Are you looking for a way to increase the size of your home’s living space? Turning your attic into an extra bedroom, home office, or recreation area may be the right option for you. However, there are some important factors to consider before jumping into an attic renovation project.
1. Look at the Roof Supports
Some attics are not intended to be converted into living spaces. If your attic has W-shape trusses supporting the roof, a renovation may not be feasible because changing the roof supports will be costly. An attic with A-frame style supports is much easier to renovate.
2. Measure Floor to Ceiling
Before deciding whether or not to renovate your attic, you’ll also need to find out how high the ceilings are. In most places, building codes stipulate that ceilings in living spaces need to be 7 feet, 6 inches in height over at least half of the square footage. Plus, you’ll want to consider how comfortable it will be to walk around up there.
3. Consider Access
If you don’t have a staircase leading up to your attic, you’ll need to add one, and even if one already exists, you may need to expand it. Adding or expanding a staircase will use up space on the floor below, and you may need to hire an architect who can create a functional design.
4. Think About Adding Windows
Oftentimes, unfinished attics may not have the kind of light people expect in a bedroom or living room. You may need to add in one or more windows to brighten up the space. If you’re building a bedroom, there may be local building codes regulating which type of windows you need in case of a fire.
5. Research Contractors
In order to make sure your attic is renovated properly, you’ll want to hire a qualified contractor who has done this kind of work before. If possible, get references from friends and family. You can also visit renovationexperts.com to get a quote from a competent renovation professional.
If your home has become too small for your needs, renovating your attic is a great way to add to the usable space, and compared to moving, it’s a much less stressful option. Renovating an attic is often less expensive than building a new addition, and it can add significant value to your home if you’re planning to sell it in the future.
