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Apex Kitchen Remodel

Case Study

Big Leaf Loop kitchen remodel cover photo

Kitchens

Designed for Real Life in Dogwood Ridge

This kitchen remodel in Dogwood Ridge, Apex, focused on improving how the space functioned day to day. The existing kitchen had an older feel and lacked sufficient prep and cooking space, making it harder for the homeowners to use the kitchen efficiently.

The layout was reworked to support cooking, prep, and flow between the kitchen and dining areas. Semi-custom cabinetry was designed to maximize usable storage while keeping everything within easy reach, and new flooring helped refresh and unify the connected spaces. A larger, more functional island became the centerpiece of the kitchen, providing dedicated prep space without crowding the room. A custom-built-in charging drawer was added to give the family a dedicated place to store and charge devices out of sight.

A custom-built-in drop zone was also added to help organize everyday items and reduce clutter, keeping the kitchen working smoothly throughout the day. With a more intentional layout and clearly defined work areas, the finished kitchen now feels efficient, updated, and better suited to how the homeowners use the space.

Big Leaf Loop kitchen remodel cover photo

"Do yourself a HUGE favor and go with this company! We just completed a very large kitchen remodel and we could not be more pleased!!!!"

Rebecca W.

Cameron Park, Apex

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Whether you’re early in the idea stage or ready to start planning, we’re here to help you think it through. This first conversation is relaxed, informative, and focused entirely on what you want your home to become.

  • Discuss Your Goals and Priorities
  • Discover the Benefits of a Design-Build Partnership
  • Establish Clear Next Steps for the Project
Jason

Jason Hallman

Cary, NC

Simply the best home remodeling company in the triangle!! If you are considering a large renovation to your house, you need to work with Wake Remodeling. We had a large project to renovate our entire first floor, including a laundry room addition, converting the existing laundry room to a mudroom, and moving/converting our centrally located early 00’s kitchen to a high end kitchen in the back of the house with a large island, separate butler pantry and more natural light. The project included refinishing all of the hardwood floors and other stained wood in the house including staircases and railings, and replacing the old white wood spindles with iron. Luke, Mia, and team helped tremendously with the design and recommending items that would make the space even more functional. They helped the entire way, through design renderings and help making selections. It was an extensive project that we expected to take 4 months starting from demolition without a functional kitchen and laundry, so it was important to keep the project on time. The Wake team worked like a Swiss clock. Our Project Manager, Carter, was outstanding. He was on site nearly every day, and was meticulously scheduling/rearranging activities so that we could get a functional laundry room as soon as possible, and have the floors done before school started. Carter even stayed on site one afternoon and assisted with a very challenging install with our range/oven that would have easily been delayed had he not been there. The quality of the work was top notch across the board. Overall a very smoothly run project, given how complex it was, and delivered on time and on budget! We could not be happier with the results! It’s the kitchen of our dreams and otherwise like living in a new house!!

Ashley Simmons

Apex, NC

Wake Remodeling did a phenomenal job on our bathroom remodel from start to finish. The communication straightforward, the craftsmanship was excellent, and the entire team treated our home with care. They showed up when they said they would, kept the project moving without unnecessary delays, and solved the few inevitable surprises with zero drama.

Joe

Joe C

Cary, NC

We recently hired Wake Remodeling for a home project, and I couldn’t be more impressed. From start to finish, they were professional, reliable, and incredibly detail-oriented. The team communicated clearly, showed up on time, and got the job done exactly as promised. Will use them again for sure!

