Bathroom Renovation in Marietta: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Starting

Marietta is the seat of Cobb County, with about 67,000 residents and a housing mix that spans antebellum homes near the square, mid-century ranches in East Cobb, and newer builds in West Cobb toward Lost Mountain. The bathroom you have — whether in a 1920s house off Whitlock Avenue or a 1990s two-storey near Sope Creek — largely determines what a renovation involves. Older Marietta homes tend to need more infrastructure work behind the walls, while newer homes usually need layout and fixture updates rather than full replumbing.

Assess the bathroom honestly before planning

Look past the surface. The tile might be ugly, but is it sound? Grout that is cracked or missing is letting water into the wall cavity. A floor that bounces near the tub has subfloor damage. A toilet that rocks on its base probably has a failed flange. These are structural issues, not cosmetic ones, and they change the scope from a refresh to a full renovation.

For Marietta homes built before 1970 — common around the Marietta Square, Kennesaw Avenue and the older East Cobb corridors — check the plumbing material. Galvanised steel supply lines were standard through the 1960s and have a functional lifespan of 40-50 years. If yours are original, they are past due for replacement, and a bathroom renovation is the time to do it.

Full renovation vs conversion: matching scope to your needs

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

Everything comes out. The room is stripped to studs and subfloor. New plumbing, new electrical, new waterproofing, new drywall or cement board, new tile, new fixtures. The layout can change completely — many Marietta homeowners use a full renovation to swap the positions of the shower and vanity, add a linen closet, or combine a water closet with the main bath area. This is the right call when the bathroom has hidden damage, the layout is bad, or the home is being prepared for sale in Cobb County’s active market.

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

Keep the footprint, replace the main fixture. A conversion is the practical middle ground: you swap an old tub for a modern walk-in shower, or replace a damaged fibreglass surround with tiled walls and glass, without opening up the whole room. The plumbing stays put, the timeline is short, and the cost is manageable. This is the most popular bathroom renovation choice in Marietta’s 1980s-90s subdivisions, where the bathrooms are structurally fine but dated.

Half-bath and guest bathroom renovation ($3,000–$7,000)

A powder room update is fast and high-impact. New vanity, faucet, mirror, lighting, toilet, paint. Because there is no shower, waterproofing is not a concern and the job finishes in 2-3 days. For Marietta homeowners who want to freshen up before selling, this is the easiest win.

Cost breakdown: where your renovation budget goes

• Plumbing — $1,500-4,000 depending on whether lines move. Replacing old galvanised supply lines with PEX adds $800-1,500 but is worth doing in older Marietta homes.
• Electrical — $500-1,500 for new GFCI circuits, lighting, vent fan. Upgrading from ungrounded outlets adds $200-500.
• Waterproofing and tile — $2,000-6,000 for materials and installation. Porcelain is the sweet spot; natural stone doubles the cost.
• Vanity and countertop — $300-3,500 depending on stock vs custom. Quartz and granite are the most popular tops in Marietta renovations.
• Fixtures (toilet, faucet, shower system) — $600-2,500 total. Mid-range fixtures from Kohler, Delta or Moen are reliable choices.
• Glass shower enclosure — $700-1,500 for frameless, $400-700 for framed.
• Permit fees — Cobb County charges $150-400 for bathroom permits when plumbing or electrical is involved.
• Labour — $3,000-8,000 for a full bathroom, depending on scope and contractor rates in the Marietta market.

Cobb County permitting for bathroom renovations

Cobb County Development Services handles building permits for unincorporated Marietta. The City of Marietta has its own permitting office for properties inside the city limits. In both cases, permits are required when the renovation involves moving, adding or replacing plumbing or electrical lines. Cosmetic work — painting, tile replacement, vanity and fixture swaps in the same location — does not require a permit. Applications can be filed online through the respective portals, and residential inspections are usually scheduled within 3-5 business days.

For homes in East Cobb near the Chattahoochee River corridor, check whether your property has any watershed buffer restrictions that might affect exterior wall work, such as adding or enlarging a bathroom window.

Your renovation week by week

1. Week 1-2: Planning and quotes — decide layout, choose materials, get 2-3 bids, confirm permit needs with city or county.
2. Week 3: Permits and ordering — submit permit application, order long-lead materials. Custom vanities and special tile can take 3-4 weeks to arrive.
3. Week 4: Demolition — strip the room, remove old fixtures, open walls. Inspect for hidden damage and adjust scope if needed.
4. Week 5: Rough-in — new plumbing and electrical, install waterproofing. Schedule rough-in inspection.
5. Week 6-7: Tile and fixtures — install floor and wall tile, set vanity and toilet, mount fixtures and lighting. Order glass shower enclosure.
6. Week 8: Finishing — grout seal, paint, accessories, glass installation, final inspection.

Plan 6-8 weeks for a full renovation, 1-2 weeks for a conversion. The biggest variable is contractor availability — Marietta’s busy renovation market means good contractors book 4-6 weeks out in peak season.

Choosing a bathroom renovation contractor in Marietta

Any contractor working on a Georgia residential project over $2,500 must hold a state licence. Verify it through the Georgia Secretary of State portal. Beyond the legal check:

• Confirm current general liability insurance ($500,000+) and workers’ comp
• Get at least 3 bathroom references from the last 18 months, ideally from the Marietta or Cobb County area
• Review a written contract that itemises materials, labour, permits and a contingency line
• Pay in stages: 30% deposit, 30% at rough-in, 40% at completion. Never pay the full amount before work starts.

Frequently asked questions

What does a full bathroom renovation cost in Marietta?

A full bathroom renovation in the Marietta area runs $12,000-25,000. The wide range reflects finishes, size, and whether plumbing moves. Homes in older areas near the Square may have higher costs due to plumbing and electrical upgrades. Homes in newer East Cobb subdivisions may cost less because the infrastructure is in better shape.

Does Cobb County require a permit for bathroom renovations?

Yes, if you are moving or installing new plumbing lines, electrical circuits, or making structural changes. The City of Marietta and Cobb County both have online permit portals. Cosmetic updates do not require permits. Your contractor should handle this, but you as the homeowner are ultimately responsible for ensuring permits are obtained.

Should I replace my bathtub with a shower in my Marietta home?

If you have another tub in the house, converting the primary bathroom’s tub to a walk-in shower is a popular and practical renovation in Marietta. It adds daily comfort and aligns with buyer preferences. If the home has only one bathroom, keep the tub — families with young children need one.

What if my contractor finds water damage during demolition?

This is common in older Marietta homes. The renovation should have a 15-20% contingency in the budget for exactly this situation. Your contractor should stop, show you what they found, explain the repair needed, and get your approval before proceeding. The cost of repairing rotted subfloor or damaged framing typically runs $500-2,000 depending on extent.

How long will my bathroom be out of use during renovation?

For a full renovation, expect 3-4 weeks of no access. For a conversion, 5-8 working days. Plan ahead: if you have one bathroom, arrange an alternative. If you have two, renovate one at a time.

What is the most popular bathroom renovation in Marietta?

Tub-to-shower conversions lead the list, followed by full primary bathroom renovations that include a double vanity and walk-in shower. Many Marietta homeowners also add a linen storage cabinet or reconfigure the vanity wall to improve traffic flow through the room.

Start your Marietta bathroom renovation today

Call 470-748-3007 for a straightforward conversation about your bathroom renovation. We serve Marietta and all of Cobb County with honest advice and clear pricing.