VELUX Skylights

Serving San Francisco and East Bay Since 1983

Enhance Your Home With VELUX Skylights From Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Many rooms lack natural light, leaving homes feeling darker, smaller, or less inviting. Installing VELUX skylights can completely change that. With Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, you can bring daylight into previously dim spaces, improve airflow, and elevate the comfort, functionality, and value of your home.

Homeowners across the Bay Area are rethinking how they use their space. Whether you want to brighten a kitchen, living area, bathroom, hallway, or attic, a properly installed skylight can transform a room. The key is selecting the right VELUX product, precise installation, and a team that understands how to maximize natural light while maintaining energy efficiency and durability.

With more than 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights delivers expert VELUX skylight installation using high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and clear communication. We know how to enhance homes with superior skylight solutions, prevent leaks and moisture issues, and create lighting strategies that last.

VELUX Skylights: Bringing Light, Ventilation, and Value

Skylights evolve with your home’s needs. As families grow or rooms change purpose, a VELUX skylight provides lasting benefits by enhancing natural light, improving air circulation, and adding energy efficiency. Our team manages every phase of your skylight project, including roof evaluation, proper flashing and sealing, and finishing. This ensures a long-lasting, leak-free installation that protects your home from moisture and weather-related damage. Some homeowners choose VELUX skylights to brighten kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms. Others add skylights to attics, hallways, or creative spaces like studios and workshops. Whatever your goals, we help you select the right skylight type, placement, and accessories to deliver maximum comfort, beauty, and functionality. As your dedicated VELUX skylight contractor, we make the process smooth and rewarding. We start with your goals, guide you through product selection, and build a precise plan that ensures a safe, efficient, and visually striking result. Your skylight should add real value to your home while creating spaces you love to spend time in. Let your home’s transformation begin with VELUX skylights from Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Skylight Products & Installation

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 VELUX Skylights Services

VELUX skylights offer proven quality and performance, but selecting the right product and ensuring proper installation are key to long-term efficiency and protection from leaks. To help you understand your options, we’ve answered the most common questions homeowners ask about VELUX skylights, product styles, and installation. These insights will help you make an informed decision when working with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
VELUX offers a range of skylight types, including fixed skylights, venting / operable skylights (Fresh Air or Solar “Fresh Air”), sun-tunnel (tubular) skylights, and skylights suitable for flat or sloped roofs. You can also choose optional shades, blinds, and glazing types to match your home’s light, ventilation, and aesthetic needs.
No — when installed properly using the correct flashing kits and by a trained installer, VELUX skylights are designed with three layers of water protection and carry a weathertight guarantee. That’s why it’s important to hire a qualified installer like Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights to ensure proper sealing and protect your roof and interior from leaks.
Yes. VELUX uses energy-efficient glazing — typically dual-pane glass with LoE coatings and argon fill — which reduces unwanted heat transfer while still allowing plenty of natural light. This helps keep interiors cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and reduces reliance on artificial lighting.
In most cases yes. VELUX skylights can be installed on common roofing materials — from asphalt shingles to metal roofing — and on roofs with a wide range of pitches. However, roof slope, framing type, and roofing material will influence which skylight model and flashing kit are appropriate. During your free estimate, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights will assess your roof and recommend the best option.
Skylight installation typically happens in two phases: rooftop installation and interior finishing. Depending on roof pitch, skylight type, and room layout, installation can take anywhere from about half a day to a few days. Installers protect your home’s interior with drop cloths and plastic sheeting to manage dust and debris.
Yes. Adding a well-installed skylight increases natural light, improves ventilation, and enhances the overall ambiance of your home. Many homebuyers consider skylights a desirable feature — especially if installed professionally and sealed properly — which can add to resale value.
Maintenance is minimal but important. Clean the glass periodically with mild soapy water (avoid abrasive cleaners). Keep roof gutters clear and roof-top drainage paths unobstructed so water flows freely. If your skylight has venting or solar features, check the battery or mechanical parts according to manufacturer recommendations.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has decades of experience installing skylights properly, following manufacturer requirements for flashing, sealing, framing, and roofing code compliance. That ensures you get the full benefit of VELUX’s warranties and avoid common issues like leaks, improper drainage, or structural problems. We guide you through product selection, placement, installation, and final finishing for a safe, high-quality result.