MENU
close
The average national cost for attic renovations is $49,438.
Considering how much space you will gain with a finished attic, this cost could be very worthwhile.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about converting an attic space into living space.
Before you begin to think about attic storage ideas and what your finished attic will look like, you need to deal with building codes.
Check with your with your local municipality about the building code in your area.
A building inspector can come to inspect your attic to see if it meets the codes. He or she will give you a list of the necessary codes that need to be met.
Your attic room might not currently meet the code requirements, yet. If so you must factor in the necessary changes during your renovations.
There are three main aspects to attics building codes.
In order to turn your attic space into living space, the ceilings must be 7 feet from the floor.
If your attic isn't 7 feet, you could lower the floor or raise the attic height. You'll need a skilled contractor for either project.
If you plan to turn your attic space into a bedroom, you'll have to have at least two exits. One can be the staircase to the lower floor. Another exit could be a window.
Ideally, you'll have an in-wall escape ladder tucked behind a cabinet door, just in case you need to use this exit.
The attic floor joists need to meet certain codes to be able to support the weight of your renovated living space.
Extra weight comes in the form of plumbing, drywall, and lighting.
Once you've dealt with building codes, you can turn your attention to light in your attic.
One of the tricky things about converting attic space into living space is natural light.
Typically, attics don't have many windows. Adding dormers can be pricey and will eat up wall space.
A better option is to install skylights.
These allow both fresh air and a flood of natural light into the space. Plus, installation is simpler this way.
Skylights look stunning on slanted ceilings! You can even get solar-powered shades that you can control with a remote to keep the temperature perfect in the attic.
If you are creating an attic bedroom, you'll have to think about insulation.
The attic is often the hottest room in during the hot months. It can get icy cold in the winter. The quality of insulation in the attic affects how comfortable the finished attic is.
Traditional insulation is fiberglass batt insulation. You might recognize it as the pink fluffy stuff that you've seen sticking out of walls in basements.
But, to make an attic room that is comfortable in every season, you want the best insulation you can. That way you won't spend tons of money and energy heating and cooling the finished attic.
Though it's more expensive, foam insulation forms a tight air barrier in every tiny crevice. Plus, rodents and insects can't chomp through the stuff which is a bonus.
And since it takes up less space, you will have more room overhead this way.
If you are planning to convert your attic into an attic bedroom, you might want to make sure the temperature is right in the space.
You can have an HVAC professional create a new zone for your finished attic. Then it would get its own thermostat so that the attic rooms are heated and cooled properly.
You really want to do this step now before you've finished the space. It will be much more work and money down the line.
What room of the house will be directly under the finished attic space? If it's a bedroom, you will want to seriously consider soundproofing the attic flooring.
Even walking around on the attic flooring can sound extremely loud in the room below.
Thicker floor joists and dense-pack insulation that is blown in over the bays will help a lot. A good carpet with a thick underpad will also help minimize the noise.
Likely, you've been using your unfinished attic as a storage space. But once that space is an attic bedroom, you'll have to reconsider where to put things.
Your attic probably has some awkward angles and nooks that run along pine chases or chimneys. Use these spots to your advantage as storage solutions.
There are tons of awesome attic renovation ideas to inspire you online.
For example, low walls are a great spot for DIY open shelves.
You can also put in some recessed cubbies or a recessed chest of drawers.
Adding a bathroom to your finished attic is a genius idea if you can swing it.
You can expect a 60% return on your investment if you sell the house down the road.
If you have pipes in the attic already, putting in a bathroom up there won't be too difficult. If the plumbing isn't already in place you may want to go with up-flush plumbing.
This type of plumbing lets you put a shower, toilets, and sinks in places without a nearby drain.
Renovating an unused attic into a finished attic is a smart way to add more living space to your home.
You can use the finished attic as a bedroom, lounge area, den or playroom. Then, if you ever decide to list your property, your house will be able to sell for so much extra because of the additional living space.
At Attic Solutions, we can sanitize, remove and replace your old insulation. Request a free estimate today.