Laura Tomczak

Apex, NC

Our attic had become a catch-all for old furniture, holiday decorations and kids’ toys, but we always thought it had potential to be more. Lucky for us, Wake Remodeling saw that potential as well! Luke and his design team didn’t just come up with a plan to put up sheetrock. They designed a space that was functional, well thought out, added value, and captured the style and “feel” of our home. With their plan, 2/3 of our attic would be transformed into a living area complete with fireplace and kitchenette, a small office and a bathroom with a large shower and linen closet. The remining 1/3 of the attic would remain valuable storage space. But the crown jewel of the attic would be a beautiful, wood beamed ceiling in the living space! Wow! That’s more potential than we ever imagined! The task of endless decisions on paint colors, fixtures, and materials seemed daunting, but Wake’s designers were happy enough to consider our preferences, make choices, and present us with options. Communication was never an issue when working with the team from Wake Remodeling. We were given access to an online calendar that scheduled out everything from the phases of our construction to the sub-contractors to the invoicing. Additionally, our team set up a group text and a physical white board on site for messaging. Our project manager, Jessie, sent us summaries at the end of each week to re-cap the work that had been done, what was up next and any additional information we needed to know. Nancy in the office made regular phone calls to check in and accept feedback. When faced with hiccups in the project, our team was very transparent with us and always found a solution to the challenge. If we ever had a concern, it became Wake’s concern. They never discounted our opinions, wants, or needs. At one point I said, “I don’t mean to be picky” and I was told “Be picky!”. We always felt that Wake Remodeling wanted us to be totally happy and satisfied with their work. An important thing to note is that Wake wasn’t only focused on construction. They were very much aware of the unavoidable disruption a project of this nature can cause a family. If subcontractors wanted to work longer hours or weekends, Jessie would always ask us first. If the crew kicked up dust on the lower floors of the house, they were quick to schedule a cleaning crew. They truly tried their best to be as invisible and unobtrusive as possible. When our attic renovation was complete, we excitedly posted pictures on social media to rave reviews. We just can’t help wanting to show off our new space! Hiring Wake Remodeling was, without a doubt, the best decision we made. If and when we are faced with other home improvement projects, you can bet that the first call we make will be to Wake Remodeling.

Caitlin

Caitlin F

Raleigh, NC

The Wake Remodeling team was such a pleasure to work with during my bathroom remodel! I appreciated their detailed process of design selection, contract creation, change tickets, and the utilization of their builder portal. I loved being able to see the schedule online each day.

They were super flexible with any changes I requested, came up with creative solutions, and communicated frequently the whole time. Every team member I met was so kind and wanted the best result for me. I would definitely recommend!

Robert

Robert Berman

Apex, NC

We are extremely pleased with the work done on our home in Apex by Wake Remodeling. We started with a 250 sq ft unfinished attic above our garage that was without HVAC and unusable due to summer heat and humidity, and winter cold. After deciding to finish the attic we meet with several contractors. In the end we selected Wake Remodeling for the project after meeting with Luke, the owner, and his employees. This was a great decision! We could not be more pleased with beautiful room that Wake Remodeling built for us. From the design phase to project completion, Luke and his staff were professional at every level. The project was completed on time and within budget. Because of potential structural issues, Luke brought in experts to provide input to the design, as well for insulation, HVAC, painting, drywall and carpentry. The work proceeded without a hitch and included a white board which was updated keep us informed about progress, next steps, and a place for us to ask questions or make comments. It was a pleasure to work with Jessie, the onsite coordinator, the skilled craftsman and office staff at Wake Remodeling. In short, we couldn’t be more pleased with the professionalism and quality of work we received from Wake Remodeling and they have our highest recommendation.

Catherine

Catherine Dameron

Knightdale, NC

Luke and the entire Wake Remodeling team are fantastic! We did a full downstairs remodel. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, provided quality work. They were attentive to detail and a joy to work with from start to finish. Their design team created the look of our new space (floors, cabinets, countertops, layout, lighting and more). The end product exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them!

Rebecca

Rebecca Wolak

Apex, NC

Do yourself a HUGE favor and go with this company! We just completed a very large kitchen remodel and we could not be more pleased!!!! The project was organized and went seamlessly. We have small children and we were able to live in the house for the 3 month project. The team became like family to us and our kitchen turned out better than I could have ever dreamed. From the design process to the very end, everything was smooth and easy. Thank you Luke, Jon, LeAnne and Alana for an AMAZING remodeling experience and our DREAM KITCHEN.

Lynn Bomberowitz

Cary, NC

The experience working with Wake Remodeling exceeded expectations. Every person on the team was professional, kind, communicative, organized and efficient. Luke was a wonderful energy and set the tone for a great working relationship. We started thinking we were just going to remodel our primary bathroom and that quickly turned into our kid’s bathrooms and laundry room as well. Lee Anne and Alana were fabulous to work with and quickly met our design requests and revisions with passion, grace and understanding. We lived in our home during the remodel, and the team did their very best to clean up after themselves each day. They were super respectful of the fact that we were home throughout the process and kept our Buildertrend schedule up to date so we knew what to expect each week. When issues arose (which they always will in construction!) the team worked quickly to resolve them and communicated next steps clearly. By the end of the project, we had all become close friends – and while I’m not sad to see the work come to an end, I will miss my daily visits from James and team! The finished project is just beautiful, the care taken throughout the process is apparent, and we are very happy we chose to work with Wake Remodeling!

