Holly Springs Homes & Real Estate

Hannah Hutchinson

Jodi Duan

Major Home Inspection Issues and How to Handle Repairs 

If your home inspection turns up any of these 7 major issues it could be time to negotiate some mandatory fixes with the seller before you proceed with purchasing the home. After a home inspection, issues are going

Holly Springs Homes & Real Estate

Hannah Hutchinson

Jodi Duan

Major Home Inspection Issues and How to Handle Repairs 

If your home inspection turns up any of these 7 major issues it could be time to negotiate some mandatory fixes with the seller before you proceed with purchasing the home. After a home inspection, issues are going to arise. If you are a first-time home buyer try not to freak out because this is why you hired a home inspector, to find the issues with the home! This gives the buyers an opportunity to negotiate some reasonable requests before purchasing the home. Some requests will be mandatory fixes or the buyer will choose to find another home.

If any of these major home inspection issues come back on your home inspection report you'll really want to hire experts to come in and evaluate the damage. There are common things that will show up on home inspection reports and this will stem from normal wear and tear. What you don't want showing up on your inspection report are these items below because they can cost you tens of thousands of dollars!

In North Carolina, the process is slightly different than it is in some other states. Consumers who are interested in purchasing a home are often given the opportunity to have a home inspection performed to ensure they are making a sound investment.

A deposit, also known as a due diligence fee, is given to the sellers in exchange for taking the home off the market for a time period and making it available to perform any tests or inspections that the buyer might want or that the property might warrant. This is one of the steps that happen after you go under contract and sometimes can happen prior to. At the end of this inspection period repairs, financial concessions, or other negotiations may occur before entering the final phase of the contract. It may sometimes make sense for a buyer to walk away from the home purchase depending on what has been discovered upon inspection.

1. Structural Issues

1. Structural issues can generally be seen in the attic or crawlspace. The structural elements of a home are the foundation, crawl space, slab or basement, framing, roof, and walls. Sometimes during construction or renovation girders, trusses, or joists can be improperly cut or improperly shored up. Natural disasters, poor construction, poor drainage, and settling can also cause structural issues to arise. In these instances, it is best to consult with a structural engineer to ensure that the home is structurally sound and that an engineer’s seal can be obtained for resale purposes.

If structural repairs to a home are needed, they can range in cost from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the severity and area to be repaired. Severe structural issues are rare but worth checking for since they can be so financially devastating. I've had clients in the past who have needed structural issues repaired and tens of thousands of dollars were negotiated off the final price of the home.

2. Roof

2. Roof issues can include a roof that is at the end of its life, shingles that have loosened or are broken, exposed nail heads, incorrect flashing, dry-rotted rubber boots around the chimney, and vent pipes to name a few. Some roof companies offer 30-year warranties on their roofs and so it can be helpful to ask the sellers if the company that put the roof on can come out to make the repairs for the cost of the labor.

A roof that shows signs of deferred maintenance can also signal water damage to the sheathing, rafters, and other wood structural elements in the attic area. Minor roofing issues can generally be easily dealt with by the buyer after closing but if severe roof issues are noted on inspection, it may be worthwhile to have a roofer quote the repairs and attempt to negotiate credits.

3. Plumbing

3. Plumbing issues can span in severity from a leaking faucet to the whole house plumbing system needing repair or replacement. Leaks that have been active for some time can lead to additional problems such as damage to flooring, subfloor rot, and mold.  Most inspectors will also check for Polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene pipes were common in construction in the ’80s and ’90s but in 1995 were banned from being used due to significant leaking risk. Most have been replaced or retrofitted with new fittings which are generally an acceptable mitigation method. If the home inspection notes significant plumbing problems then it may be time to have a professional out to provide their opinion.

The hardest thing to inspect when it comes to plumbing issues are the pipes themselves since they are likely under the home. You'll want to be sure to ask your inspector to pay special attention to the plumbing as they are likely going under the house for other reasons and will only report back on the type of plumbing. If anything appears suspicious, it's worth hiring plumbing specialists to review.

