Most Expensive Aspects of Home Remodeling in Atlanta, GA

Thinking about remodeling your home in Atlanta, GA? Whether you dream of a sleek new kitchen, a fancy bathroom, or a complete home makeover, understanding the costs involved is crucial.

Home remodeling can be daunting, especially when it comes to budgeting. With Atlanta’s booming housing market, costs can vary significantly based on the type of project, materials used, and unforeseen issues that might arise.

Imagine transforming your home into a perfect sanctuary that reflects your style. Knowing where your money will go and what to expect can make this dream a reality without breaking the bank.

Read on to discover the most expensive aspects of home remodeling in Atlanta and learn how to plan your budget effectively for a stress-free renovation experience.

Key Cost Factors in Home Remodeling

Whole-Home Renovation

A whole-home renovation is often the most expensive and extensive project. It involves updating multiple areas of the home simultaneously, which can include structural changes, new flooring, plumbing, electrical work, and more.

In Atlanta, a gut renovation typically starts at $70 to $100 per square foot, but high-end finishes and custom elements can push this cost much higher. For example, a comprehensive renovation with luxury finishes can easily exceed $225,000, especially if an older home requires updates to meet current building codes.

Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen remodels are among the most popular and costly home renovation projects. The price varies significantly depending on the work and the quality of materials chosen.

Budget Kitchen Remodel: A 200-square-foot kitchen remodel costs between $20,000 and $30,000, and this includes basic elements like laminate countertops, standard cabinets, and essential appliances.
Mid-Grade Kitchen Remodel: Costs around $35,000 to $65,000, featuring semi-custom cabinets, upgraded countertops, and mid-range appliances.
High-End Kitchen Remodel: Starting at $65,000, this includes custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, stone countertops, and luxury finishes.

Keeping the kitchen layout the same can help reduce costs, as moving plumbing and electrical systems can be expensive.

Bathroom Remodels

Bathroom remodels are another significant expense in home renovations.

Budget Bathroom Remodel: The cost, including basic fixtures, a standard bathtub or shower, and budget-friendly materials, ranges from $12,500 to $15,000.
Mid-Grade Bathroom Remodel: Around $20,000, featuring upgraded fixtures, ceramic tiles, and semi-custom vanities.
High-End Bathroom Remodel: Starting at $35,000, this can include luxury items like a freestanding tub, frameless glass showers, and high-end finishes such as marble or quartz countertops.

Expanding a bathroom to add more space can further increase costs.

Outdoor Spaces

Adding or renovating outdoor spaces can significantly enhance the value and enjoyment of your home.

Decks: Composite decks cost around $20,000 or $61 per square foot, while wood decks are slightly cheaper at about $14,000 or $44 per square foot.
Patios: Stone patios start at $12 per square foot. Adding features like lighting and a ceiling fan can increase your budget by $5,000.
Outdoor Kitchens: Can range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the complexity and materials used.

Hidden Costs and Common Issues

Age of the House

Older homes often present hidden challenges, such as outdated electrical wiring, lead paint, and asbestos. Addressing these issues is crucial for safety and may add thousands of dollars to your budget.

Previous Workmanship

Subpar work from previous renovations can lead to unexpected costs. Uncovering and fixing issues like improper electrical work or plumbing not up to code can increase time and budget.

Permits and Fees

Building permits are typically calculated based on the square footage or overall cost of the project. Permit fees range from $50 to $200, with additional costs for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Contractors usually handle the permit process, but their fees for doing so should also be included in your budget.

Planning for a Successful Home Remodel in Atlanta

Remodeling your home in Atlanta can be a rewarding investment, but it’s essential to be prepared for the costs involved. By understanding the most expensive aspects of home remodeling and planning accordingly, you can achieve your dream home without financial stress.

Start by consulting with Sterling Works to get accurate quotes and begin your journey toward a beautifully renovated home today.

Chad Robichaux

August 17, 2026

Sterling did an amazing job on our bathroom / laundry room renovation. We now have a beautiful space that fits well into our life for years to come!!

fin mad

February 26, 2026

Philip and the entire crew are amazing! Very thorough with special attention to detail and nothing short of quality work. They make sure everything is perfect. Would definitely want to use them for future projects. Strongly recommend.

