Planning a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta
Thinking about a full home remodel in Atlanta? You’re not alone. With home prices on the rise and inventory tight in many of the city’s most desirable districts, more and more of our neighbors are choosing to remodel rather than relocate. Whether it’s the charm of a historic bungalow in Grant Park or the community feel of Virginia-Highland, many Atlantans are opting to stay put—and reimagine the homes they already love.
Join us for a walk through everything you need to know before starting a full home remodel in Atlanta. From budgeting and timelines to permits, popular renovation areas, and choosing the right contractor, we’ll help you plan with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.
What Is a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta?
Before you dive into the details, make sure you understand exactly what a full home remodel in Atlanta involves. Unlike a simple renovation—where you might update a kitchen backsplash or replace flooring—a full home remodel is a complete overhaul of your home’s interior and, sometimes, exterior spaces. It typically includes everything from structural changes to aesthetic upgrades.
When you undertake a full home remodel, you’re looking at more than just cosmetic improvements. It often means reworking floor plans, modernizing outdated systems like plumbing and electrical, upgrading insulation and HVAC, and bringing your home up to current building codes. Additionally, it may also include replacing windows, doors, and roofing, especially if your home is older or hasn’t been updated in decades.
Why You Might Choose a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta
Over time, even the most beloved spaces can start to feel outdated, cramped, or just not quite right for the way you live today. A full home remodel in Atlanta gives you the chance to change that—without giving up the street you love, your kids’ school district, or the neighbors you’ve grown close to.
Choosing to stay and remodel means you get to reimagine your entire living space to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’ve always wanted an open floor plan, a chef’s kitchen, extra bedrooms, or a dedicated workspace, a full home remodel makes it possible.
What to Consider Before Starting a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta
The more prepared you are, the smoother your remodel will go. Taking time to plan early can save you from headaches (and surprise expenses) down the line.
Set a Realistic Budget
Know what you can comfortably spend. A full home remodel in Atlanta can range anywhere from $100,000 to $400,000 or more, depending on the size of your home and the scope of the project. Consider not only construction costs but also design fees, permit costs, and a buffer for unexpected issues.
Plan Your Timeline
You’ll also want to think about timing. A full remodel usually takes several months, and depending on how extensive the work is, it might not be feasible to live in your house during construction. Some people stay with family or rent a short-term place nearby. If you’re planning a full home remodel in Atlanta, especially in a busy season, factor in lead times for materials and contractor availability.
Permits and Regulations
Atlanta has specific permitting and zoning requirements. From structural changes to electrical work, most remodeling projects require permits. Your contractor should handle this part, but it’s good to be aware of the process so there are no delays.
Key Areas to Focus on During a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta
Knowing where to invest your time, energy, and budget can make a huge difference in the outcome of your project—and in how much you enjoy your new space when it’s finished.
Kitchen Remodel
For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. A full home remodel in Atlanta almost always includes updating the kitchen. Whether you’re knocking down walls for an open-concept layout, adding custom cabinets, or finally getting that professional-grade range, this is one area where your investment will pay off.
Bathroom Upgrades
Bathrooms are another major focus during a full home remodel. Outdated fixtures, small layouts, and lack of storage are common complaints in older Atlanta homes. Remodeling gives you the chance to create spa-like bathrooms, improve functionality, and increase comfort.
Living and Dining Spaces
Many Atlanta homes, especially older ones, were built with smaller, closed-off living spaces. A full home remodel is the perfect time to open things up. Think about removing walls, adding natural light, updating flooring, and modernizing fixtures to make your home feel bigger and brighter.
Bedrooms and Storage
Don’t forget about the bedrooms. A remodel can help you reconfigure layouts, add closet space, or even expand rooms to create a primary suite. If storage has always been an issue, a full home remodel in Atlanta gives you the chance to fix that with built-ins, walk-in closets, or creative space-saving solutions.
Basement and Attic Transformations
If you’re lucky enough to have a basement or attic, this is prime real estate. A full home remodel in Atlanta can turn these underused spaces into guest rooms, offices, playrooms, or rental units.
Exterior Updates
Finally, remember the outside of your home. Curb appeal matters in Atlanta’s charming neighborhoods. A full home remodel often includes new siding, roofing, windows, and landscaping to make sure your home looks as good outside as it does inside.
What to Expect During a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta
Understanding each step of a full home remodel in Atlanta can help you stay organized and informed, making the process smoother and less stressful from start to finish.
