Transforming your attic from a forgotten storage space into a functional and inviting part of your home is an exciting endeavor that opens up a world of possibilities. Our article on How To Finish An Attic guides you through the main considerations.
Whether you’re aiming to create an additional bedroom, a cozy home office, a playroom for the kids, or a stylish guest suite, finishing an attic is a project that promises both practicality and charm.
How To Finish An Attic: The Benefits To You and Your Home
Finishing an attic space can bring many benefits to your home and family.
One advantage is the increased property value that may result from adding additional bedrooms and/or a bathroom. This can be especially helpful if you plan to sell in the future.
In addition, finishing an attic can provide more space for your family to spread out and enjoy, whether for storage, another living room, or an extra bedroom for guests.
It can also serve as a designated area for hobbies or home offices. Turning that unused attic space into a functional room can benefit your property and family.
Is It Possible To Finish Your Attic?
There are several factors to consider before beginning any construction. First, there must be enough height at the apex of the roof for comfortable movement and furniture placement.
In addition, budget and structural design must be considered, as well as any necessary dormer additions. The final step is obtaining consent from the appropriate authority, whether a homeowners association or city building department.
Considering these considerations, finishing your attic and successfully adding value to your property is possible.
Minimum Attic Ceiling Height For An Attic Conversion
When renovating an attic, one important factor is the minimum height requirement.
Building codes dictate that a certain amount of clearance must be maintained above every stair tread and at the top of the stairs. It is also necessary for practical purposes to safely walk around in the finished space.
Lower ceiling height areas are great for an HVAC system, storage space, and furniture to maximize every possible inch.
An architect will consider space for changes to attic floor joists, insulation, service spaces for electrical wiring, attic floor, and hanging drywall.
Ultimately, staying up to code and creating a comfortable and functional space should be the top priority when finishing an attic. Building codes vary from State to State; therefore, you need to be aware of the requirements of where you live.
How To Achieve Minimum Space Requirements For Your Finished Attic
The building code requires certain minimum measurements for a finished attic room to be considered habitable living quarters. Utilizing the attic in this way maximizes the property’s value.
This will provide additional bedrooms, living space, or storage space and potentially increase the property’s market value compared to similar homes without usable attic space.
It is important to ensure these minimum measurements are met to comply with building codes and maximize the available space and obtain a building permit.
Typical Requirements of Local Building Codes
- 7.5ft height over at least 50% of the attic
- 7ft min in any one direction
- 70 square feet floor area
With proper planning and careful consideration, transforming an unfinished attic into usable living quarters can be a worthwhile investment for any property owner.
Some roofs were never designed for a storage room or extra living space as they are too shallow, and a completely new roof would need to be constructed. This may take the project outside your budget, and you may have to consider other options, such as using the attic for storage space and finishing a basement for more living space.
How Can the Roof and Floor Structure Be Affected
It is necessary to evaluate the structure of your roof. While a truss roof may not require any modifications, a rafter-constructed roof will likely require removing mid-supports and reinforcing the floor for extra support.
It is important to consult a structural engineer before making any changes to ensure the safety and stability of your home. In some cases, adjustments to the roof or floor may be necessary for an attic conversion to be successful.
A Rafter Roof will require support at the Apex with either ceiling ties or a beam, and the roof loading will also need to be directed into the floor with knee walls. There may be floor beams, or the dwarf walls may sit on parallel floor joists.
Overall, the type of roof structure can play a significant role in determining the feasibility of an attic conversion project.
Enlarge an Attic with Dormer Additions or a Dormer Window
Changing the roof with dormer additions is one way to create more usable square feet in a home.
These additions not only allow for egress and natural light, but they can also provide room for a stairwell or even a bathroom. While this type of renovation can be costly, it may be worth it in the long run as it can greatly increase the functionality and value of your home.
Adding dormers to your roof may be a way of achieving the minimum floor area you need. You may end up with the extra space you have been dreaming of.
The Importance Of Attic Stairs For Comfort and Style
When designing a staircase, it is important to consider the building codes in place to protect against falls and trips. This includes ensuring that the stairs are spacious enough for people to walk on comfortably and that large enough landings are at the top and bottom, to ensure you achieve a building permit.
