If you need extra space in your home but do not want to move, perhaps an attic conversion is the answer. Whether you are looking for a secluded space for an office to work from home, a place for overnight guests or just more living space for your growing family, utilizing an existing attic is an option worth considering.
First steps involve taking stock of the state of your attic. Is it full to the brim with boxes and bins of childhood keepsakes, holiday decor or discarded furniture? A complete purge will be required before you even consider an attic conversion. Only then can you start with a clean slate and truly analyze the structural state of your attic.
Once the space is empty, you should inspect the space for signs of termites, mice or other rodents, water leaks, rotted wood and mold. If you have a fireplace, what is the state of your chimney? Where are the air vents located?
You will also want to take measurements to compare your available space to the various city codes and requirements in your area. (Building codes may require a certain amount of available space and a certain height of ceiling in a particular portion of that space. Permits will be required for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
You will need to understand if your attic is framed with rafters or trusses for support, as rafters typically make a conversion more doable. You’ll also need to make note of the type of access your attic has, and how that would have to change to make this a livable space.
Flooring and insulation are additional considerations. Many attics feature exposed floor joists bridged by rafters designed to hold inanimate objects, and insulation quality is based on storage of such things. Finished flooring and additional insulation will be required for a livable, temperature-controlled attic space, as will proper ventilation, lighting and soundproofing.
It is a good idea to have not only a licensed contractor go through these items with you, but also a structural engineer, since changes to the attic can impact the stability of your entire home. Once you understand the state of the attic, you can determine your budget and move toward the renovation.
Fast forward several weeks (if not months) of construction, and there are a number of creative ideas for how to decorate an attic that may have odd ceiling and wall angles. Natural wood ceilings provide a warm, rustic touch, or they can be painted the same color as walls to open up the space. Consider low furniture or built-in shelves for sloped areas of the room.
Furniture placement is a key consideration: Place pieces like beds in low-ceilinged areas since you need not stand at full height while sleeping. Hanging beds and seating from rafters is also a fun option. Closets and desks — or showers if you are adding a bathroom — are better suited for areas where the ceiling is its highest.
Wallpaper can define the space toward its use, from a sophisticated office to a whimsical bedroom or playroom for kids. Exposed brick gives an industrial vibe, while shiplap can feel cozier. Vaulted ceilings allow you to play with lighting — from sleek to statement style — with anything from simple pendants to showy chandeliers.
If your attic was previously a dumping ground for keepsakes that you can’t part with but have no room for in your main home, your attic conversion can be well-served with these items. Old furniture, wall art and other decor can take on new life in this space, saving you shopping time and money.
An old dresser is a great storage unit for office files or craft supplies. Mismatched chairs can fill a reading nook. Children’s artwork framed and attached to angled ceilings is a unique and sentimental display. If the space will still be for storage, consider floor-to-ceiling cabinets or shelves that make organizing simpler.
Whatever its use, an attic conversion can add valuable square footage to your home. Homeowners must weigh the cost of such renovations against the expense of moving to a new home to decide if an attic overhaul is the best solution toward gaining more space.
Source: https://www.angi.com/articles/convert-your-attic-living-space.htm.
Written by Angel Morris
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