How Long Does a Luxury Home Renovation Take in Atlanta?

Timelines will vary depending on your home’s size and the scope of the project.

For smaller whole home remodels, the process typically takes around 7 to 10 months, from the first conversation to the final details. Larger renovations can extend to 9 to 15 months. 

1. Discovery – Find the right whole home renovation contractor for your project.
2. Feasibility – Dive deeper into your ideas and needs.
3. Pre-Construction – Prepare every detail to ensure smooth execution.
4. Construction – Bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship.
5. Home Completion & Warranty - Finish out construction and enjoy the peace of mind of a solid warranty.

Whether you’re envisioning a full house renovation of your current home, including a home addition, or transforming your entire space down to the studs, this proven process ensures your timeline stays on track while delivering the luxury and quality you deserve.

Home Renovation Process & Timeline

Now that you know the overall timeline, let's break down the home renovation process into each phase. 

Phase 1: Discovery (2 Weeks to 3 Months)

The discovery phase is your opportunity to explore and collect design ideas and insights into costs by interviewing architects and home renovation contractors in Atlanta. This step helps you determine which team is the best fit for your whole home remodel.

Depending on the number of interviews, this phase can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months.

It’s always a good idea to meet with multiple companies to get inspired by a variety of ideas and approaches. This also helps you understand how different firms would tackle your project and ensures you connect with the team’s vision and design philosophy. Arrive armed with a list of questions and take thorough notes so you can compare their answers later on.

Building a rapport with your chosen professionals is key to a successful and enjoyable renovation experience.

Phase 2: Feasibility 

The feasibility phase is where we'll discuss your goals. During a consultation, you’ll discuss your project vision, design preferences, and overall goals for your whole home remodel. Ballpark costs are provided to help you decide if the project aligns with your budget and expectations.

To get the most from this consultation, here are a few tips:

• Bring inspiration: Photos from Pinterest, Houzz, or magazines can give your team a clear idea of your style and preferences.
• Prepare questions: This can help you explore design options you may not have considered but would love to include.
• Know your budget: Be realistic about what you’re able to invest. Sharing a general budget helps the team offer ideas that fit your financial goals.

After your consultation and completing an intake form, a project feasibility study can be created, giving you a realistic price range and helping you determine the next steps. This phase ensures you’re fully informed and ready to move forward with confidence!

Phase 3: Pre-Construction (3 to 4 Months)

The pre-construction phase of a whole home renovation usually takes about 3 to 4 months, but it can vary depending on how available you and your architect are. This phase is all about laying a solid foundation for the project and making sure everything is ready for a smooth start to construction.

Once you’ve hired your team, everyone collaborates—you, your architect, and the build team—to map out a detailed plan. Blueprints and designer selections are finalized, and adjustments are made to ensure the project fits your vision and budget.

Next, the project is bid out to finalize the budget. After any final tweaks, the construction agreement and scope of work are signed, setting the stage for the build. 

Phase 4: Construction (3 to 4 Months)

This is where the magic happens! Once construction begins, your home remodeling process will be overseen daily by your dedicated Project Manager, ensuring every detail is completed to plan using the highest-quality materials and techniques.

To keep things on track, we use BuilderTrend software, giving you a transparent view of your renovation timeline. You’ll have real-time updates on progress, schedules, and key milestones, so you’re always informed every step of the way.

Construction timelines for a whole house renovation typically range from 3 to 4 months but can vary depending on the scope of the project. Extensive updates like exterior renovations, additions, or turning a raw basement into a fully livable space may extend the timeline, placing your remodel closer to the longer end of the range or even beyond it.

Every home renovation process comes with its own set of challenges, but proper planning and communication ensure any delays or surprises are managed effectively.

Renovations are as unique as the homes themselves, and we’re here to help you navigate the journey with confidence.

Phase 5: Home Completion & Warranty

You’ve made it to the finish line! Before you move into your beautifully renovated space, we’ll do a thorough quality control inspection to make sure everything is perfect.

