Converting an Attic to a Bedroom - tips and tricks

Those who are lucky to own a house with an attic are certainly considering how to utilize the space under the roof best. While some would prefer the peaceful atmosphere of an attic home office, others are more excited about the ample storage space it provides. However, families are most interested in the additional bedroom(s) for kids and occasional guests. Expansion to the attic has multiple benefits. Aside from better-utilized living and storage space, it also adds value to your home, if properly and professionally executed. For that reason, we have compiled a checklist of the most important tips and advice. Take a close look before you start converting an attic to a bedroom.

What does converting an attic to a bedroom involve?

Conducting an inspection is the first step. It should ensure that your attic can be converted into a living space without safety concerns. Also, it should determine that the attic is connected to the necessary utilities. Once this is confirmed, you can start making a layout. Installing proper insulation, flooring, and bathroom area will likely be the most difficult assignments during the renovation.

An attic conversion is also a good time to consider house remodeling projects that can add value to your home. You should think about roof repair, installing energy-efficient roof windows, staircase repair, and applying a fresh coat of paint to the rest of the house.

Tips for converting an attic to a bedroom

You will likely need to remove your belongings from the attic during the renovation. The best option is to consider renting a storage unit and look for professional movers on goodneighborsmoving.com. Moving furniture and boxes is a strenuous work better left to experienced, well-equipped professionals.

Check if creating the bathroom is feasible

Where there is a bedroom, there should be a bathroom, but that may not be possible sometimes. To have a fully functional bathroom, however small, your attic should support a complex network of pipes and drains. Additionally, it should support the weight of heavy bathroom fixtures. Bathrooms also require special waterproofing that builds layers in already limited space. While an additional bathroom is certainly a good investment, building it in the attic may not be worth the investment in the end.

Hire professionals and comply with building regulations

If you're converting an attic to a bedroom to invest in your home before selling it, you have made the right decision. Considering that your relocation is imminent, hire trusted experts to take care of your complete relocation project as well as remodeling. Professional, expert, and efficient service shouldn't have an alternative, especially when the stakes are this high.

Only if you conduct the remodeling under the home safety and building regulations, the conversion will add value to your home. This means that, before you begin with your renovation, you should check if you need a building permit issued by the authorities. If they do not approve of any changes because the fundamental conditions can't be met, there is no point in starting the conversion.

Examine structural solidity of the attic floor

Assuring that your attic floor can support the furniture and appliances is key. Usually, attics are not designed with conversion in mind and most do not have support walls underneath. If a part of the attic is not suitable for heavy furniture, it will either change your planned layout or hinder the construction altogether. A specialist should assess your attic before you start any work. It may easily happen that your attic conversion will depend on reinforcements to support the weight of furniture and people. In turn, these can affect the ceiling height.

However, if the experts give you the green light for remodeling, consider refreshing the existing wooden flooring instead of replacing it. Usually, attic floors are safe from wear and tear and will shine without too much work.

Design and build a permanent staircase

Before converting an attic to a bedroom, hire a service provider for the new staircase. A permanent staircase is a necessity that requires careful planning. It will affect the layout of the attic as well as the floor below. After all, you need to bring the furniture up. The biggest issues here can pose a lack of space for maneuvering and changes the staircase makes to the design of the lower floor. 

Factor in the installations

Converting an attic to a bedroom is much more than painting the walls and bringing the bed upstairs. Installing heating, cooling, ventilation, and electrical wiring is a vital part of the renovation. Finding professionals to handle a particular job may prove easier than coordinating them. Make a checklist of all necessary remodeling work and then create a schedule.  If this proves too much for you, note that most remodeling companies have a well-coordinated team of professionals and managers who would do the planning and remodeling on your behalf.

Quality insulation will save you money

As previously mentioned, attics are not designed as living quarters and are covered only with necessary insulation. To make your new bedroom more comfortable, invest in additional layers of wall and roof insulation. Moreover, this new insulation will have another effect. Making the attic and its windows more energy-efficient will reduce the heat loss and positively reflect on your heating bills. 

Conclusion

Converting an attic to a bedroom is a good long-term investment. The most attractive part about it is that it creates an open floor layout that is modern and practical at the same time. Depending on the overall quality, age of your house, and maintenance, an attic conversion can become costly. Add to it any additional repair work and you may wonder if it truly pays off. This is why it is vital to hire a licensed home inspector to asses your home. Firstly, they will inform you if the conversion is feasible. And if it is, with the evaluation in hand, it will be much easier to weigh the pros and cons of the attic conversion.