How much does it really cost to renovate in 2024
Discover the Allure of Atlanta: A Booming City for Your Next Home Renovation
Atlanta is a city on the rise! Since 2010, Atlanta has added over 5.5 million new residents, bringing its population to over six million. This growth makes it a perfect time to settle down and start a new project, whether it's restoring a bungalow in Decatur, adding to a classic Georgian-style home in Druid Hills, or remodeling a loft apartment in the Old Fourth Ward.
This is a great starting point for planning your project. When you embark on a renovation, one of your first questions will likely be, "How much will it cost?" In Atlanta, once your renovation budget reaches a couple of $100,000s, building a new house becomes a major consideration. In this case, you’ll also need to factor in costs to tear down the existing structure and remove debris.
Breakdown of typical starting costs for remodeling in Atlanta
Read on for a breakdown of costs focusing on five categories: full home, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor spaces, and permits.
Gut renovation: Starting at around $70—$100 psf (per square foot)
Budget kitchen remodel: Starting at $20,000—$30,000
Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starting at $35,000
High-end kitchen remodel: Starting at $65,000
Budget bathroom remodel: Starting at $12,500—$15,000
Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starting at $20,000
High-end bathroom remodel and reconfiguration: Starting at $35,000+
Deck composite: $20,000 or $61 psf
Wood deck: $14,000 or $44 psf
When planning a gut remodel in Atlanta, it's essential to be aware of common issues that can drive up costs:
Previous Subpar Work: Many older homes in Atlanta might have had work done by unlicensed contractors, leading to hidden problems. For instance, bringing the electrical wiring of an old building up to code can be a significant expense. As Kimberly noted, "The budget could go as high as $225,000," which translates to about $75 per square foot for a farmhouse renovation.
Age of the House: The age of the house plays a critical role in determining renovation costs. Homes built before 1978 are likely to have lead paint, while those constructed between the 1930s and the late 1980s might contain asbestos. Dexter emphasizes the importance of testing homes from these periods. If tests come back positive for lead or asbestos, the removal process can add several thousand dollars to your budget and extend your timeline.
By being mindful of these potential issues, you can better plan your budget and timeline, ensuring a smoother renovation process in your Atlanta home.