Attic Remodeling, Attic Remodeling Ideas, Attic Conversions

Attic remodeling can give you an extra bedroom, office, playroom or living space, if you have the roof space for attic renovations. Attic conversion can be a great way to create one or more rooms. Attic conversions can be lower cost, as you don'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 for your attic remodeling ideas. 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 remodeling, 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 remodeling, 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 attic conversions. 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 remodeling.

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.

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Attic Remodeling, Attic Remodeling Ideas, Attic Conversions