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We Proudly Serve as the Premier VELUX® Skylight Specialists in Berkeley, CA

Serving Berkeley and East Bay Since 1983

Skylights in Berkeley

Step into Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, your premier hub for top-notch skylight solutions in Berkeley, CA. We specialize in creating beautifully illuminated spaces, offering expert services in Skylight Installation, Skylight Repair, General Contracting, and Home Remodeling.  Contact us for a FREE Skylight Consultation to learn about our diverse range of skylights.

Let Natural Light Brighten Your Rooms

Infuse your space with natural light using our high-quality skylights. Choose from a range of sizes and styles to brighten up your area and improve ventilation, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Explore our selection, including the innovative Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights, by speaking with our knowledgeable team.

Refresh Your Living Spaces with Skylights

Reinvigorate your space with our skylights, particularly the Sun Tunnel series, designed to enliven compact areas such as stairwells, hallways, and corners. Introducing natural light into your home, school, or workplace can stimulate creativity, enhance vitamin D levels, and elevate feelings of joy and motivation.

Decades of Experience in Berkeley, CA

For over four decades, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has honed its expertise, establishing a legacy of excellence in home remodeling, general contracting, and skylight installation. Our seasoned team caters to a diverse clientele, providing professional services that elevate both residential and commercial spaces with unmatched skill and knowledge.

Other Services

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.

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Kitchen Remodel Alameda CA

Skylight Solutions for Businesses

Enhance your office, medical facility, or school environment with our state-of-the-art commercial skylights. Designed to improve the lighting and ambiance of lobbies and boardrooms, our range includes skylights with modern solar-powered blinds available in various colors.

Skylight Services for Homes

Improve your living space with our professional residential skylight services. Whether you’re considering replacing old skylights or designing a custom solution for a naturally lit area, our team is ready to assist you. Backed by a ten-year installation guarantee and a twenty-year warranty, our skylights are designed for longevity. Berkeley residents can also explore federal tax benefits, potentially saving up to 30% or an average of $850.

Choose Mares & Dow Construction for Skylight Excellence

Known for our commitment to quality, affordability, and customer service, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is proud to be a VELUX® 5 Star Skylight Specialist. Whether you need Skylight Installation, Skylight Repair, General Contracting, or Home Remodeling, trust us to brighten your spaces with distinction.

Types of Skylights

Sun Tunnel Skylights Clayton California

Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylight

Velux® Skylights

“Fresh Air” Skylight features a solar panel that captures any available daylight and is the power source that opens and closes the skylight. 

Sun Tunnel®

Velux® Skylights

Providing an excellent value and a big impact to any project makes the SUN TUNNEL skylight an excellent choice for your daylighting needs.

Fixed Curb Mount

Velux® Skylights

Our Group has been building relationships and projects last. Serving an impressive list of long-term clients with experience.

Roof Window Skylights

Velux® Skylights

The natural light that is harnessed and diffused through quality commercial skylights enhances the experience of indoor spaces, and research shows it helps health.

Modular Skylights

Velux® Skylights

Modular Skylights can be combined in several rooflight configurations, creating perfect solutions for a wide variety of buildings.

Commercial Sun Tunnel Skylights

Velux® Skylights

VELUX Commercial SUN TUNNEL® skylights are designed for flat or low slope commercial roofing applications that are above spaces that will benefit from more sunlight.

Mares & Dow Construction Inc.

Dynamic Dome Skylights

Velux® Skylights

VELUX Dynamic Dome, an innovative product that balances the structural demands of industry professionals with an architecturally progressive design.

Flat Roof Exit Skylights

Velux® Skylights

Opening up a flat roof with skylights can brighten your space and transform any room with sunlight and sky views. And the VELUX Flat Roof Exit Skylight is pleasing to the eyes.

SkyMax® Large Span Skylights

Velux® Skylights

Fill your home with bright, natural daylight! Spanning up to 10 feet, the dramatic SkyMax skylight doubles the square footage of standard flat glass skylights.

