The Best Bathroom Remodeling In Raleigh, NC
This ultimate guide is specific for Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas.
Consult with a specialist on your project
Your bathroom is your private space so you want it to be the best it can possibly be. It’s where you go to relax after a long day at work, so not only you want it to look great, but it needs to feel great too.
You may have a certain color in mind or a new piece of furniture that would really pull your room together. Maybe you just want to replace the lights, flooring, and sink with something new. However you want to approach your bathroom remodel, there’s a lot you should take into consideration.
If you’re looking for professional services for your bathroom remodeling in Raleigh, NC, you’re at the right place. Read on as I do a full breakdown of what goes into our bathroom remodeling process as well as guide you on how to make sure you choose the best contractor for the job.
Let’s dive in.
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 Inside Look At A Complete Bathroom Remodel
As simple as it sounds, having your bathroom remodeled is not something you should approach as a DIY project…
Let me explain.
Despite the fact that you’ve rolled up your sleeves to save some money, you will most probably spend more than anticipated. I talk more about why DIYing your bathroom remodel is not such a great idea in our Bathroom Remodel Cost guide. And if you think that hiring a designer will blow off your budget, let me reassure you that a skillful remodeling specialist will be able to bring your idea to life AND fit your bugdet at the same time.
One thing is for sure: there are a lot of aspects that go into a bathroom remodel, and in order for you to get the most out of your money and have a space that you love, you need to have an idea about all the possibilities you have.
Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite tea and let’s set you and your bathroom remodel up for success.
Bathroom Trends
A bathroom that’s in trend is a bathroom that’s up to date with the latest technology while also being worthy of a photo shoot or a Pinterest album. It’s what everybody wants – the perfect combination between tech, functionality, and style.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association‘s report on trends, shower ideas and shower conversions, new vanities and functional cabinetry accessories, coupled with smart technology options are some of the most exciting bathroom trends right now.
A top request from our clients in Raileigh is getting rid of the tub and going with an upgraded shower. I mean, just by upgrading the look of the shower you will uplift the presence of the entire room.
Just take a quick look at the transformation below.
There are a few tricks that can make a rather small bathroom look and feel bigger. A popular and easy to get one is converting to an open floor plan.
That’s what we did with the bathroom above. Even if it didn’t have a bathtub, just by taking down an unnecessary wall and opening up that dark shower space with a glass pane we’ve made it come alive. More often than not, it’s not so much about the space that you have available rather than about how you optimize it.
Bathroom Styles - Choosing Your Own
The primary reason clients come to us for a bathroom renovation is because the bathroom feels old and outdated. This creates a great opportunity to explore something different, which usually includes a change of style.
Bathrooms have come a long way from pink or green tiles, with shiny chrome faucets, big grout lines, and patterns that hurt your eye. When you enter your bathroom, you don’t want to take a trip to the ’60s – you need a space that comforts all your senses, and the visuals are a first.
The most popular bathroom style choices of the moment favor clean lines and a gentle look. Contemporary and Transitional bathroom styles make up more than half of our portfolio, and we’re seeing a great rise in popularity for the Organic and Industrial styles as well.
Let’s examine how each of them look and whether or not you’ll find them to be the right fit for you.
Transitional Style Bathrooms
A transitional bathroom has a timeless look and feel. Smooth features belnd in with minimalistic shower and cabinet designs. Light colors and great lighting bring the most visual impact.
Contemporary Style Bathrooms
Very minimalistic, with clean lines and smooth finishes, contemporary bathrooms are all about simplicity with a touch of luxury. Stylish vanities, big shower area, and lots of natural light prevail.
Organic/Natural Style Bathrooms
An organic bathroom will display a lot of natural textures colors. Wood surfaces combined with either white or dark tile work will make the space feel both cozy and luxurious. Natural light and plants are a must.
Industrial Style Bathrooms
These bathrooms are trendy, with features that make a statement. Darker tones for the cabinets with bold accent colors for the walls make the space feel lively. Black or matte faucets and accessories are the rave.
