In rare cases especially in new construction homes the attic may have been built unfinished with the correct flooring in place with the idea that the homeowner could later on finish the space.
Finishing attic bedroom.
You may be able to regain that storage space by using space under the new staircase.
Financially even though an attic bedroom will reduce ventilation most people consider finishing an attic to be a good decision.
If it is and you plan to provide heating and cooling to the finished attic space you need to remove.
Enforcement varies but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet.
Instinctively eyes will be drawn to the sloped ceiling in most attics so it s a good.
Prime and paint the walls.
A ladder is insufficient.
This required completely rewiring to electrical in the attic moving fixing plum.
Here are some must do tips to follow when finishing your attic.
It may take 2 to 3 coats to cover the new drywall.
To meet all three goals insulating your finished attic ventilating the roof and maximizing headroom use a combination of dense batt insulation rigid foam sheeting and air chutes.
Follow the rule of 7s.
The attic floor which is the ceiling of the living space below often already is insulated.
A contractor or a local building official can help you assess how the rule will apply to your attic and how modifications like dormers can resolve height shortcomings.
Having a finished attic whether it is a bedroom or another kind of space will increase the house s ability to retain heat thereby reducing energy costs.
Finishing the attic into liveable space nets an average of 9 3 out of 10 joy score or sense of happiness the owners have upon completion on nar s renovation report.
Adding a staircase will take up space in a room below the attic so consider converting a closet.
Before you put up wallpaper or decorate.
Spend extra on the ceiling.
So if you re planning to get a few years of use out of it the investment might make more sense.
Most codes require a specified minimum amount of headroom and it s tough to meet this requirement when insulating a finished attic especially since most codes require insulation equal to r 38 or more.
In most cases though the joists cannot support live loads and may not even be covered with boards.
An attic bedroom requires a standard staircase to meet code.
We are remodeling and rebuilding a 90 year old attic into a master bedroom.
Every attic is different but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation.