Jill

Jill Rusche

Holly Springs, NC

My home is in the very final stage of renovations done by Wake Remodeling. From the first phone call inquiring about the company to the removal of the dumpster yesterday, the experience has been a positive one. I now have an updated master bath, remodeled kitchen and a new sunroom off the kitchen that used to be the outside deck. I honestly feel like I have a completely new home and I couldn’t be happier. Alana and Lee Anne helped bring my ideas to life with their knowledge and experience in design. James oversaw the entire project with calm expertise. Jessie had the challenge of becoming my project manager mid stream which was not an easy task, but he stepped in with confidence and an amazing attention to detail. Aaron is a very skilled carpenter and was always a pleasure to have on site. ( Gavin has now joined the carpentry team and is also a great asset). Finally, Luke is a fabulous business owner. He made me feel like family, and even came out on an emergency when my water heater died two days before the project began ( on a Friday evening). I will never forget his kindness that night. Although I am happy to see the renovations come to an end, I will miss the interactions with each and every team member that I now count as friends. I highly recommend Wake Remodeling.

Morgan

Morgan R.

Apex, NC

My husband and I knew we wanted to remodel our kitchen but felt completely lost on where or how to get started. We loved our new home but felt the kitchen was too small for our lifestyle. We agreed that we wanted to work with a local company from Apex and they had to be creative, because we weren’t. We first met Luke on a video call to do a brief walk-thru of our home. From there we had Luke, Alana, and Lee Anne at our home where they could see our style and become familiar with the structure of the house. Alana made a layout that opened our first floor to give us a lot more space and expand our kitchen & dining area. Lee Anne created a wonderful design presentation that pulled the whole vision together. The team understood that we were a young family and created a space to accommodate all our needs; a dining room table, counter space for homework, and pantry that was conducive to grab snacks at any time.
Wake Remodeling worked with Habitat for Humanity to donate some of our old kitchen cabinets and appliances, something that I really appreciate. It took the responsibility from our shoulders and allowed some used materials to be reused rather than sitting in landfill. When the remodeling project was underway, all three team members (Luke, Lee Anne, and Alana) would check in with us to see how we were holding up without a kitchen (manageable but not easy with young kids). Jon and his team would work endlessly to keep the project moving. The entire project stayed within the timeline, and we were in constant contact with the team when there were some small delays or changes.
I’m incredibly happy with the way our kitchen (first floor really) turned out, they took a small, cramped area, and made it the perfect setup for our family. The before and after photos look like two different homes, but it was a team of people who know how to be creative and bold to make our house a home. I can’t wait to work with Wake Remodeling on future projects and recommend them to anyone looking to update their home. To have such a great company, who specialize in home renovations, right here in Apex is an asset to our community and the team goes above and beyond to maintain the small town feeling that so many residents moved here for.

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Christine

Christine R.

Apex, NC

Great experience with Luke, the owner and his team. They listen, respond, and do quality work. When we had questions or problems, Luke handled it ASAP. They were honest, hard-working an showed up when they said they would to keep us on scheduled. We added a sunroom, converted a garage, and added a new deck. Happy with all— I plan to hire Wake Remodel again when are ready to do our bathrooms.

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Andrew

Andrew Q.

Fuquay-Varina, NC

After interviewing five local remodelers, we chose Wake Remodeling for our whole house renovation project. The team at Wake Remodeling did an awesome job for us and I would highly recommend them! They were very professional and respectful of our privacy throughout the entire project. This is an awesome company run by awesome people and we will definitely use them again in the future.

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Amy

Amy D.

Apex, NC

We hired Wake Remodeling to renovate our master bathroom & we highly recommend! Great communication & follow up! They were so helpful with the design & layout as well as guiding us through our selections. We will definitely hire them again for our next remodel!

