Design-Build in North Hills
Additions and renovations in North Hills
Your 1960s house has good bones. Now it needs to work like a house built today.
A 1960s neighborhood of ranches and split-levels
Developer Ed Richards began North Hills Estates in 1960, and it became Raleigh’s largest subdivision before 1965. Owners likely chose from his company’s stock plans: ranches, split-levels, split-foyers, and a few contemporary houses.
By our count of Wake County records, about three in four houses in North Hills were built in the 1960s. About one in three is a split-level or split-foyer.
Making a split-level work
Split-levels and split-foyers put rooms on half-floors, which can leave the kitchen closed off and the family room a flight away. Opening the main level often makes the biggest difference.
We open floor plans, update kitchens, and add primary suites that fit the house.
What the rules allow
The North Hills conservation overlay, adopted in 2018, covers the original North Hills sections. It sets a minimum lot size and width, which limits splitting lots into smaller ones.
Raleigh’s infill rules still shape an addition’s front setback and side wall height. We check both during Design and handle permits and inspections with the City of Raleigh.
Our work in Raleigh
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Kitchen renovation
A green kitchen and bath with laundry in Raleigh
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Open floor plan
An open concept kitchen remodel in Raleigh
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Bathroom renovation
Two baths and a laundry room remodeled in Raleigh
What we build in North Hills
Every project is designed and built by one team, with a fixed price before construction begins.
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Home Additions
More room without leaving the neighborhood you love.
- Primary suites
- In-law suites and ADUs
- Garages with living space
- Sunrooms
- Build out or build up
Starting at $150,000
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Home Renovations
Rework the house you have into the one you want.
- Whole home
- Kitchens
- Open floor plans
Whole home starting at $200,000
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Custom Homes
The home you can’t find for sale, built on your lot.
- Custom home on your lot
- Knockdown and rebuild
Starting at $400,000 Excludes land.
Reviews and a license aren’t enough anymore
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Peace of Mind Pricing
Your construction price is fixed before we break ground. It only changes if we uncover something unforeseen or you request a change.
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One team
Design and construction under one roof. Your designer leads Design, and your project manager owns Build and warranty.
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Weekly portal updates
Your schedule and progress, updated every week in your client portal, so you’re never wondering what’s happening.
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Named people at every stage
Bethany Kuhnau, our senior designer, leads Design. Mike Simon, our project manager, is your point of contact from pre-construction through warranty.
Our promise You’ll always know where your project stands, what comes next, and why.
What our clients say
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“We always knew what to expect and when, and the team stayed on schedule. We always received responses to questions almost immediately.”
Carrie D. Bathroom and laundry remodel, Raleigh -
“Extremely reasonable and professional quote. They were always on time and on budget. Very clean and courteous and did an excellent job. Communication was absolutely excellent.”
Luke B. Kitchen and bathroom remodel, Raleigh -
“The team listened to our needs and help us get our dream kitchen! They kept the project on track and were always available to answer my many questions.”
LeeAnn B. Kitchen remodel, Raleigh
North Hills questions
Can you open up a split-level house?
Often, yes. Engineering is part of Design, so we know which walls carry the floors above before anything comes down.
The half-flights of stairs usually stay, so the plan works around them.
What does the North Hills conservation overlay regulate?
Lot size and width: a minimum lot of 14,000 square feet, and 90 feet wide, or 110 on a corner. Additions must follow the overlay, and Raleigh’s infill rules still cover setbacks and wall height.
Should we add on or build a second story?
It depends on the lot and the house. We price both during Design, so you can compare them before you decide.
Fall in love with your home again
Start with a free discovery call about your goals, timeline, and budget. You’ll know where you stand before you sign anything.