How to Remodel an Attic Into a Room | eHow

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Ellen Ciurczak

Ellen Ciurczak has had a career in California in the broadcast journalism field for 21 years. She's specialized in covering politics at the state capital in Sacramento. Her radio reports have aired on National Public Radio, CBS Radio and the BBC. She received her graduate degree in journalism from UC Berkeley.

If your home's attic is currently just wasted space, you may want to remodel it. An attic can be made over into a home office, a bedroom, a child's playroom, a home gym or any kind of room you want. Remodeling an attic yourself, without the help of a contractor, is hard work. Following a series of steps will help make the job a little easier.

Determine if your attic is suitable to be made over into a room. Make sure the attic's floor can support people and furniture. Measure the ceiling to make sure it is at least seven feet high. Check the tresses. If they form a "W" shape, they may be too difficult or costly to design around. An "A" shape is easier.

Decide what kind of room or rooms you are going to put in your attic.

Go to the home improvement store with a list of items required to finish your project. Price the items and make sure you have enough money to buy everything you need to complete the remodel. Have some extra money put away for last minute or unexpected items.

Get a building permit, if required. Schedule time for an inspection if one is necessary.

Go back to the home improvement store and buy the items you need for the remodel. This includes wood, drywall, insulation, wall paneling, paint, hardwood flooring, tools and anything else you need. Think about the amenities you would like--windows, sky lights, ceiling lights, carpet, etc. and buy them at this time or wait until you are ready to install them.

Install insulation if needed. Most attics are very hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so insulation is a necessity.

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How to Remodel an Attic Into a Room | eHow