Scott Riley Builders Inc.

Custom Built-Ins: A Smart Addition to Your Home Remodeling Project in Durham, NC

Custom Built-Ins A Smart Addition to Your Home Remodeling Project in Durham, NC

Maximize Space, Add Style, and Increase Home Value

Imagine walking into your living room and seeing a beautifully designed entertainment center that perfectly fits your space. No more cluttered shelves or awkward furniture arrangements—just a clean, organized, and stylish look. That’s the power of custom built-ins.

Built-ins are one of the best ways to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in a home. Whether you need extra storage, a cozy reading nook, or a sleek home office setup, these custom features can completely transform a space. Homeowners in Durham, NC, are increasingly choosing custom built-ins as part of their remodeling projects to make better use of every square inch.

If you’re considering a home remodeling project in Durham, adding custom built-ins can improve organization, increase home value, and create a seamless design that matches your style.


Key Takeaways:

  • Custom built-ins maximize space by fitting perfectly into your home, eliminating wasted areas.
  • Built-in shelves, cabinets, and storage solutions help improve organization and reduce clutter.
  • High-quality built-ins add long-term value to your home and enhance its appeal to potential buyers.
  • These features blend seamlessly with your home’s existing architecture and style for a cohesive look.
  • Built-ins can be customized for any room, including living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and home offices.
  • Unlike store-bought furniture, custom built-ins are more durable, functional, and tailored to your needs.
  • Choosing the right materials, finishes, and layout ensures your built-ins are both practical and visually appealing.
  • Professional installation by an experienced contractor like Scott Riley Builders ensures a flawless, high-quality result.
  • To start designing custom built-ins for your home, call Scott Riley Builders at 919-730-1010 to schedule a consultation.

Why Custom Built-Ins Are a Great Choice for Homeowners in Durham, NC

Many homeowners struggle with storage and organization, especially in older homes where space is limited. Custom built-ins solve this problem by offering tailored storage solutions that blend seamlessly into your home’s architecture. Here’s why they make a great addition to any remodeling project:

1. Maximize Every Inch of Space

Unlike traditional furniture, which often leaves gaps and wasted areas, built-ins are custom-designed to fit your walls, alcoves, and corners. This means you get efficient use of every available space—perfect for smaller rooms or homes with limited storage.

2. Keep Your Home Organized

Built-in cabinets, bookshelves, and entertainment centers help reduce clutter by providing designated storage areas. With custom solutions, you can have hidden storage compartments, display shelves, and even built-in desks to keep everything in order.

3. Add Value to Your Home

Potential buyers love built-in storage solutions because they add both functionality and style. Well-designed built-ins can make your home more attractive to buyers and even increase resale value.

4. Enhance Your Home’s Design

Because they are custom-built, these features can be designed to match your home’s style, trim, and color scheme. Unlike store-bought furniture, which may clash with existing décor, built-ins become a seamless part of your home.


Best Built-In Ideas for Your Home Remodeling Project

Custom built-ins are versatile and can be incorporated into nearly every room. Here are some of the most popular built-in ideas for Durham, NC homeowners:

Living Room & Family Room Built-Ins

  • Entertainment Centers – Create a central focal point with storage for TVs, gaming consoles, and decorative items.
  • Fireplace Surrounds – Frame your fireplace with custom bookshelves or cabinets, making it both stylish and functional.
  • Built-In Bookcases – Perfect for home libraries or displaying décor, bookcases add warmth and character to a space.

Kitchen & Dining Room Built-Ins

  • Custom Pantry Shelving – Organize dry goods, cookware, and small appliances with efficient shelving systems.
  • Built-In Banquette Seating – A cozy, space-saving seating option for casual dining that also offers hidden storage.
  • China Cabinets & Display Shelves – Store dinnerware and glassware in an elegant built-in cabinet.

Home Office & Study Space Built-Ins

  • Custom Desks & Workstations – Keep your workspace tidy and productive with a built-in desk designed for your needs.
  • Wall-to-Wall Bookcases – Create a functional and stylish home office with plenty of storage for books and supplies.
  • Hidden Storage for Electronics – Conceal printers, routers, and cords for a cleaner look.

Bedroom & Closet Built-Ins

  • Built-In Wardrobes & Dressers – Maximize bedroom storage without bulky furniture.
  • Window Seats with Storage – A charming way to add extra seating and hidden storage.
  • Custom Closet Organizers – Optimize closet space with built-in shelving, drawers, and hanging racks.

Mudroom & Entryway Built-Ins

  • Cubbies and Coat Racks – Keep shoes, coats, and bags neatly stored.
  • Benches with Storage – A practical and stylish seating solution with hidden compartments for extra storage.

Bathroom & Laundry Room Built-Ins

  • Linen Cabinets – Store towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies efficiently.
  • Open Shelving for Small Spaces – Make use of vertical space in tight areas to improve organization.

