The Best Kitchen Remodeling In Raleigh, NC
This ultimate guide is specific for Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas.
Consult with a specialist
A polished new kitchen will make your house homier and enrich your quality of life. Kitchen remodeling is a fantastic alternative that can bring life into your place. Not to mention that if you’re looking to increase the value of your home, it’s the first thing that people notice. Whether you want to make some extra space for cooking and storage, or you just want to freshen up the place, kitchen remodeling is worth every penny.
And it’s tough to find a good kitchen remodeler nowadays in Raleigh NC. You call and nobody picks up the phone. You ask some questions and you hit a brick wall. At least that’s what I hear from my clients. To come to your aid I’ve put this guide together. I tried my best to answer the most pressing questions so you can make an informed decision.
Let me walk you through it.
Table of Contents
Published on October 14th, 2021 by
Anthony is a renovation expert that completed over 100 successful remodeling projects. He serves the counties of Wake and Durham and surrounding areas. He is always putting the highest standards of excellence to work for clients who want to transform the way they live.
An Overview of Kitchen Remodeling in Raleigh
Remodeling your kitchen comes with many benefits, from a new and refreshing appearance to increased functionality. You can easily improve comfort levels in your home with a makeover to suit your individual style.
And the best part about it is that you have plenty of options to choose from. It can feel like you stepped into new surroundings with a collection of materials, colors, and gadgets at your disposal. Of course, sometimes the variety of choices may seem unlimited. It can get a bit overwhelming. If you go at it on your own, without the help of a professional, you risk making some costly mistakes.
But I am here to help you out with that. Mapping a carefully designed plan and offering reliable advice is what a kitchen remodeling expert does. But most importantly he will be the pillar of your project, ensuring your safety and a stress-free experience.
So let’s explore all the amazing advantages that kitchen remodeling has as we walk through all the steps.
Kitchen Trends
When it comes to remodeling most people look for a kitchen with a wide range of capabilities as well as aesthetics. Function and style are some of the most sought-after elements.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, L-shaped kitchens with large islands and plenty of space for movement are all the rave nowadays. Also, a minimalistic style with a touch of natural materials, and all sorts of smart tech are what people are moving towards.
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for innovation and your kitchen shouldn’t be deprived of that. Technology continues to grow with dedicated device charging or emergency power for refrigerators. Most upscale kitchen remodels include these features and more.
Also, the current global situation comes with its repercussions on the way homeowners evaluate their priorities. There seems to be a need for better storage options, easy-to-clean surfaces, and flexible workspaces.
Kitchen Styles
It doesn’t matter that much what’s in trend, to be honest. What matters is what you like, and, thankfully, there’s a lot you can choose from. Here are the three most common kitchen styles you should consider:
Contemporary Style Kitchen
The contemporary style offers a minimalistic kitchen design and an overall clean aesthetic. It blends in natural light perfectly, has integrated hardware, and offers a polished finish with a touch of luxury.
Perfect for folks who are looking for that spotless design and optimized space.
Transitional Style Kitchen
Transitional style kitchens offer a timeless look and have a relaxed feel to them. You will spot smooth finishes, clean colors, and integrated storage.
They generate a calm atmosphere with a focus on wood flooring and countertops with traditional edges.
Organic/Natural Style Kitchen
Organic kitchens are clean, natural, and made of recycled materials. They are a sustainable option with a great appeal. They are focused on a mix of minimal detailing, natural textures, and simple finishes.
Overall they generate a warm atmosphere and bring a touch of coziness to your home.
Materials
Choosing materials for your kitchen cabinets or deciding how the flooring should be are issues that most people face. There are plenty of options out there and choosing one that suits your needs can prove to be a difficult process. But before you decide on anything, let’s take a look at our options.
Each kitchen style has some specific materials and unique differentiating features. Whether you opt for wood flooring for a warmer feel or stained concrete for a darker atmosphere, your kitchen should represent you and your style. And if you are unsure where to start, you can always look for what’s trendy.
Reports have highlighted that design trends will take a turn toward more solid and tough materials in the following years. As modern and contemporary kitchen designs are in high demand these days, there’s an increasing appeal for light-colored quartz countertops with slab or long subway backsplashes.
For a more natural feel, you can always opt for painted or wood grain cabinetry with a differently colored island. Or if you are looking for a space where the materials are decorative elements in themselves, the industrial style is also popular these days. More people are having a desire for stainless steel workstation sinks and kitchen faucets with a matte or brushed finish.
Of course, trends come and go and you don’t have to match any of them if they don’t suit your particular taste. But they are a good starting point, especially when you are in doubt or overwhelmed by decision fatigue. If you’re looking to simplify you can never go wrong with a transitional style, as it’s proved its timelessness with age.