Benefits of Going with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Experience & Accreditations

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.

Knowledge & Expertise

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.

Proven Customer Satisfaction

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.

40
Years of Experience

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for 40 Years

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.

  • Over 40 Years of Bay Area Expertise
  • Hands-On Leadership
  • Dual Licensed Expertise
  • VELUX 5-Star Skylight Specialists
  • Referral-Driven Reputation
  • Seismic-Safe, Design-Focused Construction
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Philosophy

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.

Get In Touch

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.

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Our Mission

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.

Values

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.

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Words of Appreciation from Our Valued Clients

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we believe great service is its own reward. Every satisfied client, glowing review, and lasting relationship reminds us why we’ve dedicated over 40 years to building with integrity, craftsmanship, and care.

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!

Norma B. San Francisco, California

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!

Aaron R. Concord, California

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!

Myla L. Concord, California

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

Chris W. Walnut Creek, California

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!

Jennifer S. Walnut Creek, California

VELUX® Skylights Service Areas

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Building Knowledge: Insights From 40 Years of Craftsmanship

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, sharing knowledge is part of our commitment to great service. Our blog offers expert tips, project insights, and inspiration drawn from decades of experience building and remodeling homes across the Bay Area.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skylight Installation in Berkeley, CA

Skylights are a popular home improvement option for homeowners in Berkeley, CA who want to increase natural light, improve indoor comfort, and enhance energy efficiency. With Berkeley’s mix of historic homes, hillside properties, and modern remodels, professional skylight installation is essential to ensure proper sealing, structural integrity, and compliance with local building codes. Below are answers to common questions homeowners ask when working with a professional skylight contractor in Berkeley.

Berkeley homes commonly benefit from fixed skylights, venting skylights, solar-powered skylights, and sun tunnels. Fixed skylights are ideal for adding daylight to living areas and stairwells, while venting skylights help improve airflow and manage moisture in kitchens, bathrooms, and upper floors. Sun tunnels are a practical option for interior rooms and hallways where traditional skylights are not feasible due to roof structure or space constraints.

Skylight installation costs in Berkeley vary depending on the skylight type, size, roof pitch, and whether structural modifications are needed. Most homeowners can expect prices to start around $1,500 and range up to $3,500 or more per skylight, especially for custom or motorized units. A professional on-site evaluation ensures accurate pricing and long-term performance.

 

Yes, modern skylights are designed with energy efficiency in mind and often feature Low-E glass, insulated glazing, and UV protection. When installed correctly, skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting and help maintain consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year, making them an energy-efficient upgrade for Berkeley’s varied climate.

Skylights can increase home value by enhancing interior brightness, improving architectural appeal, and making living spaces feel more open and inviting. In Berkeley’s competitive housing market, professionally installed skylights are often viewed as a desirable feature that can help homes stand out to potential buyers.

Most standard skylight installations in Berkeley can be completed within one day. Projects involving multiple skylights, custom sizing, or roof structural modifications may require additional time. A professional skylight contractor will plan the installation timeline based on roof conditions, weather, and local permitting requirements.

 

Yes, skylight installation typically requires a building permit to ensure compliance with local and state building codes. A licensed skylight contractor will handle the permitting process and coordinate inspections to ensure the installation meets Berkeley and Alameda County regulations.

Routine skylight maintenance includes inspecting seals, flashing, and glass for signs of wear or damage, especially after heavy rain or wind. Keeping skylights clean and free of debris helps prevent leaks and extends their lifespan. Venting skylights may also require occasional inspection of motors, screens, and operating mechanisms.

When choosing a skylight contractor in Berkeley, look for licensed and insured professionals with experience working on local home styles and roof types. Strong customer reviews, manufacturer certifications, clear communication, and warranty-backed workmanship are key indicators of a reliable contractor. Familiarity with Berkeley’s building codes ensures a safe, durable, and long-lasting skylight installation.