--- title: "CQC Home — Kitchen & Bath Remodelers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/cqc-home-pfvwus-pf~1577675720 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577675720.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "CQC Home" category: ["Kitchen & Bath Remodelers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1b33217501eaf8b1_1213-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "5102 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd., Suite 100, Durham, North Carolina 27707, United States" latitude: 35.9631 longitude: -78.9315 phone: "(919) 971-5119" website: http://cqchome.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 77 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 167 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # CQC Home Original Houzz profile: [CQC Home](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/cqc-home-pfvwus-pf~1577675720) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Remodelers - **Location:** Durham, NC - **Serves:** Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Morrisville, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Research Triangle Park - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (77 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2022), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves We design, build, and remodel homes that our clients love. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers, employees, and community. We pride ourselves on effective communication and collaboration that delight our customers, giving them confidence, security, and peace of mind. Our award-winning work brings your dreams to reality with an attention to detail and quality that our competitors only hope to achieve. Our History \| Established in 2007: CQC home has honed is remodeling process for the past 9 years. Our collaborative approach to design/build means you get the home renovation you want: on time and on budget. The design-build process is more streamlined and effective than the traditional architect and contractor approach. We invest in employees over subcontractors, meaning you're getting a renovation team committed to CQC and our philosophy of quality, community, and continuous improvement. \* We sweat the small stuff so you don't have to: we're licensed and insured far beyond industry requirements and even have a Safety Officer on staff. We save you time and money by working together to realize your dream renovation within your budget. Our process is different than many, and we trust it completely. ### Services Provided - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Remodeling - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Basement Remodeling - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Project Management - 3D Rendering - Multigenerational Homes - Universal Design - Handicap-Accessible Design - Sustainable Design - Bathroom Design - Kitchen Design - Basement Design - Deck Building - Garage Building - Porch Design & Construction - Structural Engineering - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Deck Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Home Theater Design - Living Room Design - Pantry Design - Remodeling - Shed Design & Construction - Sunroom Design & Construction ### Areas Served - Raleigh - Durham - Cary - Chapel Hill - Morrisville - Carrboro - Hillsborough - Research Triangle Park ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 300,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | CQC Home | | Address | 5102 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd., Suite 100, Durham, North Carolina 27707, United States | | Phone | (919) 971-5119 | | Website | http://cqchome.com | | License Number | NC General Contractor 72329 | | Followers on Houzz | 167 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/cqchome - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/3263647/admin/feed/posts/ - Blog — https://www.pinterest.com/CQCHOMENC/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [CQC Home](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/cqc-home-pfvwus-pf~1577675720) - **Website:** http://cqchome.com - **Phone:** (919) 971-5119 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - BBB A+ rated memberProfessional Remodeler 40 under 40 AwardProfessional Remodeler Top 250 award HBA Builder of the yearHouzz Super service AwardGuild quality guild master Award BBB Torch AwardNari COTY top 20 finalist Professional , CAPS, Remodeler's Council Durham Chamber of Commerce - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2022), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 77 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 4.4 - Value: 4.8 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Tom Hardy, Dec. 2021** > When contemplating our kitchen remodeling, we looked at online reviews of contractors, asked a number of neighbors about their experiences, and ultimately interviewed a number of candidate organizations. CQC Home emerged as the organization of choice. Their careful and collaborative approach to design, planning, and (later) execution of our project has been nothing short of outstanding. All of the personnel (whether CQC or subcontractors) have been highly skilled, personable and dependable. The front office and project management personnel have been meticulously