Kitchen Innovation
A lot of people are keen on technological advancements and as the years pass, more homeowners are taking into consideration upgrading their kitchen with the latest appliances. Why? Because when innovation meets kitchen design, your home will definitely glow.
And there are a ton of amazing smart features out there that will only make your experience in the kitchen a delight. Traditional switches, for instance, have started to fade away as flexible and passive lightning controls are taking their place. When it comes to refrigerators, french door models that are flush, integrated, or built-in are making some waves in the industry.
For cooking, both gas and induction cooktops are common, alongside convection or steam ovens. All these and much more are viable options that you can take under consideration.
Here are the most popular kitchen upgrades you can get:
- Dimmer switches
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Motion sensor lighting
- Mobile device connected lighting
- Voice-activated lighting
- Induction cooktop
- Microwave drawers
- Convection oven
- Steam Oven
- Decorative Functional Ventilators
Kitchen Remodel Options
There are plenty of options that you can choose from when remodeling your kitchen. Let’s see which ones are right for you.
Cabinets
Door facing materials
- Painted wood
- Grain wood
- Laminated
- Clear Glass inserts
- Acrylic
- Metal
Cabinet door style
- Flat panel
- Recessed panel
- Raised panel
Storage Options
- Sections of floor-to-ceiling
- Multiple upper cabinets
- Fewer upper cabinets
- Accessories and dividers
Tone / Color
- Light
- Medium
- Dark
- Different color island
- Different color upper/lower cabinets
- Consistent color scheme
Countertops
Material
- Quartz
- Granite
- Marble
- Concrete
- Stainless steel
- Tile
- Planned wood
- Mixed materials
Edges
- Traditional
- Waterfall
- Live
- Knife-edge
- Apron edge
- Banded edge
Backsplash Style
- Slab
- Long subway
- Herringbone
- Mosaic
- Narrow strips
- Square
- Pebble
Tone / Color
- Light
- Medium
- Dark
- Different color island countertop
- Same color island countertop
Sinks
Material
- Stainless steel
- Composite surface
- Porcelain with cast iron
- Fireclay
- Decorative metal
- Vitreous China
- Epoxy wood
- Mixed materials
Configuration
- Single
- Double
- Farm
- Workstation
Colors
- Stainless
- White
- Silver/gray
- Earth tone
- Beige color
- Bold color
Faucets
Color
- Stainless
- Nickel
- Black
- Bronze
- Ombre
- Bold color
Finish
- Matte
- Brushed
- Satin
- Polished
- Natural
- Antique
Features
- Motion control
- Touch/tap
- Lever
- Voice-activated
- Extensible
Appliance Options
Refrigerator
- French door
- Column
- Convertible
- Under counter
- Built-in
- Freestanding
Cooktops / Oven
- Induction
- Gas
- Convection oven
- Steam oven
- Microwave drawer
Range Hoods
- Automatic
- Hidden
- Decorative
How Much Will Your Kitchen Actually Cost?
Can You Put A Price On Happiness?
When talking about their project, most of my clients want to make their house feel like a home. And they’re right, this is an investment for your well-being.
Our homes are like a sanctuary where we feel safe and protected from the world. So it makes sense to put money in something that makes you feel like you belong, something that brings you happiness and brings the whole family together.
Studies show that after a kitchen renovation, 95% of people have an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home.
This is the type of value that a remodeling project can offer you.
How Much Should You Expect To Spend
Now let’s talk about prices. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs Value report for Raleigh, you are looking at an investment along the lines of $20k to $150k for a remodeling job. This depends on a number of factors. If you are looking to change only a few things, fix some kitchen cabinets or add some appliances, then you are looking somewhere around $25k.
If you think of doing a major remodel using midrange appliances and materials, then you are looking to spend $70k. But if you want to do a full kitchen remodel using high-end appliances and materials, then the price will be around $140k. For us, at Greystone Remodeling, an average kitchen remodel cost lands somewhere close to the $75k mark.
Seems like quite the price range, but as I mentioned before, a remodeled kitchen can also bring some serious financial worth. For a resale, it can increase your house’s value by $65k.
Filtering Kitchen Remodeling Contractors In Raleigh, NC
Some distinctive remodeling options in Raleigh, North Carolina can be challenging to find, especially if you take into account what goes into this type of job. During your research, I highly recommend being on the lookout for these major red flags. Remember: it’s better to spot them before than during the project.
Response Time
The obvious one: time management. If you contact a remodeling contractor and they respond after a week, how do you think they’ll deal with your project? Not answering the phone is a poor impression right from the get-go. Punctuality and customer service should be a contractors’ number one priority.
