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Welcome to the 2025 Remodeler of the Year Awards presented by NARI of Greater Charlotte. The awards celebrate excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and overall project execution among NARI members. Use the links and information below to submit your projects, purchase tickets to the NARI of Greater Charlotte's Evening of Excellence, and review important competition rules, tools, and dates.
Submission Period: August 1st- September 22nd
Additional information shown below
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701 Keswick Ave. #110
Charlotte, NC 28206
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​Friday, November 14, 2025
6pm - 10pm
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What Is A RotY Award?
Formerly known as a CotY Awards, the Remodeler of the Year (RotY) Award is an annual recognition given by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) to honor outstanding achievements in the remodeling industry. The award celebrates excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and overall project execution among NARI members.
Key aspects of the RotY Award include:
- Categories: Awards are given in various categories, reflecting different types of remodeling projects, such as kitchens, bathrooms, additions, historical renovations, and more.
- Criteria: Entries are judged based on criteria such as project design, functionality, problem-solving, aesthetics, craftsmanship, and overall success.
- Judging Process: A panel of experts in the remodeling industry evaluates the submissions, often reviewing before-and-after photos, project descriptions, and other supporting materials.
- Recognition: Winners receive industry recognition, which can enhance their reputation and credibility, and are often featured in NARI publications and at industry events.
The RotY Awards program comprises three levels of recognition:
Local RotY Awards: The Charlotte 2025 RotY Awards are the local level competition. The results of this competition are revealed at the Evening of Excellence on November 14th, 2025.
Regional RotY Awards: All Participants in the Local Competition can apply to the Regional Competition. (No win is needed.) Winners of the Regional Competition are automatically entered into the National Competition.
National RotY Awards: These awards are recognized at the Annual NARI Conference, which will happen in 2026. Therefore, they are called the 2026 NARI RotY Awards nationally.
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RotY 2025 Dates
August 1st - 10th - NARI of Greater Charlotte Chapter RotY Early Bird Registration opens.
- Select projects to enter.
- Photograph projects.
- Collect project documents needed.
- Take a RotY 101 class.
August 1st - September 22nd - NARI of Greater Charlotte Chapter RotY Standard Registration dates.
- Ask Team Members to join your entry
- Enter your projects in the NARI RotY Portal
- Secure your seats for the Evening of Excellence
- Vote for Superlative Awards
September 23rd - 28th - Last Call! NARI of Greater Charlotte Chapter RotY Late Entry Deadline.
October 1st - 19th - RotY judges complete the review of all submitted projects.
Note: To be eligible, submitted projects must have been completed between December 1, 2023 and November 30, 2025.
November 14, 2025 - Join us for an Evening of Excellence Award Ceremony at the The Revelry!
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2025 RotY Pricing Schedule
Early Bird Special - August 1st - August 10th
Project: $250 each. Teams: $150 each
Open Registration
Project: $275 each. Teams: $175 each
Late Registration
Project: $350 each. Teams: $175 each
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2025 Categories
Residential Kitchen
Residential Kitchen Under $100,000
Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* of under $100,000. Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Kitchen $100,000 to $175,000
Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* of $100,000 to $175,000. Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Kitchen $175,000 to $250,000
Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* of $175,000 to $250,000. Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Kitchen Over $250,000
Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* over $250,000. Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Bath
Residential Bath Under $70,000
Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* under $70,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Bath $70,000 to $150,000
Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* of $70,000 to $150,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Bath Over $150,000
Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* over $150,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Interior / Interior Feature
Residential Interior Under $100,000
Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* under $100,000. Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Interior $100,000 to $250,000
Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* of $100,000 to $250,000. Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Interior $250,000 to $500,000
Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* of $250,000 to $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Interior Over $500,000
Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* over $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Interior Feature under $50,000
This category represents one special interior feature of a project with a cost* under $50,000. It includes but is not limited to projects such as railings and columns; brick, stone and masonry work; tiling; air conditioning and heating; fireplaces; vestibules; insulation; kitchen hoods; glass block; wall finishes such as plaster; flooring; best use of lighting or lighting control systems, or home automation. Work must have been done to the interior of an existing residential structure, and only interior photos may be used. The residential interior feature must be specified in the entry materials and in the descriptive text in order to qualify.