Materials - Decisions, Decisions...
One of the biggest reasons homeowners postpone redoing their bathroom is not having the knowledge to choose the right materials. There are so many things that look fantastic and you feel like you want them all, right?
But when you’re not sure what to choose, decision fatigue happens. You get overwhelmed of all the options out there and you end up with a not so great potpourri of materials, textures, and finishes that don’t work well together.
Since personalization is key, curating the design with the help of a professional will ensure your bathroom has a cohesive, timeless look.
Each bathroom surface has specific materials that will stay in trend for the next 3 years. Let’s see what they’re about.
Full-painted free-standing wood cabinets with either flat panels or recessed panels will be popular. 91% of them will feature light or medium tones.
Sinks will include under-mount sinks or integrated sinks, in either white or beige colors. Double sinks are also super popular, and when it comes to faucets, black will be the preferred color.
For vanity countertops, we’re talking quartz (74%), quartzite (30%), granite (19%), and marble (17%) predominantly in lighter colors.
Functional storage options include linen closets and medicine cabinets with electrical outlets and inside lighting. Mirros will feature backlight and internet conectivity.
Ceramic or porcelain tile make 65% of flooring materials, and you don’t want to forget heating. Trends predict that 77% of all future remodeled bathrooms will have heated flooring.
When it comes to lighting, we’ll be seeing more and more, dimmer switches, lighting in mirrors, and shower lighting. Multiple lighting sources will have motion sensors or intelligent controls.
Separate tub and shower are a must, with often changes of layout and configuration. Walk-in showers with large tile and glass panels, and free-standing tubs will make any room appear bigger.
Smart, sustainable features and other functionalities will include low-water flow toilets, water-efficient shower heads and faucets, low-energy exhaust fans, and efficient LED lights.
Bathroom Innovation And Smart Features
Look, most of us love technology and gadgets. More and more homeowners choose to upgrade their home to smart features such as automated or motion-sensor lights and remote control capabilities.
Just imagine heading home from work, and, while you’re doing your commute, your bath tub fills up by itself. With the help of smart technology, you can tell your smart bathroom what you want, and by the time you get home, your hot bath awaits. The lights dim in as you enter the room, and, while you undress, motion-controlled music starts to play. Who wouldn’t want that?!
And there’s more to bathroom innovation. Some of the most interesting upgrades include water conservation systems, efficient electrical systems, and heat recirculation, all of them being very important as we strive to take care of the environment.
- Smart temperature control for floors and/or shower
- Water conservation technology
- Motion sensor controls for lighting
- Mobile control to start the shower or heat the bathroom
- Integrated speakers, video, or audio systems
- Voice-activated controls
Bathroom Colors That Make A Statement
Color is one of the aspects that weigh the most when it comes to how your final space will look like, but there’s more than looks to it… Colors have the power to influence how you feel, and they dictate what atmosphere the room will have and how you perceive it.
As we spent more time inside in the past year, we realized how important it is to live in a space that truly represents us. 79% of master bathroom remodels start and prioritze changing the paint color.
There’s no secret that white goes well with anything and everything. For this reason, whites and off-whites are number one when it comes to bathroom paint colors. Often coupled with lightly-colored cabinets and a touch of accent here and there, you can’t go wrong when choosing a light color for your bathroom walls.
Other poopular and relaxing colors include warm neutrals, earthy tones, and pale blues, greens, and taupe colors, but you can’t go wrong with a dark gray or navy blue accent wall either.
Bathroom Remodel Options - What Can You Actually Change
The answer is… pretty much everything!
We’re so used to our space that perhaps we don’t realize how many elements there actually are in our bathrooms. From main colors, to toilets and vanity style, to tiling and flooring, cabinets and accessories, there’s a lot that you need to think about.