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Jim H.

Apex, NC

Wake Remodeling did a complete kitchen remodel for us. They listened to what we were looking for and made suggestions that resulted in both the look and efficiency of the kitchen exceed our expectations. The entire team was easy to work with, dependable, and incredibly skillful in the work they were doing. Coordinating all of the various skills, i.e. electrical, plumbing, cabinet install, tile, carpentry, painting, inspections, as needed to execute this project can be a daunting task but Wake Remodeling handled that in a very efficient manner. We could not be happier with how the entire kitchen remodel turned out, so, we have several future projects planned and will call on Wake Remodeling as our primary contractor. We recommend them highly!

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Chris

Chris P.

Cary, NC

I hired Wake Remodeling for a Sunroom extension project. My experience with Wake Remodeling’s team was fantastic – they were professional, skilled and finished the project in time and within the stated budget. They went above and beyond what was required of them to satisfy me. I would highly recommend them.

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Suzanne

Suzanne H.

Raleigh, NC

We engaged Wake Remodeling to update our 25 year old home and were extremely pleased with their workmanship and customer service. They completely remodeled our master bath, painted & installed new flooring on our second level, and removed popcorn ceilings throughout our entire house. We were most impressed with their quick response to our questions and overall management of the project. We couldn’t be happier with the results and we highly recommend Wake remodeling.

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Laura P.

Holly Springs, NC

Wake Remodeling completed a home project for us this year, and we couldn’t have been more satisfied! We are in love with our custom built-ins and ship lap that was added to our island kitchen. The attention to detail was amazing! The built-ins truly look flawless and completely made our living room. We were impressed by the efficiency, skill and professionalism! We will absolutely use Wake Remodeling for future home renovations!

Andrew S.

These guys do fantastic work! We had a major renovation done to our downstairs a few years ago and we love the way it turned out. Luke and his team were thorough from beginning to end and couldn’t have been more professional during the entire process. They really worked with us to understand what was important to us and nailed it in the finished product. We won’t use anyone else whenever it comes to home upgrades! We’re currently under contract to start some more work and are extremely excited to see how Luke and company can help transform another area of our home. 5 stars!

Diane

Diane H.

My husband and I hired Wake Remodeling in 2018 for a complete renovation of our kitchen. We highly recommend them as a general contractor. Luke, Lee Anne, Matt, Cesar and the rest of the team were great to work with throughout the process from project estimation to final inspection. We found the project estimate to be very accurate and took into account the quality of the finishes and features we expected in our kitchen. Our project kicked off on schedule and ran smoothly from beginning to end. Their guidance throughout the project was invaluable. All of their sub-contractors were conscientious and we were pleased with the quality of their work. Together, we achieved everything we wanted and more from our new kitchen.

David

David T.

Luke Dobbins and his company, Wake Remodelling, are absolutely the best! They live up to their reputation. They started the project on time, they kept on schedule and they turned over their top quality project to us on time. Throughout the project they kept us informed on the next steps and always ensured we were happy with what they were doing. Every one of their subs were top notch people who were always considerate of us by ensuring we were not disturbed. Could not have asked for any better. Luke is great to deal with, as was his project leader, Raymond.

Bonnie

Bonnie B.

Cary, NC

We had Wake Remodeling of Apex completely redo our kitchen and dining room and couldn’t be happier with the result. We went from a dark, cramped kitchen to a beautiful bright kitchen and dining area that makes us smile every time we walk in.

From design to finish the entire team was professional, communicative, and prompt. It’s clear they take pride in what they do! Unlike other remodelers we’ve worked with they pay attention to the small details and go out of their way to get everything just right. That’s the reason they’re a five star company.

We definitely plan to use them again for future projects. If you’re interviewing remodelers for your renovation, stop now and go with Wake Remodeling. You’ll be thrilled with the results!

Brett

Brett F.

Raleigh, NC

Had a minor cabinet issue that Luke helped me get resolved. Hooked me up with owner of 1st Choice Cabinetry and they fixed the issue. This was on renovation done 13 years ago! Wake Remodeling has done several big projects on us – kitchen, master bath and screened porch. All projects were fairly priced and very well done. I would not hesitate to recommend them for any home project.

