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 San Francisco, CA, looking to remodel your kitchen, you deserve a trusted team with decades of experience, creative vision, and a commitment to quality. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’ve been transforming kitchens in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area since 1983. As a fully licensed and insured contractor, we deliver stunning, functional kitchens that reflect your lifestyle and stand the test of time.
Whether you’re envisioning a sleek, modern upgrade or a warm, classic redesign, our team is here to help you bring your ideal kitchen to life.
We specialize in full-service kitchen remodeling tailored to your needs, preferences, and budget. Our San Francisco kitchen remodeling services include:
Full Kitchen Renovations – Comprehensive design and layout changes for a brand-new space
Countertops & Cabinetry – Custom cabinetry and premium countertops to elevate your kitchen
Lighting & Electrical – Functional and aesthetic lighting solutions to brighten your space
Appliance Installation – Seamless setup and integration of new appliances
Flooring & Backsplashes – Durable, stylish options to complete your design vision
Plumbing Fixtures – Modern sinks, faucets, and plumbing enhancements
From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we guide you through a smooth, transparent process built on honesty, craftsmanship, and care.
Homeowners across San Francisco choose Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights for our deep experience, exceptional attention to detail, and client-first approach. With over 40 years of trusted service, we’re proud to offer:
Clear and honest communication
Professionalism and respect for your home
High-quality materials and superior workmanship
A beautiful, customized kitchen you’ll love using every day
Is your San Francisco kitchen ready for a transformation? Let’s collaborate to create a space that works beautifully and looks amazing. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in San Francisco. We look forward to helping you bring your kitchen vision 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 San Francisco, CA, often involves maximizing space, modernizing older homes, and navigating strict permitting and building codes. Whether you’re renovating a compact condo kitchen or upgrading a historic home, these FAQs answer the most common questions San Francisco homeowners have when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Most kitchen remodels in San Francisco take 6 to 10 weeks once construction begins. Projects involving layout changes, structural work, or custom cabinetry may take 10 to 14 weeks, not including design review and permitting.
Yes. San Francisco has strict permitting and inspection requirements, especially for electrical, plumbing, gas, and structural changes. Mares & Dow handles the permit process and coordinates inspections to ensure compliance with local codes.
Kitchen remodeling costs vary based on kitchen size, complexity, and material selection. San Francisco homeowners often invest in mid-range to high-end renovations, particularly when space optimization, custom cabinetry, and premium finishes are involved.
Yes. We offer design-build kitchen remodeling, helping San Francisco homeowners optimize layouts, improve storage, and select materials that complement both modern and historic properties.
In many cases, yes. However, San Francisco remodels may require temporary kitchen workarounds, especially in condos or multi-unit buildings. We plan carefully to reduce disruption and coordinate with building management when needed.
Common upgrades include custom cabinetry, stone or quartz countertops, space-saving storage solutions, modern lighting, tile backsplashes, and energy-efficient appliances, tailored to smaller or uniquely shaped kitchens.
Yes. Many San Francisco homes are older or located in historic districts, which may require additional approvals, seismic considerations, or specialized construction methods. These factors are addressed during the planning phase.
Start with a free consultation and estimate. We’ll review your space, discuss design goals, explain the permitting process, and guide you through each step from planning to completion.