organized and responsive to our needs. We specifically want to mention Justin Koch, Mac Junker, and Lawrence Aucoin, who were with us every step of the way through the renovation process. They have never failed to respond promptly and thoughtfully to all questions and concerns that we have raised. We do not hesitate to recommend CQC to anyone contemplating a home renovation project. **Comment from CQC Home:** > Tom thank you so much for such a wonderful review. It was such a pleasure working with you on your home. We greatly appreciate you and your feedback about your experience. **★★★★★ — Brian, Oct. 2021** > CQC is an excellent firm that is professional from start to finish. We performed a large remodel of our house including a full kitchen remodel as well as the tear down of an old addition and construction of a new addition. In the consultation phase, they were clear in setting expectations and reasonable in their estimates. Raymond Orzulak was expert in his ability to translate our ideas into real world plans and estimates. After we went through a complete design process, our project began on time and was supervised by the able Caleb Murray who made sure we were constantly updated. What's more, we lived in our house with a dog and a small child through the remodel process. Caleb worked tirelessly with both CQC staff and subs to ensure that we were able to have a safe and comfortable environment through a challenging time. He went above and beyond to make sure the work was completed to his (and CQC's) high standards. The work was delivered on time, on budget, and with excellent quality. We couldn't be happier with our new space! **Comment from CQC Home:** > It was such a pleasure working with you and your family. We hope you love your transformed home! Thank you so much for your review, Brian! **★★★★ — Jason Nichols, Jan. 2021** > We have run two projects with CQC - a kitchen and a bathroom remodel. The all-in-one design and construction team is a HUGE help! The project team and contractors (Ray and Caleb, respectively) for both jobs were prompt, friendly, and accessible for any questions or problems we ran into. Jobs were on budget and mostly on time, and the work is solid. They are easy to work with for adjustments/add-ons requested while the project is ongoing. Most important, we felt we could trust them and their work - a feeling we had not had with previous contractors. One example - when moving our refrigerator someone left a long, deep gouge in the hardwood flooring. Before I was even aware of it, the project manager (Dickon) called me and explained what had happened, and how they were going to make it right; repairing the floors at no cost to us. After the job is completed and enters the warranty period, they are also true to their word that if there is any issue, they are usually quick to respond and send someone to address it. I could get nitpicky on the small finish details – mostly caulk & paint lines aren't always clean. We did have some miscommunications on design choices with the bathroom reno (e.g., we had a rain shower in the plans but that somehow got lost), though they did work with us to find a compromise. That said, these issues are small and isolated, and haven't turned us off from working with CQC in the future. We're planning additional renos and CQC is definitely our go-to! **★★★★★ — saltdailey, Jan. 2021** > We had a great experience working with CQC to replace the screened in porch on the back of our house. From design through construction they were easy to work with and did great work, even through adjustments for Covid precautions and Covid-related delays. Particularly commendable were the project manager, the carpenters, and the design team. Communication throughout the project was great and the few issues that came up were addressed quickly. We will certainly look to CQC to work with on future projects. **★★★★★ — ehsanalam2003, Jan. 2021** > Very professional and great re-modeling company. We were really happy with quick response/answers and awesome work. Will use them again and highly recommend. **★★★★ — HU-717936251, Jan. 2021** > CQC Home remodeled our bathroom and in the end it was just as we’d hoped but the journey had its rough spots. We sought an ultra modern look but the designer wasn’t quite aligned with our preferences. When we finally came to agreement on the design, we were disappointed with the cabinetry and had to re-order all new cabinets, mostly at our expense. The lesson learned here is to be certain that the design aligns with your vision...check and recheck. There were smaller design problems along the way (vinyl window, almost had all chrome schluters, tiling that needed to redoing and door frame misfits) but eventually everything got settled...though months later than intended because of the need to reorder the cabinets. > > But, the positives generally outweigh the negatives. Kevin was an outstanding project manager who did everything he could to satisfy our expectations. Shawn and Dicken jumped in as necessary and the subs were generally very good. When we needed last minute outdoor carpentry, CQC made it happen asap. > > Overall, my wife and I would definitely recommend CQC Home, but would suggest being absolutely clear about design intentions and if modern is preferred, make sure a designer who really understands your desires is