Ashley Kelly
Marketing & Design Assistant

Ashley has grown up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned her degree in fashion merchandising and interior design through East Carolina University. She was also a member of the club dance team. She has four years of experience in the interior design industry, finding enjoyment in creating unique spaces. Outside of work, you will find Ashley staying active at the gym, paddleboarding, and expressing her creativity through painting.

Logan Crowell
Lead Carpenter

Logan brings years of hands-on carpentry experience and commitment to quality craftsmanship. He began his career shortly after graduating high school, working in a cabinet shop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Roll Tide!), where he developed a passion for woodworking and gained experience in custom cabinetry and trim carpentry. At 23, Logan moved to Virginia to attend Regent University and earned his degree in 2023. During his time there, he met his wife Laurin. They married in 2024 and relocated to North Carolina in January 2025, and welcomed their first baby in September 2025.

Outside of work, Logan enjoys worshipping Jesus, playing disc golf and cornhole, and spending time playing the guitar. His faith, family and commitment to honest, high-quality work are at the heart of everything he does.

Aaron Thompson
Carpenter

Aaron was born and raised in Apex while he currently resides in Cary with his family. Aaron enrolled in the carpentry apprenticeship program at Wake Technical College and has been working in the construction industry ever since. His specialty is trim work! When he has free time, he enjoys serving with his church on mission trips and with Habitat for Humanity. He also enjoys spending time with family and traveling. Additionally, Aaron finds joy in making wooden ornaments and fretwork with his grandfather.

Carter Allen
Project Manager

Growing up in Montana, Carter has grown to love the outdoors and the construction industry. He moved to Raleigh in 2005 and has enjoyed many aspects of the climate and culture here. He has a strong passion for helping others and a keen eye for what is optimal and sensible. Carter loves golf, and any other sport that his 3 marvelous kids will play with him. The inspiration from his faith helps him stay active, to keep a sense of humor and remain a life-long learner. He enjoys reading, cooking, and conversation when he’s not being active. He loves to garden and witness the wonder of small incremental changes, tuning into the language plants speak, and the residual benefits of steady discipline. His favorite all-time hobby is reflecting people’s goodness back to them.

James Wilson
Production Manager

James grew up in Asheville but moved to Raleigh in 1996 to attend NC State University. He loved the area, so he decided to stay! While at NC State, James did some construction jobs on the side and has been in the industry full time since 2001. James brings his over 20 years of experience in project management, scheduling, and sales to the team. In his free time, he likes to travel whenever possible, but his kids definitely keep him busy! James also enjoys fishing and watersports.

Mia Grotevant
Designer

Mia has a passion for creating functional and beautiful spaces that bring people’s dreams to life. Working in the design industry since 2020, she excels in space planning, developing unique designs, and selecting the perfect finishes. Her educational background in both Interior Design and Architectural Technology provides a solid foundation, allowing her to approach each project with a blend of creativity and technical expertise.

Outside of work, Mia enjoys reading, baking, and boating. She loves traveling, is a music and concert enthusiast, and cherishes spending time with family and friends. And no matter the occasion, she’ll always say yes to ice cream.

Nancy Graham
Office & Design Manager

Nancy, an Indiana native, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Purdue University. Working in the interior design and construction industry since 2010, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. In 2023, Nancy relocated from Florida to North Carolina, where she now passionately serves Wake Remodeling clients, ensuring exceptional service from the first point of contact. Her dedication to client satisfaction and her extensive industry experience make her a valuable asset to the Wake Remodeling team.

During Nancy’s free time she and her husband enjoy exploring and discovering all the Triangle has to offer. Their passion is to travel, whether a weekend away to visit their children in Florida or internationally to explore new countries.

Catherine Dobbins
Co-Owner

Catherine grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended North Carolina State University where she received her B.A. in Communication with a minor in Non-Profit Studies.  She has always loved interior spaces and residential real estate. She planned to pursue a career in Real Estate but God had something else in store.

Luke Dobbins
Owner/Founder CGR, CAPS, NCBI & CGP Designated

Luke takes personal pride in each and every project he undertakes. He strives to build long-lasting relationships with the people he serves and works closely with. He has over 20 years of experience, was the 2020 Chairperson of the Remodeler’s Council, and was named one of the Forty under 40 by ProRemodeler.