Septic tanks and wells are an entirely separate issue and you will want to make sure you have those inspected as well if the home has either of those items!

4. Electrical

4. Electrical issues can be very hazardous and so it may be smart to consult with a licensed electrician on anything electrical that has been noted on an inspection report.  Older homes, especially those constructed in the 70’s or older, can have faulty, outdated, or out-of-code wiring and need a whole-house update. Loose outlets and flickering lights are cause for concern and faulty wiring can pose a significant danger to home occupants.

Another common electrical issue that comes up on inspections is a home not having GCFI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets installed in areas with water. This includes bathrooms and kitchens. GCFI outlets turn off when wet and are an electrocution safety precaution. Problems at the service panel or box are also common.

One of the things I like lease about electrical issues that are found during a home inspection is that you really don't know the entire story. The issue could be small or the issue could be life-threatening. Electrical issues are nothing to mess with so be sure to have an electrician come in and inspect the electrical issues in question!

5. Heating and Colling System / HVAC

Heating and cooling system issues are common and can be systems not running as efficiently as they should, ductwork incorrectly installed or not properly sealed, or units at the end of their lifespan. Generally, heating and cooling units have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years depending on routine service, maintenance, and other care. An HVAC technician can perform a tune-up to newer systems or can help you price out all new systems. They can also help with sealing ductwork, changing air filters, and assessing efficiency issues. Improperly sealed ductwork can intake dust and debris in the crawlspace or attic and can lead to allergies in the home, sediment in filters, and energy loss.

If you have issues with the HVAC or if it's reaching its average life expectancy it is likely you can work with the seller on replacing the unit which will likely run you $4,000 at the minimum depending on the unit you purchase.

6. Water Damage

Water damage is a serious issue as it can affect all parts of the home and if left unchecked can cause significant repairs to be needed. Water damage can come from roofing problems, plumbing leaks, or poor exterior drainage leading to intrusion.

Water can cause structural integrity issues, wood rot, and mold growth, and can create an environment that allows termites to thrive. If moisture, standing water, or dripping is seen in the crawlspace it may be advantageous to have a professional who specializes in restoring and remediating water damage out to assess and remedy the cause and quote the cost of the work.

Water damage can be the most expensive of all the major issues a home inspection may turn up because it has the ability to cause so much damage. If you leave for the weekend and come home to a pipe burst you will be looking at tens of thousands in damages and restoration most likely.

7. Termites

Termite Damage can be extensive and expensive depending on how long the pests have been active. When you hire your home inspector you should make sure you also have the home checked for termites because these pests can cause serious problems with the home.

If the home is in a location plagued by termites, it is best to have it under a termite bond with a local pest company where that provides routine and scheduled treatments throughout the year.  Conditions that lead to termites taking up residence are moisture and wood elements in contact with the ground. Visual signs of termites can be mud tubes in the crawlspace or, in severe instances, the termites themselves. 

Since termites eat the wooden structures they can access, treatment and replacing the affected parts can range in severity and cost. The average cost of remediation if they’ve done damage is $3,000. Most termite bonds or treatments cost a few hundred dollars.

Common Home Inspection Questions Answered

In some instances, repairs may be mandated by the lender in order for the loan to close. If this is the case then the repairs must be done prior to closing. Two loan types that have a high lender risk (high loan to value ratio) are FHA and VA loans.  These two loan types, therefore, have more stringent inspection requirements.

FHA Loan Inspection Requirements include extra attention to detail when it comes to the safety and health of the homeowner or occupant.  The FHA appraiser or inspector will look for potential safety hazards while conducting the appraisal such as structural damage, moisture, termites, adequate heating, and the ability of emergency services to access the property if need be.