Residential Interior Feature $50,000 and Over
This category represents one special interior feature of a project with a cost* of $50,000 and over. It includes but is not limited to projects such as railings and columns; brick, stone and masonry work; tiling; air conditioning and heating; fireplaces; vestibules; insulation; kitchen hoods; glass block; wall finishes such as plaster; flooring; best use of lighting or lighting control systems, or home automation. Work must have been done to the interior of an existing residential structure, and only interior photos may be used. The residential interior feature must be specified in the entry materials and in the descriptive text in order to qualify.
Residential Addition
Residential Addition Under $250,000
Best residential addition with a project cost* under $250,000. Includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic buildouts, which increases livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and exterior photos may be used.
Residential Addition $250,000 to $500,000
Best residential addition with a project cost* between $250,000 and $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic buildouts, which increases livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and exterior photos may be used.
Residential Addition Over $500,000
Best residential addition with a project cost* over $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic buildouts, which increases livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and exterior photos may be used.
Residential Exterior
Residential Exterior Under $100,000
Best exterior project with a cost* under $100,000. Includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers, and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.
Residential Exterior $100,000 to $200,000
Best exterior project with a cost* of $100,000 to $200,000. Includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers, and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.
Residential Exterior Over $200,000
Best exterior project with a cost* over $200,000. Includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers, and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.
Residential Detached Structure
Residential Detached Structure
Structures such as garages, pool houses, studios, guesthouses, sheds, gazebos, pavilions, etc., remodeled or added to an existing residential property. Interior and exterior photos may be used
Entire House
Entire House Under $250,000
A project, with a cost* under $250,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.
Entire House $250,000 to $500,000
A project, with a cost* of $250,000 to $500,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.
Entire House $500,000 to $750,000
A project, with a cost* of $500,000 to $750,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.
Entire House $750,000 to $1,000,000
A project, with a cost* of $750,000 to $1,000,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.
Entire House Over $1,000,000
A project, with a cost* Over $1,000,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.
Residential Historical Renovation / Restoration
Residential Historical Renovation / Restoration Under $250,000
The renovation/restoration of the interior and/or exterior of a residential structure, or addition to a residential structure, originally built at least 75 years ago with a cost* under $250,000. Any and all changes are to have closely matched architectural style and building type. Any and all products used are to be of a material authentic in style to the area in which the building was originally built, paying special attention to period trim detail and period coloring. Restoration of missing historic features and added structures are to respect the essential historic character and architectural style of original building design.
Residential Historical Renovation / Restoration $250,000 and Over
The renovation/restoration of the interior and/or exterior of a residential structure, or addition to a residential structure, originally built at least 75 years ago with a cost* $250,000 and over. Any and all changes are to have closely matched architectural style and building type. Any and all products used are to be of a material authentic in style to the area in which the building was originally built, paying special attention to period trim detail and period coloring. Restoration of missing historic features and added structures are to respect the essential historic character and architectural style of original building design.
Commercial Interior / Exterior
Commercial Interior
Remodeling performed within the existing walls of a previously occupied commercial space. Clearly define the type of client and the client’s needs in the project description. Only interior photos may be used.
Commercial Exterior
Remodeling performed on the exterior of an existing commercial structure. Clearly define the type of client and the client’s needs in the project description. Only exterior photos may be used.
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $100,000
Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project with a cost* under $100,000. Includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways, driveways, patios, pagodas, outdoor kitchens, decks, terraces, pools, spas, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing structures. Commercial projects should be entered in Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.
Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living $100,000 to $250,000
Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project with a cost* of $100,000 to $250,000. Includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways, driveways, patios, pagodas, outdoor kitchens, decks, terraces, pools, spas, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing structures. Commercial projects should be entered in Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.
Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living over $250,000
Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project with a cost* of $250,000 and over. Includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways, driveways, patios, pagodas, outdoor kitchens, decks, terraces, pools, spas, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing structures. Commercial projects should be entered in Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.
