The kitchen is an integral part of every North Carolina home. It’s where the family gathers for weekday breakfasts, Sunday brunches, and NFL and NASCAR-viewing parties. Whether you prefer your kitchen to be a warm, intimate space with a classic, functional layout or an oversized, luxurious kitchen with every amenity imaginable, a contractor in the Tar Heel State is ready to help you bring your dream kitchen to life.
Here, we list the top 15 contractors in the state, which were chosen based on their achievements and accolades, notable projects, community participation and presence, and press recognition.
15) Alair Homes Lake Norman
11910 Terrill Ridge Drive, Davidson, NC 28036
Formerly operating as Lighthouse Home Remodeling, Alair Homes Lake Norman is an award-winning renovation company that serves the entire Charlotte region and beyond with every type of remodeling and renovation service, including attic conversions, whole-house renovations, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The firm’s kitchen and bathroom projects have earned awards from the Home Builders Association of Charlotte.
The firm often plays with color and light to bring its kitchens to life. Exemplifying this is a kitchen remodel in Stourbridge, which features an expanded area that flows into a sunroom addition. Walls of windows and skylights flood the space with natural light, and a new patio connects the inside of the home to the outdoors.
14) Brickwood Builders
135A Montlieu Ave., Greensboro, NC 27409
Brickwood Builders boasts extensive experience, high customer approval, several customer referrals, and regular participation in community service.
For 15 years, the firm has been serving the Greensboro area with custom homes and renovations. Aside from building high-quality homes for its clients, the firm has also participated in creating homes 50 homes in 10 years for Greensboro Habitat for Humanity’s 2015 Raising Roofs campaign.
The firm’s principals, Ed Butler and Deborah Butler, are not only the firm’s leaders but also leaders in Greensboro’s home building industry. Ed is a recipient of the 2014 Eugene Gulledge Award for Distinguished Service, which is the GBA’s most prestigious honor. He has also served on the GBA Board of Directors, chaired the Remodelers Council, and participated in the Tour of Remodeled Homes and numerous community service project initiatives. His wife, Deborah, is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The design-build company specializes in whole-home renovations, outdoor additions, and room remodels. The firm’s kitchen and bathroom remodels can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000. With a CAPS member on board, Brickwood Builders also offers renovations as well as minor improvements or maintenance to accommodate clients with special needs.
13) TrendMark
P.O. Box 5712, Cary, NC 27512
TrendMark was established with the goal of bringing the highest quality home remodeling and building services to discerning customers in the Greater Triangle area of North Carolina. From estates and manors to charming Craftsman bungalows, the firm has renovated every kind of home. Along with residential projects, the firm also gives back to the community. For instance, TrendMark was part of creating the Wrenn House, which is a home for youth who have run away from home, are homeless, or are in any other crisis situation.
TrendMark is also known for its award-winning home transformations. The firm’s kitchens and remodeling projects annually earn STAR Awards from the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County. One of the firm’s kitchen remodels was even featured on HGTV’s “Bang For Your Buck.” Wallace Baker, the company’s president and a native North Carolinian, has extensive experience as a municipal building inspector. This has allowed him to ensure that the firm adheres to the highest construction, electrical, plumbing, and fire-safety standards.
12) Corbett Design Build
229 N Main St., Wendell, NC 27591
Corbett Design Build has been serving the Triangle area with custom home renovations and remodels built to last a lifetime since 1980. The current firm stems from Foster Corbett, a partnership between Barry Corbett and Dave Foster. When Dave left to pursue other interests, Barry continued the firm and further developed its specialization in remodeling projects.
Corbett is hailed 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 also 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 Remodelers Council of Raleigh-Wake. These awards are testaments to the firm’s technique and dexterity in transforming and updating homes. One such award-winner is the Buchholz Project. The firm aimed to create a more functional space in terms of layout, storage, and cooking area. The tiny pantry was enlarged and relocated. The space was opened up resulting to a better flow in movement from dining area to the kitchen.
11) Old Oak Construction
11910 Terrill Ridge Drive, Davidson, NC 28036
US Veteran Ben Carroll grew up in the general contracting business. He earned a degree in construction management and pursued a business where he can do what he loves—home building and historic renovation. Thus, he started Old Oak Construction in 2010 and has made it into one of Wake County’s top home builders.
The firm’s list of accolades include four Star Awards in 2018 for whole house renovations, historic remodel, and exterior work, an International Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau for its unsurpassed service and organizational ethics, and 2016’s Best of East Wake & Best Home Builder Eastern Wake Award. Furthermore, Carroll ranked among Professional Remodeler’s 40 Under 40 of 2017 as one of the nation’s most innovative remodeling professionals.
