The project
A 1989 builder kitchen in the Preston neighborhood of Cary — closed off from the dining room, dim, with two prep feet of counter space and an electrical panel that couldn’t support a modern range.
The homeowners wanted an open-concept layout, functional work triangle, and enough electrical capacity for a 60-amp induction range, under-cabinet lighting, and a dedicated dishwasher circuit.
What we did
- Removed a non-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room to open the layout
- Custom shaker cabinetry in white oak — full overlay, soft-close, built to spec
- Quartz countertops with undermount sink
- Relocated the sink — re-routed both supply and drain lines to the island
- New 60-amp range circuit from the main panel
- Recessed lighting on a smart dimmer system tied to a new Leviton smart panel
- Dedicated circuits for dishwasher, garbage disposal, and under-cabinet lighting
Trades involved
This project required all three of our licenses:
- GC (NCLBGC #87341): Permitting, wall removal, framing, cabinetry, countertop coordination
- Electrical (NC #28-LA-9214): Panel work, range circuit, recessed lighting, smart switches, dedicated appliance circuits
- Plumbing (NC #P1-22847): Sink relocation, supply re-route, drain re-route, dishwasher connection, garbage disposal
All three permits were pulled and closed with passing inspections.
Timeline and budget
- Duration: 5 weeks, start to finish
- Budget: On budget — final invoice came in under the written estimate
- Crew: Same two-person crew for all 25 working days
- Permits: Building, Electrical, Plumbing — all passed first inspection
The result
An open kitchen that connects to the dining room, with proper lighting, modern electrical capacity, and a work triangle that actually works. The homeowners gained 40% more counter space and eliminated a wall that had divided the main living area for 37 years.