After that, your Project Manager will walk through the home with you to review the work and create a final “punch list” for any last-minute tweaks.

On move-in day, you’ll receive a Homeowner Manual with everything you need—city documents, product manuals, and warranties for your remodel. To give you extra peace of mind, your whole house renovation comes with a 1-year warranty and a 12-month touch-up.

We’ll be here to make sure your home renovation process ends with a space you love!

How to Keep Your Home Renovation Timeline in Check

A successful home renovation process isn’t just about the end result—it’s also about sticking to a timeline that works for you.

While certain factors like material availability and project complexity can influence how long a whole house renovation takes, there are steps you can take to ensure a smoother and faster process. Here’s how to keep your renovation timeline on track:

Understand the Lead Time

Some materials, like custom finishes or specialty items, have longer lead times, so it’s best to make decisions early and finalize your design before pre-construction begins. Indecision or changes mid-project can delay your timeline significantly.

A clear vision from the start helps your contractor source materials on time and keeps the renovation process moving forward.

Stick to the Original Plan

Mid-project changes can be costly—not just financially, but in terms of time.

Adjusting layouts or swapping materials halfway through can delay your home renovation in Atlanta, GA, and affect your budget. Work with your contractor and designer during the planning phase to finalize a plan you’re confident in.

Taking the time to iron out details upfront means fewer surprises, a smoother build, and less frustration.

Choose the Right Contractor

A great contractor is key to ensuring your renovation timeline stays on track. If you’re tempted to go with the cheapest option, be cautious—an inexperienced contractor may cut corners, have inconsistent communication, and fail to manage the project properly, leading to costly delays.

Look for home renovation contractors in Atlanta with a proven track record, positive reviews, and a transparent process. A reliable team ensures your dream home stays on schedule and delivers the quality you expect.

What Can Cause Delays for a Whole House Remodel?

Even with the most organized home renovation contractors in Atlanta, some delays are simply out of our control.

While reputable builders do everything possible to stick to the renovation timeline, unexpected circumstances can arise during a whole house renovation. Here are the most common reasons projects may experience delays and what to keep in mind as you plan.

Weather

Atlanta’s weather plays a major role in the home remodeling process. Dry, mild conditions—often found in spring—are ideal for major exterior work like foundations, framing, and roofing. On the flip side, excessive rain can cause mud, slow down framing, and compromise some materials if they're left exposed. Extreme heat or cold can also impact tasks like painting, where proper drying is essential for a high-quality finish.

For interior renovations, weather becomes less of an issue. Fun fact: Building in the winter months often moves faster because permit approvals can be quicker, and demand for contractors tends to be lower.

Construction Permits and HOA Delays

Even the most efficient Atlanta home remodeling contractors can face slowdowns when waiting for permits or HOA approvals.

Permit offices can experience backlogs, and Homeowners Association (HOA) boards sometimes take longer to review plans if key members are unavailable. Unfortunately, HOAs can also reject parts of the design process, which means you'll have to go back to the drawing board. 

To avoid this problem, make sure your architect is aware of HOA regulations before you begin the design process.

Unforeseen Issues with the Current Structure

With any whole home renovation, demolition can reveal unexpected issues. Problems like mold, water damage, outdated plumbing, or foundation cracks are more common than you might think, especially in older homes that haven't been maintained.

While they can add time to the home renovation process, they aren’t reasons to panic. Matter of fact, you'll be glad that the extra steps are taken to remedy these issues that will only cause more problems down the line.

A skilled contractor will have the experience to address these challenges efficiently while minimizing added costs and delays. Addressing these issues upfront ensures your home’s long-term safety and value.

Changes in Design

Design changes mid-project are another common cause of delays. While most builders can accommodate minor adjustments during a whole home remodel, major changes—like altering layouts, adding materials, or reworking plans—require additional time, labor, and budget.

To avoid setbacks, it’s best to finalize your design before construction begins. If you’re unsure about something, take the time to get it right early on to keep your project on track.