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Home Remodeling for Raleigh & Surrounding Areas

A Higher Standard in Remodeling.

We work with homeowners in the Greater Raleigh Area to create more space and a home that fits—with thoughtful planning, clear communication, and attention to detail. Our design-build approach is ideal for those who value collaboration, quality, and creativity. Whether you’re improving function, modernizing outdated layouts, or reimagining your home for the next chapter, we provide guidance, craftsmanship, and a commitment to getting it right.

Full-Service Home Remodeling

Our remodeling projects often include:

  • Whole home renovations
  • Layout and space planning
  • Interior reconfigurations
  • Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas
  • Custom cabinetry and millwork
  • Lighting, flooring, and finish selections
  • Code-compliant electrical, plumbing, and mechanical updates
  • Permitting and code compliance aligned with local jurisdictional requirements

Your next chapter starts here. Connect with us today to put craftsmanship and expertise in motion.

Looking to remodel a specific room?

Raleigh Home Renovations

Trusted Remodeling for the Triangle’s Most Discerning Homeowners.

Closer Look Design-Build is a distinguished renovation firm serving Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area with expertly crafted home remodels. Since 2005, we’ve helped discerning homeowners reimagine their spaces with a seamless design-build process rooted in collaboration, craftsmanship, and integrity. Whether you’re opening up a floor plan, restoring timeless character, or making your home work better for your lifestyle, we deliver sophisticated results, thoughtfully tailored and carefully executed.

Experience the difference of working with a trusted and reliable local remodeler – Closer Look Design-Build. Meet our team.

Home Remodeling Challenges Homeowners Often Face

Your Partner in Purpose-Driven Home Transformation.

We work with homeowners throughout the greater Raleigh area who value thoughtful design, reliable execution, and clear communication. That’s why we refined our process to solve these common remodeling problems:

COMMON PROBLEMS & THE CLOSER LOOK SOLUTION

PROBLEM:
Uncertainty about design decisions and layout choices
Solution:
Clarity in Planning

We start with an in-depth conversation to understand how you live in your home and what you want to improve. Our in-house design team guides you through every decision, from floorplan to finishes, with clear recommendations that align with your goals.

PROBLEM:
Frustration with uncoordinated contractors or poor project management
Solution:
Integrated Process

Our design-build model allows you to have one point-of-contact for the whole project – from planning and design, to construction and finishing. This minimizes miscommunication, delays, and cost overruns.

PROBLEM:
Concerns about timelines, disruptions, and inconsistent crews
Solution:
Respect for Your Time and Property

We schedule work in phases, communicate frequently, and clean thoroughly. Our crews are professional, punctual, and experienced.

PROBLEM:
Difficulty balancing quality with budget
Solution:
Transparent Budgeting

We provide an initial investment range early in the process, with ongoing guidance about where to prioritize quality and options to reduce costs without compromising results.

PROBLEM:
Disappointment with previous remodeling results
Solution:
Results That Hold Up Over Time

We focus on layout, material, and finish choices that perform well and age appropriately, with attention to functionality and longevity, not just aesthetics.

Browse our work

Our Home Remodel Portfolio – Exquisite Spaces. Exceptional Execution.

Explore a curated gallery of exceptional designs and expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re modernizing a single room or reconfiguring your entire layout, our team of experts is ready to bring your vision to life.

Our Design-Build Home Remodeling Process

We understand that home remodeling is a considerable investment and a complex process. That’s why we offer a comprehensive design-build process that makes it easy for our clients to achieve their dream home. Simply schedule a design consultation, and our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your goals, preferences, and desired level of investment. From there, we will collaborate to develop a project that is just right for you and your family. Here’s a brief overview of what this design-build process entails:

We begin with a focused conversation to understand your goals, lifestyle needs, and expectations for your project. This ensures a strong mutual fit before moving forward with a Design Agreement.

Once the Design Agreement is in place, we develop a layout and visual direction for your newly remodeled space. Together, we refine ideas and discuss functionality, aesthetics, and project timing.

