Attic Remodel
An attic remodel can be a great way to create a room. You won't have the expense of a roof, exterior walls or foundation that would be incurred with a traditional addition or second storey.
Before you start, however, you need to determine if your attic is suitable for converting and create a plan. Make sure the flooring or joists are strong enough for you to stand on for your inspection.
Ceiling
First, check the ceiling height.
Can you stand up, or do you
bump into the ceiling? Building codes require ceilings to be a particular height (typically 7 feet
6 inches over at least half of the available floor space). You need
to be able to stand up straight without crouching in the room.
If the height is a little low, you
may be able to raise the roof or build a dormer as part of your attic remodel, but this will add
cost to the project of course. The distance from the roof ridge to the floor joists needs to be at least nine feet, or you probably won't meet building code requirements unless you add a dormer.
When planning your attic remodel, you also need to consider the gable slopes, as this will determine what you can place in the room and where you can put it. A dormer could help, however, as already pointed out, this would add cost to the project.
Traditional stick-framed roofs are made of rafters that run from the ridge to the walls. This style of framing provides the most open space in an attic. Truss roofs, which feature in newer homes, limit your options to use the attic. Trusses cannot be cut.
If the ceiling height is too low and there are trusses, you may only be able to use the attic for storage, rather than a room.
Stains on the ceilings beneath the attic usually indicate a roof leak. You will need to fix this early in your attic remodel.
 Floor
The attic floor is the ceiling of the room underneath. Ceiling joists need to be strong enough for you to move around the attic and to hold furniture. You need to check whether they are strong enough to hold the weight of
numerous people, furniture and stored items. Frames can be reinforced with extra joists, if necessary. They can then be covered with flooring - be sure the material you use will
support your weight and any furniture you
plan to place in the attic.
Access
How will you get in and out? If you plan to use
the attic as regular living space, you will
probably want a strong, fixed stairway as part of your attic remodel.
Folding or
drop-down stairs may be okay,
but you need to consider how often the room
will be accessed.
Lighting
Do you want some natural light, or will it all be artificial. Without natural light, the room can be very dark and unwelcoming. Skylights may be necessary to provide lighting. You will also need to add wiring for electricity in your attic remodel.
Ventilation and temperature
Attics are often not insulated or heated - they are typically hot in summer (heat rises) and cold in winter. You will need adequate ventilation through the room. Again, adding an opening skylight, windows or dormers can help.
For inspiration, have a look at bedroom ideas, home office ideas , kitchen design ideas, playroom ideas and living room designs.
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