Frequently Asked Questions

Most bathroom remodels take about 4–10 weeks of on‑site work after design is complete, depending on the size of the bathroom and how extensive the changes are. A simple hall bath cosmetic update is faster than a full reconfiguration of a primary suite with new plumbing locations and custom tile work.

A typical Simone Feldman Designs bathroom project follows this general timeline:

1. Design & Planning (3–6 weeks)

• On‑site consultation and measurements
• Layout options, elevations, and material concepts
• Final decisions on tile, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and ventilation
• Detailed drawings and specifications for the contractor

1. Permitting & Scheduling (2–3 weeks, sometimes overlapping)

• Permit submissions when required
• Final pricing and schedule confirmation with trades
• Ordering materials, especially tile and custom cabinetry

1. Demolition (2–5 days)

• Protection of adjacent rooms and pathways
• Removal of existing fixtures, tile, tub or shower, and sometimes walls
• Hauling debris and preparing the room for new work

1. Rough‑In Work (1–3 weeks)

• Plumbing rough‑ins for new tub/shower, sinks, and toilets
• Electrical rough‑ins for lighting, outlets, and heated floors (if included)
• Framing adjustments, blocking for grab bars, and any structural changes

1. Installation (2–5 weeks)

• Shower pan, waterproofing, and tile installation
• Cabinetry, countertops, and mirrors
• Flooring, trim, and paint
• Final plumbing fixtures and lighting

1. Finishing & Punch List (1–2 weeks)

• Caulking, sealing, and detail work
• Hardware installation and adjustments
• Final walkthrough with Simone to address any remaining items

Simone builds realistic timelines based on your specific bathroom and keeps you informed about what’s happening each week so there are no surprises.

Planning is the most important part of a successful kitchen remodel. Good planning protects your budget, minimizes stress, and leads to a kitchen that truly fits your home and lifestyle.

Here are the key steps Simone recommends:

1. Clarify your goals
2. Decide what matters most: more storage, better layout, improved lighting, updated style, or all of the above. Make a simple list of daily frustrations and “must‑haves.”
3. Set a realistic budget range
4. Look at what similar North Atlanta kitchen remodels typically cost and establish a comfortable range rather than a single number. Remember to include design, materials, labor, and a contingency for surprises behind the walls.
5. Choose a designer before a contractor
6. A certified kitchen designer creates the layout, specifications, and drawings that every contractor will use to price and build the job. Starting with design rather than going directly to a contractor gives you a clear plan, apples‑to‑apples bids, and fewer change orders later.
7. Decide on layout early
8. Decisions about removing walls, moving appliances, relocating plumbing, or changing window sizes must be made at the beginning. These choices affect permits, structural work, and the entire project schedule.
9. Prioritize major selections
10. Cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and flooring should be chosen early because they impact both design and timeline. Smaller choices—like hardware and paint colors—can be finalized later once the big pieces are set.
11. Plan for life during construction
12. Think through where you’ll store belongings, how you’ll handle meals, and what areas of the house will be off limits. Simone helps clients plan temporary setups so the disruption is manageable.
13. Avoid common mistakes

• Designing around trends instead of the way you live
• Underestimating the importance of lighting and electrical planning
• Choosing materials only on looks, without considering maintenance
• Skipping professional design help and relying on free “cabinet layouts” that don’t consider the whole space

Simone’s role is to guide you through each step, from initial ideas and budgeting through final installation, so you always know what comes next and why.

A well‑planned kitchen remodel can offer strong financial and lifestyle returns in the North Atlanta suburbs. While exact ROI depends on your home, neighborhood, and the scope of work, national and regional data consistently show that kitchen projects rank among the highest‑value improvements.

Here’s how Simone helps clients think about kitchen ROI:

1. Resale value vs. enjoyment
2. Many homeowners in Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton stay in their homes for 7–10 years or more. The “return” is not only what you recoup at resale, but also how much better your daily life is in a more functional, updated kitchen.
3. Typical ROI ranges
4. Industry reports often show that well‑executed mid‑range kitchen remodels recoup a significant portion of their cost at resale, with higher‑end projects recouping slightly less but offering greater design impact. Simone can help you align the level of investment with your home’s price point and neighborhood expectations.
5. Design choices that protect ROI

• Timeless layouts that work for most families
• Quality cabinetry and durable surfaces rather than short‑term trends
• Adequate lighting and electrical updates that meet current codes
• Thoughtful appliance choices that fit the home, not just the current trend list

1. Where homeowners sometimes over‑ or under‑spend
2. Over‑spending on ultra‑specialized features that won’t matter to future buyers, or under‑investing in foundational elements like cabinets and layout while focusing on purely cosmetic changes.

Simone uses her decades of experience—and knowledge of North Atlanta buyer expectations—to help you make decisions that feel right today and make sense when it’s time to sell.

Bathroom remodels can offer excellent ROI in the Roswell and Alpharetta market, especially when they improve function, comfort, and perceived quality. Updated bathrooms are consistently among the features buyers look for when comparing homes.

When Simone talks with clients about bathroom ROI, she focuses on:

1. Primary vs. secondary baths
2. A well‑executed primary suite renovation can make a home more competitive and attractive to buyers, while updated hall and guest baths support overall impression and value. Each type of bathroom offers slightly different ROI expectations.
3. Scope and level of finish
4. A mid‑range remodel that addresses layout, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, and ventilation tends to offer solid returns, particularly when it replaces visibly dated or damaged spaces. Ultra‑luxury finishes can be wonderful to live with, but should be balanced with your home’s value and neighborhood norms.
5. Features buyers and appraisers notice

• Quality tile work and grout lines
• Adequate storage and counter space
• Good lighting and ventilation
• Up‑to‑date fixtures and a clean, cohesive design

1. Designing for both today and tomorrow
2. As a Certified Aging‑in‑Place Specialist, Simone often incorporates subtle accessibility features—like better lighting, wider clearances, blocking for future grab bars, and safe shower design—that make the bathroom more comfortable now and more attractive to a wide range of future buyers.

By combining thoughtful design with appropriate investment levels for your neighborhood, a bathroom remodel can enhance your home’s value while also making everyday routines easier and more enjoyable.