VA Loan Inspection Requirements include attention to safety hazards as well.  The home must have safe access by pedestrians or vehicles, be free from encroachments (neighbor or seller building over property lines), have good drainage and not be in a flood zone, free from wood decay or rot, no signs of moisture, free from or treated for termites, and if the home has lead paint then it must have been acceptably mitigated.

After reviewing the inspection report and consulting with any additional specialists or industry professionals it is time to inform the sellers of any concerns you may have moving forward.  Per the Offer to Purchase you are buying the home in an “as-is state” however, most sellers will work with buyers on making reasonable repairs or assisting with the financial burden of issues discovered. 

Reasonable request examples after the inspection period would be asking the homeowners to make some repairs, requesting that they provide financial concessions to help pay for a more expensive repair, and asking for a price reduction in the number of repair costs.  Every home is different and every seller is different so it is best to consult with your real estate agent on the best course of action so that everyone can feel comfortable moving forward.

Home inspections are vital in ensuring you are making a good investment in your home purchase.  In the best cases, you are doing research so you can plan for what small repairs or maintenance will be needed once you own the home.  In the worst cases, you’ve found out some severe and costly issues and can decide to renegotiate the price or repairs or decide to walk away from the purchase and begin the home search again.

What is the cost of a home inspection?

The home inspection should be performed by a reputable local and licensed home inspector. Your real estate agent can often direct you to trustworthy and thorough home inspectors. Most inspectors work from a top to bottom approach and will begin the inspection with the roofing, then head to the interior of the home, and finish the inspection with the crawlspace, basement, or slab.

A home inspection typically takes between two to three hours but also depends on the size, condition, and age of the home. The cost of home inspections also depends on the size and age of the home, but generally ranges between $375 - $475. The buyer is responsible for paying for the home inspection unless the seller chooses to conduct a home inspection themselves prior to selling.

Other inspections or tests that are generally offered by home inspection companies are radon testing (average around $150), termite inspection (just under $100), septic (around $400), or well inspections (range between $100 - $200) if applicable.  Since mitigation of any issues related to these tests can be costly, it is generally a good idea for homebuyers to consider having them checked out as well. It may sometimes be useful to have specialists out to quote the work that is needed or to provide further professional insight on any issues that arise.

Is a Home Inspection Required?

A home inspection is not a requirement for buying a home though it is strongly recommended. A home is a big investment and one of the best ways to protect your investment is a home inspection that gives you a detailed report on the condition of the home. Knowing the age of some of the big ticket items mentioned above will go a long way in protecting and preserving your investment. 

When moving into a new home you want peace of mind that you're not walking into a bunch of major home repairs that could cost tens of thousands of dollars. One of the best ways to make sure this won't happen to you is a home inspection.

Final Thoughts on Major Home Inspection Issues

Some issues that may come up on the inspection report are structural or foundation issues, roof issues, plumbing issues, electrical issues, heating/cooling system defects, water damage, and termite issues. It is important to read through the inspection report in detail to make sure you don’t miss anything of importance to you. Your home inspector can help to explain the action items or things that they recommend fixing, and your real estate agent can highlight the big picture items that you might want to ask the sellers to remedy in some way.

Often times repairing these major issues can go towards your homeownership tax breaks. It's always a great idea to communicate with your home inspector and any home inspection specialists you work with throughout the process to be sure the home you're purchasing is a sound investment, one you can be comfortable calling home.

Cary Homes & Real Estate

Ryan Underwood

Will Fitzgerald

How Accurate is Credit Karma?

Is Credit Karma Accurate? A common question from people who are using the free credit monitoring service. In this article we will dive into everything you need to know about Credit Karma's accuracy, how often Credit Karma updates, how the service works, as

Cary Homes & Real Estate

Ryan Underwood

Will Fitzgerald

How Accurate is Credit Karma?

Is Credit Karma Accurate? A common question from people who are using the free credit monitoring service. In this article we will dive into everything you need to know about Credit Karma's accuracy, how often Credit Karma updates, how the service works, as well as what to be aware of:

Credit Karma Guide

Apex Homes & Real Estate

Luis Santana

Brooke Cohn

The fun doesn't stop once the sun goes down in Raleigh. With so many places in each neighborhood to choose from, it’s hard deciding where to start your night off. 

