Hidden Atlanta Home Renovation Costs to Watch For
All Atlanta home renovation projects come with unforeseen obstacles. This is the nature of construction and remodeling. One of the most prevalent problems with home remodel projects is going over budget. Hidden and unexpected expenses can cause the final price tag to exceed your contractor's initial estimate.
The key to avoiding hidden costs is to be realistic and maintain constant communication with your contractor. Additionally, sometimes you can anticipate where hidden renovation expenses might arise, such as outdated wiring or soil stability issues.
Being prepared can help you navigate these challenges effectively. Come along while we examine the most common costs to be aware of—and some clever ways to recoup your losses.
Atlanta Home Renovations Requiring Lead & Asbestos Abatement
Before working on an older home in Atlanta, a good contractor will check for lead paint and asbestos, which is commonly found in houses built pre-1978. That year, new legislation banned the use of lead paint, and asbestos use in building materials was banned in the late 1980s.
Today, Atlanta has strict regulations on asbestos. Devices like handheld x-rays can find lead paint, even if it's under new layers of paint. Swab tests can detect lead in dust, but they take a few days to process.
Asbestos can be present in various materials such as insulation, fireproof materials, and wiring, just to name a few. To pinpoint the exact locations of asbestos, contractors send samples of these materials to a laboratory for analysis. These contractors must be licensed to conduct tests for either lead or asbestos.
If you discover lead or asbestos in your home, either the affected area (for smaller projects) or the entire house may need to undergo abatement. You should only entrust this process to a licensed company. Note that it can take two to three weeks to complete, potentially adding several thousand dollars to your Atlanta home renovation costs.
How Soil Can Affect Your Atlanta Home Renovation
Similarly, unexpected costs may pop up if your Atlanta home renovation project runs into natural elements like waterways, ridges, soils, and rocks. For example, soft soil under foundations can cause issues as your deck or extension settles and shifts. Additional costs can vary greatly, especially if it turns out you must dig deeper than planned.
Tree Removal Increases Atlanta Home Renovation Costs
In Atlanta, cutting down hardwood trees with a trunk diameter over 6 inches, or pine trees with a trunk diameter exceeding 12 inches, requires approval from the city. A city arborist will assess the tree and grant a permit if it meets the requirements.
These rules aim to protect the mature tree canopy, reflecting Atlanta's origin as a forest. The city is striving to uphold good air quality standards.
When tree removal is essential, a detailed site plan must indicate the tree and house locations, explaining how the tree impacts future design. It’s also beneficial to clearly state the reason for removal. Atlanta issues permits for various tree removal scenarios, such as dead, diseased, or hazardous trees.
The tree removal fee starts at $130, which contributes to Atlanta's Tree Trust Fund for tree planting and maintenance. If your tree removal request for your Atlanta home renovation is rejected, adjustments to the project plans are necessary. We recommend applying for the tree removal permit first, although your contractor can also manage it along with the building permit.
Atlanta Home Renovation Permit Costs
Atlanta is the eighth fastest-growing large US city, spurring new construction and home renovations as new residents arrive. However, the Atlanta buildings department's varying permit approval times, ranging from 1 to 30 days, can disrupt timelines and increase costs for homeowners and contractors.
To navigate this uncertainty, involve a design-build firm, general contractor, or architect early on. This can streamline the permit application process by preparing all required documentation.
Atlanta Home Renovations with Unexpected Structural Changes
Unplanned structural changes can inflate your Atlanta home renovation budget by 10–15%, according to Consumer Reports. To avoid these surprises, incorporate potential structural changes into your initial budget by thoroughly discussing all possibilities with your remodeler before starting the project.
Atlanta Home Renovation Building Codes Compliance
According to the National Association of Home Builders, building codes were initially established to ensure public health and safety. Nowadays, government agencies also use these codes to enforce policies on energy efficiency and sustainability. These changing standards can result in unforeseen costs for your renovation, if the house is older.
Many homes were built to high standards for their era, but codes have evolved since then. In Atlanta, as in most of the country, if you discover something during a remodel that isn't up to current code, you must update it to comply. This requirement can significantly increase your project expenses.
