Need More Space? Consider Remodeling the
Attic
One of the most overlooked areas of a home is the attic. Often
forgotten except to store old boxes and keepsakes, attics actually have a lot
of potential when it comes to remodeling your home, creating more living space,
and opening up the space you already have. Here’s some attic remodeling ideas, as well as
some common challenges most attic remodels face.
Attic Remodeling: The Possibilities
When most people think of remodeling attic space, they often
think of lofts or other simple renovations to the space. Don’t be afraid to
think outside the box, however. If you’re still in the planning process, here’s
a list of some popular remodeling projects involving attic spaces to get your
gears turning:
§ Vaulted
Ceilings: Most people think extra living spaces when they consider
remodeling attic space, but what about opening up living areas you already
have? Transforming a neglected attic into vaulted ceilings for your living room
or great room can change the entire feel of your home in one easy renovation.
§ More Windows: Besides
creating more space indoors, opening up the attic to high ceilings also makes
room for the addition of large windows to let more natural light into your
home.
§ Extra Bedrooms: Provided your
attic ceiling is tall enough, your attic can also be an excellent place
to add extra bedrooms. Guest bedrooms and bedrooms for
children and teens are particularly well-suited to the smaller spaces that are
common in attic remodels.
§ Playrooms: Playrooms for
children are a perfect fit for attic remodeling. Attic playrooms provide a nice
place for children to get away from adults and do their own thing, not to
mention they are ideal for keeping toys and messes contained and out of sight.
§ Lofts and
Office Space: OK, we went here anyway. But only because lofts are a great
use of attic space. They work great in conjunction with larger remodeling
projects such as introducing vaulted ceilings into your home and can also add a
little more flexibility to remodeling attic space since they don’t have the
same code requirements that bedrooms do when it comes to access.
Some Things to Look out for With Attic Remodeling
Attic remodeling is full of possibility, however, you should
keep in mind that there are some challenges when it comes to remodeling attic
space.
The first is ceiling height. Consider 5 feet to be the absolute
minimum height for a usable space, and know that even that is pushing it.
You’ll be hitting your head on a regular basis even if you do abide by this
rule. Raising or modifying your roof is always an option, though the high costs
of such a project can be prohibitive in the end.
The second challenge you may run into is whether the floor of
your attic can support a usable living space. It’s not unlikely that you might
have to reinforce or replace the floor to safely accommodate living areas.
Finally, keep in mind the approach. You’ll need a stairway to
reach your new attic space, so it’s important that you plan space accordingly.
Spiral staircases can save room, and if your attic remodel doesn’t include
bedrooms, then ladders are also an option.
Consult With a Professional
Whether you plan to do your remodel yourself or hire a
contractor, it’s important that you have the space evaluated ahead of time so
you know what you’re getting into. Attic floors and roof joists often play a
large structural role in holding your home together, and your home’s
infrastructure, including wiring, plumbing, and ductwork is often housed in
your attic as well.
Hiring an architect, contractor, or engineer to come
in and do a preliminary evaluation of your attic space can help prepare you for
the remodeling project to come, and let you know whether you attic is a good
candidate for remodeling in the first place.
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