The 2025 Guide to Remodeling in Western North Carolina: Costs, Trends, and ROI

Patrick Brooks
Nov 11
6 min read

Building Better in the Blue Ridge

If you’ve driven through Asheville lately, you’ve probably noticed that nearly every block holds signs of renewal. Craftsman cottages with fresh siding, modernized mountain chalets, and downtown bungalows with new life — homeowners are investing again. But 2025’s remodeling movement isn’t about “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s about comfort, efficiency, and lifestyle in the unique climate and culture of Western North Carolina.

Homes here were often built decades ago — before energy-efficient windows, before open-concept kitchens, before smart-home integrations. As families grow and work habits shift, those homes are being reimagined to fit modern life while maintaining the character that makes the mountains special.

At PB & J’s Contracting, we’ve helped homeowners from Mars Hill to Lake Lure transform outdated spaces into timeless, functional sanctuaries. In this guide, we’ll break down the remodeling trends shaping 2025, the real costs behind them, and how to make sure your investment truly pays off.

Why Remodeling is Surging in 2025

A. Aging Mountain Homes

Many homes across Buncombe, Henderson, and Madison Counties were built in the 1980s and 1990s. While solidly constructed, they often need modern insulation, upgraded wiring, and energy-efficient systems to meet today’s standards. Remodeling is no longer just aesthetic — it’s a pathway to lower utility costs and greater comfort.

B. Rising Home Equity

Home values in Asheville and surrounding towns have appreciated significantly over the last decade. Instead of selling, many homeowners are reinvesting that equity back into their property. They understand that strategic renovations — especially kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living — can yield a 60 to 90 percent ROI when done correctly.

C. Lifestyle Changes

Remote work, flexible schedules, and an emphasis on mental wellness are influencing design. Home offices, home gyms, and outdoor retreat spaces are in higher demand than ever.

D. Local Market Strength

The Asheville market remains one of North Carolina’s most stable. According to the Remodeling 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, Asheville homeowners see higher-than-average returns on remodeling projects compared to the national median.

Top Design Trends for Western NC Homes in 2025

A. Warm Natural Finishes

Expect to see the return of natural wood tones, exposed beams, and tactile materials. PB & J’s craftsmen are installing white-oak flooring, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and custom wood vent hoods that feel earthy yet refined.

Why it matters: These materials not only reflect the mountain aesthetic but also create a cozy environment suited for WNC’s four seasons.

B. Multi-Functional Living Spaces

The open-concept era has evolved into flex spaces. We’re building movable walls, sliding doors, and convertible rooms that adapt from work-from-home setups to guest spaces overnight.

C. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Homeowners are thinking long-term. Expect to see more solar panels, triple-pane windows, low-flow fixtures, and energy-smart insulation upgrades. Asheville’s eco-conscious culture means that sustainability isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s a standard.

D. Outdoor Living as an Extension of the Home

From covered decks in Weaverville to outdoor kitchens in Lake Lure, outdoor spaces are being treated like additional living rooms. Pergolas, built-in benches, and custom lighting are key features we design to blend form and function.

E. Texture and Depth

Smooth drywall is giving way to limewash, Venetian plaster, or stone veneer accents. The tactile, lived-in feel pairs perfectly with the rustic-modern vibe popular in Western North Carolina architecture.

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect in 2025

Renovation pricing varies by home size, finishes, and site conditions — especially on mountain lots — but the following averages provide a realistic framework for budgeting your project with PB & J’s Contracting.

A. Kitchen Remodeling

Average Cost: $25,000 – $85,000+
ROI: 70 – 80 %
Popular Upgrades: Quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, soft-close drawers, energy-efficient appliances, and LED task lighting.
Pro Tip: Prioritize layout flow first. A smart design can add resale value without adding square footage.

B. Bathroom Remodeling

Average Cost: $15,000 – $40,000
ROI: 65 – 75 %
Trending Features: Walk-in showers, rainfall fixtures, double vanities, and radiant heated floors.
Local Insight: In older mountain homes, PB & J’s often improves water pressure and replaces outdated plumbing while upgrading finishes — hidden improvements that boost long-term value.

C. Basement Finishing

Average Cost: $40,000 – $90,000
ROI: ≈ 70 %
Ideas: Home gyms, short-term rentals, media rooms, or in-law suites.
Local Note: Proper waterproofing and ventilation are essential in Asheville’s humid valleys — a step many DIYers skip.

D. Decks & Outdoor Spaces

Average Cost: $12,000 – $45,000+
ROI: Up to 90 %
Popular Choices: Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) vs. natural cedar; built-in seating, under-deck drainage, and ambient lighting.
PB & J’s Advantage: Our team designs decks that handle elevation changes safely while maximizing views.

