Fequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with us on your basement finishing project in the North Atlanta Metro area.

If you’re like most of the homeowners we work with, you already know you want more from your basement — you’re just not sure exactly how to get there. Maybe it’s a home theater, a space for entertaining, or simply a room your family will actually enjoy spending time in. You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out. That’s what we’re here for, and the answers below will give you a clear picture of how we’ll get you from that initial idea to a finished space you’re proud of.

Getting Started

The easiest way is to call us directly at (678) 770-4458 or fill out the contact form on our Contact page. John will schedule a time to come to your home, walk the basement, take measurements, and listen to your ideas. There is no cost and no obligation for this initial visit.

John visits your home, tours the basement, and takes detailed measurements. More importantly, he and Claudia listen to how your family plans to use the space, what features matter most to you, and what style you’re drawn to. After the visit, you’ll receive a detailed email with an estimated cost range, a general scope of work, and an overview of the project timeline.
Not at all. Most homeowners come to us with a general feeling — they know they want something better than an unfinished basement, but they haven’t mapped out every detail. That’s exactly where we come in. Claudia will work with you to shape your ideas into a fully custom design.
You will work directly with Claudia on design and John on construction — the owners of HJA. There are no account managers or project coordinators in between. You’ll always have direct access to the people making decisions on your project, and that personal relationship is one of the most important things we offer.

Services

Every project we take on is completely custom, but some of our most popular builds include family rooms and open living spaces, media rooms, dedicated home theaters with tiered seating and acoustic treatment, game rooms, custom bars, full and half bathrooms, wine rooms with climate control and custom racking, golf simulator rooms, saunas and steam rooms, home offices, and in-law suites. If you can envision it, we can likely design and build it.
No. We do not rely on pre-set packages or generic layouts. Every basement we finish is designed from scratch based on how your family lives, what features you want, and the specific dimensions and characteristics of your space.
Absolutely. We design and build full and half bath additions that are properly permitted, professionally plumbed, and integrated naturally into the flow of the space. A functional basement almost always benefits from a well-placed bathroom, and it’s one of the most common features we include.
Yes. A golf simulator room requires specific ceiling clearances, room dimensions, wall construction, and electrical provisions. We design and build these rooms from the ground up so the technology performs exactly the way it was intended to. We’ll ensure the room meets all the technical requirements before any equipment is installed.
Our specialty and primary focus is luxury basement finishing and remodeling. John holds a Georgia Residential Building Contractor license, so we are equipped for broader residential construction work. If you have a specific project in mind, feel free to reach out and we’ll let you know if it’s a fit.

Design & 3D Renderings

Yes, professional 3D design and rendering is included on every project we build. Claudia creates full photorealistic 3D renderings of your finished basement — showing your specific finishes, materials, colors, and layout — so you can see exactly what the space will look like before we order a single product or frame a single wall.
After the initial consultation, Claudia takes everything she’s learned about your style, your family, and how you want to use the space, and develops a fully custom design. She handles the layout, selects finishes and materials, and builds detailed renderings. You’ll review multiple options together and refine every detail until it feels right. Nothing moves forward until you’re fully confident in the design.
Claudia’s approach is built around making your style look its best — not introducing her own. She takes the time to get to know the styles and palettes you’re drawn to, asks the right questions, and uses her professional design expertise to elevate your personal preferences. The result is a space that feels authentically yours.
Absolutely. The renderings exist so you can make decisions with confidence. Claudia will present options, walk through each detail with you, and refine the design based on your feedback. The goal is for you to love the plan before construction begins.

Process & Timeline

Our process follows five clear phases: 1) Consultation — John visits your home at no charge and we listen to your vision. 2) Design — Claudia creates your custom design with photorealistic 3D renderings. 3) Estimate — Because the design is fully developed first, our pricing is accurate and complete from the start. 4) Construction — John manages the build personally, with regular updates throughout. 5) Completion — A thorough final walkthrough ensures everything meets the standard we discussed on day one.
The average project takes 7 to 9 weeks to complete once construction begins. Design and planning are completed before that timeline starts. The specific duration depends on the scope and complexity of your project, and we’ll provide a clear timeline from the beginning so there are no surprises.
Yes. We handle all permitting and coordinate every required inspection. Every project we complete is properly permitted and professionally inspected before we consider it finished.
Absolutely. John manages the entire construction process personally and provides regular updates so you always know where things stand, what’s coming next, and who to reach if something comes up. Transparent communication is central to how we work.
We coordinate all licensed trades needed for your project — electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and so on. Every tradesman on our team is state-licensed in their field. John supervises and is personally present throughout the entire build; no work is handed off to a distant superintendent.

Pricing & Payment

Every project is custom, so costs vary based on the size of the space, the complexity of the design, and the materials and features selected. After the initial consultation, we provide an estimated cost range so you have a realistic picture early on. Because we fully develop every design before estimating, our final pricing is accurate and complete — no allowances or guesswork.
Once the estimate is approved, your price remains consistent unless you choose to make changes. Because we know the exact materials, finishes, and scope before providing the estimate, there should be no surprises.
Our payment structure is straightforward and designed to protect you: 30% at project start, 30% at key construction benchmarks, 30% at the final construction benchmark, and you hold a 10% retainer until all final inspections are complete and you are fully satisfied with the finished product.
No. The initial consultation is completely free of charge and carries no obligation. John comes to your home, walks the space, and provides an honest assessment of what’s possible.
We’re happy to discuss payment options during your consultation. Contact us directly so we can talk through what works best for your situation.

Licensing, Permits & Warranty

Yes. John holds a Georgia Residential Building Contractor license (#RBI003804), and every tradesman on our team is state-licensed in their respective field. We are fully insured and have been in operation since 2016.
Every HJA project is backed by a one-year warranty covering craftsmanship and installed products. Many of the materials and products we use — including cabinetry — carry additional manufacturer warranties that extend well beyond that. We stand behind our work and want every client to feel completely confident in the investment they’ve made.
Yes. Every project we complete is properly permitted and professionally inspected. We handle all permitting and coordinate every required inspection on your behalf, so there’s nothing for you to manage on that front.
Yes. John is a proud combat veteran of the United States Army, Infantry. The discipline, integrity, and accountability he developed in service are the same values that shape how he treats every client and every project.

Service Area

We are a family-owned business based in Canton, Georgia, and have been serving the North Atlanta Metro area since 2016.
We have completed projects across Woodstock, Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, Kennesaw, Milton, Holly Springs, and communities throughout Cherokee, Cobb, and Fulton counties. If you’re in the greater North Atlanta Metro area and aren’t sure if we serve your neighborhood, just give us a call and we’ll let you know.
You can call us at (678) 770-4458, email us at [email protected], or fill out the form on our Contact page. Every project starts with a conversation, and we’d love to hear about yours.

Ready to Transform Your Basement?

Every project we take on begins with a conversation. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation, and we will come to your home, walk the space, and give you an honest picture of what is possible. No pressure, no obligation.

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