In Raleigh and across the Triangle, more homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than move. Low interest rates, beloved neighborhoods, and the desire to make a house truly fit real life are driving that decision. But renovation done well requires more than good taste, it requires trust, planning, and experience.

On this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Ken Combs, founder and CEO of CQC Home, one of the Triangle area’s most respected design build and remodeling firms. Their conversation covers everything from kitchen and bath renovations to leadership, timelines, and the biggest mistakes homeowners make before a project even begins.

If you live in Raleigh, Durham, or anywhere in Wake County and are considering a renovation, this episode delivers grounded advice from someone who has lived every level of the job.

From Job Site Laborer to Leading a Triangle Design Build Firm

Ken Combs did not enter construction through a polished corporate path. At 19, he answered a simple job posting from a custom home builder in Chapel Hill that said no experience necessary. He started as a laborer, worked his way up to carpenter, then project manager, and eventually realized he wanted to build something of his own.

That hands on journey shapes how CQC Home operates today. Ken understands the work from the ground up, which means when he talks about timelines, livability, or decision making, it comes from real job site experience, not theory.

That depth of knowledge is one reason CQC Home has become a trusted name for major renovations across Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Triangle area.

Renovating with Respect for Place and History

Ken’s connection to Durham runs deep. He grew up on Holloway Street and has watched the city evolve from a place many avoided to one of the Triangle’s most vibrant communities.

That long view matters in renovation. As Ken explains, great remodeling is not about chasing trends. It is about respecting the character of a home, understanding the neighborhood, and making thoughtful improvements that feel natural to the space.

This philosophy shows up in CQC Home’s work across older Raleigh neighborhoods, historic Durham streets, and established Triangle communities where homeowners want modern function without losing soul.

A Renovation That Became Home

One of the most memorable stories from the episode centers on a personal project, 903 Lake Boone Trail. Ken originally renovated the home with the intention to sell, but after restoring its character and learning its history, the plan changed.

The house had once been one of the first in Raleigh with air conditioning. Ken recalls meeting someone connected to the home’s past who shared emotional memories of neighbors gathering there during summers because it was the only cool house around.

After the renovation, Ken’s wife Chelsea fell in love with the home, and it became theirs. The project reflects what CQC Home does best, honoring history while upgrading functionality for modern life.

The Biggest Renovation Mistake Homeowners Make

If there is one practical takeaway from this episode, it is this, living through a major renovation often costs more time, money, and stress.

Ken explains that while it is possible to live in a home during construction, it slows everything down. Crews must work around daily routines, children, pets, and limited access. That inefficiency adds up.

Gretchen reinforces the point for Raleigh area homeowners. When possible, giving your contractor full access for 30, 45, or 60 days often leads to faster completion and fewer unexpected costs.

How CQC Home Keeps Projects Moving

One reason CQC Home stands out in the Triangle renovation space is its upfront planning process.

Once a design contract is signed, CQC orders key materials early and stores items like cabinetry in a local warehouse until installation. This prevents one of the most common renovation delays, waiting weeks for materials while a home sits partially torn apart.

For homeowners, this approach means more predictable timelines and a smoother renovation experience.

Renovation Loans and Buying Homes with Potential

The episode also bridges real estate and remodeling, a topic especially relevant in Raleigh’s competitive housing market.

Ken shares that roughly 20 percent of CQC Home’s projects involve buyers who purchase a home using a renovation loan, complete the remodel, and then move in. This strategy allows buyers to focus on location first, then create the home they want.

Gretchen explains how this can work as a team effort, pairing the right house with the right builder and lender to make renovation part of the purchase plan.

Remodel Focus and the Rise of ADUs in the Triangle

CQC Home primarily focuses on major renovations, but Ken notes a growing demand for ADUs, accessory dwelling units, across Raleigh, Durham, and Wake County.

Backyard cottages, guest suites, and detached living spaces are becoming more common as families look for flexibility, multigenerational living, or rental opportunities. As zoning and demand evolve, ADUs are becoming an increasingly important part of the Triangle housing landscape.

Leadership, Learning, and Momentum

Beyond construction, the conversation explores leadership and team building. Ken views mistakes as learning opportunities and emphasizes the importance of momentum.

One line that stands out, speed beats perfection.

In renovation, thoughtful planning matters, but so does decision making and forward movement. That balance is key to keeping complex projects on track.

Giving Back Through the Home Builders Association

Ken also serves as president of the Home Builders Association of Durham, after nearly a decade on its board. He highlights the value of strong subcontractor relationships and industry support, including programs like a summer careers academy that introduces young people to skilled trades.

It is another example of how CQC Home stays connected to the broader Triangle building community.

Where to Find CQC Home

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, bath remodel, full home renovation, or ADU in Raleigh or Durham, CQC Home operates out of a Durham based showroom and design office.

Website: cqchome.com
Showroom and Office: 15501 Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard, Durham, NC
Instagram: @cqchome

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Best of Raleigh is a reminder that renovation is not just construction. It is strategy, planning, and trust.

For homeowners weighing whether to renovate or move, or buyers considering a home with potential, Ken Combs offers practical, honest guidance rooted in decades of experience across the Triangle area.

New episodes of The Best of Raleigh drop every Friday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.