Considering your lifestyle is also important. Think about who will be the main user of the bathroom and that person’s needs and preferences. For example, if you’re the active type and you prefer a quick shower instead of a long bath, a big walk-in shower will be more important to you than a freestanding tub. But if in-laws, parents, elderly, or kids will be using the bathroom as well, you need to think about their needs too. Grab bars, multiple sitting areas, non-slip flooring, and adjustable showerheads are just a few of the functional add-ons you can have to make your bathroom suited for everyone.
That’s why it’s important to plan your bathroom remodel well. A designer and remodeler will not only ensure your bathroom’s functionality is optimal, it will also give it a look that ages well without you having to redo it every two years because it’s out of style.
So when it comes to both looks and features, you have the possibility to make your bathroom 100% yours. Below you’ll find the most common choices you will need to think about. Without a doubt, when you’re ready to take the plunge, we can help you figure out what works well for you.
Sink Faucets
- Single- or double-handle
- Finish: shiny chrome, matte chrome, copper, brass, black coating
Cabinetry
- Door material (wood, laminate)
- Hardware (knobs & pulls)
- Comfort height
- Drawers
- Sitting area
- Storage options (pull-outs, roll-outs, trash cans, etc)
- Tiolet topper cabinet
- Linen cabinet
Countertops
- Ceramic tile
- Quartz and solid surface
- Cultured marble
- Granite
- Marble
- Laminate
Toilets
- One-piece or two-piece
- Simple or smart-tech
- Elongated
- Comfort height
- Separate compartment
- Bidet
- Grab bars
Lighting
- Ambient lighting
- Grooming, around mirror
- Toilet area lighting
- In tub or shower
- In-floor lighting
- LED or incandescent
- Xenon or halogen
- Color lighting
Flooring
- Tile
- Vinyl
- Stone
- Laminate
- Wood
- Radiant
Ventilation
- With light
- With heat
- Extra quiet
- Humidity sensor
- Automated
Medicine Cabinet
- Wood or metal
- Recessed or surface-mounted
- Single, double, or triple mirror
- With TV
- Refrigerated
Accessories
- Towel bars or rings
- Magnifying makeup mirrors
- Toilet paper holders
- Soap and lotion dispensers
- Tissue boxes
- Robe hooks
- Toothbrush and tumbler holders
Laundry & Other
- Washer, dryer
- Stacked or side by side
- Front or top loading
- TV
- Music
- Towel warmers
How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Bathroom?
The True Value of a Bathroom Remodel
Before we talk real numbers, let’s think about what remodeling your bathroom brings you in terms of personal wellbeing. Because, believe it or not, you can actually measure wellbeing…
One of the major reasons why people chooses to have their bath redone is to personalize their home, but what does this mean exactly? It means the joy of living in a place that’s yours.
And here’s how joy is measured: The National Association of Realtors’ 2019 report shows that a bathroom renovation comes with a Joy Score of 9.3. 70% of homeowners say that since remodeling their bathroom, they have a greater desire to be home, and 58% mentioned an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home. That’s a pretty solid return on investment, right?
If spending time with yourself in a bathroom that helps you relax is what you need right now, then you’ll find immense value in having your bathroom remodeled.
Budget And Return On Investment
In the full guide for a Bathroom Remodel Cost, I go into the nitty-gritty of what goes into a bathroom remodel and how much it costs. But to sum it up real quick, according to Remodeling’s 2021 Cost vs Value report, you’re looking at a cost of $20k to $60k for a master bathroom, and $10k to $20k for a guest bathroom.
Now, remodeling your bathroom is a must if you plan to sell your home in the near future. While it looks like you’re spending money you don’t need to (because you can sell the house as-is, right?), you’re actually going to recoup 49.2% of your cost when you sell the house. Why? Because a $68k remodel will increase your home’s resale value by at least $33k! And if your home’s a keeper, we’ve already established that you deserve the best, so you win in both cases.
You can find out exactly how much your bathroom remodel will cost by using our bathroom price calculator. It will give you a clear idea of how different bathroom items impact the overall price.
