Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Inc.
General Contractor Orinda, CA
Serving San Francisco and East Bay Since 1983
Bring Your Vision to Life With a Team You Can Trust
Full-Service Residential Remodeling Since 1983
Your Home Should Work for You, Not Against You
Do you feel like your home in Orinda no longer fits your lifestyle? Maybe your kitchen feels too cramped to cook in, your bathroom is stuck in the 80s, or your family is outgrowing the existing layout.
These frustrations are common, and they only grow over time. But tackling a remodeling project can be overwhelming. From permits to choosing materials, managing timelines to coordinating multiple subcontractors, it’s a lot for any homeowner to take on alone.
That’s where Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights comes in.
A Trusted Remodeling Partner for Orinda Homeowners
For over four decades, we’ve helped homeowners in Orinda and across the East Bay solve these exact problems. As a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, we specialize in residential remodeling projects of all sizes. We offer full design-build services, which means you won’t have to juggle separate designers, architects, or permit offices—we take care of everything under one roof.
We listen to your goals, create a tailored design plan, and execute the project with precision, transparency, and integrity. From full home remodels to focused updates like a new bathroom or garage conversion, we deliver results that improve your quality of life and increase the value of your home.
What We Offer: Residential Remodeling in Orinda
Each of our services is built on a foundation of craftsmanship, local expertise, and clear communication.
Siding Replacement
Curb appeal starts with the exterior. We specialize in James Hardie siding, known for its durability, fire resistance, and resistance to the salty air and winds common in the Orinda area. Whether you need repair or full replacement, we’ll protect and refresh your home with professional-grade installation.
Skylight Installation
Natural light adds life to every room. We install VELUX skylights and sun tunnels to brighten dark hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. Skylights not only improve aesthetics—they can reduce energy use, improve ventilation, and boost your mood.
Foundation Repair
Your home’s stability starts from the ground up. We offer expert foundation repair and seismic retrofits using Grip-Tite systems, protecting homes from structural issues and earthquake risks common in the East Bay. We’ll inspect, assess, and reinforce your foundation with industry-leading solutions.
Historical Restoration
Orinda’s historic homes deserve to be preserved. We offer historical restoration services that retain the character of older homes while making them safer, more energy-efficient, and functional for modern living. We’re experienced with the materials, techniques, and care these special projects require.
Kitchen Remodeling
The kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you’re after better flow, more storage, or a full modern makeover, we’ll design a space that fits how your family actually uses it. From custom cabinetry and countertops to layout improvements and lighting upgrades, your new kitchen will be beautiful and functional.
Bathroom Remodeling
Even small bathrooms can make a big difference. We remodel bathrooms to be more efficient, accessible, and relaxing. That might mean a walk-in shower, new tilework, double vanities, or upgraded fixtures that save water and energy—all while enhancing daily comfort and resale value.
Home Additions and ADUs
When your family grows or your needs shift, a home addition can provide the space you need without having to move. We build primary suites, second-story expansions, and fully permitted ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Whether it’s for aging parents, a growing teenager, or rental income, we’ll help you design a new space that feels like it was always part of your home.
View Our Residential Portfolio →
Garage Conversions
Turn your underused garage into a productive part of your home—think home office, guest suite, gym, or studio. We handle the full transformation, including insulation, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and permits to ensure your new space meets all local requirements.
Why Homeowners in Orinda Choose Us
When you're planning a major home renovation, choosing the right contractor makes all the difference. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we bring decades of experience, trusted partnerships, and a customer-first approach to every project. Here’s why so many homeowners in Orinda rely on us for their remodeling and construction needs:
40+ Years of Local Experience
Since 1983, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has proudly served the East Bay with dependable, high-quality residential remodeling. Our decades of experience mean we’ve seen nearly every type of home, layout, and construction challenge—especially in cities like Orinda with a mix of older properties and newer builds. We understand local permitting, neighborhood styles, and homeowner expectations. This experience allows us to anticipate issues before they arise and deliver solutions that stand the test of time.
Fully Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
You deserve peace of mind when hiring a contractor. Our team is fully licensed in the state of California, bonded for your financial protection, and insured to cover every aspect of your project. We follow strict building codes, local safety requirements, and industry best practices to ensure that every project is done right, legally, and safely. When you hire Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you’re working with professionals who stand behind their work.
Streamlined Design-Build Process
Why juggle designers, architects, and contractors when you can work with one team from start to finish? Our design-build model means we handle every stage of your remodel—planning, permitting, designing, and building—under one roof. This integrated process reduces miscommunication, cuts down on delays, and helps control your budget. You’ll have a single point of contact throughout your entire project, simplifying the process and improving your experience.
