Selected Mares & Dow Contractors because their proposed design to repair, replace and strengthen the deck guard-railing of our elevated deck was significantly better than that of several other contractors we consulted. The structure and material were also altered in a sensible and attractive way. The project was completed effectively and quickly. read more

Overdue review for Jimmy and his crew who were able to pick up where our roofers left off (including replacing the bulb skylight with a flat Velux one with built in solar shade). They worked hard to frame out the interior within a week and always kept the dust contained. It really makes a huge difference to have so much extra light! They do book up months in advance, like most good contractors in the area, so patience and persistence is key! read more

I called 2 weeks ago to try and get a new sun tunnel because ours is old and had been damaged from the rain. Since it is leaking, we were hoping to get it replaced sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, we have had a horrible experience with Mares and Dow. So far, I have only spoken to Janet. Despite multiple attempts and conversations, I still have not received an email quote for the service even though we always end the phone call with a promise that one is coming via email. She first said this is doable and can be done in about 3-4 weeks lead time, which on another call turned to 6 weeks and the last call I had with her she said that it may take as long as 6 months. While this is frustrating, what is even more disappointing is that even if we are ok with the 6 month lead time, we haven't had the chance to proceed because we haven't been given the quote and details promised for the job. During our conversation, we did discuss options between a 14" and 22" tunnel, and understandably a 14" would be a more difficult job and more costly. She said that is the reason why she cannot or will not give me a quote because if I want to go with the 14", that job is really tough and time consuming. If that is the case, then why didn't she tell me that to begin with? Or just give me a quote for a 22" in and let me (the customer) decide if I want to proceed? I am sure the team and workers do great work, just disappointed I didn't even get far enough past the initial phone calls to experience. I am also the one that has had to initiate all follow up because I do not hear back, which should never be the case. It is unfortunate because they are the only Velux installer based in our city which made logistics easier, but we are going to look elsewhere now. Do not recommend this company! read more

They did a great job installing my new skylight. Very nice family owned business. It was easier to connect with them by phone.

Mares and Dow just finished installing 3 new skylights, and a sun tunnel. Their work was excellent. The crew was always on time and they were very efficient and professional. It was a hard to get the initial appointment via email, it was easier to connect and communicate via phone. Out of the 3 contractors that came to give us an estimate Jimmy was the only one that went into the attic and gave us realistic feedback about our options and their price was reasonable. It took several months to actually get the project started. First because the delivery of the skylights was delayed and then because they were backlogged. They did not make up excuses, they just stated the problem plain and simple: "we are behind". I appreciated that. Once again it was easy to get an answer via phone than via email. I highly recommend them. read more

Called Mares & Dow at the end of 2019 to get an estimate to correct a drainage problem. Dennis came right after the holidays, inspected the problem, and proposed a fix, which I thought would work well. He told me he'd email an estimate. After a couple of weeks with no word, I followed up. Dennis emailed to say he'd been busy but would get an estimate to me soon. The End. I have to echo what others have said. M&D might be good contractors, but I'll never know. They don't follow up. read more

About one day after I wrote a review, see below, I received a call from the Company setting up a date for the installation of 2 skylights and shades. Jimmy, Alberto and 3 others came and installed the products a week later. They were all extremely nice, respectful, helpful, efficient and informative; they were wonderful! I'm presuming they did a good job but honestly I don't know how I can judge until the rain begins. However, it all looks great and the skylights and shades are working well. Because the workmen were so great I'd love to give this company (and I love that it is family owned and operated) but I can't because of the lack of communication and scheduling for more than 3 months. Michele read more

Don't know if they do good work but communication is awful. We are going to cancel as we gave our deposit but they give dates that come and go and refuse to answer calls and emails trying to get get updates. read more

This is a review for the customer service (as I never got the chance to see their actual work). I called about a month ago to get an estimate for 2 sun tunnels installed. The woman was nice and said she'd have someone get back to me. A week later I hadn't heard so I called again, she gave me the same answer - she didn't do the scheduling but she'd have him call me. A week later (I don't know why I even tried again) and nothing so I called again. This time I said "this is the third time I've called and I'm trying to get an estimate for a project" and the woman (same woman again) got veryyy snippy with me, like I was bothering HER. She ended up actually giving me a name and date someone would call me to schedule an appt (Reggie Or Archie). She ended up calling me the night before that date and hurriedly asked if someone could come that same morning, but I told her we were already heading out. Could we please SCHEDULE an appt for the future? She said someone would call me. Well someone called me to tell me he'd call when he had an opening. And that was the last time I've heard from anyone there. If you're the woman I spoke to and you're reading this, you really need a schedule system in place. You wasted a lot of my time for nothing. And you lost my business. read more

