Cobb County's historic seat blends charming downtown with extensive suburban neighborhoods. Many 1990s-era homes need updating. Kitchen renovations average $22,000–$60,000. Permits through City of Marietta or Cobb County Development Services.
Marietta homeowners blend the city's historic charm with modern functionality. Kitchen remodels near the Marietta Square often preserve original architectural details while updating layouts, cabinets, and appliances. Open-concept conversions are in high demand across established Cobb County neighborhoods. Bathroom renovations — particularly converting outdated tub-shower combos to walk-in showers — screened porches, and energy-efficient window replacements round out the most popular project types in this market.
In Marietta, Cobb County manages building permits for most residential projects. Confirm your contractor holds a valid Georgia residential or general contractor license and pulls permits directly — never allow a contractor to skip this step. For projects near the Marietta Square or in designated historic areas, check whether the Historic Board of Review requires additional approval before committing to exterior modifications. Get at least three written estimates before signing. Verify all contractor licenses through the Marietta Development Services.
Median home price: $380,000–$420,000 (2025–2026 estimates). Cobb County’s largest city offers a mix of historic square-adjacent charm and newer suburban development. Renovations in the Marietta Square district command premium returns due to the walkable lifestyle draw.
Older homes near the historic square (many from 1890–1940) often have plaster walls instead of drywall, which complicates electrical and plumbing updates. Foundation issues from Georgia red clay are common in the flatter areas south of the square. Radon levels in Cobb County trend higher than the state average — test before finishing a basement. Homes built in the 1970s–80s frequently have polybutylene plumbing that’s prone to failure and should be replaced during any major renovation.
Cobb County manages building permits for most residential projects, but properties within Marietta city limits go through the city’s Development Services department. The Marietta Historic District has design review requirements for exterior changes. Cobb County requires separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work in addition to the general building permit — your contractor should pull all of them.
Marietta’s town square is one of the most intact 19th-century squares in Georgia. The city sits along the Western & Atlantic Railroad corridor that played a pivotal role in the Civil War. Cobb County consistently ranks among the top 10 Georgia counties for property value appreciation, making renovation investments here particularly strong for resale.
With dual-state licensing in Georgia and Florida, Bowser Construction Group brings structured project management to every renovation. Their team provides itemized cost breakdowns, handles all permitting, and maintains consistent communication from demolition through final walkthrough.
Bowser Construction Group →Use our free cost calculator for an instant estimate, or browse our renovation guides to learn everything you need to know.