Better Home Construction in Atlanta
This year’s theme for home construction in Atlanta is about getting better—not bigger.
After a brief increase in the size of new construction homes in 2021, the average size of a new house has been gradually decreasing. In 2022, the average new house was 2,479 square feet. However, by 2023, it had gone down to 2,411 square feet, the smallest in 13 years.
This change is due to two factors. First, there have been shifts in home buyer preferences. Second, housing has become less affordable.
The 2024 edition of What Home Buyers Really Want from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) states that 38% of builders reported a decrease in new home size in 2023, and 26% expect that number to continue to decrease in 2024.
In response to these trends, Atlanta home builders have been reducing home prices, offering sales incentives, and providing more affordable finishes. On average, new homes cost $427,400 in 2023, down 7% from 2022, while existing homes rose to $394,600, up 1%.
Atlanta home buyers aren’t just changing their preferences regarding size. They’re also prioritizing personalization and authenticity in home design. It’s clear that homeowners in Georgia want their houses to stand out from their neighbors' properties.
Let’s take a look at some of the hottest projects trending for home construction in Atlanta and how they can add value to your house—and quality of life.
Popular Home Construction in Atlanta
According to the NAHB, 65% of remodelers frequently cite bathroom remodels, with kitchen remodels close behind at 61%, as the most common home construction in Atlanta. Other common remodeling projects include the following:
Renovating the whole house (50%)
Adding bathrooms (23%)
Replacing windows and doors (22%)
Building decks (20%)
Adding porches (20%)
Full Remodel Home Construction in Atlanta
Rising housing costs have led many homeowners to purchase lower-cost “fixer-uppers,” which in turn has led to an uptick in whole house remodels in Atlanta.
A complete home renovation involves major upgrades like improving the structure, getting new appliances, updating plumbing, installing a new roof, and enhancing the HVAC system. It also includes changing or expanding your home's layout. You may want to consider ecological "green" home construction in Atlanta as well.
On average, whole home renovations give a 69% return on investment (ROI) once finished. Furthermore, renovating your whole house is one of the few investments that can boost your quality of life, increase your living space, and raise your home's value for later sale. Home improvements that give the best ROI are those that add useful space and increase square footage.
Making more space includes adding extra bedrooms or bathrooms, taking out walls to open up living areas, and completely remodeling kitchens. When done strategically, these changes can greatly improve your everyday life.
However, note that home construction in Atlanta takes time. While the time needed for renovation projects varies, you can usually expect a whole house renovation to take between four to six months—or longer. You need to plan where you and your family will stay during the renovation. Options include living with relatives or renting nearby places. This is an important thing to think about early on if you want a smooth transition.
Also, your home’s location and the state of your are relevant factors when deciding on a whole house renovation. You don't want to make your home too fancy compared to others in your area. Talk to a realtor, check out similar homes nearby, and drive around to see how much you want to change and update your home. Like with any new project, doing good research is key.
Bathroom Renovations in Atlanta
Unsurprisingly, bathroom remodeling and addition projects make up the majority of home construction in Atlanta. After all, we do spend a lot of time in the bathroom.
Zillow data shows that renovating bathrooms gives the best resale value boost for homes. Spending a dollar on minor upgrades like paint, cabinet refinishing, new mirrors, or hardware can add $1.71 to your home's value. Even with a tight budget, focusing on the bathroom is smart. Bathroom remodels have the highest average ROI nationwide. Also, adding a new bathroom can be better than remodeling, especially if your home has limited bathrooms.
There are different levels of bathroom remodeling and additions, with different price ranges.
Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel
A mid-range bathroom remodel includes basic updates like ceramic tile floors, chrome fixtures, and solid surface vanity counter.
Avg. ROI: 70.1%
Avg. cost: $19,134
Avg. return: $13,422
Upscale Bathroom Remodel
When you start adding high-end finishes and potential layout changes, you’re in upscale bathroom remodel territory. Features might include large ceramic floor tiles, heated floors, and stone countertops with double sinks.
Avg. ROI: 56.2%
Avg. cost: $61,662
Avg. return: $34,644
Universal-Design Bathroom Remodel
Home construction in Atlanta now includes more universal design elements. That’s partially because universal-design bathroom remodels have the highest ROI percentage. For example, you can build a wheelchair-accessible bathroom with features including—but not limited to—a widened doorway, a walk-in shower, and support bars.
Avg. ROI: 70.6%
Avg. cost: $16,393
Avg. return: $11,581
Mid-Range Bathroom Addition
A mid-range bathroom addition usually means adding a small, standard 6-by-8-foot bathroom with a fiberglass tub/shower.
Avg. ROI: 59.9%
Avg. cost: $44,717
Avg. return: $26,769
Upscale Bathroom Addition
When your new bathroom addition reaches at least 100 square feet with high-end features and extended HVAC systems, you’re looking at an upscale bathroom addition.
Avg. ROI: 54.6%
Avg. cost: $83,869
Avg. return: $45,752
Window and Door Replacements in Atlanta
Last year, 22% of all home construction in Atlanta consisted of window and door replacements. It’s no wonder, since wear and tear on windows and doors is a fact of life.
The price of replacing doors and windows varies quite a bit. It depends on factors like the type of window, materials, and labor.
New windows and doors can yield 67% ROI. So spending $10,000 on new windows and doors could make your home worth about $6,700 more. You can thank better energy efficiency, a nicer look, and the popularity of eco-friendly home construction in Atlanta for this high ROI.
Plus, new windows and doors can help you save money long-term, feel more comfortable, and improve the overall look of your home.
New Atlanta Decks
New decks accounted for 20% of home construction in Atlanta last year. When planning a new deck, remember that the design complexity and material choices affect your budget.
Lumber prices have risen in recent years. On average, a wood deck costs $17,000 with a 66% ROI, while a composite deck costs $22,500 with a 63% ROI.
Despite the recent material cost rise, it's still a worthwhile investment. Also, modern deck designs can make your outdoor space great for entertaining.
New Atlanta Porches
Porch addition projects made up 20% of home construction in Atlanta last year. Obviously, adding a porch can boost your home's value. In today's competitive real estate market, buyers want more than just a basic deck or patio—they seek luxurious outdoor spaces. Outdoor upgrades like kitchens, decks, patios, and fire pits can make your home more valuable and more enjoyable.
The ROI for a porch addition depends on factors like porch type, materials, and craftsmanship quality. A spacious, climate-controlled room adds more value since it offers year-round enjoyment. Using professional design and high-quality materials can give a better ROI too.
Consider that covered porches increase your home's livable space. If you plan to sell, you'll aim to recoup the porch investment. On average, a porch can have an 84% ROI, but it varies with market conditions. In good conditions, you might even get back 100% or more.
Apart from money, a porch adds to your quality of life. Consider how a porch can enhance your family's everyday experiences—as a gathering spot, dining area, outdoor office, or cozy movie spot.
Quality—Not Quantity—Home Construction in Atlanta
The latest trends in home construction in Atlanta are all about quality over quantity. While the average size of new homes has decreased in recent years, it's clear that homebuyers are not sacrificing on style or customization.
Whether you're looking for a smaller, more affordable house or a customized dream home that stands out from the rest, there are plenty of options available for you in this vibrant city.