The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Raleigh, North Carolina

Last updated on December 6th, 2024 at 03:56 am

Raleigh’s housing market features many older homes, with the oldest dating back to 1769. In Northern Raleigh, large homes in Tudor Revival, Victorian, and Queen Anne styles are prominent, while the traditional bungalow is more common downtown. Renovations of these homes often start in its kitchens. These are made to accommodate ever-changing trends such as open layouts, updated cabinetry, and natural stone countertops.

On this list, you will find the top 13 contractors in Raleigh that specialize in transforming outdated kitchens into dream cooking spaces. These firms were chosen based on their accolades, achievements, and ability to blend old North Carolina charm with modern amenities. 

13) White Oak Custom Builders

296 Tallowwood Dr., Garner, NC 27529

White Oak Custom Builders is a full-service residential remodeling firm that specializes in high-end custom remodeling in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Founded by Justin Hartman, it has a complete in-house team of accomplished craftsmen and designers adept at every facet of remodeling, from structural re-engineering to aesthetic re-designs. The firm’s renovation specialties include kitchens and bathrooms.

In this Rangecrest kitchen remodel, the firm changed the home’s structural framing to make the kitchen twice as large. Vaulted ceilings and exposed beams display the space’s height. The all-white palette keeps it bright and inviting. It features classic kitchen elements like shaker-style cabinets, quartz countertops, and open shelving.

The firm is proud to have a solid following among North Carolinians, with 90% of its business coming from referrals and repeat clients. It also associated with many of the remodeling industry’s leading organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

12) Wake Remodeling

121 N. Salem St., Apex, NC 27502

Texas-native Luke Dobbins found his talent working under his father’s electrical company as a young man. In his spare time he enjoys going on mission trips to build facilities where there are needs. He established Wake Remodeling in 2008, where he provides general contracting services throughout the Triangle Area. His wife, Catherine, is raising their 4 beautiful children and does bookkeeping & marketing. Wake Remodeling has a boutique showroom in Historic Downtown Apex where their in-house designer assists their clients in making project selections.

Wake Remodeling’s team includes a Certified Green Professional and Aging-In-Place Specialist. These designations ensure homeowners have the option of creating a home that is sustainable and environment-friendly, and where they can age-in-place comfortably. The firm offers a vast number of services, including attic conversions, deck build-outs, additions, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling. In 2017, Luke completed the NC Builders Institute coursework to become a NC Accredited Builder. He is currently serving as the Vice-Chair of the Wake County Remodelers Council.

An example of a kitchen the firm renovated in Raleigh is this traditional space. The cabinets are white-painted maple with shaker style doors and contemporary poles. The peninsula with heirloom quartz countertop separates the space without compromising the open first-floor layout.

11) Heritage Kitchen and Bath

7200 ACC Blvd. Suite #105, Raleigh, NC 27167

Heritage Kitchen and Bath is a collaboration between two general contractors who provide premium home construction, renovation, and design. Clients receive the benefit of 25 years of combined construction experience, along with 20 years of combined kitchen and bath design experience, from the firm’s design team. The firm recently won Silver in the 2016 Wake County Parade of Homes.

The firm’s kitchen portfolio displays its flexibility in accommodating varying designs. From traditional schemes to modern silhouettes, its kitchens utilize both natural and man-made materials for durability and elegance. This transitional kitchen features a stunning blue-gray island topped with marble. The unique shape flows seamlessly through the layout of the space, maximizing storage and functionality.

10) TrendMark

P.O. Box 5712, Cary, NC 27512

TrendMark is a design-build general contractor known for its beautiful custom homes and bespoke renovations. From Craftsman bungalows to antebellum estates, TrendMark has renovated every kind of home in the Greater Triangle area. The firm is notable for its work on the Wrenn House— a home for youth who have run away from home, are homeless, or are in any crisis situation.

The firm is headed by North Carolina native Wallace Baker. He began his career as a municipal building inspector, earning the state’s highest level of certification in building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire code. His expertise has directed the firm to produce high-quality homes and renovations that have won STAR Awards annually. The firm gained national recognition when one of its designs was featured on HGTV’s “Bang For Your Buck” and won Best Return on Investment.

9) Corbett Design Build

10104 Old Creedmoor Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613

Since 1980, Corbett Design Build has been serving the Triangle area with custom home renovations and remodels built to last a lifetime. Partners Barry Corbett and Dave Foster launched Foster Corbett, a design-build firm, with a primary focus on remodeling. When Foster left to pursue other interests, Corbett renamed the firm and continued to develop its specialties in remodeling and renovations.