With your design approved, we assist with selecting fixtures, finishes, and materials. Our team then prepares construction documents and finalizes your detailed Construction Agreement, including proposals from our licensed trade partners.

After receiving your signed Construction Agreement, we secure the required permits for your remodel and reserve your spot on our build schedule. A Pre-Construction Meeting ensures alignment on all aspects of the work ahead.

Our team manages every aspect of your remodel—from demolition to installation—with an emphasis on craftsmanship, schedule management, and ongoing communication until completion.

Learn More About Our Comprehensive Design-Build Process

Home Remodeling FAQs

We realize there is a lot to learn about any home remodel project, so we have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Yes. Closer Look is a design-build remodeling firm, meaning we handle every aspect of your project from the initial concept to the final construction. Our integrated approach ensures a seamless experience, with our team working closely with you to bring your vision to life. Design is a crucial part of this process because it sets the foundation for a successful remodel.

A well-thought-out design not only enhances the aesthetics of your space but also improves functionality and ensures that the final result aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and needs. By focusing on design from the start, we can create spaces that are both beautiful and practical, making your home truly your own. To learn more about the design-build process, check out our blog.

It’s not uncommon to wonder if your dream of a renovation is out of reach when hearing numbers for the first time, so we encourage you to dive a bit deeper into learning what is involved. Major remodels of spaces like kitchens and bathrooms often involve changing the layout – removing a wall here, adding a door or window there – and there is structural work (and labor) involved. Changing the layout also necessitates moving electricity, plumbing, and ductwork. In other words, a lot goes on behind the scenes (or the walls, to be specific!)

Another big factor driving costs is aesthetics: things like faucets & plumbing fixtures, cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, light fixtures, and appliances. There is a broad spectrum of product options for each, ranging from builder-grade and budget-friendly to high-end luxury. You will have choices regarding all these aesthetic elements, so this is an area in which you may be able to reduce costs by choosing materials that best suit your desired investment. For a more in-depth look at what’s involved in pricing your project, check out our blog.

From the moment you make the decision to move forward with your home renovation project, it’s natural to want things done right away. After all, this is an exciting change and may be one that was years in the making! Every project begins with a thoughtful design phase, where we collaborate to define your goals, refine the scope, and prepare detailed construction plans.

Once the design is finalized, we apply for permits through your local municipality. Depending on their process, permitting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. After permits are approved, we move into scheduling and construction. The timeline will vary based on project complexity, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

What our past clients have to say

Our reputation for excellence is mirrored in the glowing reviews from our satisfied clients. Here’s what some of them have to say about their experience with Closer Look:

