.- Installing perimeter drainage system, sump pump, insulating walls.- Pouring a new slab.- Cutting a new egress door.- Finishing with Ikea-grade kitchen and bathroom.- Replacing HVAC and boiler.This will be my first construction/renovation project and I've been somewhat shocked by the proposed budgets I've seen.  

To start: two important terms in Atlanta are ITP (inside the perimeter) and OTP (outside the perimeter).

If it's a leak into your foundation you can install a sump pump or excavate around the perimeter of the house and complete repairs, water proof, and install foundation drains. 

Also, it seems like you can't go wrong with anything inside the perimeter.

Every REIA meeting I go to (about 8 in the past 2 months) shows rental deals qty above flips in metro Atlanta, and for me to continue working in my ideal near-the-perimeter or less radius, the zones I'm talking about are good long-term and short-term plays.

Many times a foundation company will tell the owner that their measurements indicate a possibility of a plumbing issue based on how the house is heaving or settling and recommend that you have a plumber do a H&S test.Once you own property in Texas, the best way to deal with the "gumbo" soil is to keep the soil damp and therefore in its expanded condition by faithfully using soaker hoses around the perimeter of the home. 

Also without perimeter insulation and often even with this the floor will feel cold.

However if I was building a house new, I would consider no gutters, bring my foundation wall up 3' above grade, and French drain with plenty of gravel around the perimeter of the house.

I have improved the property with a road and fencing around the perimeter.

Here are the specs of the job:Remove and dispose of three tab shingles Install - Ice & Water shield underlayment throughout 8in drip edge along bottom perimeters Certainteed Architectural Shingle - 20 Year Warranty Two new skylights ( 2x2 & 4x2 ) New (5) 14in.