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.