Additionally, it is important to consider the surface of the stairs. Non-slip materials like plastic or rubber stair treads can help prevent slipping accidents. Adequate lighting is also crucial for safety on stairs, especially for ones that might be used at nighttime.
Typical Requirements of Local Building Codes For A Finished Attic
- 6’8″ Height above every step
- 36″ Width of each flight
- 10″ Minimum tread depth
- 7″ 1/4 Minimum Riser
By considering these factors, staircases can be made safe and accessible for all individuals, but this can be a good opportunity to create something stunning with a glass platform lift or floating stairs. Don’t forget it’s not just about the stairs; think about what is happening at the top and bottom. You don’t want to fall headfirst into a badly positioned door!
The Layout of Finished Attic Rooms
When considering how to utilize a new space in your home, one important factor to remember is the value it adds to the house. For example, if you plan to use the space as a bedroom, having a bathroom on the same floor can greatly increase the value of your property.
This applies not only to traditional bedroom setups, but also to things like study or hobby rooms, or even kids’ rooms. These spaces may be less appealing to buyers without a nearby bathroom, decreasing your home’s value.
So before you decide on the best use for your new space, consider whether adding a bathroom will maximize its value for your family and potential future buyers.
Insulating the Attic Walls & Roof
When converting an attic into a living space, it’s important to consider the type of insulation to use.
Fibreglass Wool Insulation
A common option is fiberglass batting, where thickness can vary from three to six inches. This material is affordable, easy to install, and effective in preventing heat loss and gain. However, it takes a lot of thickness and space from the room.
Foam Spray Insulation
Another option is spray foam insulation. A liquid foam expands to fill any gaps or cracks and has the added benefit of providing structural support for the attic conversion. It does tend to be more expensive and requires professional installation, however.
Ultimately, the best type of insulation will depend on budget and specific needs for the attic space. Also, it would help if you considered the longevity of the effectiveness of each insulation. Sometimes, it’s cheaper, in the long run, to invest once. All insulations provide a R-value, (Resistance Value), which measures resistance to change in temperature, ie heat gain or heat loss. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation, but the ultimate R-value is relevant to the thickness of the insulation and the rest of the roof or wall elements.
Regardless of the choice, adequate insulation can significantly improve energy efficiency in a new living area. Be aware that some insulations can affect electrical wiring, reducing effectiveness.
A vapor barrier should be added under the insulation before drywall hanging and drywall mud.
Light Is Crucial
Daylight light is not only visually pleasing, but it also has many benefits for our health and well-being. It can improve mood, boost productivity, and even reduce the need for electrical wiring for artificial lighting, saving energy.
Incorporating natural daylight into every room, including lofts and attic conversions, is important. Skylights are a great way to bring in light from above. Wall windows can be installed in gable ends and dormers. All of which increases the flow of sunlight into the room.
Whether through skylights or windows, ensuring every room has access to natural light is a crucial aspect of good design.
What are the other options?
Garage Conversion or Addition
After reading our How To Finish An Attic post, if you feel this won’t work for you, there are many other options to consider to gain extra square footage. A room addition is one way to add living space to a home. This involves expanding the footprint of the house by building on an addition. It can include anything from finishing a basement to creating an annexe out of a garage.
Finish A Basement
Another option is finishing a basement. Basement spaces often have lower ceilings and may require extra steps for waterproofing and insulation. However, they can still provide functional space. A third alternative is converting unused outdoor space, such as a porch or attached garage, into a usable living area.
These options offer alternatives to finishing an attic conversion, which may not be feasible due to structural limitations or financial constraints.
Final Thoughts On Finishing An Attic
In addition to essential comforts such as air conditioning, something else to consider is visual aesthetics, such as natural stone internal finishes. You may like to leave these areas exposed as a feature wall. First, you need to ask an expert on Building Codes if this is possible because of heat loss; normally, you would upgrade the inside of an old wall. If possible, clean the natural stone to show it off at its best.