Basement
Basement Under $100,000
Best basement conversion with a cost* under $100,000. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. Additions are excluded from this category. Only interior photos may be used.
Basement $100,000 to $250,000
Best basement conversion with a cost* between $100,000 and $250,000. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. Additions are excluded from this category. Only interior photos may be used.
Basement Over $250,000
Best basement conversion with a cost* over $250,000. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. Additions are excluded from this category. Only interior photos may be used.
Universal Design
Universal Design – Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices. Projects entered in this category must meet Remodeler of the Year criteria for Residential Kitchens (any price point). Projects entered in this category may also be entered into the appropriate Kitchen category separately with additional fee. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.
Universal Design - Bath
Bathroom remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices. Projects entered in this category must meet Remodeler of the Year criteria for Residential Bath (any price point). Projects entered in this category may also be entered into the appropriate Bath category separately with additional fee. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.
Universal Design- Other
Remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices that are not a kitchen or bathroom. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.
Residential Architectural Design
Residential Architectural Design Under 500 sq ft
Residential remodeling projects focusing on architectural design under 500 square feet. Submissions should include full design plans which may contain site plans, floor plans, elevations and rendering including a minimum of one scaled drawing. Project does not need to be built. Do not include any pictures of the completed project.
Residential Architectural Design Over 500 sq ft
Residential remodeling projects focusing on architectural design over 500 square feet. Submissions should include full design plans which may contain site plans, floor plans, elevations and rendering including a minimum of one scaled drawing. Project does not need to be built. Do not include any pictures of the completed project.
Residential Architectural Implemented/Built Design - Charlotte Chapter Only
Residential Architectural Implemented/Built Design Under 500 sq ft
Residential remodeling projects focusing on implemented (built) architectural design projects under 500 square feet. Submissions should include full design plans which may contain site plans, floor plans, elevations and renderings including a minimum of one scaled drawing. Project needs to be built and completed. Before and After pictures of the project are required. Architect or Designer must be a member of NARI.
Residential Architectural Implemented/Built Design Over 500 sq ft
Residential remodeling projects focusing on implemented (built) architectural design projects over 500 square feet. Submissions should include full design plans which may contain site plans, floor plans, elevations and renderings including a minimum of one scaled drawing. Project needs to be built and completed. Before and After pictures of the project are required. Architect or Designer is a member of NARI.
*Cost is defined as contract price, all extras, change orders and the fair market value of materials and products that were purchased, sweat equity and in-kind services provided, and/or any subcontract work. The cost of all homeowner provided products, services, or labor should be included in this cost. All mark-ups and profit should be included in the cost provided. For member-owned projects, costs should include normal mark-ups as if the project was contracted to an outside client.
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Tips For Entering
- Create a presentation (max 30 pages) that outlines the project goals and highlights the transformation you achieved. Include architectural drawings, before and after photos (high-resolution and horizontal preferred) and any other relevant project information.
- Write a project summary in 100 words or less.
- Complete and upload the Project Owner/Remodeler Agreement and Photographer's Release and Agreement. If entering a project in the Residential Architectural Design category, please complete the Remodeler's Release and Agreement.
- Submit your presentation, project summary, entry fee and additional supporting documents by the deadline.
Additional Rules and Helpful Information
- NARI members who have complete oversight of the remodeling project can enter the RotY awards. NARI Members who enter the award can add other NARI members that worked on the project as "Team Members." The entrant and the Team Members will all be equally recognized.
- While the judging process for National RotY Awards is held on a separate occasion from chapter awards, some national judges participate in judging local awards.
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Program Rules & Judging Criteria
2025 Judging Guide (Reference Only)
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Helpful Videos & Presentation Templates
RotY Presentation Template #1
RoTY Sample Template #2
RoTY Sample Template #3
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Forms
Project Owner/Remodeler Agreement
Photographer's Release and Agreement
Remodeler's Release and Agreement (Residential Architectural Design Category Only)
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The Remodeler of the Year competition is open to NARI of Greater Charlotte members in good standing.
Not A Member? Click HERE to Join.