What is attic remodeling?
When you think about it, there’s a whole extended space above many houses that goes unused. Some planning and consideration can go a long way in transforming possibly hundreds of unused square feet into a fresh section of your home. Of course, what we’re talking about here is the attic.
Many homeowners wish to renovate space to rent out, like a small attic apartment. Others will remodel the attic as a guest bedroom.
The roof and the basic structural framework are already constructed. This could serve as an excellent substitute to building a whole new wing to the house from the ground up.
When considering your attic remodeling job with your attic remodeling contractor, you’ll want to discuss some key elements in the primary stages of development, like building codes and how your existing structure will be able to hold the additions of walls, flooring, and furniture.
Building codes generally require that the attic ceiling be 7 feet 6 inches, and cover over 50% of the floor space. If your space does not fit that description, you and your attic remodeling contractor can talk about adding dormer windows to add more ceiling space. It will bring your remodeled attic space up to code and allow you to continue with your remodeling job. Your attic remodeling contractor will consult the local code if it differs from this specification.
The structural integrity of your attic may need some adjustments to handle the work you want to do. The beams that form the attic floor and the ceiling below-ceiling joists-may need strengthening. Roof joists may need upgrading to hold insulation. All the upgrades to the structure are made to handle the addition of insulation and drywall.
In order to remodel your attic to code, you’ll need a staircase—not a ladder—to lead to the renovated floor. Most codes call for straight staircases of 3 feet x 6 feet, and spirals with a five-foot diameter.
The attic remodeling contractor will determine whether your current heating and cooling systems can handle the added space of the attic, or if secondary units will be needed.
The contractor can also counsel you in terms of any architectural elements you will have to move or remove in and around your attic. The contractor will be able to determine whether the pre-existing structure is sound enough to bear additional weight and construction, or if it requires extensive reinforcement.
Think beforehand of the uses you intend for your remodeled attic. Maybe you want it to be a new bedroom or home office. These are some of the most popular plans for remodeling attic space.
The size of the windows and closets will determine the success of your new bedroom space. Code requires a bedroom to have at least one window large enough for escape in case of a fire. You may have to renovate the roof to accommodate this.
For a home office, consider the wiring that will be necessary for a fully functional working space. Tech concerns, desk space, and built-in book cases will factor in, too. The attic remodeling contractor should be able to determine how to reinforce or utilize the ceiling joists’ structure for the addition of weight from books, a large desk, or servers and copiers, for example.
Who should remodel their attic?
There are many reasons to remodel an attic space.
A growing family may need an additional bedroom.
A job shift to self-employment can necessitate a quiet, private working environment away from the bustling activity of the rest of the house.
A new den or living room could significantly liven up the social atmosphere in the home.
Many homeowners wish to renovate space to rent out, like a small attic apartment. Others will remodel the attic as a guest bedroom.
What are the benefits and drawbacks to remodeling an attic space?
Let’s start with the drawbacks. The existing floor structure of the attic (the ceiling joists of the rooms below) might not be adequately constructed to allow for additional weight and flooring. There might not be enough headroom or electrical service to the attic. And the added structuring that will hold insulation could cut back on the space’s square footage. But if you remodel your existing attic space, you won’t have to add a whole new wing to achieve the same end result of an addition to the house. Adding livable square footage to your home increases the property’s value. Home office space (like your new remodeled attic office) can be tax-deductible, allowing you to save money.