To

Apex Homes & Real Estate

Luis Santana

Brooke Cohn

The fun doesn't stop once the sun goes down in Raleigh. With so many places in each neighborhood to choose from, it’s hard deciding where to start your night off. 

To take the guesswork out of your next night out, we put together a guide to the 34 best bars in Raleigh. Our team of Raleigh locals has put our heads together to share our top recommendations, so it’s easy to take your next date night or outing with friends to the next level.

Table of Contents:

Breweries

Cocktail Bars

Rooftop Bars

Speakeasies 

Sports Bars

Specialty Bars

1. Lynnwood Brewing Concern

Location: 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604

Specialty: High quality small craft brews with fair pricing

Lynnwood Brewing Concern started with humble beginnings in the back of the Lynnwood Grill and quickly proved itself as a local favorite worthy of a bigger space. Now, they’ve spread to two locations with nine year-round craft brews plus seasonal brews and collaborations.

Stop by on Tuesday nights, when Lynnwood Brewing Concern donates $1 from each purchase to local charities and community organizations.

2. Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard

Location: 1930 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608

Specialty: Elevated beer and pizza

Nothing goes together like a good slice of pizza and beer. At Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, you can order by the slice or share a pie — they even have vegan options.

Of course you’ll need something to help wash it down too. That’s where Bowstrings rotating draft beer taps come in. They offer a mix of local craft brews with national favorites. Beer isn’t all they serve, though. Bowstring also has your back with their craft cocktails, offering new twists on classic drinks like their Berry and Orange Mules.

3. Crank Arm Brewing 

Location: 319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Unfiltered beers on tap

Famous for its bike theme, Crank Arm Brewing offers unfiltered brews on tap and cans to go. Crank Arm truly helps the Raleigh community grow, from hosting a bike racing team to working with local charities throughout the entire Triangle to support their community.

Crank Arm patrons come for their 18 taps and stay for the camaraderie that Crank Arm fosters with regular events and charity efforts. This makes Crank Arm Brewing a must-do in Raleigh for visitors and locals alike.

4. The Raleigh Beer Garden

Location: 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Largest beer garden in the world

The Raleigh Beer Garden has so many brews on tap that they don’t even print paper menus! You can check out the ever-rotating selection on their virtual menu. The Raleigh Beer Garden is also home to popular events such as karaoke nights and drag brunch.

While The Raleigh Beer Garden has a thriving late-night scene, families and pets can stop by during the day to enjoy the sunshine and great food. They even have a dog-friendly section on their menu so you can get your furry friend a snack too!

5. Brewery Bhavana

Location: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Globally inspired local brews

Brewery Bhavana is a great place in Raleigh where you can get top-notch beer and food. They offer 10 core beers that are brewed just down on Bloodworth Street along with 30 more rotating beers on tap.

Brewery Bhavana’s core beers are inspired by travel and personal experiences. With unique notes like cardamom in the Bloom Tripel or fig in the Sprout Dubbel, you can taste international flavors without leaving the Tar Heel State.

6. Trophy Brewing & Taproom

Location: 656 Maywood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Outdoor hangout with food trucks and beer to go

When Trophy Brewing opened in 2013, it only had 14 seats at the bar in its West Morgan Street location. Now, it’s expanded to two locations and two sister restaurants, Young Hearts Distilling and State of Beer.

Trophy Brewing always has 12 beers on tap, so you’ll need to check their draft list to see what’s available. They host lots of events and food trucks, so keep an eye on their calendar to stay in the know.

7. Raleigh Brewing Co.

Location: 3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Specialty: Woman-owned brewery with Raleigh pride

Raleigh Brewing Co. is an ode to the City of Oaks with murals that celebrate Raleigh decorating its three locations:

While each location has slightly different options, the flagship Neil Street location has: 

Raleigh Brewing Co. has 32 taps and is served in over 200 establishments across the Triangle.

