| If you are planning to remodel your attic into living | | | | will affect your cost and the appearance and |
| space, you probably know already that you are | | | | functionality of the new room. Do you want a |
| making a financially smart decision. Remodeling or | | | | pitched or a cathedral ceiling? How will you construct |
| finishing your attic may be the least expensive way | | | | it? How will you install adequate insulation? |
| to add living space to your home. Remodeling an | | | | 5. Design the room in a way that allows you to use |
| attic, however, is often not an easy task. Attic | | | | the “dead space” near the lowest point of |
| spaces present unique remodeling concerns. These | | | | the pitch of the roof. Consider that these areas can |
| eight tips will help you plan for and overcome many | | | | be made into outstanding storage areas with a little |
| of the challenges of remodeling an attic into living | | | | advance planning. |
| space. | | | | 6. Remember that ventilation and insulation are critical |
| 1. Plan carefully. Remember that the order in which | | | | in an attic. Remember that heat rises. Attics can |
| inspections must be obtained will dictate your | | | | become very warm. You will need to plan for |
| schedule. Think through every aspect of both the | | | | adequate ventilation and insulation to keep the room |
| design and the project, consider possible challenges, | | | | comfortable without drastically increasing your heating |
| and devise plans to overcome each challenge. | | | | and cooling costs. |
| 2. Design the space for the type of room. The way | | | | 7. Plan for wiring and plumbing needs well in advance |
| you design and remodel the space will vary with the | | | | of beginning work. Electrical wiring and plumbing can |
| uses you plan for the finished room. For example, a | | | | present unique challenges in attics. You will need to |
| bedroom may have different requirements than a | | | | ensure that the flooring does not rest on any wires. |
| playroom. It is also important to think ahead and | | | | A bathroom will cost least if placed in close proximity |
| consider other uses for the space in the future. | | | | to another existing supply and drain line. |
| 3. Plan access to the new room(s) carefully. Creating | | | | 8. Consider how and when you will get materials into |
| access to the new space is challenging in some | | | | the space. Consider carefully the size and weight of |
| homes. If you are trying to reduce costs for your | | | | materials needed for your remodeling project. Plan for |
| project, you will want to find and construct the stairs | | | | how and when you will get large items, like drywall or |
| in the best point of access and in a way that | | | | a toilet, up the stairs and into their permanent |
| involves the least modification of the existing | | | | position. If you close in the stairs too soon, you could |
| structure. You will also need to check local building | | | | have a problem. |
| codes with reference to exit points. For an instant | | | | If you are planning to finish or remodel your attic into |
| estimate of the cost to finish your attic try this | | | | living space, careful planning and attention to the |
| online calculator. | | | | unique challenges presented by the space will be |
| 4. Decide how you will work with the slope of the | | | | essential. You can expect to gain valuable living space |
| roof. This is an important aspect of planning, and it | | | | as well as some increase in the value of your home. |