Dayton's housing range is the widest of any market we serve, and whole-home projects reflect it. Pre-WWII historic homes (Oregon District, St. Anne's Hill, South Park) are 1880s-1920s, with stone foundations, plaster walls, original wood flooring, leaded windows, butler's-pantry footprints, and substantial period detail. About half our historic-Dayton clients want preservation-style updates that keep the architectural character; the other half want full modernization while preserving exterior facades. Either approach demands careful behind-the-wall work — cast-iron drains, galvanized supply, knob-and-tube electrical — alongside the visible remodel.
Mid-century neighborhoods (Belmont, Five Oaks, parts of Dayton View) follow a 1950s-70s pattern with full-modernization scope. Newer infill construction is the third bucket and resembles the suburban profile.
Permits flow through the City of Dayton building department; the Oregon District and Wright-Dunbar overlays add Historic Preservation review (~10-14 extra days) for any exterior-visible scope. Whole-home projects run 6-10 months for historic homes versus 3-5 months for newer-construction equivalents.
You don’t need Dayton home remodeling contractors to tell you something’s wrong. You live it every day.
You’re not asking for anything over the top. You want a kitchen that fits your life, functions effortlessly, and doesn’t frustrate you the moment you step inside.
Custom cabinetry sized for non-standard wall depths
Quartz, granite, and butcher-block countertops
Full appliance swaps with electrical updates
Open-concept work with proper load-path engineering
Custom tile showers with bench seats
Vanities sized for tight footprints
Modern plumbing fixtures and supply lines
Heated tile floors and waterproofing done right
Full roof replacements (most homes done in 1 day)
Architectural shingles and ridge ventilation
Storm damage repairs with insurance claim support
Ice-and-water shield where it matters
Additions and second-story builds
Finished basements with bath rough-ins
Custom built-ins and trim work
Whole-house remodels with a single project manager
You’re letting people tear apart the heart of your home. You deserve a process that respects that.
We review your existing kitchen layout, discuss goals, and evaluate cabinet options.
Our kitchen layout planning process focuses on workflow efficiency, storage solutions, and appliance spacing.
Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, hardware, and lighting selections are aligned for a cohesive design.
We provide structured budget guidance before construction begins.
Once the design is finalized, we coordinate installation and structured home remodeling.
We’re at 1922 S Smithville Rd in Kettering. You can drive by, knock on the door, and find us. Same family ownership since 2008. Same crew. Same workmanship guarantee on every project.
Not a range. Not a ‘ballpark.’ A real number with everything that’s included spelled out clearly, line by line. What we quote is what you pay, barring genuine change orders that you sign off on.
No rotating subcontractors. The people who start your project finish it. Daily site cleanup. A project manager you can text directly with questions.
When we say ‘stand behind our work,’ we mean for as long as you own the home. Cabinet installation carries a lifetime warranty. Workmanship is backed by a written guarantee that means something when something needs fixing.
You’ll get one estimate, no follow-up calls trying to wear you down. If you say ‘we’re going with someone else,’ we say ‘good luck with the project’ and mean it.
We’re at 1922 S Smithville Rd in Kettering. You can drive by, knock on the door, and find us. Same family ownership since 2008. Same crew. Same workmanship guarantee on every project.
Not a range. Not a ‘ballpark.’ A real number with everything that’s included spelled out clearly, line by line. What we quote is what you pay, barring genuine change orders that you sign off on.
No rotating subcontractors. The people who start your project finish it. Daily site cleanup. A project manager you can text directly with questions.
When we say ‘stand behind our work,’ we mean for as long as you own the home. Cabinet installation carries a lifetime warranty. Workmanship is backed by a written guarantee that means something when something needs fixing.
You’ll get one estimate, no follow-up calls trying to wear you down. If you say ‘we’re going with someone else,’ we say ‘good luck with the project’ and mean it.
Removed a galley wall, opened to dining room. Custom shaker cabinets in soft white with quartz countertops. New island with under-counter beverage fridge. Four weeks start to finish. Came in under quote.
Full master bath gut, custom tile shower with bench seat, new double vanity with quartz top, heated tile floors. Mid-job we caught a pinhole leak and replaced the supply line at no upcharge. Three weeks.
Architectural shingles, new ridge ventilation, attic insulation upgrade. Single day on the roof. Filed and managed the insurance claim from start to check. No leaks since.
1,200 square feet of turn-key finished basement with bath rough-in, full wet bar prep, and built-in entertainment wall. Eight weeks including plumbing inspection wait.
Dayton has the widest housing variety of any city we serve, and that means whole-house remodels here are never one project. We work in:
Two givens on every Dayton whole-house project: panel upgrades (60-amp originals are universal in pre-1970 stock) and full electrical inspection. We pull a permit for every job, rewire whatever predates the current code, and submit through Dayton's Department of Building Services — typically 3–5 business days for residential plans.
A recent Dayton whole-house: The Hartwell Kitchen + Baths — a NARI-recognized renovation that touched the kitchen, three bathrooms, and the basement, with new cabinetry, refinished hardwood, and finishes consistent across all five rooms.
Take the next step
Our NARI-certified design-build team will tour your home, listen to your long-term plans, and send a transparent line-item proposal within 5 business days. From kitchens to additions, we coordinate every trade so the vision stays intact from drawings to final walkthrough.
We’ve remodeled homes throughout Dayton — including Oregon District Victorians, mid-century ranches in Belmont and Walnut Hills, and the older brick homes throughout the city. Most Dayton projects wrap on the original schedule. You get clear answers and an honest estimate before any work begins. No pushy sales calls. No surprise charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Installation Services
Same in-house crew, same warranty, all designed and built in our showroom.
Bathroom floors, walk-in shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, mudrooms, fireplace surrounds, and feature accents.
View →Solid and engineered hardwood — installed, sanded, stained, and finished. Refresh existing or start new across the Miami Valley.
View →Waterproof, scratch-resistant LVP installed throughout your home. The look of hardwood without the maintenance — installed level and clean.
View →Durable, budget-friendly hard-surface flooring with the look of wood and modern wear layers that hold up to kids and pets.
View →Subway, mosaic, slab — installed clean to the cabinets and outlets with no caulk-ledge gaps.
View →Reclaim space and add accessibility — full Wedi waterproofing, custom niches, and bench seating for safe daily use.
View →Pre-hung swing, barn, pocket, French — sized, plumbed, and finished to match your trim package throughout the house.
View →From the Journal
Pricing data, design playbooks, and project case studies from RA Cooks Renovations.
Take the next step
Our NARI-certified team will measure your space, listen to your goals, and send a transparent line-item proposal within 5 business days. No pressure, no surprises — just a clear plan for the project you’ve been picturing.
Local & Nearby
About 8 miles from our Kettering showroom — see the live route below.
Stop By Our Showroom
Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Get Directions →About 5.5 miles from our Kettering showroom
A quick run up Far Hills or Smithville from the showroom. We remodel throughout Dayton — Oregon District, South Park, Belmont, and the historic neighborhoods around the University.
15 pages · CertainTeed Integrity Roof System · the cheap-roof math, plus a $1,000 design credit if you book within 14 days.
