Person using grinder tool on metal with sparks flying in outdoor industrial setting.

Remodeling & Construction Tips for Metro Atlanta

Straight answers from a licensed general contractor.

Practical guidance on remodeling, additions, decks, and new construction: what projects really involve, what drives costs and timelines, and how to plan a build in metro Atlanta. Written by the team at JMJ Construction Group.

Close-up of a wooden deck with evenly spaced, parallel planks showcasing natural wood texture

How Long Does a Deck Last?

September 18, 2026

A pressure-treated wood deck in metro Atlanta typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and a composite deck can... Continue Reading

Close-up of multiple cracks on a gray concrete wall showing damage and wear over time

Cracks in Walls and Ceilings: What’s Normal Settling and What Isn’t

September 11, 2026

Most cracks in walls and ceilings are cosmetic. A thin crack above a doorway or a hairline seam running across... Continue Reading

Sunny backyard with white houses, stone retaining wall, wooden deck, and green lawn under clear blue sky

What Is an ADU?

September 04, 2026

An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a second self-contained home on a lot that already holds a single-family... Continue Reading

Partially framed house under construction with exposed wooden beams and clear blue sky background.

How to Identify a Load Bearing Wall Before You Open It Up

August 28, 2026

A wall is load-bearing if it carries weight from the structure above it down to the foundation. The three clearest... Continue Reading

Wooden house frame under construction with roof trusses and dormer windows on a clear sunny day.

Can You Add a Second Story to Your Home?

August 14, 2026

Yes, you can add a second story to many homes, but only if the existing foundation, framing, and load path can... Continue Reading

Empty two-car garage with closed white sectional doors and concrete floor under bright lighting

Garage Conversion Ideas for Metro Atlanta Homes

August 06, 2026

The floor of an attached garage usually sits four to eight inches below the floor of the house, and the wall between... Continue Reading

Bright kitchen with wooden cabinetry, black countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors in a modern home.

How Big Should Your Kitchen Island Actually Be?

July 31, 2026

A useful kitchen island should be at least 40 inches by 40 inches. For most homes, a comfortable island is closer to... Continue Reading

Modern beige three-car garage with paved driveway surrounded by green trees under a blue cloudy sky

What Size 2 Car Garage Do You Actually Need?

July 23, 2026

A standard 2-car garage is 20 feet wide by 20 feet deep, but that is the minimum size, not the comfortable one. Most... Continue Reading

Wooden frame structure of a house under construction on a sunny day with a dirt pile in the foreground.

What Is a Bump-Out Addition?

July 16, 2026

A bump-out addition is a small expansion that pushes one room past your home's existing exterior wall. Most... Continue Reading