Expecting The Unexpected
So far, remodeling your bathroom sounds exciting and you can’t wait to start. But as older homes carry the weight of time, there are a lot of unforseen issues and hickups that could appear when you least expect it.
In over 6 years and 50+ bathroom remodels completed, we’ve learned what can go wrong and we know how to fix it.
As we tear down your old bathroom to make room for your new, stylish features, here are the most common issues we might be dealing with:
- Water damage
- Pest damage
- Mold
- Outdated plumbing
- Old electrical wiring
- Foundation issues
- Structural issues
- Bad handyman job
Before you embark on a remodeling journey, you should also think about…
- Where will products go before installation? In the garage? On a porch? Living room or dining room?
- How will they be delivered? Through the front or back door? Down a hallway? Up or down stairs? Through a bedroom?
- How will your old bath tub be removed and where will you take it?
- Where will you put a dumpster if needed?
- What hours will the crew be in your home?
- Who do you talk to if you believe there’s a problem? The crew or someone else?
- What is the procedure for change orders? Who do you contact?
Next, as soon as your project start date is set, remember to…
- Ask for a written schedule
- State your preferences about music, smoking and eating on the premises
- Close off the rest of the house as much as possible
- Remove artwork on walls adjoining the bath, since hammering can jar them
- Communicate in advance with neighbors so they know what to expect
- Be accessible…let the crew or general contractor know how to reach you
The Greystone Advantage
At Greystone Remodeling, we’ll be providing answers and advice on all these matters, supporting and guiding you through each step. When you’re partnering with a company that prepares for the unexpected, your remodel will be as easy and pleasant as a walk in the park. Our process ensures you feel heard, understood, and always in the loop with everything that’s happening with your home.
Filtering Bath Remodel Contractors In Raleigh
Although it sounds so simple, working with people is one of the most complicated things there are. While there are a number of things that could go wrong with your contractor while you’re already in the process of remodeling, there are a few initial red flags that, if you’re aware of, will help you make a decision about who to hire fast.
Response Time
A basic one: response time. If you’re reaching out to a contractor and they don’t get back to you within one or two business days, let it go. Their lack of responsiveness means the company is having more than one problem on its plate. How could you trust your contractor to show up after you made the first payment if they don’t even answer their phones?
I believe that a contractor who doesn’t answer their phone isn’t able to stay in business. At Greystone Remodeling, we get back to you immediately or within the next day to have a conversation about your project. This doesn’t mean we’re not busy, it means that we care about you and your time. We wouldn’t want to call someone fourteen times before they respond, so we treat you like we would like to be treated.
Lower Than Usual Prices
Look, I’m not saying that you should go for the most expensive bid you get because a high price doesn’t always mean a high-quality result. But you definitely don’t want to go with the lowest either. When a bid sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That means your contractor will be cutting corners on materials, labor, and time in order to be able to provide the lowest price – and that’s only to win your business. In the fight for the bottom, nobody wins, so you want to
Lack Of Contract, License, Or Insurance
If there’s no contract offered, there’s no contracting job to be had, period. Gone are the days of word-of-mouth, handyman-hand-shake contract. You always want to make sure that your contractor is licensed, insured, and that he offers you a contract that states the price and when each payment will be made.
Asking For Payment Upfront
A serious contractor will only require a deposit to make sure their time and work is secured. If someone asks you for a full payment upfront, you should reject the offer immediately. Payments should be scheduled after each important project milestone has been reached. Not sooner, and not later either. If they pressure you in any way or make you “an offer you can’t refuse”, that also happens to “expire soon” if you don’t accept it, save yourself the time and the trouble and say no.
Quality Bathroom Remodeling Services
Embarking on a bathroom remodeling project is no piece of cake. It requires you to spend mental, emotional, and monetary energy on something you’ve been dreaming about for years, perhaps decades. We believe you deserve a service that gives you what you want without the hassle, sleepless nights, and exceeded budgets.
Straight-Forward Process
Our clear, transparent process ensures you’re always on top of things and informed about what is happening to your space.