Lower Than Usual Prices
Yes, you need to have your budget in mind any time you invest in a huge project, but that doesn’t mean you must go for the cheapest option available. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. It may mean that the contractor will use cheap materials or unqualified labor and will bail on you when most needed.
Lack Of Contract, License, Or Insurance
Asking For Payment Upfront
Quality Kitchen Remodeling Services in Raleigh
Commencing on this journey is no easy task and, ideally, you should consider gathering a crew that you can rely on. Here, at Greystone Remodeling, we believe you deserve a service that takes you to your destination, with clarity and professionalism.
Straight-Forward Process
Time-Bound Service
Transparent Pricing
Our prices are displayed on our website for every client to see. We believe in full transparency and we try to educate on what each job may entail so that you can be left with your desired result. You can also see a full breakdown of costs and a more in-depth look in our How Much A Kitchen Remodel Costs article.
Bathroom Remodeling vs. Kitchen Remodeling
Which One Should You Do First?
The kitchen and bath dilemma is one that many homeowners face. Both kitchens and bathrooms often take the place of immediate priority when it comes to home renovation. They represent a solid increase in your quality of life.
First, think about what your home is actually lacking or if you feel any sort of discomfort. Does any of the two rooms need some fixing up? If you happen to see any issues, then that is what you need to tackle first.
The second step is to think about your values and what brings you the most satisfaction. If you’re looking to bring the family together and create lasting memories, the kitchen should be your first choice. If you’re looking for a personal oasis, where you can melt your stress away every single day, then the bathroom is the way to go.
Both Your Kitchen And Bath Add Value To Your Home
Also, don’t forget to take your budget into account. A bathroom remodel will not be as costly as redoing your kitchen, but taking them both from the get-go might still prove to be troublesome. A price-wise average bathroom remodel is $35k, while a kitchen remodel is $65k+. Both add immense value to your home with recouping costs around 50%.
It is also worth taking into account the time you usually spend in each room. A lot of people find themselves in the kitchen most of the time. This may be one of the reasons why the joy score for a remodeled kitchen is 10, while the bathroom receives a 9.8.
Of course, you do use both every day, so you can’t go wrong with either and we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a kitchen remodel worth it?
Yes. The kitchen is the focal point of every home, a space where people gather to spend time together and enjoy good food. If you like having the family around, kids playing, their grandparents watching, everybody laughing, then go for it.
What does a kitchen remodel cost?
The cost for each remodel usually depends on the size of your kitchen and the company you are hiring. Our prices start from $35k and go up depending on the choice of materials or upgrades you go for.
Do I need a designer for a kitchen remodel?
No. Although if you have the budget it’s worth it because they will provide ideas and make your home look its best. Otherwise, you don’t have to because there is a ton of inspiration available already and I’ll personally help you with your choices. Also, hiring a designer will add 20% on the total remodeling cost. So, for an average kitchen remodel of $65k, you are looking to spend at least $10k for a designer.
Who to hire for a kitchen remodel?
In the Raleigh area, you can find some suitable options, but you have to make sure that whatever company you choose is aligned with your vision and budget. Focus on the kitchen remodel experts that pick up their phone, have verifiable experience, and have good reviews.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
This usually depends on the contractor. We offer a 3-week timestamp on your projects, which is faster than most of your competitors.
Kitchen remodeling can be an excellent way to improve your quality of life in ways both small and large. Whether you’re looking for more space, bring the family together, or want to add value to your property, we’re here to help!
Your Licensed General Contractor In Raleigh, NC
Our company is dedicated to training and education in order to be able to build or remodel your home with the most sustainable, efficient, and environmentally safe materials possible. Drawing on years of experience, we are dedicated to providing superior results.
Where Clients Are Top Priority, Not An Afterthought
E
Eric Cumming
Greystone was the lead contractor for a high end whole house renovation and addition. Anthony is great to work with and is always thinking of the best way to solve difficult construction challenges. I highly recommend his company.
Response from the owner
Thanks Eric! We look forward to working on the next one with you!
Venus Liles
We consider ourselves so lucky to have found Anthony with Greystone Custom Construction. After being referred by a friend, we selected him to assist with a major home remodel.
We couldn’t be more delighted with how everything turned out! His responsiveness, professionalism, and work ethic are unparalleled in the industry. Any issues that popped up were addressed promptly and thoroughly.
We are planning to use his services for other projects in the future and recommend him without hesitation for any construction needs.
Response from the owner
Thanks Venus! It was a pleasure to work with you and Phillip!
Jeff Lawrence
Anthony did a great job and good price would highly recommend Greystone Remodeling 
Response from the owner
Thank you Jeff!
James Padgett
Anthony has excellent attention to detail, communicates very well and went above and beyond our expectations!! Highly recommend! Thank you!! ☺️
Response from the owner
Thank you James for your kind words!