5.0
Based on 36 reviews
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Stephen Mallinger
14:28 27 Nov 24
Closer Look in Clayton, NC is a general contractor that undertakes home improvement projects. We wanted to remove our existing screened-in porch and construct a 4-season sunroom. Our beautiful new room exceeded our expectations. It is a striking room with a vaulted ceiling and very large windows. Their staff and subcontractors were very professional and dedicated to constructing what we wanted. Before starting, we contacted a number of other GCs to get quotes, Closer Look’s prices were reasonable and they achieved delivered our desired product. I would highly recommend them to my friends and others.
Response from the owner 15:02 27 Nov 24
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that your new sunroom turned out even better than you imagined. Our team loved working on this project and it means the world to us that you’re happy with the result and would recommend us to others. Thank you for trusting us with your home—we truly enjoyed working with you!
Zail Smith
17:40 27 Aug 24
Phillip & everyone else I’ve spoke with from Closer look have been nothing less than amazing. While we didn’t end up having any work done by them - at least for now - I’ve been blown away by everyone. They are very honest, up front, and transparent with pricing and their process. It’s unfortunately harder to find good people these days, but Phillip & team are nothing less than that - truly good people.
Response from the owner 19:01 27 Aug 24
Zail, we deeply appreciate your kind words and are so pleased to hear that your experience with us was a positive one. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us again in the future, we would be delighted to work with you!
Joe Reed
23:43 06 Jun 24
We hired Closer Look to essentially redo our downstairs after some water damage, and we couldn't have been happier with their work. It ended up being a pretty expansive project--we needed to redo the floors, some of the drywall, and paint, and we also decided to do custom built-ins and replace some of the railings on our porch and deck. Everyone we worked with at Closer Look, and the various subcontractors they brought in to help with the project, was excellent. They got the whole project done in a timely manner, did exceptional work, and were easy to work with. Highly recommend them for any home repair or renovation project.
Response from the owner 14:51 07 Jun 24
Joe,Thank you for your wonderful review and for being a loyal customer! We truly appreciate your continued support and are delighted to hear that you've had consistently positive experiences with us. We very much enjoyed working with you both!
Mike Erickson
01:07 27 Apr 24
Phil and everyone at Closer Look were great to deal with. Very responsive and held my hand through everything.
Robert Gettings
19:43 12 Feb 24
We have lived through 3 additions in past houses and found Closer Look General Contracting to be one of the best from start to finish. They understood our vision for our all seasons addition and improved our initial concepts to give us the exceptional family space we dreamed of having. We would not hesitate to recommend them for any project one may be considering.
Response from the owner 13:08 13 Feb 24
Thank you, Robert, for the opportunity to work with you on this project. On behalf of our entire team, we enjoyed bringing it to life and hope you and your family will enjoy it for years to come.
Marcia Hobe
18:06 07 Dec 23
Closer Look gave us 2 beautiful bathrooms. They gave us exactly what we wanted. Always kept us in the loop. Any question we had they promptly replied. Would have no problem in recommending them.
Sam Pennica
10:03 24 Mar 23
Closer Look removed a gas fireplace from my livingroom which then required, flooring, electrical, sheetrock and paint. From the begining of the process, which was the onsite visit, to the very end I was completely satisfied with the service and quality of work. I highly recommend Closer Look.
Response from the owner 14:03 31 Mar 23
Thank you Sam, we truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you and are delighted to hear about your positive experience.
Brayton Leonhardt
19:06 14 Mar 23
We had a great experience with Phil and his company. They recently put in a screened in back porch for our home and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the work they have done. From the beginning of the project the communication and workmanship was top notch. They have done a number of different projects for us over the years and we will turn to them for projects in the future.
Response from the owner 16:54 23 Mar 23
Brayton,We thank you for sharing your positive experience and look forward to working with you again.
Kristen Reilly
23:17 31 Dec 22
We are very satisfied with Closer Look. They finished our attic and we absolutely love it! All of the staff who came to do work were friendly, respectful of our space and absolutely wonderfully tolerant of our two large dogs (one of which barks A LOT at people because she loves and always wants attention and the other which is a bit shy and intimidated by people in general). This meant a great deal to me and was one of my big concerns with contemplating the project. While we were able to put them outside or in a room to allow for some movement of materials in and out, it would have been terribly stressful for both us and our dogs to have to keep them contained for long periods of time. Work was usually done on schedule with occasional changes. We were pretty adaptable to that since we work at home. Responsiveness to any communications/questions was super quick which was greatly appreciated. David was here often to check on work and update us on progress. He is knowledgeable, professional and quite personable. Very easy to work with. We would absolutely use Closer Look again for future projects.
Response from the owner 13:29 13 Mar 23
Kristen,We are so glad to hear that you had a great experience, and we genuinely appreciated the opportunity to work with you!
Richard Forsyth
15:17 22 Oct 22
These guys are great to work with.Very competent and stand by their work.Never think of using anyone else.
Response from the owner 14:10 25 Oct 22
Thank you Richard - we have truly enjoyed working with you and Angela.
anita wright
14:59 14 Dec 21
A Closer Look General Contracting recently completed our Master Bathroom remodel which included demolition and replacement of existing tile and cabinets as well as removal of a garden tub. We highly recommend this company based on their quality of work, excellent communications from start to finish, and willingness to work with us to stay within our budget. The updated bathroom is exactly what we had envisioned and we couldn't be more pleased with how things turned out. These guys go above and beyond to do the job right!

Areas We Serve

Remodeling Homes in the Greater Raleigh Area

Let’s Build Something Beautiful.

Start your home renovation today with a team that listens, leads, and delivers.

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