8. Clouds Brewing

Location: 126 N West St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Brunch and brews

Clouds Brewing opened up back in 2014 and now features 40 taps total. You’ll find 30 of their own brews with 10 guest taps that support other local establishments.

Hang out on their pet-friendly patio, show off your knowledge at Tuesday night trivia, or try their Southern Benedict at brunch Friday – Sunday.

9. The Architect Bar & Social House

Location: 108 1/2 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Drinks and dancing

The Architect Bar & Social House has it all, from craft brews to great cocktails, to a fun DJ. This is a great choice for people looking to get out, dance, and meet new people.

The drink menu is ever-changing, so check out their cocktail specials when you stop by. Go to The Architect to enjoy the historic setting, which dates back to 1922, with modern music and drinks.

10. Watts & Ward

Location: 200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Craft cocktails with a 1920s theme

Watts & Ward features several different rooms, including an outdoor area, so there’s plenty of space to hang out with a group of friends. Decorated to remind you of a prohibition-era speakeasy, this is also a great choice for a nightcap.

If you stop by, the Watts & Ward Old Fashioned is a must-try and includes house-made raisin bitters. They even offer a couple of mocktails on their drink menu for designated drivers or anyone looking to enjoy their ambiance without alcohol.

11. Dram & Draught

Location: 1 Glenwood Ave Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: 300 whiskeys under one roof

Dram & Draught has all kinds of cocktails, wines, and beers, but the real draw to this neighborhood favorite is the fact that they have 300 whiskeys for patrons to choose from.

The space is a bit quieter, so it’s a great place to catch up with a friend or two and enjoy Dram & Draught’s service while you sample all sorts of new cocktails and whiskeys.

12. Dogwood Bar & Eatery

Location: 610 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Outdoor patio and event space

The Dogwood Bar & Eatery is an ideal place for meeting up with friends on the weekend or booking out for any event. It features a large outdoor space, complete with fire pits for when temperatures drop.

When you start getting the munchies, Dogwood serves brunch and shareable plates. Try their decadent flatbreads — my favorite is the Dogwood Flatbread — to pair with any drink.

13. Killjoy

Location: 116 N West St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Craft cocktails and an eccentric yet welcoming  atmosphere

Killjoy features a vast menu of wines, beers, craft cocktails, specialty shots, cocktail towers, tasting flights, and mocktails. And they serve up some truly unique flavors like their Ube Old Fashioned.

You can enjoy their heated patio to sip in comfort any time of year and each crafted cocktail is sure to be unlike any drink you’ve tried before.

14. C. Grace

Location: 407 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606

Specialty: Live music and jazz

There’s nothing like a jazz bar — and this one has live music five days a week! There’s almost always an event to check out at C. Grace, and while it’s usually jazz, there are also comedy nights and other types of entertainment.

Their cocktail menu is always changing, but you can rely on C. Grace to whip up a  French 75 or Negroni Tuesday – Saturday.

15. The Raleigh Times

Location: 14 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Two floors of seating and a roof patio

Located in a century-old building, The Raleigh Times serves up food and drinks that are sure to please anyone. Stop by and try their Bangin’ Shrimp Po’ Boy for dinner then stick around to try a local draft.

Not sure which beer is the right choice for the night? All the servers at The Raleigh Times are Cicerone Certified Beer Servers, so they’re sure to have a recommendation for you.

16. Level7

Location: 101 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609

Specialty: Tapas and the perfect sunset view

Level7 aims to bring an upscale, European-inspired experience to the Raleigh skyline. There’s no better place to check out some unbeatable views and try their Crimson Martini.

If heights make you hungry, Level7 offers tapas to split with a friend. I recommend the Roasted Tomato Toast, which features Roma tomatoes that they roast in house.

