Stairs-Building Construction Services

Serving San Francisco and East Bay Since 1983

Enhance Your Home With Custom-Built Stairs by Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Beautiful, well-crafted stairs are more than a functional necessity—they’re a defining architectural feature of your home. Whether you’re upgrading worn steps, replacing outdated staircases, or designing a brand-new custom build, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights delivers stair construction with precision, safety, and elevated design.

With over 40 years of construction excellence in the Bay Area, we create stairs that are structurally sound, visually stunning, and tailored to your interior or exterior space. From modern floating staircases to traditional wood stairways and durable outdoor steps, our team ensures long-lasting craftsmanship that enhances both design and functionality.

Custom Stair Construction: Safe, Durable & Tailored to Your Home

Every staircase we build is designed to reflect your style, meet building code requirements, and ensure long-term safety. We offer a full range of stair-building services, including:

  • Custom indoor staircases
  • Outdoor stair construction
  • Wood, metal, composite, and mixed-material stairs
  • Floating, curved, straight-run, L-shaped, and U-shaped stairs
  • Treads, risers, railings, stringers, and balusters
  • Stair repairs, reinforcement, refinishing, and replacements
  • ADA-accessible step designs
  • Deck and porch stair construction

 

From structural framing to finishing details, our team handles each step with care, ensuring strong, code-compliant stairways that complement your home’s architecture.

Precision Craftsmanship From Start to Finish

Stair construction is one of the most technically demanding aspects of home building and renovation. We perform precise measurements, structural assessment, and material selection to deliver staircase systems that are both durable and visually cohesive.

Our design-build approach streamlines the entire process—from drafting detailed plans and providing material options to expert installation—ensuring every stair, railing, and connection meets the highest safety and craftsmanship standards.

A Smart Upgrade To Improve Home Safety & Design

High-quality stair construction is an investment in safety, comfort, and the long-term value of your home. New or remodeled stairs can modernize your interiors, enhance accessibility, and create a visually striking focal point. Whether you’re updating aging stairs or designing new ones as part of a renovation, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights provides solutions that blend durability, functionality, and architectural style.

Our Specialty Home Remodeling Services
Stairs-Building Construction Services
Stairs-Building Construction 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.

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.

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.

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

Our Service Area

  • Alameda
  • Alamo
  • Albany
  • Benicia
  • Concord
  • Berkeley
  • Danville
  • Dublin
  • El Cerrito
  • Hercules
  • Lafayette
  • Martinez
  • Moraga
  • Oakland
  • Orinda
  • Pinole
  • Piedmont
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Pleasanton
  • Richmond
  • San Francisco
  • San Ramon
  • Walnut Creek

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.
When’s the Right Time to Remodel After Buying a House?

When’s the Right Time to Remodel After Buying a House?

The right time to remodel after buying a house depends on your goals, budget, and the condition of the property. Others rush into renovation projects…

What’s the Best Way to Remodel a Home for a Growing Family?

What’s the Best Way to Remodel a Home for a…

The best way to remodel a home for a growing family is to focus on utility. These spaces need to be flexible enough to transform…

Is Smart Lighting a Gimmick or a Game-Changer for Home Remodeling?

Is Smart Lighting a Gimmick or a Game-Changer for Home…

Smart lighting is an easy, practical upgrade for home remodeling, rolling convenience into energy efficiency and customizable ambiance. You can easily control brightness levels, color…

Frequently Asked Questions about our Stairs-Building Construction Services

Choosing the right contractor for stair design and construction is essential for ensuring safety, style, and long-term durability. Our FAQs cover the most common questions homeowners have about stair design, materials, timelines, permits, costs, and maintenance, helping you make confident decisions about your stair-building or renovation project.
We design and build a full range of indoor and outdoor staircases for residential properties. Our capabilities include straight-run stairs, L-shaped and U-shaped configurations, winder stairs, split-level stairways, floating/modern open-riser systems, curved and helical staircases, and space-saving spiral designs. For outdoor environments, we construct durable deck stairs, porch stairs, garden steps, and multi-level exterior access solutions. We also specialize in fully customized architectural staircases designed to be standout features of your home.
We offer an extensive selection of materials to suit any style, durability requirement, or budget. Options include premium hardwoods (oak, maple, walnut, and more), softwoods, engineered lumber, custom metals (steel, wrought iron, aluminum), composite decking, glass panel railings, cable railing systems, and hybrid combinations for modern aesthetics. Our team helps you evaluate each material’s performance, maintenance needs, and compatibility with your home’s interior or exterior design.
In most cases, yes. Staircases must comply with strict local building codes for safety, including rise/run measurements, headroom, railing height, tread depth, load-bearing calculations, and overall structural integrity. We handle the entire permitting and engineering process, including code verification, structural analysis (when needed), submitting plans, and coordinating inspections. This ensures your new staircase is both safe and fully compliant with local regulations.

Project timelines vary based on the complexity of the design, materials chosen, structural modifications, and whether the project is indoors or outdoors.

  • Simple replacements (like new treads or railings): a few days
  • Standard wood stair rebuilds: 1–2 weeks
  • Custom, curved, floating, or engineered staircases: several weeks due to fabrication and finishing requirements

 

After assessing your home, we provide a detailed timeline so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Yes. Whether you need cosmetic updates or structural improvements, we can replace individual components such as treads, risers, balusters, newel posts, handrails, or stringers. We also repair creaking steps, loose railings, sagging structures, and worn finishes. Partial replacements are ideal when the main structure is sound but the appearance or safety needs improvement.
Absolutely. We build strong, weather-resistant exterior stair systems designed for long-term durability in the Bay Area climate. Materials include pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, galvanized or powder-coated steel, concrete footings, non-slip surfaces, and corrosion-resistant fasteners. We ensure proper water drainage, structural support, and safety compliance for every outdoor staircase we construct.
Yes. We carefully tailor our stair designs to complement your home’s architecture—whether traditional, craftsman, modern farmhouse, contemporary, or minimalist. From molding profiles and baluster patterns to wood species and stain colors, every detail is considered to ensure your staircase feels like a natural extension of the home rather than a separate addition.
Pricing depends on several factors including materials, design complexity, structural modifications, finish level, and whether the staircase is interior or exterior. Simple straight-run stairs cost significantly less than curved or floating designs that require custom fabrication. After an in-home evaluation and discussion about your goals, we provide a detailed, written estimate outlining labor, materials, and any optional upgrades so you can make an informed decision.