assigned. Then, review every single detail in the work specs...down to the color and style of windows, doors, fixtures, trims ...and then review it again. Finally, check the specs again and make sure to check the work every day. **★★★★★ — Cam Hosie, Jan. 2019** > The CQC team did an outstanding job of completing a grand overhaul of our mid-century modern house. The job involved significant structural work and a lot of details, and the team were always responsive and enthusiastic, and the finished work product is outstanding - such that our architect is now recommending them to other clients! Ray was extremely professional and dedicated, and did a beautiful finished job - and he's also a favorite with the dogs now. Dickon also was really helpful with pulling the whole project together and communicating status and needed decisions (and helping with numerous other parts), and Shae clearly communicated financial information making cost control clear and understandable. I would recommend the company to anyone. Thanks Ken and Erica. **★★★★★ — Rachel Gamble, Dec. 2018** > From talking through my vision, moving into the design phase, and then through demolition and remodeling, CQC was 100% on top of their game. I was incredibly impressed by their professionalism and their customer service; specifically, the ease to communicate with various team members through the messaging system on both their website and phone application. I always felt supported and my comments, questions, concerns, and ideas were valued and listened to. The end results far exceeded my vision, and I truly feel like my new kitchen and living room are of superior quality. The CQC team works strategically and thoroughly. I never worried about the use of time, space, or money because it was so evident how seriously they take their work and craftsmanship. I will definitely work with CQC again when I'm ready to do additional remodeling projects. I'm already daydreaming of additional ways CQC can make my home more beautiful and more in line with my style and interests. **★★★★★ — David Antle, Nov. 2018** > We were apprehensive about the idea of doing an addition on our home. We had heard so many horror stories from friends, and comments that it would be a hard and grueling experience. But thanks to CQC Home of Durham, we can honestly say that our experience was nothing but a delight! > > Having been in our house for about 6 years, it was time to make the decision to either to stay in our home for good or move. After some searching around the area, we quickly realized what a great lot and location we had, and just the home structure needed some help: a new 1st level bedroom and bath, and an improved look from the outside. In searching around, we found lots of great reviews for CQC, so we gave them (and a few others) a call. We quickly realized that CQC would indeed be the right fit for us, so went ahead with our design phase. > > Right from the start, Ken, Ericka and design team did an amazing job of helping us realize our concept with their architect who helped put our vision on paper. They then did a great job in giving us design options, and even some thoughts and advice. Down to every last detail of item selections in the bathroom and fireplace surround, everything was planned and discussed. All of these items were carefully captured in their online system, Co-Construct. This too was great, as it helped us coordinate choices, share photos and files, and project progress tracking. > > Once started, the build phase happened much faster than we ever expected! Dickcon and their project management team did an amazing job of pulling all the permits and scheduling sub-contractors in a symphony of perfectly-timed work. Raymond and his carpentry team did an absolutely beautiful job of executing on the plans and didn’t miss a single detail. We were regularly presented with options and ideas on detail carpentry that we hadn’t considered and were given an amazing result in the end. > > The team always did a great job of cleaning up the site, and when in the existing house, always kept plastic on floors and as curtains to prevent dust and dirt from getting out of hand. It always seemed that every detail was attended to; we couldn’t imagine how Raymond and his team kept it all straight! But they did. > > We were amazed when, despite even some setbacks out of their control, they wrapped up on time as they had originally forecast. > > For anyone out there considering a remodel or an addition, we would not hesitate providing our heartfelt recommendation for this amazing group of people. > > Best of luck with your projects! **★★★★★ — Cat Wilborne Photography, Oct. 2018** > CQC Home has been a pleasure to work with. I think they do an amazing job and are extremely reliable. They do quality work and finish projects on time! LaTina has been a pleasure to work with. She is communicative and helpful and is willing to bend over backwards if needed. I highly recommend CQC Home for any sort of remodeling project! **★★★★★ — Kim Leasure, Sept. 2018** > CQC is an exceptional design/build firm. > > We hired them to renovate our kitchen and master bath. At every phase of the process, the entire organization (Ericka, Dickon, Patrick, Shawn, Sean, Justin and everyone else behind the scenes) listened intently, managed every facet of the build with extraordinary professionalism, stayed