Atlanta Home Renovations with Prior Issues
While your home may appear well-constructed from the outside, once a remodeler starts opening walls, the true quality of the build—and the potential costs—will become apparent. Issues like shoddy electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC work will come to light during the early days of your Atlanta home renovation and reveal any additional necessary expenses.
Utilities May Increase during Your Atlanta Home Renovation
Anticipate slightly higher utility bills during your renovation. General contractors using tools like compressors and nail guns may raise your bill by around $10 a month. For continuous use of large equipment, like during emergency water mitigation, the increase could be $20 to $40 a month.
Pet Care during Your Atlanta Home Renovation
Animals, whether cats, dogs, or even farm animals—especially livestock—can complicate an Atlanta home renovation. Think about where you’ll put them if your animals are displaced. For the safety of your pets, it's wise to include boarding and relocation costs in your budget.
Eating Out during Your Atlanta Home Renovation
If your Atlanta home renovation involves your kitchen, you may not have another gas or power source for your appliances. This means you can expect a costly month of dining out.
You can ask your remodeler to arrange a temporary kitchen, but this may incur extra costs. Another option is to prepare no-cook meals or dine with family and friends to cope with the inconvenience.
Atlanta Home Renovations Subject to Pests and Rot
Hidden expenses often arise from pest infestations, especially termites, which are a common issue here in the southern states. Termite damage can quickly escalate the cost of your Atlanta home renovation.
Additionally, rotting wood can complicate your renovation plans. To prevent such issues, keep plants and irrigation systems at least five feet away from your home's foundation. Any water damage discovered within the structure can lead to significant unexpected costs.
An Atlanta Home Renovation Takes up Time
A big project like this could cause you to miss work for contractor meetings and showroom visits. If you are self-employed, think about how this could affect productivity and catching up on tasks while you’re busy dealing with the remodeling process.
Moving Out during Your Atlanta Home Renovation
You may have to leave your home temporarily or shift your belongings to make space for contractors. Using PODS or other storage solutions for housing your items outside is an option, but opting for climate-controlled or off-site storage will incur higher costs.
It's not just your belongings that might need relocating. Think about what you'd do if your only bathroom becomes out-of-order, or if an electrical line gets damaged in winter. Planning to stay in a hotel for a night or two can be convenient. Being prepared for potential disruptions can help you better manage your expectations in case you need to vacate your home.
Recover Your Atlanta Home Renovation Costs
The good news is that certain remodeling projects offer excellent return on investment (ROI) when it comes time to sell your house. Let’s take a look at some options with the highest ROI.
Replace the Garage Door
Investing in a new garage door, especially if you already have an automatic opener, is usually a smart choice for an Atlanta home renovation. You can anticipate recouping around 95% of your expenses upon replacement. Additionally, a new garage door improves the overall look of your home.
Upgrade Your Siding
Always replace worn-out siding when you can. On average, nationwide costs for replacing 1,250 square feet of siding are about $15,000. In Atlanta, you can recoup around $11,500 of this cost when selling your home. This is an over 76% return on investment.
Redo the Kitchen (A Little Bit)
Surprisingly, choosing a minor kitchen Atlanta home renovation over a complete overhaul can provide a better ROI—typically around 81%.
Add a Deck
How about adding a 16-by-20-foot deck complete with rails, steps, and banisters to your home for approximately $11,000? When you sell your home, you could recoup about $9,000, resulting in an ROI of around 82%.
Upgrade to a Steel Front Door
Replacing your old front door with a new steel entry door is a cost-effective Atlanta home renovation. The average ROI is a whopping 91% or more. Both buyers and tenants value steel doors for their energy efficiency, low maintenance, and temperature control.
Navigate Your Atlanta Home Renovation with Confidence
Some Atlanta home renovation costs are unavoidable, but knowing what to expect for will help you control your budget. Remember to always communicate openly with your contractor and be realistic to avoid any surprises along the way.
Go forth with confidence, knowing that you have the knowledge and tools to navigate any obstacles that may come your way.