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 Ramon, CA, planning a kitchen remodel, you deserve a team that combines decades of experience, superior craftsmanship, and personalized service. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we’ve remodeled kitchens in San Ramon and throughout the Bay Area since 1983. With a fully licensed and insured crew, a reputation built on trust, and a passion for quality, we’re here to turn your kitchen into a beautiful, functional space that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to create an open-concept layout, add storage and organization, or refresh outdated materials and appliances, we’re ready to bring your vision to life.
Our kitchen remodeling solutions are designed to meet your unique goals, style preferences, and budget. San Ramon homeowners rely on us for:
Full Kitchen Renovations – Total transformations, including layout redesign and custom finishes
Countertops & Cabinetry – High-quality materials and expert installation for a refined look
Lighting & Electrical – Updated lighting plans for efficiency, ambiance, and function
Appliance Installation – Seamless integration of new appliances into your kitchen design
Flooring & Backsplashes – Durable and stylish surfaces to complete the space
Plumbing Fixtures – Modern sinks, faucets, and plumbing updates for improved usability
Whether you’re starting with a few ideas or a complete plan, we’ll guide you from consultation to final walkthrough with honesty, care, and attention to detail.
For more than 40 years, San Ramon homeowners have trusted Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights for their kitchen remodeling projects. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality results with professionalism and a customer-first approach. When you work with us, you can expect:
Transparent, consistent communication
Respect for your home, time, and budget
Durable craftsmanship with top-tier materials
A finished kitchen you’ll love for years to come
Is your kitchen ready for a transformation? Let’s create a space that blends comfort, style, and function. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home estimate in San Ramon. 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 San Ramon, CA often focuses on modernizing newer homes, improving functionality, and creating open, family-friendly spaces. Whether you’re updating a builder-grade kitchen or planning a full redesign, these FAQs answer the most common questions San Ramon homeowners have when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Most kitchen remodels in San Ramon 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 design and permitting.
Yes. Permits are required for kitchen remodels involving electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural changes. San Ramon follows California building codes, and Mares & Dow handles the full permitting and inspection process.
Kitchen remodeling costs vary depending on size, materials, and scope. San Ramon homeowners typically invest in mid-range to high-end renovations, particularly when upgrading cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring, and lighting.
Yes. We provide design-build kitchen remodeling, helping homeowners optimize layouts, select materials, and create kitchens that fit both daily living and entertaining needs.
In most cases, yes. Many San Ramon homeowners remain in their homes during construction, though the kitchen will be temporarily unavailable. We communicate timelines clearly to minimize disruption.
A typical kitchen remodel may include new cabinetry, quartz or stone countertops, updated flooring, modern lighting, tile backsplashes, appliance installation, and enhanced storage solutions.
Yes. Many San Ramon homes are located in planned communities or governed by HOAs, which may require design approvals or impose specific construction guidelines. We help navigate these requirements early in the process.
Start with a free in-home consultation and estimate. We’ll assess your existing kitchen, discuss goals and budget, and guide you through design, permitting, and construction from start to finish.