Addition & Remodeling Contractors in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Additions & Remodels

Additions and remodels can make your home more attractive and comfortable, letting you relax in your space. In turn, updates and improvements can positively affect the home's resale value. However, these projects can involve high costs, and some yield higher returns than others. They are also complex, which can make planning a tricky and confusing process.

Additions, conversions, and remodels in Atlanta vary greatly when it comes to cost, reflecting the variances in income and home values in the city. Before you start searching for a contractor, familiarize yourself with the factors involved in the costs and planning, as well as aspects such as city permits and insurance.

Remodel and Addition Cost Factors

Overall costs of remodels and additions can vary wildly depending on a number of factors. The amount of work you do yourself versus how much you outsource to a contractor can strongly influence your final price tag, as can the materials you use. Other important factors include timing, scale, and the type of project involved.

Time of Year

Timing is a bigger cost factor than many people think. Remodeling your home during the right time of year may shave upwards of $1,000 off the final cost of the project. The most expensive times are the months leading up to the holidays and the summer, as the weather is warmer and homeowners tend to have more free time. January is one of the cheapest months, which makes it an ideal time to conduct your addition or remodel project.

Scale

The scale of the remodel has a strong effect on its final cost. Making a few minor changes and basic updates tends to be much cheaper than adding upgraded fixtures, cabinets, flooring, and appliances. Before getting started, sit down and work out a budget for the project. Your budget should help decide how many changes you make, the materials you can use, how many upgrades you make, and how much of the work you can outsource to a contractor.

Type of Project

The costs of different addition and remodel projects can vary greatly in Atlanta, so the type of remodel you choose plays a large role in pricing. Exterior remodels tend to be the most affordable options, whereas additions are usually the priciest. Kitchen and bath remodels fall somewhere in between, although costs within these types of projects tend to range greatly in price.

Popular Remodel and Addition Options

Remodeling projects that focus on energy efficiency tend to be popular in Atlanta, as they are cost effective and reap high benefits. Kitchen and bath remodels are also popular with local homeowners since they can add comfort to the home. Although additions tend to hold less value with homeowners, conversions can add space while increasing home value. The costs of these projects can vary greatly depending on the scale of the remodel.

Permits, Licensing, and Insurance Requirements

The City of Atlanta requires homeowners to take out general repair permits for home improvement projects exceeding $2,600, according to the city's official website. Homeowners can apply for permits online through the city's website. Homeowners must submit plans for projects such as room conversions, additions, rebuilding, and any site work, as may require building permits.

All contractors must take out licenses from the Georgia Board of Residential & General Contractors before doing construction work in Georgia. Licensing is tied to specific types and sizes of buildings, but general contractors can choose the types of projects they perform. Homeowners can do their own construction work without a license, as long as the work is intended for their own use.

Before beginning an addition or remodel project, make sure your homeowner's insurance can sufficiently cover any damages that may occur during the construction process. In addition, make sure your premiums match the increase in your home's value. It is also important to make sure that your contractors hold adequate insurance, including liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, and warranty protection.

Location Factors

Carefully consider your neighborhood and its existing character before you start planning. You may want to stick to subtle changes in a neighborhood filled with older homes, whereas high-end upgrades can be welcome in an upmarket area such as Buckhead.

Location is also an important factor to consider when hiring a contractor. Most businesses charge additional fees for working outside of their designated areas, which can increase the cost of your project significantly. If you live directly in the city, finding a contractor should not be a problem, as many Atlanta-based contractors serve that area. However, if you live in a suburb, limiting your search to options close to home can help you save. Many contractors work within central suburbs such as Decatur, Morrow, East Point, or Brookhaven and in major suburbs such as Marietta and Cumming.

How Remodeling Affects Home Value in Atlanta

In Atlanta, many remodeling projects positively affect home value. Exterior remodels have the most positive effects on resale value, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2014 Cost vs. Value report. Options such as adding a wood deck or replacing a steel entry door can see returns on investment of up to 116.8 percent and 141.8 percent, respectively. Adding a fiberglass front door, replacing a garage door, or replacing siding can recover the majority of their costs.

Mid-range kitchen and bath remodels have greater returns on investment than upscale remodels do. Although adding upscale appliances, flooring, and cabinets can make these rooms more attractive, the difference in price isn't reflected in the home's resale value. Additions are among the most expensive home construction projects; however, they yield low returns.