Kate Hodgins

December 30, 2025

Philip and the Sterling Works team were wonderful to work with on my bathroom renovation! From the estimate to completing the final punch list, the project went smoothly and stayed on schedule. Philip was at my house daily for the bulk of the project, ensuring that all of the subs were coordinated and completing the project exactly as promised. Any small issues that arose were met with solutions from the experienced team. I highly recommend Sterling Works for your next home renovation!

Kate Ravin

June 2, 2025

My husband and I cannot praise Sterling Works highly enough! Philip has assembled and overseen a team of pros who do gorgeous, precise work, turning our cramped, hideous 1970s bathroom and small walk-in closet into the Japandi retreat of our dreams--a room we can age into with confidence. Would we use Sterling Works again? Absolutely! If you're lucky enough to find them free, grab them fast! A+++++++++

Nicole Zavodnick

May 4, 2025

Philip was hands down the best contractor from start to finish of a project we could have asked for. His attention to detail and understanding my vision for our kitchen was so easy to communicate. The crew he hires from demo and structural engineering work, to cabinet making to local recommendations for suppliers of appliances, countertops, etc are all top notch. The best part was his timeline and budget were accurate and we had no surprises there. I hope he never retires for my own sake. Most of all, he is an in town local and kept our house and dogs safe while we underwent this huge renovation! Peace of mind while turning a project over was such a relief.

Sam Burnwall

April 14, 2025

Sterling Works did an absolutely incredible job giving us the kitchen of our dreams. They weren’t the first business we met with when planning our kitchen renovation, but we knew after meeting with the owner, Phil, that we had found the right company for the job. Phil understood our vision for our kitchen and was really invested in giving us exactly what we wanted. He was the first contractor that we met with that actually had suggestions and gave some of his own ideas that helped us to make some key decisions. As far as timing goes, I know it’s impossible to promise an exact date for a project, but despite the hiccups that come with renovations in a 70+ year old house, they moved swiftly (not too swiftly as to make mistakes) and finished right on time as promised. 10/10 would absolutely work with Sterling Works again and would recommend them to anyone.

Stephanie Kelly

October 24, 2024

I am so happy with our our 2nd floor renovation project turned out from Sterling Works. Everyone was wonderful to work with, from the flooring crew who had to pivot when the original plan wasn't going to work, to the carpenter who built our custom vanity and the rest of the crew who did excellent work. They all took our wishes into account, offered suggestions based on their professional expertise, and made sure we were happy with the end results. Our house finally feels more like a home than an apartment and we are thrilled with the results.

Benjamin Kodish

June 16, 2024

We recently completed a project with Sterling Works and could not be happier with the experience and outcome. We updated both our kitchen and primary bathroom and they both turned out great. The entire process working with Philip and his team was easy from initial planning to completion. Philip’s team is wonderful. They are all very talented and do meticulous work. Also, they are also extremely friendly and polite. In addition to the great work, they also do the “little things” like cleaning up the work site at the end of every day, which really does make a huge difference with all of the work taking place in the house. Overall, the project was completed on time and there were no surprises on cost. We would highly recommend Sterling Works and are already considering updating a guest bathroom with them later this year.

Mark Caridi-Scheible

January 13, 2024

Had my kitchen completely redone with a lot of special requests and Sterling Works managed it all beautifully. They were extremely professional and all the work was done on time. Philip was so easy to work with and highly responsive, as were all of his crew. The subcontractors he chose were also highly professional and easy to work with. My kitchen turned out stunning, so if you want quality work done on time, these are the guys.

Erin F

October 28, 2023

I just finished a kitchen and second room remodel, working with Phil and his crew. I cannot say enough about the process and the results. Phil really helped guide me through the whole remodel process and communicated with me next steps, schedule and the all-important budget. As we came upon a couple of issues and choices, he and his crew were able to offer solutions and options and implement them to perfection. For example, my house is very old so I was terrified of what we would find once we opened the walls. And we did find something – some of the pipes were split and leaking beneath the house, as well as into the basement. Phil and his crew were able to deal with this new situation almost immediately. Going into this, I also worried about having a whole crew in the house for such a long period of time. His crew is really the best group of guys. But by the time the project was finished I could not imagine, not having them around! They are really good people!!! I cannot overstate that! This whole scary process was so easy and enjoyable due to their knowledge, experience and ingenuity. My remodel is absolute perfection. I definitely recommend Phil and hope to have future projects with them. Sincerely, Erin