Initial Consultation & Planning
The first step in any full home remodel is sitting down with a contractor and possibly a designer to discuss your vision, needs, and budget. This is when you’ll start defining the scope of the project, from layout changes to finishes. Expect to spend time gathering inspiration and answering questions about how you use your space.
Design Phase
During this part of your project, your contractor and design team will create detailed plans and renderings of your new space. You’ll choose materials, fixtures, colors, and finishes—so it’s a good idea to start collecting ideas early.
Permitting
Before any demolition starts, permits need to be secured. For a full home remodel in Atlanta, this may include structural, electrical, plumbing, and zoning permits. If your home is in a historic district, there may be additional approvals required.
Demolition
Here’s where the transformation begins. During this phase, walls come down, cabinets get removed, and your home becomes a construction zone. A reputable contractor will take steps to minimize dust and disruption, but it’s a messy part of the process.
Construction & Installation
With the space cleared, the real work begins. This phase of a full home remodel in Atlanta includes framing, electrical work, plumbing updates, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and more. You’ll start to see your plans come to life, step by step.
Finishing Touches
After the big construction tasks are complete, it’s time for the finishing details—paint, trim, hardware, lighting, and any custom touches you’ve chosen. This is when your remodel really starts to feel like home.
Final Walkthrough
Before your contractor packs up, you’ll do a final walkthrough together to make sure everything looks and functions the way it should. Any small adjustments or touch-ups will be taken care of before the project is officially done.
Common Challenges During a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta
A full home remodel in Atlanta can be incredibly rewarding—but let’s be real: it’s not without its challenges. Knowing what could go wrong ahead of time will help you prepare, plan smarter, and avoid unnecessary stress along the way.
Budget Overruns
One of the most common hurdles during a full home remodel is going over budget. Unexpected costs can creep in fast—whether it’s rising material prices, hidden structural issues, or changes to your project scope. You can avoid sticker shock by building a 10–20% contingency fund into your budget from the start.
Timeline Delays
In a busy city like Atlanta, securing permits and inspections can take longer than expected. Weather, material shortages, or unforeseen issues during demolition can all slow things down. When you plan your full home remodel, try to be flexible with your timeline and expect that things may not always go according to schedule.
Unforeseen Structural Issues
Especially in Atlanta’s older neighborhoods, it’s common to uncover surprises behind the walls—like outdated wiring, termite damage, or foundation problems. These issues can’t always be spotted during the planning phase but will need to be addressed once discovered. An experienced contractor can help navigate these bumps during your full home remodel in Atlanta.
Decision Fatigue
With hundreds of decisions to make—from flooring to fixtures—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Having a clear plan, design inspiration, and a reliable team can help reduce decision fatigue and keep your remodel moving forward smoothly.
Choose the Right Contractor for Your Full Home Remodel in Atlanta
When you find the right team, your full home remodel in Atlanta becomes less stressful and more exciting. You’ll know you have experts on your side who are just as invested in bringing your vision to life as you are.
Look for Local Experience
Atlanta has its quirks—historic neighborhoods, unique zoning regulations, and unpredictable weather. When you’re planning a full home remodel here, it pays to work with a contractor who knows the area well and has successfully completed similar projects nearby.
Check Credentials
Always verify that your contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing proof of their credentials and sharing references from past clients who have completed a full home remodel in Atlanta.
Review Their Portfolio
Take time to look at photos of previous projects. Seeing before-and-after shots will give you a better sense of the contractor’s style, quality of work, and attention to detail. It’s even better if they’ve handled remodels in your specific Atlanta neighborhood.
Prioritize Communication
A full home remodel is a long-term project, and clear communication is key. Choose a contractor who is transparent about costs, timelines, and potential challenges—and who listens to your ideas and concerns along the way.
Is a Full Home Remodel in Atlanta Right for You?
Choosing to take on a full home remodel in Atlanta is a big decision—but it can also be one of the most rewarding. If you love your neighborhood but feel like your space no longer fits your lifestyle, remodeling offers the chance to reinvent your home without giving up the place you already call home.
With the right planning, a clear budget, and an experienced team by your side, the process becomes more manageable—and even exciting. Every phase, from demo to final walkthrough, brings you one step closer to a home that reflects your personality, needs, and vision.
If you're ready to explore the possibilities of a full home remodel in Atlanta, take the time to dream big and plan smart. Your ideal home might be closer than you think… right where you already are.