Attic Renovation Tips

Many are already planning to renovate their attic as they start to build their budget for home renovations. Renovating your attic is a financially smart decision and can be an inexpensive way to add living space to your home. These six tips will help you plan for and overcome many of the challenges of remodeling an attic into living space.

Plan carefully.
Remember that the order in which inspections must be obtained will dictate your schedule. Think through every aspect of both the design and the project, consider possible challenges, and devise plans to overcome each challenge.

Design the space for the type of room.
The way you design and remodel the space will vary with the uses you plan for the finished room. For example, a bedroom may have different requirements than a playroom.

Plan access to the new room(s) carefully.
Creating access to the new space is challenging in some homes. If you are trying to reduce costs for your project, you will want to find and construct the stairs in the best point of access and in a way that involves the least modification of the existing structure. You will also need to check local building codes with reference to exit points.

Decide how you will work with the slope of the roof.
This is an important aspect of planning, and it will affect your cost and the appearance and functionality of the new room. Do you want a pitched or a cathedral ceiling? How will you construct it? How will you install adequate insulation?

Remember that ventilation and insulation are critical.
Remember that heat rises. Attics can become very warm. You will need to plan for adequate ventilation and insulation to keep the room comfortable without drastically increasing your heating and cooling costs.

Plan for wiring and plumbing well in advance.
Electrical wiring and plumbing can present unique challenges in attics. You will need to ensure that the flooring does not rest on any wires. A bathroom will cost less if placed in close proximity to another existing supply and drain line.

If you are planning to finish or remodel your attic into living space, careful planning and attention to the unique challenges presented by the space will be essential. You can expect to gain valuable living space as well as some increase in the value of your home.