Bathroom Renovation in Dunwoody: Planning Your Project from Start to Finish

Dunwoody is a well-established community of about 52,000 residents just north of the Perimeter, bordered by I-285 to the south and GA-400 to the west. The housing stock is diverse: 1960s and 70s ranches in Dunwoody North, larger two-storeys in The Branches, and new construction around Georgetown and Perimeter Center. Many of these homes have bathrooms that were last updated when the house was built, and a renovation is one of the most impactful upgrades a Dunwoody homeowner can make — both for daily comfort and property value.

Evaluating your bathroom before you plan

Walk through the bathroom with a notepad. Check the toilet for running water or slow leaks at the base. Look at where the tub or shower meets the wall — is there caulk missing or cracking? Are the floor tiles loose or hollow-sounding when tapped? Open the vanity cabinet and feel the bottom shelf for softness. These are signs that water has been getting where it should not, and they tell you whether you need a full renovation or can get away with a more targeted update.

In Dunwoody’s 1960s-era homes, particularly around Dunwoody Club Drive and Tilly Mill, the original cast-iron drain pipes are now 50-60 years old. They work, but their interior walls are narrowed by decades of mineral buildup. If your renovation opens walls near the bathroom, replacing these lines is worth doing proactively even if they are not yet failing.

Full renovation vs conversion: choosing the right scope

Full bathroom renovation ($12,000–$25,000)

A full renovation tears everything out and rebuilds from scratch. New framing where needed, new plumbing rough-in, new electrical, new waterproofing, new tile, new fixtures. The layout can be redesigned — many Dunwoody homeowners use a full renovation to remove a water closet, add a double vanity, or reposition the shower for better flow. This is the right choice when the bathroom is dated throughout, when the layout does not work, or when you are renovating to sell and need the bathroom to meet buyer expectations.

Shower or bath conversion ($4,000–$9,000)

A conversion keeps the room layout and plumbing in place but replaces the main fixture. The most common conversion in Dunwoody is removing a garden tub that is never used and installing a walk-in shower with tile walls and a frameless glass door. The vanity and toilet can be replaced at the same time. Because walls are not opened beyond the immediate fixture area, the job is faster and cleaner — usually done in one to two weeks.

Guest and half-bath renovation ($3,000–$7,000)

The powder room is the smallest bathroom in the house but the one every visitor sees. A focused refresh — new vanity, faucet, mirror, lighting, toilet and paint — transforms it in a few days. This is a good entry-level renovation for Dunwoody homeowners who want to update their home without taking on a full bathroom project.

What drives the cost of your Dunwoody bathroom renovation

Plumbing relocation — keeping fixtures in place saves $2,000-5,000. Moving the toilet or shower drain is the single most expensive change.
Waterproofing method — a proper liquid membrane system (Laticrete, RedGard) adds $500-1,000 but prevents the most common source of bathroom failure: water getting behind tile.
Tile and installation — large-format porcelain ($8-15/sq ft installed) is the sweet spot for cost and durability. Mosaics and natural stone ($20-45/sq ft installed) look great but cost more in both material and labour.
Shower glass — a frameless glass enclosure runs $700-1,500 depending on size and hardware. It is usually the last thing installed, measured after tile is complete.
Permit fees — DeKalb County (which handles permits for Dunwoody) charges $150-400 for bathroom renovations involving plumbing or electrical.
Hidden damage — in 50+ year-old Dunwoody homes, allow 15-20% contingency for rotted subfloor, corroded pipes or outdated wiring found during demolition.

Permitting in Dunwoody and DeKalb County

The City of Dunwoody contracts building plan review and inspections through DeKalb County’s Office of Planning and Sustainability. If your bathroom renovation involves relocating plumbing, adding electrical circuits, or altering walls, you need a residential building permit. Same-for-same fixture replacements, tile, paint and vanity swaps do not require one. Permits are filed through the DeKalb County online portal, and inspections are typically scheduled within 3-5 business days. For properties near the Perimeter or in flood-adjacent areas, check whether additional drainage reviews apply if your renovation affects exterior walls.

Renovation timeline for Dunwoody homes

Week 1-2: Design and bidding — finalise layout and finishes, get 2-3 contractor quotes, confirm permit needs.
Week 3: Permits and procurement — file for permits, order custom or long-lead materials (glass, tile, vanity).
Week 4-5: Demolition and rough-in — strip the room, install new plumbing and electrical, apply waterproofing. Schedule first inspection.
Week 6-7: Tile and fixture installation — set tile, grout, install vanity, toilet, fixtures, lighting. Measure and order glass shower enclosure.
Week 8: Finishing — seal grout, paint, install accessories, final inspection if required by permit.

Full renovations complete in 6-8 weeks. Conversions finish in 1-2 weeks. The most common delay is glass shower fabrication, which takes 5-10 business days from measurement to installation.

Finding the right contractor in Dunwoody

Georgia requires a residential contractor licence for any project over $2,500. Confirm the licence number on the Georgia Secretary of State website. In addition:

Verify general liability insurance ($500,000+) and workers’ comp coverage
Ask for 3 references from bathroom renovations completed in the last 18 months, ideally in the Dunwoody or North DeKalb area
Get an itemised, written contract with materials, labour, permits and contingency separated
Tie payment to milestones: 30-40% deposit, 30% at rough-in, remainder at completion. Never pay 100% upfront.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I budget for a bathroom renovation in Dunwoody?

Plan $12,000-25,000 for a full bathroom renovation, $4,000-9,000 for a shower or bath conversion, and $3,000-7,000 for a half-bath. Dunwoody homes from the 1960s-70s may need plumbing or electrical upgrades that push toward the higher end.

Do Dunwoody bathroom renovations require permits?

Yes, if the renovation involves moving or adding plumbing lines, electrical circuits, or structural changes. DeKalb County handles permit applications for Dunwoody. Cosmetic updates — new tile, paint, fixture swaps in the same location — do not need a permit.

Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it in Dunwoody?

It is one of the most popular bathroom renovations in Dunwoody, especially in homes where the primary bath has both a tub and a separate shower. Removing the rarely-used tub and expanding the shower adds daily comfort and aligns with what buyers want. Keep a tub in at least one other bathroom for resale.

How do I prepare my home for a bathroom renovation?

Clear everything out of the bathroom before demolition day. Remove personal items, toiletries, medications, towels and rugs. Put down drop cloths or plastic sheeting in the hallway between the bathroom and the front door to manage dust. If the bathroom is on the second floor, be aware that demolition vibration can cause dust to fall through the ceiling below.

What is the best time of year to renovate a bathroom in Dunwoody?

Bathroom renovations are indoor projects, so they can be done year-round. However, contractors are busiest in spring and summer. Scheduling in late autumn or winter may get you faster service and potentially better pricing. Avoid scheduling during major holidays when material suppliers are closed.

Can I live in my home during the renovation?

Yes, though it is inconvenient if you have only one bathroom. For full renovations lasting 6-8 weeks, arrange access to a neighbour’s shower, a gym membership, or a temporary rental. For conversions lasting 1-2 weeks, most families manage with a second bathroom or short-term alternative.

Ready to renovate your Dunwoody bathroom?

Call 470-748-3007 to speak with a bathroom renovation specialist serving Dunwoody and the surrounding North Atlanta area. Clear advice, honest pricing, no pressure.