Basement remodeling in Atlanta is hands down one of the most popular remodeling projects in the A-T-L. Why? Probably because basement remodeling in Atlanta is currently at the top of the list of high return home remodels, as well as one of the most cost effective ways to add square footage to you home. Yes, it's going to cost you some money, but when you consider that it will cost less than other comparable remodels, and that it's going to recoup its cost better than any other remodel on the market, choosing an Atlanta basement remodeling project is one of the easiest choices any Atlantan can make.
Costs of Atlanta Basement Remodels
Just how much should an average Atlantan expect to shell out for a standard basement renovation in this Southern metropolis? ServiceMagic keeps a running log of Atlanta basement remodels that are completed by contractors working in our system, including gathering data on final costs, project timelines, and customer feedback and advice. Drawing from that vast resource, we can say without reservations that a basement renovation in Atlanta averages around $20,500. Jobs performed by specialists in our system were completed for as little as $10,000 and as much as $45,000, however, indicating that the final price can vary widely depending on the current state of your basement, any water or moisture issues that need to be resolved, the size of your basement remodel, the materials you choose to use, and how luxurious of a basement you plan to end up with. If you've got a dry basement that just needs carpet, drywall and paint, you'll get out pretty cheap. If you live in a 5,000 square foot home out in Roswell and want the very best for your basement remodel, you should expect to pay top dollar for premium results.
Atlanta Basement Remodeling Project Durations
Besides costs, the next thing most Atlantans inquire about is how long average basement remodels in Atlanta take. The average runs just under 2 months for a full scale remodel. A two week barn burner wins the blue ribbon for the fastest job completed in our books and a four month long, $45,000 project takes the cake for the longest Atlanta basement renovation we have on record. Just as with cost, a number of factors influence how long of a project you should expect to endure, including the size of the remodel, the complexity of your plans, as well as other factors such as waterproofing or bringing your basement up to code before other remodeling work starts.
Keep in mind that the relationship you develop with your contractor has a lot to do with how quickly your basement remodel progresses, as well. The more you're in contact with your contractor, and the more you discuss how things are going and what you want done, the smoother things are going to go. "Make sure to give details as to what needs to be done. Leave nothing to chance," suggests one homeowner who was asked if they had any advice to give about basement remodeling in Atlanta, while another recommended that you "Work closely with your contractor and tell them exactly what you are looking for." Keeping expectations clear about everything from what you want done to how quickly you expect things to progress is probably the most effective way to ensure you'll end with a basement remodel that you'll enjoy, and one that gets finished on a schedule you can live with.
A Quick Note on Georgia, Contractors, and Basement Remodeling in Atlanta
Any informational article on a large remodeling projects in Atlanta, or anywhere else in the Peach state for that matter, would be incomplete without inserting a caution to homeowners getting ready to place their trust, and a substantial monetary investment, in the hands of local contractors. Always keep in mind that Georgia, unlike most other states, does not require contractors to obtain licenses to practice their trade. While most contractors in Atlanta are on the up and up, the truth of the matter is that any Joe, Dick, or Harry with a tool box and a hammer can list their phone number in the yellow pages and advertise themselves as a pro, whether they know what they're doing or not.
That's why you should get bids from at least three contractors on every job, and you should ask for, and check, references. Doing so must be seen as mandatory for anyone considering major remodeling work in Georgia. It's also why a referral service like ServiceMagic can be extremely valuable to those considering Atlanta basement remodels. By pre-screening contractors, standing by the work that's performed by contractors in our system, and providing homeowners with a convenient customer rating system that allows you to get to know the contractors in our database before you set up appointments, ServiceMagic adds an extra layer of security against hiring inexperienced contractors who, while they might mean well, can end up turning a standard Atlanta basement renovation into a homeowner's worst nightmare.

Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.