We value your time and we have optimized every step of the bathroom remodeling process to make it as easy as possible for you. I’m writing more about our process below.
Time-Bound Service
Finding the time to complete the project is an important hurdle we’re here to help you jump over.
When you get in touch with us, we get back to you immediately, and complete your bathroom remodel in around 3 weeks, instead of the more common 8-week schedule that other contractors offer.
Transparent Pricing
Our prices are up on our website for everyone to see. We’re transparent with our prices because we believe it’s normal for you to know what to expect.
At the same time, we also try to educate and guide you on what choices best fit your budget while still offering you the look you want.
Licensed and Insured Contractors
Many homeowners postpone starting a bath remodel because finding the right people to do the job is a serious obstacle. That’s why when looking for a contractor it’s important to check if they’re in good standing, saving yourself from really expensive mistakes.
Besides being licensed and insured, at Greystone Remodeling we actually listen to you, show up, and get the job done right the first time.
How A Professional Bathroom Remodel Process Looks like
With everything that we do here at Greystone Remodeling, we’re trying to put ourselves in our customer’s shoes. Our process follows simple and transparent steps that are meant to give you the bathroom you want fast, while putting a smile on your face.
The Bathroom You Want In Less Than A Month
After our initial contact, we’ll come over for an on-site consultation. We’ll discuss your vision in detail, including the budget, materials, and timeline.
As soon as the contract is signed, we design your new bathroom, and, when you’re happy with every detail, we begin work.
In the first few days, the place will look like a war zone as we unmount vanities, take out old floors and tile, and demolish any walls. This only means we’re preparing a clean canvas on which we’ll paint your dream bathroom. While we take apart your bathroom, we protect your home and always keep a clean working site.
When everything’s complete, we invite you for a final walkthrough. Because we leave the bathroom sparkly-clean, you’ll be able to enjoy it immediately.
Read more about our process and why your bathroom remodeling journey will be one to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you spend on bathroom renovation?
The short answer to this question is: however much you want. It all depends on what you’re looking to get out of your investment. If you’re doing it for yourself, spending money on things that bring you happiness is always a great investment.
What adds the most value to a home?
When it comes to value, looking at the numbers holistically seems like the best option. How much joy does it provide to clients (according to the National Association of Realtors) as well as how much that job is worth on the resale of your home (according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value reports for Raleigh).
Prices that are market with an asterisk are averages from different sources. The cost recouped percentage is a rough average between all job types for the specific project. Winners are marked with a trophy emoji.
| Service | Joy Score | Midrange Job Cost | Upscale Job Cost | % of Cost Recouped |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | 10 🏆 | $69,618 | $144,328 | 50% |
| Basement Remodel | 9.5 | $14,000* | $40,000* | 65% 🏆 |
| Attic Remodel | 9.3 | $40,000* | $80,000* | 62% |
| Bathroom Remodel | 9.3 | $22,104 | $68,755 | 52% |
| Bathroom Addition | 9.2 | $51,467 | $93,932 | 46% |
| Master Suite Addition | 8.4 | $141,328 | $289,893 | 45% |
How much value does a new bathroom add?
Like I said before, when remodeling a bathrooom there’s personal value and monetary value involved.
If you’re remodeling a bathroom in a house that you plan to sell, a midrange bathroom remodel that costs around $22k will up the resale value of that home with at least $10k, which means you’ll recoup $45.8% of your costs. As seen in the table above, the numbers look similar for a upscale bath remodel and a bath remodel with a universal design.
Should I remodel my bathroom before selling?
Yes. It will significantly increase the resale price of your home.
Is it better to update a kitchen or bathroom?
If you’re looking to sell, a remodeled bathroom provides you with a similar return as a renovated kitchen. Otherwise, both are expensive investments.
If you’re looking to bring people together, start with the kitchen as it’s the focal point of the home. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, relax, and spoil yourself so that you can enjoy life more, start with the bathroom.
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!