on budget and timeline and completed a simply gorgeous remodel. > > Our project was managed by Shawn Norstrud who, along with his team, is exceptional -- patient, extraordinarily skilled and a master tradesman. > > We are so pleased! **★★★★ — Paula Combs, July 2018** > Hired CQC Home for a total home refresh in late 2016 - painting, light fixture replacement, tile and counter replacement. Very pleased with the work done directly by CQC Home. Lower rating primarily due to an unfortunate incident with a painting subcontractor. Enjoyed working with Sean, Wes, George, and Justin. CQC Home has also been responsive during the warranty period. ## Selected projects - [Chapel Hill Attic Renovation Completed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chapel-hill-attic-renovation-completed-pj-vj~6315965) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 29 - Description: From a roughly framed in space left by the original builder to a completed family room, with kitchen, and full bathroom and home office space. - [Restored Farmhouse- Whole House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/restored-farmhouse-whole-house-pj-vj~6462478) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 54 - [Inviting Black and White Industrial Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inviting-black-and-white-industrial-kitchen-pj-vj~3483097) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 14 - [Kitchen Remodel With Porch Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-with-porch-addition-pj-vj~2078011) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 25 - [A Kitchen Perfect For Entertaining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-kitchen-perfect-for-entertaining-pj-vj~2216872) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 40 - [A Modern, Tranquil And Inviting Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-modern-tranquil-and-inviting-kitchen-pj-vj~2714466) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 9 - [Green With Kitchen Envy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-with-kitchen-envy-pj-vj~2672548) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 18 - [From Breakfast Nook To Entertaining Delight](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-breakfast-nook-to-entertaining-delight-pj-vj~2068023) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 8 - [Open Kitchen Design In Historic City Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/open-kitchen-design-in-historic-city-home-pj-vj~2290017) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 17 - [Durham Carport to Master Suite Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/durham-carport-to-master-suite-addition-pj-vj~443044) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 28 - Description: Transforming an ordinary carport, to a more accessible master suite addition was no small task. But this homeowner along with our team of craftsman made this dream home a reality. We are more than excited with the results. Thank you to the family for letting us in on such a wonderful journey with you. Additional thank you to Mark, B. Perry for the final photography session, it really showcased the home beautifully. - [Relaxing Master Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/relaxing-master-bathroom-pj-vj~2714360) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 14 - [Traditional Kitchen Gets Light, Bright, and Airy Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-kitchen-gets-light-bright-and-airy-makeover-pj-vj~1538347) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 9 - Description: Before CQC worked their magic, this traditional kitchen was closed in and dark. The dramatic transformation creates an open, airy layout loaded with lots of work space, better entertaining flow, and integrates well with the living space. Mom can cook while kids or guests eat. - [90's Kitchen, Welcome to 2017!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/90-s-kitchen-welcome-to-2017-pj-vj~2516024) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 18 - [Updated Kitchen for Entertaining and Everyday Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/updated-kitchen-for-entertaining-and-everyday-living-pj-vj~2273284) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 16 - [Chapel Hill Governor's Club Screen Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chapel-hill-governor-s-club-screen-porch-pj-vj~765385) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 34 - [Freedom In a Screened Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/freedom-in-a-screened-porch-pj-vj~2362303) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 14 - [Beautiful Sunroom at Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beautiful-sunroom-at-home-pj-vj~2593856) - Location: Hillsborough, NC - Photos: 9 - [Brilliant Bathroom for Great Guests](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brilliant-bathroom-for-great-guests-pj-vj~2362266) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 9 - [A Hall Bath That's Keeping Up With the Times](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-hall-bath-that-s-keeping-up-with-the-times-pj-vj~2515955) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 4 - [A Master Bathroom that's Rustic Modern and Warm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-master-bathroom-that-s-rustic-modern-and-warm-pj-vj~2289453) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 