17. 10th & Terrace

Location: 616 S Salisbury St f10, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Cocktails and small plates with a sky-high view

Located atop the Residence Inn in Downtown Raleigh, 10th & Terrace is a rooftop bar furnished with heaters and comfy couches to lounge on while you snack and drink.

Their Smoked Black Eyed Pea Hummus Whipped Feta with Garlic Naan is the perfect bite to share while you choose from their ever-changing cocktail menu.

18. Highgarden

Location: 419 Glenwood Ave Level 3, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Open-air rooftop cabanas with a champagne bar

Highgarden is new to the Raleigh skyline and opened in 2021. They serve unique tapas, like their KBBQ Tostada alongside craft and draught cocktails.

Wine and beer lovers will find something for them on the menu while they enjoy the fresh night air. Check out the champagne bar too, whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just want your night out to feel special.

19. The Blind Barbour

Location: 3055 Medlin Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607

Specialty: Antique feel and antique spirits

The Blind Barbour shows that an excellent speakeasy doesn't have to be impossible to find. Located in an unassuming strip mall, the cocktails here are anything but boring.

If you like fresh flavors with a bit of spice, I recommend the Tom Yum. It features vodka, reposado tequila, lime, coconut, lemongrass, and jalapeno. There’s also a vast selection of whiskeys and antique spirits to choose from.

20. The Green Light

Location: 108 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Cocktails in a secret hideaway

Hidden in The Architect behind a secret bookcase door, The Green Light is a classic speakeasy experience. They recommend making a reservation before you stop by to secure your spot in this hideaway.

The well-rounded cocktail menu here has offerings like all your favorite classic cocktails (shaken or stirred) plus Green Light originals like the Bent Umbrella.

21. The Merchant

Location: 126 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Blast from the past with modern cocktails

The Merchant operates out of a building from 1922 that originally served as the headquarters for the North Carolina Merchant’s Association. It’s still decorated with an antique feel, decked out with marble tables and a large crystal chandelier.

Their cocktail menu is organized by flavor types like smoky and aromatic or smooth and citrusy, so it’s easy to find a drink you’re sure to love.

22. Aunty Betty’s Gin & Absinthe Bar

Location: 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Trendy ambiance with expert mixologists

Serving drinks from inside the Morgan Street Food Hall, Aunty Betty’s Gin & Absinthe Bar focuses on serving up Irish and American gin in their craft cocktails.

Bar patrons rave that Aunty Betty’s serves up world-class cocktails with great service and knowledgeable staff who are ready to shake up your new favorite drink.

23. Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

Location: 505 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Sports bar with fresh and scratch-made fare

Two sports fans that were tired of the same frozen food at other sports bars founded Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. Everyone’s welcome here — just come with an empty stomach and your game face on.

The draft menu features Tobacco Road’s own brews with other local favorites, perfect for sipping on while gathering with friends and family to cheer on your team.

24. Brickhouse

Location: 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Specialty: Classic sports bar atmosphere

Brickhouse is the perfect spot to stop by and catch your favorite team on one of their 120-inch TVs. 

If you’re coming with friends who aren’t into the game, they have 40 beers on tap, pool tables, and cornhole to keep anyone occupied. Stop by on Friday nights for karaoke from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. or take advantage of their daily specials.

25. Backyard Bistro

Location: 1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607

Specialty: Barbecue for sports fanatics

Located just across the street from the PNC Arena, you can head over to Backyard Bistro after a live event or while watching a game on their array of high-definition TVs.

You can even have them cater your tailgate! Once you try their famous Pepper-Crusted Brisket, you’ll understand why Backyard Bistro won the coveted title of 2021 Blueridge Small Business of the Year.

26. Lucky B’s

Location: 609 Tucker St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Sports dive bar with karaoke and unmatched daily specials

Lucky B’s — also known as Lucky 13’s — is definitely a good luck charm. Its owners won The Amazing Race in 2013 and have been sharing their good fortune since with daily specials that offer drinks for as low as $2.