Had used them for a project in San Francisco one. Job actually ended up well done, and cost was reasonable. However, took them forever to get it completed, and we had to live essentially with a hole in the ceiling (with window, but no inside work, so sap kept dripping into our living room) for months. Since the job ended up looking good though, wanted to give them one more try years later. Recently I contacted them about a new project. The son of owner came out, and said he'd respond with an estimate. Since then - nothing. I emailed and called for a few weeks, but just nothing. This is just unprofessional (if not: rude) in my opinion. I'd be OK if they'd tell me that they don't want that job, but just going silent - not cool. read more

We needed 18 skylights and a new roof. Mares & Dow worked with my roofer and my general contractor to organize and coordinate. The skylights were delayed due to a manufacturing issue (no fault of M&D) and M &D managed the rescheduling. Once the skylights were here they were installed efficiently and professionally (18 ft off the ground!) - they took extra precautions to protect our floor and walls and paid extra attention to paint and touch ups. I would definitely use them again. read more

Maybe Mares & Dow does good work if you're actually buying something from them, but DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME calling them for a service call. I had a Velux skylight that shut down in the open position in the dead of winter, turning my daughter's bedroom into an ice box. I called Mares & Dow because they're the only Velux installer with a 5-star rating. How they got 5 stars, I'll never know. These incompetents kept me waiting for four weeks with excuses such as, "I'll have to find out the work schedule and get back to you." And never did. They gave me a tentative installation time. but never confirmed it. When I called them, I got their recording and they never ONCE called back. Finally, I called Mark Spiller in Concord (a 3-star installer). He had someone out the same day to fix the problem. So, if you need your Velux skylight repaired, don't waste your time calling these guys. PS - I gave them a one-star rating only because Yelp won't let me give them a zero star rating. read more

I bought an old rotting, foreclosed duplex with a store in North Oakland that needed to be half gutted and made residential. It had some period details and a lot of potential. I made my offer through HUD's 203K loan program so had to get several estimates. I chose Mares & Down because I had a good feeling when I met them that they knew how to manage my project to get it approved by the city, and because their bid came in at a really fair bid. I didn't have money for detail drawings or spec sheets and people told me that I would have problems. I am THRILLED to say, that in fact I got phenomenal quality. When a judgment call had to be made while I was away, we agreed more than 90% of the time. They didn't skimp on any materials - always using the right kind of glue, screws, wood, wires, etc. They also accommodated me doing some of the work and didn't make me feel in the way. They even let me borrow some tools. The workers on their team were great and answered questions I had on how to do some things. This combined with the consulting I got from owners, Archie, Dennis, Janet, made it possible for me to do work I didn't have any previous experience with. I upgraded to gas fireplaces and a new kitchen half way through the project. They found me quality cabinets for HALF AS MUCH as anywhere I tried. My time-line was 6 months, my actual was 6 months and 20 days. I had 10% contingency in my budget. Including my upgrades, I pretty much stayed in that range. Plus they got it ready enough for me to move in half way through construction which saved me a lot of rent. read more

I used Mares & Dow to do both major reconstruction and smaller jobs on a 1914 craftsman home in Alameda. I couldn't be more impressed with the way they not only handled the job, but how they dealt with the city in terms of getting permits and inspections. Dennis and Archie are excellent at communication so I was always kept up to date on the project's progress. The pricing was reasonable, but best of all I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the job. They're trustworthy, keep you in the loop, and finish the job on time and on budget. After looking at four other contractors, these guys came out tops. read more

They may be a great contractor but there follow up is terrible. Contacted them about 2 months ago about replacing 4 sky lights. Took two weeks to get an appt to scope the project. Individual showed up at time scheduled. Said he was the son of the owner. Sounded very knowledgeable. Measured and told me he would have a bid together in one week. Four weeks have passed and no bid. 4 un returned phone calls and a no response e mail Looking for another company! Finally got a bid read more

For all who are looking at Yelp to evaluate this company and see the one star reviews please consider they come from individuals who were bothered by the communication with the company and not the work. It's a small business that has navigated Covid and the challenges of worker shortages. If you are bothered by having to call or email a few times, then call someone else. Like maybe you can call the skylight company that advertises like crazy, gets right back to you, comes out quickly to estimate ....and then really isn't sure what skylights you have or what to replace them with... but is happy to give you an estimate that is 25% higher than Mares & Dow that includes a $100 markup on every single item of materials (literally $100 markup on $200 box of flashing...come on!) But if you want a team that knows what you have, knows how to replace, and gets the job done in a high quality manner, and is fair on the material costs, go with Mares & Dow. And by the way, there is a product supply problem everywhere. At least Mares & Dow is upfront about how long it will take to get your materials. I am as pleased with Mares & Dow as any contractor I have ever worked with. read more

