovations – From complete layout redesigns to full-scale transformations
Countertops & Cabinetry – Custom cabinetry and premium materials, expertly installed
Lighting & Electrical – Modern solutions for better lighting, energy savings, and design
Appliance Installation – Seamless installation of new or upgraded appliances
Flooring & Backsplashes – Durable, stylish options that enhance your kitchen’s design
Plumbing Fixtures – Updated sinks, faucets, and plumbing for a functional, fresh finish
Whether you have a full design in mind or need help getting started, we’ll support you through every phase—from consultation to completion—with open communication and unmatched attention to detail.
Homeowners in El Cerrito have trusted Mares & Dow for decades, thanks to our commitment to quality, integrity, and personalized service. When you work with us, you can expect:
Clear, consistent communication
Respect for your home, schedule, and investment
Long-lasting craftsmanship and attention to detail
A stunning new kitchen you’ll enjoy for years to come
Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Let’s bring your ideas to life with a remodel that blends beauty, function, and quality. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in El Cerrito. We can’t wait to help you create a kitchen that feels like the heart 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.
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!
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…
This is why hiring Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Inc. for kitchen remodeling saves you time and reduces stress. Let our experienced tradespeople handle…
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Kitchen remodeling in El Cerrito, CA often involves updating older homes, improving layout efficiency, and enhancing natural light—especially in hillside or split-level properties. Whether you’re modernizing a dated kitchen or reworking the layout, these FAQs address common questions El Cerrito homeowners have when planning a kitchen remodel with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
A full kitchen remodel includes demolition of the existing kitchen, redesign of the layout, and complete replacement of key components such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. Depending on the home, it may also involve electrical upgrades, structural adjustments, and improved ventilation systems to meet modern standards.
Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but most kitchen remodels take several weeks from demolition to completion. Factors that affect duration include material availability, structural modifications, and the level of customization involved. We provide a clear project schedule before construction begins so homeowners know what to expect.
Every kitchen remodeling project is different. The requirements depend on the scope of work, including whether the project involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Our team manages every phase of the remodeling process, coordinating the work to meet local building standards and ensure your project is completed professionally from start to finish.
Absolutely. Many homes in El Cerrito were built decades ago and require specialized knowledge to remodel properly. We frequently work with older structures, carefully evaluating framing, foundation conditions, and utility systems before making design recommendations or structural changes.
Yes. Every kitchen remodel we complete is fully customized. You can select materials, finishes, cabinetry styles, layout preferences, lighting design, and appliance placement. We also provide professional guidance to ensure your design choices are both functional and structurally sound.
Older homes can sometimes reveal hidden conditions such as outdated wiring, plumbing issues, or structural limitations. When this happens, we communicate immediately, explain your options clearly, and recommend the most practical solution. Our goal is to avoid surprises through careful pre-construction planning, but we are fully prepared to adapt when needed.
In most cases, yes. A well-designed kitchen remodel is one of the most valuable home improvements you can make. It improves daily usability, enhances aesthetic appeal, and increases market attractiveness for future buyers. The exact return depends on the scope of the remodel and the quality of materials used.
We provide both design and construction services. Our team helps with layout planning, material selection, and functional design improvements before construction begins. This ensures your kitchen is not only beautifully finished but also optimized for real-world use.
This depends on the condition of your kitchen and your goals. If your layout works well but finishes are outdated, targeted upgrades may be enough. However, if you are dealing with poor flow, lack of storage, or outdated systems, a full remodel is often the better long-term solution. We evaluate your kitchen and provide honest recommendations based on function, structure, and budget.
The first step is scheduling a professional consultation. During this visit, we assess your existing kitchen, discuss your goals, and provide recommendations based on your home’s structure and your desired outcome. From there, we create a clear plan for design, timeline, and construction.
If your kitchen is showing signs of age or inefficiency, get expert input before issues get worse.