Turn your attic into a useful space that s not just storage.
Finishing your attic space.
Converting your attic into usable finished space can increase the value of your home by maximizing the available square footage.
You ll need to make sure your attic is big enough to meet headroom and minimum space requirements for living areas.
If you are planning to convert your attic to a living space or undertake another attic remodeling there are some critical points you should keep in mind.
The basic space requirements for a finished attic boil down to the sizes of the finished rooms.
First and foremost is the question of space.
Finishing your attic can add space and utility and increase the value of your home as long as it s done properly.
Flooring ceiling and wall materials and other elements will reduce headroom and floor space and it s the finished area that matters.
You could create a new nursery for your newborn or create an exciting guest room for when your friends or family stay over.
If the attic has the potential to become a regular living space talk with a contractor about adding a fixed stairway.
Alongside a new bathroom finishing your attic as a new bedroom will be a useful way to utilize the space.
Access to attic storage.
Your attic has a climate of its own.
If your home is on a small lot and your family wants more space without moving finishing an attic could be the right move.
These design ideas will help you transform your finished or remodeled attic into a walk in closet home office game room playroom.
For maximum comfort create a separate zone within your hvac system for the finished space.
To meet all three goals insulating your finished attic ventilating the roof and maximizing headroom use a combination of dense batt insulation rigid foam sheeting and air chutes.
There s a chance you ll need to enlarge the system if your attic wasn t heated or cooled previously so call in a pro to make sure it s up to snuff.
When done without proper planning or adherence to local building codes it can actually reduce the value of your home or stall a sale.
If you want to use your attic on a regular basis or to store large items you may need to enlarge the access opening and install an access ladder or drop down stairs.
If you re finishing your attic insulating it to the proper r value can cause a dramatic loss of headroom if you limit yourself to fiberglass batts.
If your home is smaller than other homes in your area or simply lacks the necessary amount of storage or living space for your family finishing your attic is a relatively inexpensive way to increase your usable space.
Warmer in both summer and winter if it s well insulated.
Here are some must do tips to follow when finishing your attic.