While Lucky B’s is a sports bar at heart, you’ll find people from all walks of life here. Stop by and queue up your favorite song on the jukebox, where you’ll hear anything from classic rock to jazz.

27. Vita Vite

Location: 313 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Cozy art gallery and wine bar

Vita Vite operates out of two locations in Downtown Raleigh and the Warehouse District. Getting its name from the Italian words for life and vine, Vita Vite owner Lindsay Rice uses it as inspiration for a space that revolves around food and wine. What else could you want?

Stop by this space, which also features an art gallery, and choose one of their hand-selected wines to sip while you lounge by the fireplace. The gallery here features all southern artists including quite a few from Raleigh.

28. The Raleigh Wine Shop

Location: 317 S Bloodworth St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Wine bar offering educational classes and cellar services

The Raleigh Wine Shop has been a top wine bar in Raleigh since it opened its doors in 2011. More than just a wine shop, you can stop by for a drink at the bar, attend a pairing class, or even take advantage of their cellar services, which help connaisseurs organize and evaluate their wine cellars.

Order online and choose from over 400 bottles or stop by to enjoy their outdoor seating and sip a glass in the sunshine.

29. Legends Nightclub

Location: 330 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: LGBTQ+ friendly dance club

Legends Nightclub is a local club with dancing, drag shows, and other fun events, all supporting LGBTQ+ charities. This large space features four separate spaces and an outdoor patio, so you might need to consult their map:

30. Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Location: 330 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Classic arcade games and pinball

If you’re looking to feel just like a kid again — with an adult beverage in hand — you’ve got to check out Boxcar Bar + Arcade. They have tons of games to play, including classics like air hockey, foosball, and skeeball. 

You also can’t forget arcade favorites, including Frogger, Pacman, themed pinball, and more. Boxcar has various tournaments for the most competitive players and 24 rotating beers on tap along with their seasonal cocktail menu.

31. Tin Roof Raleigh

Location: 300 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Specialty: Southern dive bar with live music

Tin Roof is a go-to bar if you’re looking for endless live music and a good time. While it can get a bit crowded, it’s the perfect ambiance to meet new people and experience new music.

Tin Roof is also a full-service restaurant, so head over early to grab some wings before the lights dim and the gig starts.

32. Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria

Location: 106 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: Traditional mezcal and craft cocktails

Mezcal lovers rejoice! At Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria, fans of this smoky agave spirit are in good company. Gallo Pelón has over 40 mezcals to try, plus there are other cocktails for anyone who’s not into mezcal.

Gallo Pelón also serves up Mexican food, so your salsa bowl will never run dry while sampling some of the best mezcal from Mexico.

33. Atlantic Gardening

Location: 5217 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC 27616

Specialty: Plant shop and bar

Perfect for plant lovers, Atlantic Gardening is a shop like no other. Sip on a local beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail while you wander the nursery, greenhouse, and garden shop.

You can also check out their DIY flower bar while you sip your mimosa and create a beautiful bouquet to bring home. Whether you’re looking for the perfect date spot or somewhere to catch up with a friend, Atlantic Gardening offers a unique experience for anyone with a green thumb.

34. Ruby Deluxe

Location: 415 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Specialty: LGBTQ+ basement bar with an outdoor patio

The Ruby Deluxe offers a welcoming atmosphere for all. Described on its website as a “basement bar clad in glitter and sequins,” you’ll find arcade games, pool tables, a fully-stocked bar, and an outdoor patio to keep you entertained all night long.

Check out their Sunday drag brunch and flourishing event schedule to get to know this community-oriented space that’s become a staple for the LGBTQ+ community in Raleigh.

Get Out and Explore Raleigh

The Raleigh restaurant scene is unmatched, so it’s no wonder that the City of Oaks is also home to so many outstanding bars. While it’s hard to pick out the best bars in Raleigh, our recommendations are a great place to start when you’re looking to get to know Raleigh a bit better.