Certified by Industry-Leading Manufacturers
We’re proud to be certified installers for top-tier brands like James Hardie siding, Grip-Tite foundation systems, and VELUX skylights. These certifications mean we meet rigorous training and installation standards, giving you added confidence in our workmanship. You’ll also benefit from manufacturer-backed warranties and the latest product innovations when you work with a certified contractor like us.
Environmentally Conscious Construction
As a Bay Area company, we’re committed to sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and support long-term efficiency. Whether we’re installing energy-efficient windows, using durable fiber cement siding, or upgrading insulation during a remodel, our team looks for ways to make your home greener and more cost-effective. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s part of our core values.
High Referral and Repeat Client Rate
Trust is everything in our industry. That’s why we’re proud that more than half of our new clients come to us through referrals from satisfied homeowners. Our clients know we show up when we say we will, we communicate clearly, and we treat their homes with respect. When neighbors in Orinda recommend us to friends and family, we know we’ve done our job well. That reputation is what drives us, and we work hard every day to earn it.
Proudly Serving Orinda and the Surrounding East Bay
While this page highlights our services in Orinda, we work with homeowners across the East Bay, including nearby communities like Hercules, El Sobrante, Richmond, and San Pablo. Our team understands the architectural styles, permitting processes, and homeowner priorities unique to the region.
Learn more about our projects →
Ready to Remodel? Let’s Talk.
When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a small bathroom upgrade or a full-scale addition, we offer free estimates, clear project timelines, and personal attention to every detail.
Schedule a Consultation Now
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights →
General Contractors Services For Orinda, CA
Are you thinking about making improvements or upgrades to your Orinda CA home? Maybe you’d like to have a new bathroom, or your kitchen could use some new features. Perhaps you want more space in your home, or you need home repairs. When you search online for a “general contractor near me,” click the link to Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, General Contractors. We are here to help you solve problems and make dreams come true. Check out some of the many things we can do for you today.
Remodeling
What kind of remodeling are you interested in? We can do one room or completely renovate an entire house. As licensed residential general contractors, we take care of all kinds of remodeling projects. Our services are not limited to your home interior. We also do exterior work as well. Let us come up with the perfect floor plan for your project.
Add-ons
Do you need a modern garage, rec room, bedroom, or other things? Let Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights turn an unused attic into a beautiful home addition. We also finish basements and turn garages into living space, and if you have a small yard, we can build “up” and give you another level. Here are more services we have to offer:
- Foundation repair
- Retaining walls
- French drains
- Siding
- Windows
- Doors
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Sky lights
- Commercial general contractors
- Custom-built houses
One Point of Contact
When you use a trusted and experienced general contractor nearby your home, you have a single point of contact for all your remodeling needs. There’s no need to hire plumbers, electricians, painters, carpenters, and concrete specialists in Orinda CA. When it’s time to search out a “general contractor around me” call our East Bay office at 925-671-9500 today for a free estimate and consultation.
General Contractor Service Areas
Have Questions About Your Remodeling Project? We’ve Got Answers.
Choosing the right general contractor is a big decision. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we want you to feel confident every step of the way. Below are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners in Orinda ask us about our services, materials, process, and experience. If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we’re happy to help.
We specialize in full-service residential remodeling, including bathroom and kitchen renovations, home additions, garage conversions, ADUs, second-story expansions, siding replacements, skylight installations, and more. No matter the size or scope, we have the experience to manage your project from start to finish.
Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We follow all California building codes and safety requirements, giving homeowners peace of mind that their property and investment are protected throughout the process.
We offer complete design-build services, which means we manage your project from initial concept to final construction. This integrated approach saves time, reduces costs, and ensures your vision is fully realized with fewer handoffs and delays.
We’ve proudly served Orinda and the greater East Bay since 1983, delivering high-quality workmanship and outstanding customer care for over 40 years. Our longevity reflects our commitment to getting the job done right, every time.
Yes. We prioritize sustainable building practices, use energy-efficient materials where possible, and recommend long-lasting products like James Hardie fiber cement siding and VELUX skylights that improve insulation and lower energy bills.
Absolutely. Our experienced team is familiar with Orinda’s permitting process and handles all applications, approvals, and inspections so your project stays compliant and stress-free.
Our work is managed by our dedicated in-house team, which allows us to maintain consistent quality and communication. You’ll always know who’s working on your project and what’s happening next.
We use top-tier, manufacturer-certified products like James Hardie siding, Grip-Tite foundation systems, and VELUX skylights. These brands are known for durability, energy efficiency, and warranty-backed performance.
Yes. You can explore our Residential Projects Portfolio to see examples of our craftsmanship. While we’re constantly updating the gallery, we’re happy to share relevant before-and-after photos during your consultation.
You can request a free consultation through our Contact Page. We’ll review your goals, discuss timelines and budget, and help you understand the next steps for bringing your vision to life.