Key Considerations When Adding Custom Built-Ins

Before starting your project, here are some important factors to think about:

1. Design That Matches Your Home

Built-ins should blend seamlessly with your existing décor. Whether you prefer a modern, farmhouse, or traditional look, a skilled carpenter can customize the style to match your home.

2. Material Selection

The materials used for your built-ins will affect their durability and appearance. Options include:

  • Hardwood (oak, maple, cherry) – Durable and high-end
  • MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) – Cost-effective and smooth for painting
  • Plywood with Veneer – A mix of affordability and strength

3. Balancing Function and Aesthetics

While built-ins should be visually appealing, they must also be functional. Think about what you’ll store, how often you’ll use it, and the best way to keep everything accessible.

4. Budget and Timeline Planning

  • Custom built-ins can be a worthwhile investment, but costs vary based on size, materials, and complexity.
  • Most projects take a few weeks to complete, depending on design and installation requirements.

Custom Built-Ins vs. Store-Bought Solutions

While store-bought shelving and furniture may seem like a quicker option, they often fall short in the following ways:

FeatureStore-Bought FurnitureCustom Built-Ins
Fit & DesignOne-size-fits-all, may not fit wellCustom-made to fit perfectly
DurabilityLower quality materialsHigh-quality craftsmanship
Home ValueNo added resale valueIncreases home value
StyleLimited color and style optionsFully customizable

If you’re looking for a long-lasting, stylish, and practical solution, custom built-ins are the way to go.


Why Work with Scott Riley Builders in Durham, NC?

Custom built-ins require precision, experience, and craftsmanship. At Scott Riley Builders, we specialize in designing and installing built-ins that seamlessly blend into your home.

  • Expert Craftsmanship – Our team has years of experience in custom carpentry and home remodeling.
  • Personalized Design Consultations – We’ll work with you to create built-ins that match your vision.
  • Efficient Installation – We handle everything from design to installation, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

If you’re ready to add custom built-ins to your home remodeling project, Scott Riley Builders is here to help. Call 919-730-1010 today to schedule a consultation and start designing the perfect built-ins for your home in Durham, NC.

Transform your space with custom built-ins—contact us now!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are custom built-ins?

Custom built-ins are permanently installed storage solutions designed to fit specific areas in a home. They can include bookshelves, cabinets, entertainment centers, window seats, and closet organizers, all tailored to your space and style.

How do custom built-ins add value to my home?

Custom built-ins increase home value by improving organization, maximizing space, and enhancing aesthetics. Buyers appreciate well-designed storage solutions, making homes with built-ins more desirable in the real estate market.

What rooms benefit most from built-ins?

Built-ins work well in almost any room, including living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, home offices, mudrooms, and bathrooms. They are particularly useful in spaces that need more storage or a more streamlined, built-in look.

How are custom built-ins better than store-bought furniture?

Unlike store-bought shelves and cabinets, built-ins are made to fit your home’s unique dimensions and design. They provide a seamless, polished look, offer better durability, and can be customized to match your exact needs.

What materials are used for built-ins?

Common materials include hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry for a high-end finish, as well as MDF or plywood with veneer for a cost-effective yet durable option. The choice of materials depends on budget, durability, and style preferences.

How long does it take to install custom built-ins?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the design and installation. On average, built-in projects take a few weeks from design to completion, including planning, fabrication, and installation.

Can I customize the design of my built-ins?

Yes! Custom built-ins are designed to match your style, storage needs, and the overall aesthetic of your home. You can choose from different finishes, colors, shelving options, and decorative details.

Are custom built-ins expensive?

The cost of built-ins varies based on size, materials, and design complexity. While they may be more expensive than store-bought furniture, they offer long-term value by increasing home appeal and functionality.

Do built-ins require maintenance?

Built-ins are low maintenance, but occasional cleaning and minor touch-ups may be needed. Choosing high-quality materials and finishes can help ensure longevity with minimal upkeep.

How do I get started with custom built-ins for my home?

If you’re ready to enhance your home with built-ins, contact Scott Riley Builders at 919-730-1010 to schedule a consultation. Their team will work with you to design and install built-ins that fit your space and style perfectly.

This article is a collaboration between Scott Riley Builders and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on February 6, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with Scott Riley Builders expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.

author avatar
Scott Riley Owner
• Born in Durham, NC 1967 • Lived in Florida until age of 12 • Moved back to Durham at age of 12 • Worked with public since age of 16, 1982 • Family owned Auto Parts business from 1982-1999 • Licensed NC Real estate salesman 1995 • Licensed Residential contractor since 1996 • Licensed as NC Home inspector 1997 • Home builder from mid 1990’s thru 2008 • Remodels, additions and flipping houses since late 2008 • Married 33 years • 2 successful children, A son and a daughter • 4 grandchildren • Big FSU fan
Scroll to Top
Skip to content