If you’re ready to check out Raleigh nightlife for yourself and join this thriving community, take a look at all the new homes in Raleigh that are waiting for you to make some memories.

Acquisitive Financial Planning group Kingswood has appointed David Lawrence as group CEO. 

Previous CEO Gary Wilder, who has been CEO for three years, will step back to take a non-executive director role.

Mr Lawrence was appointed as UK CEO of Kingswood in December 2020 and has 30 years' experience in financial services, mostly with Lloyds Banking Group where he held senior leadership roles in distribution and its retail, commercial and insurance divisions.

Kingswood has also appointed

Acquisitive Financial Planning group Kingswood has appointed David Lawrence as group CEO. 

Previous CEO Gary Wilder, who has been CEO for three years, will step back to take a non-executive director role.

Mr Lawrence was appointed as UK CEO of Kingswood in December 2020 and has 30 years' experience in financial services, mostly with Lloyds Banking Group where he held senior leadership roles in distribution and its retail, commercial and insurance divisions.

Kingswood has also appointed Guernsey-based investor Richard Avery-Wright to the boards of UK regulated subsidiaries KW Wealth Planning and KW Investment Management.

The firm, active in the UK and the US, has acquired eight IFA firms in the past 12 months including, in February, South-Yorkshire-based DJ Cooke (Life & Pensions) in a deal worth £1.5m. Kingswood has a client-facing advisory team of 94 and total staff to 300. It has UK funds under advice or management of £7.2bn. 

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New board member Mr Avery Wright also has 30 years of commercial and investment experience. He began his career in 1985 on the floor of the London Stock Exchange as a trainee stockbroker. For the following 22 years, he worked for a number of well-known financial services firms, including Man Group PLC, and Old Mutual PLC, both in the UK and in Australia. In 2007, he co-founded Pie Funds Management in New Zealand. In 2012, he settled in Guernsey and established RCP Holdings Limited, which has co-founded or made investments in a range of businesses including, RAW Capital Partners, Castle Point Funds Management, Wealthify and MYPINPAD.

Kingswood chairman David Hudd said: ‘‘On behalf of the board, we are absolutely delighted to announce David Lawrence as our new chief executive officer. His leadership of Kingswood UK has been transformative, and we are confident David will take the business to another level over the coming years, fully realising its potential. 

“I would like to express huge thanks to Gary Wilder for stepping into the CEO role over three years ago and having the vision for what Kingswood can become both domestically and internationally. The board will continue to benefit from this as he steps back into a non-executive role.

“I am also pleased to welcome Richard Avery-Wright to the boards of our UK regulated subsidiaries KW Wealth Planning Limited and KW Investment Management Limited. His knowledge and expertise in fintech will be invaluable as Kingswood builds its presence in this area.”

Mr Wilder said: ‘’Since appointing David Lawrence as UK CEO in December 2020, huge progress has been made on our ambition to become a leading wealth manager. The business is now demonstrating leading credentials in buy and build, delivering strong inorganic and organic growth and leveraging the benefits of being a vertically integrated wealth manager. With equal investment in its people, client experience and technology, the business is now exceptionally well placed for its next phase.

“Accordingly, it is now exactly the right time for me to step back into a non-executive role and give David the mandate to take the business forward as chief executive officer. I will continue to have oversight of Kingswood US, though this will continue to be very capably led by Mike Nessim who is delivering some stellar successes.’’

Mr Lawrence said: “I joined Kingswood excited by the vision and opportunity to build a leading wealth management business in the UK. Fifteen months in, I am delighted to be leading an increasingly successful, rapidly growing business and a team of people where I am hugely proud of what they do each and every day for our clients and each other, with so much more to come.

“The business is being transformed, most notably illustrated by the eight acquisitions and integrations that we have completed in the last twelve months, with a strong pipeline for a similar number during 2022. With an equally strong focus in our people, our client experience, technology and proposition, I expect the next fifteen months to be an incredibly exciting period for Kingswood.”

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