The firm specializes in extensive residential renovations as well as smaller updates like kitchen and bathroom remodels. Much like the firm’s whole house renovations, its kitchen portfolio is filled with classic cooking spaces updated to accommodate the current trends. This light-filled kitchen is made even brighter with its unified white cabinets and speckled marble countertops. It transitions smoothly into the sunny dining area.
10) Asbury Remodeling & Construction
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. The firm’s talented team boasts 50 years of combined experience in all areas of design, construction, and project management. The firm is headed by Daymon Asbury, a third-generation general contractor. Asbury’s homes have gained recognition through features in local publications, such as Preston Life Magazine and Homes & Ideas Magazine.
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, the firm focuses on versatility and flexibility, such as in the kitchen featured here. The island countertops function as butcher blocks for kitchen prep and expanded tables for large dinner parties, while varied tiles give the room a unique look.
9) Case Design/Remodeling
3421-M St. Vardell Lane, Charlotte, NC 28217
Case Design/Remodeling is a Charlotte-based design-remodel company that has been renovating homes in North Carolina for over a decade. The firm was established in 2005 by Brad Little, who, prior to establishing the company, worked general contractor jobs throughout both Carolinas.
The firm’s sharp skills and professional expertise in remodeling have earned Case Design/Remodeling numerous National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards at the local, state, and national levels. Publications such as the Charlotte Business Leader Magazine, Home Improvement, and Kitchen & Bath Design News Magazine have also featured the firm.
The firm’s kitchen renovations are defined by smart storage, usable counter space, layered lighting, and additional square footage. These features can be seen in this glamorous kitchen remodel, which won a 2018 NARI CotY Award for Best Kitchen Residential Kitchen $60,001–$100,000. The room’s aesthetic is classic and bright, while the navy bases and island anchor the space and create contrast.
8) Rufty Homes
5121 Kingdom Way Suite #208, Raleigh, NC 27607
Rufty Homes has built a reputation for building lavish estates and meticulously-crafted custom renovations in upscale neighborhoods of Raleigh. The firm is notable for being named top custom builder by the Triangle Business Journal for the past six years.
The firm is captained by Jon Rufty, the forefather of North Carolina’s green building movement. He is credited for building the HealthyHouse in 1994 for the American Lung Association and 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 from the firm is part of the home of the University of North Carolina’s Chancellor Randy Woodso. Despite its lofty ceiling and spaciousness, the kitchen exudes a feeling of familiarity and coziness. It features all North Carolina materials—the brick to the 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.
7) 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.
6) Blue Ribbon Construction
5605-100 Chapel Hill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
Established in 1996, Blue Ribbon Construction is an award-winning, fully-licensed residential contracting company that provides both interior and exterior remodeling services. The firm was established by John Sperath, who, prior to delving into remodeling and construction, spent 15 years as a firefighter for the Apex community. The firm’s accolades include STAR Awards from the Remodelers Council of the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County. Also, the Triangle Business Journal has consistently named Blue Ribbon as one of the top 10 remodelers in the region.
Though the firm has been involved in many renovation projects during its 25 years in the business, Blue Ribbon has developed a specialty for sunrooms and kitchens. Blue Ribbon often combines functional kitchens with sunrooms to create a spacious entertainment space. The project featured here is a one-of-a-kind kitchen that exudes the rustic feeling of a bar. Exposed beams and dark hardwood floors bring warmth to the space.
5) Distinctive Remodeling
1228 United Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
After spending his high school summers working for his brother-in-law’s building company, Eddie Casanave sought a degree in Civil Engineering to pursue a career in building. Years after he established his construction company in 1989, Casanave merged the company with the remodeling division of Rufty Homes to create Distinct Remodeling. Casanave also founded the Remodelers Council of Wake County in 1993 and became the first remodeler to be president of the local Home Builders Association in 2001.
Along with great renovations throughout the Raleigh and Greater Triangle area, the firm also boasts an impressive list of accolades, including numerous STAR Awards from the HBA of Raleigh-Wake and several national Chrysalis Awards.
The firm is especially talented at constructing and renovating both indoor and outdoor kitchens. For indoor kitchens, the firm mostly updates the look of classic country kitchens, which often includes creating open layouts and installing wood pieces. Featured here is the firm’s winning entry in the 2015 Remodelers Council of Wake County STAR Awards. In addition to creating great cooking spaces, Casanave is known for cooking for his clients after a successful kitchen remodel, which has earned him the nickname, “Kitchen Casanova.”