Over the years, Corbett has made a name in the remodeling industry as one of North Carolina’s leading remodelers. In 1990, he was among the first 100 people in the nation to earn the Certified Graduate Remodeler designation from the NAHB. He became a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist five years later. Locally, he has served as president of the Raleigh-Wake County Remodelers Council.

Under Corbett’s leadership, the firm has won more than 25 STAR Awards from the Remodeler’s Council of Raleigh-Wake. These award-winning projects range from kitchen and bathroom remodels to additions, sunrooms, and basements. This kitchen remodel won a 2017 STAR Award for Best Kitchen $110k-$140k.

8) Asbury Remodeling

1002 Towhee Drive, Apex, NC 27502

Asbury Remodeling & Construction is a premier, full-service home improvement firm that serves North Carolina’s Greater Triangle area. It was started by Daymon Asbury, a third-generation home builder. He leads a talented team of experts who have 50 years of combined experience in all areas of design, construction, and project management.

The firm’s custom homes and tailored renovations have graced the pages of local publications such as Preston Life Magazine and Homes & Ideas Magazine. Several of its projects were named Home of the Month and Makeover of the Month by these publications.

The firm transformed an outdated 1920s Raleigh kitchen into this elegant entertaining space. The use of varying textures in the materials includes glossy herringbone tile, matte brick, and speckled marble.

7) Old Oak Construction

229 N. Main St., Wendell, NC 27591

Old Oak Construction is a home builder and general contractor established in 2010 by veteran Ben Carroll. Ben grew up in the construction business and earned a degree in Construction Management. After serving his country, he decided to go back to his first love and start a business building homes. Driven by his passion and discipline, Old Oak Construction has become one of Wake County’s top home builders.

The firm’s whole house renovations, historic remodels, and exterior work were recognized in the 2018 STAR Awards of the Remodelers Council. It was also named Best Home Builder in East Wake in 2016 by the Eastern Wake News. Carroll ranked in Professional Remodeler’s 40 Under 40 of 2017 as one of the nation’s most innovative remodeling professionals. Furthermore, the firm won an International Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau for its unsurpassed service and organizational ethics.

The firm favors classic kitchen layouts updated to accommodate current trends. This all-white kitchen features timeless shaker-style cabinets and marble countertops. Space is maximized by placing the sink in the corner with dual windows for maximum natural light.

6) Rufty Homes

5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 208, Raleigh, NC 27607

Rufty Homes has built a reputation for creating luxurious homes in affluent neighborhoods across the Raleigh area. The firm is notable for being named Top Custom Builder by the Triangle Business Journal for the past six years. In addition to tailored custom homes, the firm also provides renovations and remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and whole homes.

The firm specializes in green building practices. Green building pioneer John Rufty, known as the father of North Carolina’s green building movement, founded and leads the firm. He is credited for building the HealthyHouse in 1994 for the American Lung Association as well as the NAHB Research Center, now the Home Innovation Research Labs. Completing the firm’s team of building experts are veteran craftsmen and accomplished project managers.  

This notable kitchen is from the home of the University of North Carolina’s Chancellor Randy Woodson. The firm created the space to exude luxury and grandeur without losing the sense of warmth and familiarity. All of its materials are sourced locally, including brick, wood framing, floors, ceilings, and trim. This project received the Platinum Award for Best Kitchen at the 2012 Best of American Living Awards of the NAHB.

5) Quality Design & Construction, Inc.

3823 Junction Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27603

Award-winning firm Quality Design & Construction, Inc. is the culmination of David J. Mackowski’s dream with his wife Peggy. The Pennsylvania native grew up helping his father to remodel homes in Erie. In 1994, after relocating to North Carolina, the two started the firm as a company solely dedicated to remodeling homes. David and Peggy have earned designations in green building and aging-in-place to ensure that the firm creates environmentally-sound and functional homes for any demographic or lifestyle.

Over the years, the firm has won a number of coveted Chrysalis Awards. These include State Remodeler of the Year, Regional Remodeler of the Year, and  Southern Remodeler of the Year. Additionally, the firm has earned numerous STAR Awards from the Remodelers Council of the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County in a number of categories, including best kitchen remodels. Another one is the 2007 Livable Community Awards presented by AARP and NAHB Quality, Design & Construction, Inc. (for Ann’s Ridge Road Dream in Raleigh, NC) This remodeled home was designed to accommodate the owners current and future needs in an already existing structure. Subtle elements promoting safety, comfort and accessibility include, a step-free entry, the absence of hallways on the first floor, zoned, recessed lighting and task lighting throughout the house, easy- to-use kitchen cabinets, a roomy bath with a curbless shower, and multi-level countertops. Category: Remodeler more than $25,000. Quality Design & Construction Inc. is the only company that has ever received a STAR award for Best Customer Service.