13 [See all 117 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/cqc-home-pfvwus-pf~1577675720) ## Ideabooks - [Inspiring Designers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/156423411/list/inspiring-designers) — 2 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107016732/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Steele Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72479622/list/steele-kitchen-ideas) — 2 ideas - [Kitchen Remodeling Solutions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23520254/list/kitchen-remodeling-solutions) — 2 ideas - [Powder Room Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25785743/list/powder-room-ideas) — 3 ideas - [Built - in storage solutions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/35250790/list/built-in-storage-solutions) — 2 ideas - [Master suite Bathroom Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/35250814/list/master-suite-bathroom-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/custom-quality_carpentry) ## Community Q&A **Q: Tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* Looks great! Do you mind sharing what tile you chose? A: Thanks Sarah! We used 2x2 Hexagon Matte White tile for the shower floor and 4x16 Streamline Dorian Bright in a running bond pattern for the shower walls. **Q: Kitchen remodel** *(in Before & After)* So here is a kitchen design question. When a client is working with a designer how many designs can be expected until the client is happy with the entire design? I seem to be having issues with my designer and am not sure if it is me or my designer. I feel that if we are paying a high price to get our kitchen remodeled then we shouldn't have to rush into contracts, especially with no timeline, until we have on paper exactly what we want? We started looking in May and picked a designer in June who doesn't really like to email me back and I feel like I'm walking on eggshells with her sometimes. Is it me? I could really use some feedback. A: This is all relative for what part of the country you live in. All designers charge different rates in different parts of the country. California and New York being at the top of the list. We are located in N.C, so this will apply for areas close to that region. Our design agreement is completely separate from the build agreement, I believe that hers is as well. We do two house visits and that usually is good for "most" kitchens... For pricing - we recommend discussing how much your current designer thinks your kitchen will cost to actually complete the build phase. Your design agreement should be close to 10% of that, based on the above information... I'd guess your kitchen remodel is close to $25,000. If you are thinking "Oh, no! It's way more..." than you have a steal of deal for your designer. But alas if your thinking "What? No way I'm only changing out the cabinets and counter tops and they are all going back in the exact same spot!" Then yes perhaps you will need to discuss your expectations with her before going any further. Hope this was helpful & can't wait to see your before and after pics when it's all done! **Q: Kitchen Reno Done:Goodbye espresso cabinets & dark granite everywhere** *(in Before & After)* Seven months since hammers started swinging and we finally completed the gut renovation of our kitchen, mud area and powderoom. As month after month went by this past (very cold) winter and we puttered around our demolished kitchen and shimmied past all sorts of construction materials, tools, debris, relocated appliances, etc throughout the first floor of the house, I started to think it would never end. Then spring arrived, I set Easter Sunday as a deadline for our "grand re-opening", and with that deadline in mind, we finally finished. Ours is a 1920s home with many original details in tact -- which we appreciate -- and we wanted to renovate with the style and era of the house in mind, but also make this important area more conducive to our lifestyle. The kitchen is located in the northwest corner of the house, so there is minimal natural light, there are four doorways into the room (none of which we felt should be moved or closed off) which means a lot of cut up counters and thru traffic, there was a quaint but inefficient eating nook, dark finishes, and very confining back entry and powder room. (We enter our house from the back door which immediately opened into our miniscule mud area and powder room.) The back door opened into the mud area so if you were putting your coat away you would get a doorknob in your back, the backdoor and powderoom doors opened into one another and once you got past that little gauntlet...you would get smacked in the face by someone opening the fridge as you stepped into the kitchen. The kitchen is adjacent to the dining room which we use for all meals because it was so much brighter and more inviting than sitting in the kitchen, but like many old homes, the two rooms were very closed off from one another. The goal was to connect the two rooms in a way that was not counter to the era of the home, add counter and storage space, add counter seating, improve all types of lighting (natural and artificial), brighten up the finishes, expand the mud area and powder room and get rid of the back, powder room and fridge door chaos that existed. To do this we had to create a new wall where the nook and a shallow closet existed, and behind that we put the larger powder and mud rooms. The new wall became the site of the fridge and additional cabinets and counter space. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was demolished for the most part and we added a peninsula with storage and stools on the dining room side. Went with white inset/flat panel cabinets, black lab (or lab black?) honed granite, oak floors and a walnut peninsula top. Also replaced the kitchen window (was original) with a similar but larger window and added a new back door with additional window panes...all in an effort to improve natural light. Could only post a few pics, but our mud area and powder room are now two to three times the size they were previously and no doors are opening into each other. HAPPY WITH RESULTS AND TO BE DONE!!! A: Pictures look fantastic. Great combination with the white shaker cabinet style and the dark floors. Good job! **Q: Bathroom remodel - professional results on the cheap** *(in Before & After)* I just finished remodeling my bathrooms, i posted pictures of just one of them, but the design was the same for both. i went from a horrible 1970s style (yellow laminate, white walls, wall paper, generic lighting), to professional modern results while spending relatively little money. i kept the countertop and just re-laminated it with Wilson-Art high end laminate. i kept the cabinet and saved $1000 by just re-laminating it with Wilson-Art wood look alike laminate. i sprayed knockdown texture on the walls, primed, painted walls i added new modern style doors and trim, some wall mounted lighting, and a nice split face tile backsplash, a new matching medicine cabinet, and the look was complete. costs new granite looking laminate for countertop - 50 (cost split between 2 bathrooms) new wood looking laminate for cabinets - 50 (cost split between 2 bathrooms) new doors from home depot - 65+65 knockdown texture - 13 primer - 8 (cost split between 2 bathrooms) paint - 8 (cost split between 2 bathrooms) new bronze designer faucet - $80 at home depot bronze handle/door pulls - $20 off ebay new bronze/wood look mirror - $30 from big lots medicine cabinet - $65 from lowes bronze towel ring - $15 from ebay wall mounted lights - $40 from home depot split face tile back-splash - $150 from homedepot mortar for back-splash - $15 from homedepot total cost for materials = $638. one week to complete, but will need some tools! A: Looks great Phil! You could have saved a few extra bucks by simply eliminating the laminate side/back splash as well and continued a couple more rows of tile. Also they now make a "hidden" medicine cabinet for bathrooms similar to yours. Great bathroom update on a budget, thanks for sharing the pictures! **Q: Struggling choosing kitchen cabinets Help!!!!!** *(in Before & After)* We are redoing our kitchen from 1994. The soffits, oak cabinets, lighting, counters, and flooring will be replaced. I am having a difficult time finding a cabinet stain that will work with our light oak trim. My husband will not ever agree to paint it. We are going with a Shaker door in cherry. Our KD suggested a fairly dark brown stain that we feel will be too dark and too sharp of a contrast to our window and door trim. I see so many white kitchens, but it is really not want we want. We are going with either Medallian or Dura Supreme cabininets. Help!!! A: I too agree with your designer. Going darker will look better with your light oak trim. I believe that going brown and not red is also the way to go. If on a budget, you could strip your current cabinets and stain a darker stain yourself. But if you have the money and time off work would be an issue, than hire a professional to help with the purchase and install. I say to help with both, two reasons. 1.) this makes the contractor responsible for the materials. Should the arrive broken you won't have to deal with having to figure out when and how you will send it back etc. Leave that stress for someone else. 2.) the install should be done by a professional only if you want to make sure that they are attached correctly and should something happen during the install (scratches etc) again you are not responsible and the stress of correcting the situation falls to someone else. I would keep the tile and flooring light as to not darken up the space. But with so much light coming from the bay window I believe that you will be fine :) Best of luck - can't wait for the after pictures. **Q: Kitchen Cabinets: Oak to Black** *(in Before & After)* Didn't like the color of the oak cabinets in my new place. Tried staining them American Chestnut but that wasn't working out well. Went with Rust-Oleum's kit and really like the results. I added beadboard to the peninsula, side of the wall cabinets, and on the sides of the sink area. Also added the brushed nickel hardware. Just working on the backsplash design now. Let me know what yall think! A: I like the black, it's a really sharp look. I am sure that you thought of this, and probably due to time constraints I'm sure, but a black stain would have been a great option as well and would prevent future need for touchups due to dings etc. But over all great look for an even better cost! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*