Sooo disappointed..called office and left messages three times for three skylights! No calls back! This is suppose to be a Diamond certified company...really??! read more

I hired this company to add a skylight to my kitchen. They did a fantastic job a) informing me about options, b) listening to what I was trying to accomplish and providing expert input, c) showing up on time and working around the fact that I had three dogs and had to go to work each day, d) finishing the project on time and with minimal disruption to my daily life. While it may take a little time for them to work you into their schedule, it is only because they are quite busy. And they are quite busy because they do such good work. read more

I called Mares & Dow because I wanted to have our dated bubble skylight replaced. I got the name of this company off the Velux website which was rated as a 5 star dealer. The owner came out and measured and within a few days we received a quote for over $1,800.00 just to replace a standard fixed 4 X 8 skylight. I asked if there were any other options within our price range and was told no & good luck. They are nice people to deal with but I felt taken advantage of. I went on Yelp to check out the reviews on Mares and Dow and thanks to the above review about called Mark Spiller (925-288-9881) I called him.He is rated a 3 Star Velux dealer. Honestly, he should be a 10 Star. I told him what I was looking for and he told me over the phone what his pricing was. We chose to upgrade to a manual skylight that opens for more than half the cost of the first quote. Mark is so knowledgeable, honest about skylights and windows and great to deal with! read more

I recently wrote a not so good review about Mares & Dow Construction. I take it all back! I spoke too soon. I had a problem with one of my skylights they put in. They called back and said they wanted to come out and fix the problem. Jimmy came out and fixed the problem, he is very easy to talk with and he listens:that's a very good thing. Anyway they are a very good company and so I recommend them to anyone that needs Velux Skylights and more. read more

We had Mares & Dow install a Velux skylight in our new master bathroom. The space was small and dark, so Mares & Dow 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. They did a fantastic job and were great to work with! Thanks guys! read more

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights - General Contractors Near Me - Concord, California

I've had Mares & Dow 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! read more

Mares & Dow: Jimmy, Robert & Ray spent 3 days installing 2 big Velux skylights in my den and one in my bedroom here in Marin. I really can't say enough about what a great job they did. My guests say, "it looks like they have always been there". The guys were on time every day, very professional, had all their equipment, brought their lunches so they could max out their time on the project. Some crews I had in the past had to run off to Home Depot 2+ times a day cause they forgot to get this or that. Not these guys. Again, very professional, the best thing as well is that they beat the estimates for 2 other smaller 5 star Velux installers, granted they were a much smaller than Mares & Dow but still. If you want to go with guys high quality team that have been and probably will be around for a long time, these are your guys. Janet Mares was really nice to work with. She was SO patient with me, I was debating how best to do this, cost ,etc and going back an forth with her for about 8 months, really! She didn't seem to mind, very calm and helpful, responsive. She verbally under-quoted me on adding the blackout blind and she stood by her original verbal quote which was lower than the actual price. Thanks Janet :-). Top notch operation. I gave them 5 yelp stars , just like Velux did. read more

Mares & Dow 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. 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's solid, reasonably priced, work. Thanks guys! read more

Mares & Dow 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! read more

It was a such great experience in dealing with Mares & Dow Construction for the replacement of our Velux Skylight, in our home in San Francisco! From our first e-mail, to a timely schedule to confirm all measurements and verify skylight type to the installation process. All happened like an "orchestra". All our questions and concerns were addressed, regarding ordering, price, payment and installation. We were told ahead of what to expect of the entire process. We are very pleased with the results and with a superb quality of service. read more

Both owners come across as very personable. But they never followed up on any of their promises in the "estimating" phase of the process so I wouldn't be too confident about them behaving any better if they got my business, which they are not. Called them about 2 months ago regarding some foundation repair and possible expansion and rehab of our house, and spoke to Archie Mares, broadly outlining what we had in mind. Maybe a couple of weeks or so later Dennis Dow came to the house. I took him around the exterior telling him about previous work that had been done on the foundation and pointing out our current foundation issues, took him inside the house to show the effect of the problem, and we talking a bit about possible expansion and rehab concerns. He left saying he'd have his "engineer" get in touch with us "next week". That never happened. We left the house for a couple of weeks of vacation - answering machine on, of course - and we we got home there was no message from any engineer wanting to come out the the house. After letting this go for another week or two I called Mares & Dow again and spoke to Archie Mares, once again. This time he said his "architect" would come out to the house to talk about the remodeling/rehab issues so we left if that she would be getting in touch for a visit on Wednesday through Friday of the following week, when I'd be available. I'd guess 3 or 4 weeks have gone by since that time and...no architect has ever shown up at my doorstep. read more

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 read more