E. Whole-Home Renovations or Additions

Average Cost: $100 – $250 per sq. ft.
ROI: Varies (60 – 85 %)
Considerations: Structural framing, updated HVAC systems, code compliance, and permit timelines.
Tip: If your home is pre-1990, expect to upgrade electrical panels and insulation to meet current code.

What Affects Remodeling Costs in the Mountains

1. Terrain & Accessibility

Steep driveways, narrow roads, or limited equipment access often require creative staging and logistics. PB & J’s crews specialize in mountain-grade solutions that keep costs predictable.

2. Material Availability

Sourcing sustainable materials can add time. We partner with local suppliers across Asheville and Hendersonville to minimize delays and support regional trade.

3. Labor Demand

WNC’s skilled labor market is competitive. Working with a reputable local contractor ensures consistency, not revolving-door crews.

4. Seasonality & Weather

The best construction window is March through October. Winter projects are possible — but weatherproofing, heating, and curing times must be factored in.

5. Permits & Zoning

Counties differ: Buncombe’s energy codes are more rigorous, while Madison and Henderson Counties may require additional structural documentation for steep lots.PB & J’s handles permitting in-house to streamline the process and prevent costly hold-ups.

Pro Insight: Choosing a contractor who understands local codes and terrain can save you weeks of delays and thousands of dollars in corrections later.

Maximizing ROI: Remodeling with Purpose

A. Start with Function

Before focusing on fixtures or finishes, map out how your household actually lives in the space. Do you cook daily? Need storage for gear? Function drives resale appeal and design always follows function.

B. Invest in Energy Efficiency

Insulated windows
Smart thermostats
Tankless water heaters
Proper sealing and insulation

These not only lower monthly bills but also attract eco-minded buyers — a large segment in Asheville’s housing market.

C. Curb Appeal Matters

Exterior paint, landscaping, new doors, and modern lighting often yield outsized returns relative to cost.

D. Don’t Overbuild for the Neighborhood

PB & J’s Contracting advises clients to match upgrades to surrounding values — we’ll run local comparables before recommending luxury materials that may not add equal resale benefit.

E. Work with Trusted Partners

ROI isn’t just in the numbers — it’s in peace of mind. Licensed, insured, and rooted in the community, PB & J’s Contracting ensures transparency from design through completion.

“Our goal isn’t just to remodel homes — it’s to help homeowners make smart, lasting investments that fit their lifestyle and the local market.”— Joel Sawyer, Co-Owner of PB & J’s Contracting

Real-World Examples of Smart Remodeling ROI

1. The Asheville Kitchen Overhaul - A West Asheville bungalow received a $45,000 kitchen remodel — open shelving, quartz counters, and a widened archway. When resold, the home appraised $58,000 higher, netting roughly 75 % ROI.

2. Hendersonville Basement Transformation - An unfinished basement became a guest suite and yoga room. The owners gained 650 sq ft of livable space and increased their rental income potential by $900/month.

3. Weaverville Deck Expansion - PB & J’s added a 600-sq-ft wrap-around deck with pergola and privacy railing. Cost ≈ $38,000; appraised value increase ≈ $34,000 plus enhanced livability — one of the region’s best returns.

PB & J’s Difference: Craftsmanship with Integrity

When you hire PB & J’s Contracting, you’re not just hiring a crew — you’re partnering with a local team that treats every project like it’s our own home.

Comprehensive Planning: From initial design to final walk-through.
Clear Communication: Detailed quotes, progress updates, and transparent timelines.
Quality Craftsmanship: Carpenters, painters, and installers who understand mountain construction.
Community Roots: Proudly serving Asheville, Hendersonville, Mars Hill, Weaverville, Lake Lure, and neighboring communities.

We believe every homeowner deserves a space that reflects who they are — grounded in craftsmanship, beauty, and function.

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

Schedule a Consultation – We’ll visit your home, discuss your goals, and provide a clear estimate.
Design & Budget Review – Together we’ll align design concepts with financial expectations.
Build Phase – PB & J’s handles permits, materials, and execution from start to finish.
Final Walk-Through & Warranty – We stand behind our work with a quality guarantee.

Ready to Remodel? Let PB & J’s Contracting turn your vision into reality. Request your free in-home consultation today and discover why Western North Carolina homeowners trust our team for precision craftsmanship and transparent pricing.

Contact Us → 828.989.5175 or info@pbjcontracting.com

A Mountain Home Built for the Future

Remodeling isn’t simply about modernizing your home — it’s about aligning your space with your life’s rhythm. Western North Carolina’s blend of natural beauty and community pride inspires a design philosophy that’s both rugged and refined.

Whether you’re revamping a kitchen in Asheville, finishing a basement in Hendersonville, or expanding your outdoor living space in Weaverville, one thing remains constant: your home should tell your story.

At PB & J’s Contracting, that’s what we build — not just houses, but homes that endure.