Atlanta’s construction sector is one of the most active in the nation, driven by the metro area’s sustained population growth, significant corporate headquarters expansions, major airport and infrastructure development at Hartsfield-Jackson, and a robust commercial real estate pipeline that has kept general contractors and specialty subcontractors busy through economic cycles. The city has served as a construction market bellwether for the Southeast, with major projects including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, numerous Class A office developments, healthcare expansions, and the BeltLine mixed-use corridor shaping demand for high-capacity commercial contractors. Atlanta’s construction workforce and contractor ecosystem serve everything from large institutional healthcare and aviation projects to mid-market commercial tenant fit-outs and residential development.
When selecting a construction company in Atlanta, verify current Georgia contractor licensing through the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, and for commercial projects confirm licensing with the appropriate state or local authority. Established commercial contractors will carry general liability insurance of $1 million or more per occurrence, workers’ compensation insurance, and bonding appropriate to the project scale. Review past project portfolios for work in the relevant market segment, as healthcare, aviation, industrial, and commercial office construction each require distinct expertise. Red flags include contractors who cannot provide current insurance certificates, lack references from comparable completed projects, or bid significantly below market without a credible explanation.
Top Construction Companies in Atlanta
1. Turner Construction Company
Address: 3495 Piedmont Rd NE, Bldg 11, Ste 700, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 504-3700
Website: https://www.turnerconstruction.com
Services:
- Commercial, institutional, and industrial general contracting
- Healthcare, education, and pharmaceutical construction
- Aviation and retail construction
- Sports and entertainment venue construction
- Sustainable and LEED-certified building programs
About: Turner Construction Company operates its Atlanta office as a regional hub for one of the nation’s largest and most recognized general contractors, bringing the depth of a company that has delivered landmark projects across every major construction segment including healthcare, education, commercial, sports, aviation, and green building. Turner’s Atlanta presence supports major clients across the Southeast who require the financial strength, bonded capacity, and specialized technical expertise that only a top-tier national contractor can deliver. The company’s leadership in sustainable construction, including extensive LEED certification experience, aligns with Atlanta’s growing emphasis on green building standards across both commercial and institutional sectors. Turner’s Atlanta team has delivered significant portions of the healthcare and university construction that has defined the city’s physical expansion over the past two decades.
2. JE Dunn Construction
Address: 1875 Old Alabama Rd, Ste 1040, Roswell, GA 30076
Phone: (678) 589-6300
Website: https://www.jedunn.com
Services:
- Healthcare and medical facility construction
- Aviation and transportation infrastructure
- Industrial and commercial construction
- Education and institutional projects
- Preconstruction and design-build services
About: JE Dunn Construction has maintained an Atlanta office since 1985, accumulating four decades of technically complex, high-performance project delivery across healthcare, aviation, industrial, commercial, and education sectors throughout Georgia and the Southeast. The firm is known in Atlanta for its healthcare construction expertise, having delivered major medical campus expansions, outpatient facilities, and complex clinical environments that require the stringent quality and infection control standards specific to healthcare construction. JE Dunn’s Atlanta team brings national resources to the Southeast market while maintaining the client relationship orientation of a regional contractor. The firm’s aviation sector experience is particularly relevant given Atlanta’s role as a global aviation hub and Hartsfield-Jackson’s continuous development program.
3. Ecker Construction
Phone: (770) 922-5726
Website: https://eckerconstruction.com
Services:
- Specialty commercial and industrial construction
- Healthcare and laboratory construction
- Corporate tenant improvements
- Clean room and controlled environment construction
- Southeast regional project delivery
About: Ecker Construction is an experienced Atlanta-based commercial contractor specializing in high-quality, cost-effective solutions for specialty industry segments including healthcare, laboratory, and industrial construction. The firm’s focus on technically demanding construction environments has positioned it as a trusted contractor for Atlanta’s expanding life sciences and healthcare sectors, where precision, regulatory compliance, and technical expertise are non-negotiable requirements. Ecker’s Southeast regional focus means its Atlanta team maintains deep familiarity with local subcontractor relationships, permitting processes, and market conditions that larger national contractors may not prioritize. The firm’s track record in delivering cost-effective specialty construction makes it a practical choice for mid-market commercial clients seeking quality without the overhead premium of larger national firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I verify a construction company’s license and insurance in Atlanta?
A: Georgia contractor licensing information is publicly available through the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors at sos.georgia.gov. Request current certificates of insurance directly from the contractor and verify with the issuing insurance carrier that coverage is active and at the stated limits. For commercial projects, confirm that the contractor carries general liability, workers’ compensation, and an umbrella or excess liability policy appropriate to the project scope. Atlanta’s major commercial contractors will provide these documents without hesitation.
Q: What does commercial construction typically cost in Atlanta?
A: Commercial office construction in Atlanta runs approximately $150 to $300 per square foot for standard tenant improvements, with higher-end finishes and complex systems pushing costs to $400 or more. Healthcare construction commands premiums of 20 to 40 percent above standard commercial due to regulatory, mechanical, and structural requirements. Industrial construction runs $50 to $150 per square foot depending on the use and specification level. Atlanta construction costs have risen significantly since 2020 due to material inflation, labor market tightness, and sustained high demand across all market segments.
Q: How long do Atlanta construction projects typically take?
A: Commercial tenant improvement projects in Atlanta run two to six months for standard office and retail fit-outs. Healthcare facility construction typically runs 12 to 30 months depending on project scale and complexity. Major new commercial building construction runs 18 to 36 months from groundbreaking to occupancy. Permitting timelines in Atlanta vary by municipality and project complexity, with Fulton County and City of Atlanta permitting typically requiring four to twelve weeks for commercial projects. Preconstruction planning, design, and permitting add significant time before construction begins.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s commercial construction market is anchored by firms like Turner Construction and JE Dunn that bring national resources and deep project experience to the Southeast, alongside specialists like Ecker Construction that deliver cost-effective expertise in technically demanding market segments. Each of these firms has earned its position in the Atlanta construction market through decades of quality project delivery. Contact them directly to discuss project requirements, availability, and preconstruction services.