4) 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. The firm was established in 2009 by Steve Minor, who has been in the remodeling business since 1989. Minor has built and managed more than 350 homes. As a leader in the home building industry, Minor serves as an executive board member of the HBA Remodelers Council.
The firm is known to incorporate luxury in every remodeling project it tackles. Laundry rooms and kitchens are updated to include every option and amenity a homeowner wants or needs. This kitchen was expanded to become an entertaining and dining area. Large windows and skylights let in streams of natural light, while quartzite counters, a farmhouse sink, and luxurious lights and upholstered seating exude the luxurious feel for which the firm is known. The firm’s lavish projects have earned STAR Awards from the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County.
3) Andrew Roby
2000 W Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208
Andrew Roby General Contractor traces its origins back to Hungarian immigrant Andrew Robicsek, who founded a one-man remodeling company in 1950. After working with Robicsek for 25 years, his then superintendent Glen Haston bought the company. The work and dedication of Robicsek and Haston is continued by three generations of builders. Today, Trent Haston runs the company along with other member companies of the Roby Family of Companies. Trent is the host of the radio show, “At Home with Roby,” in which he discusses building techniques and the latest trends in home remodeling.
With an expanded list of services and a wider geographic reach, the firm has served more clients and earned several awards for its projects, including NARI CotY awards in various categories as well as multiple HBA of Charlotte Excellence in Remodeling Awards. The firm has also been featured in publications such as the Charlotte Business Journal, Charlotte Home Design and Decor, Charlotte Home and Garden Magazine, and SouthPark Magazine.
The firm is excellent in blending different styles in its kitchens. Whether it’s mixing Contemporary with rustic elements or Traditional architecture with modern twists, the firm has mastered combining different styles while ensuring that one style does not overpower the other. For instance, this French Country kitchen has a rustic feel with hints of an Asian architectural style.
2) CQC Home
3321 Guess Rd., Durham, NC 27705
Durham-based CQC Home is a design-build company that has gained national recognition through its bespoke renovations and remodels. What started as a two-man remodeling team has grown into a full-service company comprised of award-winning designers and craftsmen. The firm is part of Professional Remodeler’s Top 250 and Qualified Remodeler’s Top 200. Additionally, Professional Remodeler named CQC Home as one of America’s Top Remodelers.
Husband-and-wife Ken and Ericka Combs teamed up to establish CQC Home. Ken is a Durham-native who has been in the construction field since he was a teenager. Ericka serves as the firm’s design manager and creates beautiful spaces through collaborative work with the firm’s team and the firm’s clients themselves.
Featured here is a crisp, modern kitchen—one of the firm’s specialties. An all-white palette and understated backsplash tilework serve as the perfect backdrop for dark-stained pendant lighting, chocolate-toned furniture, and sleek countertops.
1) DiFabion Remodeling
1070 Van Buren Ave., Indian Trail, NC 28079
Rising above its peers in the remodeling scene of North Carolina, DiFabio Remodeling is a full-service remodeling company that takes pride in its vast portfolio, sweeping list of awards, and exceptional project quality. The firm has gained a broad understanding of all types of projects, as it has designed and executed more than 1,500 remodeling projects in the Charlotte area over the past 20 years. The firm is part of the prestigious Remodeling Big50—a list of the top national remodelers. DiFabion has also earned 38 NARI CoTY Awards, and Michael P. DiFabion received the 2017 NARI Cornerstone Award for devoted, professional leadership in 2017.
The DiFabion family has long been at the helm of the firm’s success. The family’s patriarch, Mike, founded the firm in 2000 after a successful career as the head of a firm that built swimming pools. Mike’s son, Michael, serves as the company’s manager. He launched the design-build division of DiFabion Remodeling and has earned important designations from the remodeling industry, as he is a Certified Remodeler and Universal Design Certified Professional. Michael was also recently named a 40 Under 40 recipient by Professional Remodeler Magazine and the Charlotte Business Journal.
The firm’s kitchen remodels seamlessly blend new elements with the existing features of the client’s home, as seen in this Canyon Trail kitchen. A rustic feel was created by building a brick arch grotto that matched the existing brick. This is complemented by a large, modern island and a large, in-wall, industrial refrigerator.
How can I find a contractor near me?
Read our latest articles on the best contractors in and near North Carolina. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
The Best Winery Contractors in the U.S. 
The Best Tenant Improvement Contractors in Charlotte, North Carolina 
The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in New Mexico 
The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Virginia