Move Up Not Out: Converting Your Attic Into Extra Living Space

Maybe you live in urban areas with limited property space or figure it’s cheaper to build upward rather than expand out, given your attic floors and walls already exist. In some cases, boomerang kids move back and need more privacy. In other scenarios, moving out is not as feasible as moving up, so here’s how to convert your attic into extra living space.

Decide the Purpose of the Finished Attic Space

Identify the destined purpose of your room. Local codes needed insulation, and stairs leading up or in will dictate how you proceed. Some use the rule of seven to determine whether a space can be rented and deemed an official ‘room.’

According to the rule, the space must be 70 square feet with seven-foot ceilings and floors seven feet wide.

Moreover, office space may require electrical outlets for computers and equipment versus a playroom or study that requires fewer electrical outlets.

Consider Installing Insulated Flooring

Your unfinished attic has wood floors that creak and make noise. Added cushion, such as carpet, deafens sounds and makes it warmer in colder seasons. Carpet could inspire fungus growth, however, so choose your flooring depending on moisture and average temperatures in your area. Some manufacturers offer interjoining square flooring to cover attic spaces.

Half Walls Might Be Needed in an Attic Above garage

Many attics adopt the slope of a home’s roof. Little room and awkward angles necessitate knee walls, popular in these spaces. Knee walls are built from the floor and tip into place against angled rafters. The walls give your attic more of a box-style finish and help insulate. In some situations, a half wall or pony wall segment areas and visually block an upward entrance.

Hire Professionals for Converting Attic Space Above Garage

Electrical work can be minimal, just a matter of running additional wire to the attic, that is, if your home breakers can handle the added load.

A plumber can help identify the ‘main stack’ where the home’s primary plumbing pipes are located. If you’re thinking of installing a full or half bath, running pipe gets expensive and complicated.

An HVAC specialist determines whether your heating and cooling system can make the attic hospitable. Otherwise, window air units and floorboard heaters manipulate attic temperatures.

Many Power Tools Will Be Used

The project determines the needed resources. The tools in the average guy or gal’s garage won’t cut it. You’ll need to invest in power tools and rent specialty equipment from local hardware stores.

An end-to-end DIY job can be challenging to handle, so be practical in reserving some duties for experienced professionals. Also, cordless tools can help a great deal when the nearest outlet is far away.

Don't Forget to Put Windows

Many attics don’t have windows. The absence of light makes a living space uninviting and drab. A range of window and lighting options accommodate all kinds of rooms.

Dormer windows project vertically from a sloping roof and are installed in attic spaces to add light and emergency exits.

Adding a window is a cost, but consider how light improves the space and makes your project profitable.

Do you know the cost to convert the attic to living space?