They have been featured in BH&G Remodeling Ideas for your Home magazine, Womens Day Home and Remodeling Magazine, New Homes and Ideas, BH&G Kitchen Makeovers.

4) Blue Ribbon Construction

5605-100 Chapel Hill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607

For over 25 years, Blue Ribbon Construction has helped residents of the Raleigh area with all of their home interior and exterior remodeling needs. This full-service renovation company was established by John Sperath. Prior to starting his career in construction, he served the Apex community for 15 years as a firefighter.

The firm is locally and nationally recognized as a top remodeler. It has earned a Chrysalis Award for Remodeler of the Year and won STAR Awards from the Remodeler’s Council of Raleigh-Wake. In addition to this, the Triangle Business Journal has consistently named Blue Ribbon as one of the Top 10 Remodelers in the region.

The firm has been involved with many renovation projects during its 25 years in the business. With a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist on board, it can provide comfortable living options for seniors. It also specializes in kitchens and sunrooms. This modified kitchen-sunroom combo lets in a lot of natural light through its huge windows. The soft white and gray palette keeps everything fresh and airy.

3) Noble Renovation

109 Pebble Ridge Farms Ct., Cary, NC 27513

Noble Renovation is a design-build company that specializes in remodeling, renovation, and custom new construction. It was started by 25-year construction veteran Steve Minor. He has built and managed more than 350 homes and is a leader in the home building industry. Two years ago, Steve initiated the idea of the Remodeler’s Council Roundtable meetings which happens every other month at the HBA headquarters.

2019 marks their 11^th year in business and has since won 10 awards through the years. The firm has won STAR Awards for its living rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. It has also been featured in Custom Builder Online and Remodeling Magazine. A unique award they’ve won is a “Presidential Award” for representing the Wake HBA in excellence when Steve managed a big community service project in 2014, “The Green Chair”.  

The firm is known to incorporate luxury into every space it creates. From laundry rooms to kitchens, it installs every amenity and high-end finish to make an outstanding space. In this kitchen, a herringbone tile backsplash and white oak floors decorate an open layout. The sky blue stools complement the gray and white island.

2) Distinctive Remodeling

1228 United Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603

Distinctive Remodeling is the product of a merger between the remodeling division of Rufty Homes and Eddie Casanave’s own construction company. Casanave’s experience in construction is rooted in high school summers spent working at his brother’s construction company, rounded out by a degree in Civil Engineering. His expertise is further evident in his roles as founder of the Remodelers Council of Wake County in 1993 and the first remodeler to be president of the local Home Builders Association in 2001.

The firm boasts an impressive list of accolades, including numerous STAR Awards from the HBA of Raleigh-Wake and several national Chrysalis Awards. Casanave is also known for cooking for his clients after a successful kitchen remodel, which has earned him the nickname, “Kitchen Casanova.”

The firm specializes in remodeling both indoor and outdoor kitchens. For indoor kitchens, it favors the classic country look highlighted by wooden pieces. Featured here is the firm’s winning entry in the 2015 Remodelers Council Star Awards. Leather upholstered seats and a burgundy island give a sophisticated touch to the wide open kitchen.

1) CQC Home

3321 Guess Rd., Durham, NC 27705

Durham-based CQC Home is a design-build company that has gained national recognition through its made-to-measure renovations and remodels. It has been included among national lists such as Professional Remodeler’s Top 250 and Qualified Remodeler’s Top 200, as well as Best of Durham 2017 by Durham Magazine. It was also named Builder of the Year by the local home builders association.

In addition to excelling and garnering awards, the company puts a premium on collaboration and community. The firm was founded by Ken Combs, a Durham native who wanted to provide better construction services to his community. He established the company with his wife Ericka who heads the design team. The firm’s collaborative work with clients and adherence to customer-centric values and standards have earned it a BBB Torch Award.

Crisp and modern kitchens are the firm’s specialty. Here, a simple tile backsplash and timeless white cabinets serve as a perfect backdrop for espresso-stained furniture, pendant lights, and wooden open shelves. Glass and quartz countertops add elegance to the relaxing space.