Atlanta is one of the most active construction and remodeling markets in the United States, driven by the metro area’s sustained population growth, a housing stock that ranges from century-old bungalows in Grant Park and Kirkwood to mid-century commercial corridors undergoing adaptive reuse and new luxury construction in Buckhead and the northern suburbs. General contractors in Atlanta handle projects spanning full home renovations, commercial tenant fit-outs, ground-up residential construction, and complex historic preservation work in the city’s many designated historic districts. The market’s scale and complexity have produced a diverse field of contractors ranging from large commercial firms handling multimillion-dollar institutional projects to smaller residential-focused operations serving homeowners seeking whole-house renovations.
Georgia requires general contractors to hold a state contractor license for projects above $2,500, and most residential remodeling work in Atlanta requires local permits from the City of Atlanta or the applicable county permitting office. When evaluating general contractors, verify licensure and insurance, ask for references from projects of similar scope in the Atlanta market, and confirm that the contractor will manage the permit and inspection process on your behalf. Red flags include contractors who suggest skipping permits, who demand more than a standard 10 to 15 percent deposit before substantial work begins, or who cannot provide a detailed written contract. For larger projects, a fixed-price contract with defined scope and change order procedures provides stronger homeowner protection than a time-and-materials arrangement.
Top General Contractor Companies in Atlanta
1. Choate Construction
Founded: 1989
Website: https://www.choateconstruction.com
Service Area: Atlanta and southeastern US
Services:
- Commercial construction
- Preconstruction services
- Virtual design and construction
- Sustainability consulting
- Industrial and office construction
- Healthcare and education construction
About: Choate Construction began in Atlanta in 1989 with a small team and has grown into a substantial regional firm operating six offices with more than 480 employees. The company serves a broad range of commercial sectors including aviation, criminal justice, K-12 and higher education, federal government projects, housing, multifamily, industrial, and office markets. Choate has maintained its headquarters in Atlanta throughout its growth, reflecting a genuine commitment to the local market that distinguishes it from national contractors with only satellite Atlanta presence. The company’s preconstruction and virtual design capabilities reflect the technological advancement that differentiates top-tier general contractors in Atlanta’s competitive commercial market.
2. Home Forge Remodeling, LLC
Address: 111 New Street, Suite A, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 371-0102
Website: https://www.homeforgeatlanta.com
Services:
- Residential remodeling
- Kitchen and bathroom renovation
- Home additions
- Basement finishing
- General residential construction
About: Home Forge Remodeling, LLC is a Decatur-based general contractor serving the intown Atlanta and DeKalb County residential remodeling market from its base in downtown Decatur. The company has established a reputation as a reliable local residential contractor through the Nextdoor platform where it holds Neighborhood Favorite recognition, reflecting strong endorsement from within the communities it serves. Decatur’s aging but well-maintained housing stock, with its mix of 1920s through 1960s construction, creates consistent demand for the full-service remodeling work that Home Forge provides. The company’s local ownership and community-facing reputation represent a meaningful accountability advantage over larger, more transient contractors.
3. Atlanta Custom Construction
Founded: 1986
Phone: (770) 452-1925
Service Area: Atlanta city proper, North and Central Fulton, North and Central DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties
Services:
- Residential remodeling
- Repair and building alterations
- Kitchen and bathroom renovation
- Home additions
- Custom residential construction
About: Atlanta Custom Construction has operated in the Atlanta market since 1986, building nearly four decades of experience serving the city’s residential remodeling and construction needs across a broad geographic footprint spanning Atlanta city proper and multiple surrounding counties. The company handles its own work directly and engages subcontractors only for major mechanical trades, a model that gives the owner-operator direct control over workmanship quality on the projects it takes on. This owner-involved approach is particularly valued by Atlanta homeowners undertaking significant renovation projects where coordination quality and accountability are critical. The company’s long tenure in the market reflects a stable, referral-driven business built on a track record in Atlanta’s diverse residential construction environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I verify a general contractor’s license in Atlanta, Georgia?
A: Georgia requires general contractors working on projects over $2,500 to hold a state contractor license, verifiable through the Georgia Secretary of State’s professional licensing portal at sos.ga.gov. In addition to state licensing, confirm that the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance by requesting certificates of insurance naming you as an additional insured. For projects in the City of Atlanta, the contractor should be familiar with the city’s permitting requirements and able to manage the permit application and inspection scheduling on your behalf. Failure to pull required permits can create significant complications when selling the property.
Q: What does general contracting work typically cost in Atlanta?
A: General contractor pricing in Atlanta varies significantly by project type and scope. A standard kitchen renovation ranges from $25,000 to $75,000 depending on scope and finish level. A bathroom renovation typically runs $10,000 to $35,000. Whole-house renovations in Atlanta’s intown bungalow stock can range from $80,000 to $300,000 or more depending on the extent of work. New custom home construction in the Atlanta metro typically starts at $200 to $350 per square foot for quality finishes, though luxury custom homes in Buckhead or the northern suburbs can exceed $500 per square foot. General contractors typically charge a fee representing 10 to 20 percent of total project cost to manage subcontractors and oversee the work.
Q: What should I include in a general contractor contract for an Atlanta renovation project?
A: A comprehensive Atlanta renovation contract should include a detailed scope of work specifying materials by brand and model number where applicable, a project timeline with defined milestones, a payment schedule tied to progress milestones rather than calendar dates, a change order process specifying how scope changes are documented and priced, warranty terms for both labor and materials, insurance and licensing requirements, dispute resolution procedures, and provisions for project termination by either party. Requiring lien waivers from subcontractors and material suppliers as part of each progress payment protects you from mechanic’s liens being placed on your property even if you have paid the general contractor.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s general contracting market ranges from large commercial operations capable of handling complex institutional projects to established residential specialists with decades of local market knowledge. Choate Construction represents the large commercial segment with a 35-year Atlanta foundation and a multi-office regional presence. Home Forge Remodeling brings Decatur-based residential expertise with strong community accountability for intown homeowners. Atlanta Custom Construction has provided direct-involvement residential contracting across the Atlanta metro since 1986, maintaining owner-level quality control across a broad service area. Contacting any of these companies for a consultation or project estimate is the recommended first step.