Thinking about updating your home but not sure what the process actually looks like day-to-day? Here’s a clear, practical walkthrough of a typical remodel—from the first idea to the final walkthrough—so you know exactly what’s coming and how to prepare. The outline below reflects how projects run with professional Atlanta-area contractors like Georgia Tiles & Remodeling (installation experts who handle build-out and finishes; design can be supplied by you or your designer).
Table of Contents
Quick overview (the whole journey at a glance)
| Phase | What happens | Your role |
| 1. Goals & budget | Define scope, priorities, must-haves | Set budget range, list goals |
| 2. Site visit & estimate | Measurements, feasibility, written estimate | Share inspiration & constraints |
| 3. Design & selections | Plans, materials, fixtures, finish palette | Approve layout & choose materials |
| 4. Prep & protection | Dust control, floor/wall protection, delivery | Clear areas; plan temporary living |
| 5. Demo | Remove old finishes, cabinets, fixtures | Keep kids/pets clear; expect noise |
| 6. Rough-ins | Framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC | Mid-project check-in |
| 7. Closures | Insulation, drywall, priming | Review schedule updates |
| 8. Interior finishes | Tile, flooring, trim, cabinetry, paint | Approve field mockups (e.g., tile layout) |
| 9. Fixtures & punch list | Lighting, plumbing, hardware; touch-ups | Walkthrough & punch list |
| 10. Clean, handoff, warranty | Deep clean, manuals, care tips | Enjoy your space 🎉 |
Step 1: Define goals, scope, and budget
Start with the “why.” Are you optimizing storage, modernizing the look, improving resale value, or fixing layout issues? Write 3 columns: Must-have, Nice-to-have, Not now. This keeps scope realistic and protects the budget.
Pro tip: Rank choices by daily impact (e.g., better lighting and tile in a bathroom you use every day often beats a luxury upgrade in a seldom-used room).
Step 2: In-home consultation
A contractor visit covers measurements, structural/utility constraints, moisture checks (important in GA’s humidity), and logistics (trash removal, parking, elevator access for condos).
What helps: Share photos, show your inspiration, and tell us about your ideas and the problems you need to solve.
Step 3: Plans, selections, and material ordering
If you’re working with a designer, provide final drawings and a selections list (tile SKU, grout color, cabinet specs, plumbing/lighting models). If you’re not using a designer, you’ll still choose finishes and fixtures before work starts so materials can arrive on time.
Why this matters: Finalizing selections early avoids delays once walls are open.
Step 4: Site prep & protection
Before demo, the crew protects floors, stairwells, and adjacent rooms; sets up dust barriers; and establishes a path for debris. Large deliveries (tile, cement board, thinset, cabinets) are staged to keep work moving smoothly.
Your prep checklist:
- Clear countertops, cabinets, and fragile items
- Create a temporary kitchen/bath solution if those rooms are impacted
- Plan pet/kid safety during noisy hours
Step 5: Demolition
Old surfaces and fixtures come out: tile, drywall, vanities, tops, shower pans, flooring, etc. Expect noise and dust (even with protection). Surprises can appear here (hidden water damage, unlevel subfloors). The team will update you on any scope adjustments.
Pro tip: Build a 10–15% contingency for these “unknowns” revealed at demo. For example, sometimes a small leak has been hiding for years behind bathroom tile, or a kitchen floor looks solid until demolition shows rotted wood underneath.
Step 6: Rough-in work (the skeleton and systems)
With walls open, trades tackle the “invisible” essentials:
- Framing (niches, half-walls, new openings)
- Plumbing (supply, drains, shower valves)
- Electrical (new circuits, GFCI, lighting layout)
- HVAC (vents/registers, bath fans)
This is your moment to confirm outlet/lighting placement and niche heights.
Step 7: Close-up—insulation, drywall, priming
At this stage, the project moves from behind-the-scenes work to visible progress. Walls are insulated (where applicable), then drywalled, taped, mudded, sanded, and primed. Rooms finally start to look like real living spaces again.
Quality clue: Smooth, even surfaces and crisp corners here will make your finishes look premium later.
Step 8: Tile, floors, and finish carpentry
Now the space takes shape:
- Tile: shower pans, waterproofing, wall & floor tile, grout (color test), caulking
- Cabinetry/vanities: level & plumb install
- Trim & millwork: baseboards, casing, crown (if planned)
- Flooring: LVP/wood/stone install and transitions
On-site decisions: Tile layout mockups (pattern, starting points, niche alignment) and trim profiles.
Step 9: Painting, fixtures, and appliances
Final color coats, hardware, mirrors, lighting, plumbing trims, accessories (towel bars, paper holders), and appliances go in. Countertops (if part of scope) are installed.
Water rooms tip: Confirm caulk/paint types suitable for humid environments.
Step 10: Final walkthrough, punch list, and handoff
Together you’ll tour the project, list minor touch-ups (paint specks, caulk lines, door alignment), and schedule fixes. You’ll receive care instructions, product manuals, and warranty information.
What to check:
- Tile lines even and plumb; grout consistent
- Fixtures level; drains and GFCIs working
- Doors/ drawers aligned; paint coverage uniform
- Caulk tidy at wet transitions
Typical timelines (ballpark, scope-dependent)
- Hall bath refresh (no layout change): ~2–3 weeks
- Primary bath with new tile & shower: ~3–5 weeks
- Kitchen pull-and-replace (same layout): ~3–6 weeks
- Kitchen with layout change & permits: ~6–10+ weeks
- Whole-home interior refresh (paint, floors, tile): varies widely by size
Note: Lead times for custom items (cabinets, stone tops, specialty tile) can extend schedules. Locking selections early is the #1 timeline saver.
Budget basics (how homeowners keep costs under control)
- Set a top number and a contingency for demo discoveries and upgrades you may choose mid-project.
- Prioritize “daily-impact” upgrades: lighting, durable tile in wet areas, and storage.
- Avoid scope creep: changes are easiest (and cheapest) before rough-ins start.
- Package your project: Doing a bath + laundry together can reduce repeat mobilization costs.
How Georgia Tiles & Remodeling fits into your project?
- We build what’s designed: Bring your plan or work with our designer; we’ll execute the installation to spec—from demolition to final interior finishes.
- Tile & wet-area expertise: Showers, floors, backsplashes, and waterproofing done the right way.
- Clear scheduling & communication: You’ll always know what’s happening this week and what’s next.
Serving homeowners in Atlanta and nearby areas: Marietta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, and more.
Prep checklist (print-friendly)
- Finalize layout & selections (tile, grout, fixtures, hardware)
- Approve estimate and timeline
- Confirm permit/HOA requirements (if applicable)
- Set up temporary kitchen/bath solution
- Clear work areas & protect valuables
- Arrange parking/access for crews and deliveries
- Share preferred contact method for daily updates
FAQ
Do I need to move out?
Usually not for single-room projects. For kitchens or multi-room updates, plan temporary setups and expect some noise and dust.
Can we live without a shower/kitchen during the project?
Yes—with planning. Our team can sequence work to minimize downtime and suggest temporary options.
What if we find damage during demo?
It’s common. You’ll get a clear change order before any extra work is done.
Ready to remodel?
If you have drawings and selections, we can schedule a site visit and provide a detailed proposal. Still deciding on tile or layout? We’ll talk through options and help you lock in a plan that fits your home, style, and budget.
Next step: Book an in-home consultation for your Atlanta-area remodel, and let’s map out your timeline and material plan together.
