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 Orinda, CA, thinking about a kitchen remodel, you deserve a construction team with decades of experience, a reputation for quality, and a personalized approach that brings your vision to life. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’ve remodeled kitchens in Orinda and across the Bay Area since 1983. Our licensed and insured team is known for exceptional craftsmanship, clear communication, and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Whether you’re updating an older kitchen, creating an open-concept space, or improving functionality and storage, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Our full-service kitchen remodels are designed around your goals, lifestyle, and budget. We take pride in providing customized remodeling solutions for Orinda homeowners, including:
Full Kitchen Renovations – Layout changes, structural updates, and design transformations
Countertops & Cabinetry – Premium materials, custom finishes, and expert installation
Lighting & Electrical – Smart, efficient lighting plans that enhance style and usability
Appliance Installation – Seamless integration of new or upgraded appliances
Flooring & Backsplashes – Durable and stylish options that complete your kitchen’s look
Plumbing Fixtures – Updated faucets, sinks, and water lines with long-lasting performance
No matter where you are in the planning process, we’ll walk with you from consultation to final walkthrough with honesty, attention to detail, and respect for your home.
For over 40 years, Orinda homeowners have trusted Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights for quality kitchen renovations. We treat every home with the same care we’d give our own and are proud to be a reliable partner in your remodeling journey. With us, you can expect:
Honest, responsive communication
Respect for your time, space, and budget
High-quality workmanship that lasts
A kitchen that enhances both form and function
Is it time to reimagine your kitchen? Let’s bring your ideas to life. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in Orinda. We’re excited to help you build the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.
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 Orinda, CA often focuses on high-quality craftsmanship, open layouts, and thoughtful upgrades that complement the area’s homes. Whether you’re refreshing an older kitchen or planning a full redesign, these FAQs answer the most common questions Orinda homeowners have when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Most kitchen remodels in Orinda take 4 to 8 weeks once construction begins. Larger projects involving layout changes, structural modifications, or custom cabinetry may take 8 to 12 weeks, not including the design and permitting phase.
Yes. Permits are required for kitchen remodels involving electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural work. Orinda follows California building codes, and Mares & Dow manages the permitting and inspection process to ensure compliance.
Kitchen remodeling costs vary depending on size, materials, and scope. Orinda homeowners often invest in mid-range to high-end remodels, especially when upgrading cabinetry, countertops, appliances, lighting, and custom features. A detailed estimate is provided before construction begins.
Yes. We provide design-build kitchen remodeling, assisting with layout planning, cabinetry selection, lighting design, and finish coordination to create a kitchen that fits your lifestyle and enhances your home’s value.
In most cases, yes. Many Orinda homeowners remain in their homes during construction, though the kitchen will be temporarily unavailable. We coordinate schedules and communicate clearly to minimize disruption.
A full kitchen remodel may include custom or semi-custom cabinets, quartz or stone countertops, updated flooring, designer lighting, tile backsplashes, appliance installation, and improved storage solutions, all tailored to your preferences.
Yes. Many Orinda homes feature larger kitchens, hillside lots, and higher-end finishes, which may require careful planning for structural support, electrical capacity, drainage, and ventilation.
Start with a free in-home consultation and estimate. We’ll review your goals, assess your current kitchen, and guide you through design, permitting, and construction from start to finish.