If you’re looking for extra space in your house for yourself or even for guests, your attic might be the perfect place to build one. You can transform your dusty old attic into a leisure room, office, or even an extra bedroom. Completing your attic can increase the value of your home as it can add more space and utility. However, without proper planning and adherence to local building codes, it can result in a reduction in the value of your home.
It is better to convert an unlivable space to something you can live in than building an addition to your home because it can cost you more. But before calling your local contractor for the renovation project, check your attic first if rebuilding can be possible. Here are some questions you can follow.
1. Do You Have Rafters?
To determine if your attic is convertible, check if your attic has rafters or trusses. Rafters are large internal beams that produce a triangular structure with the floor at the bottom and the roof peak at the top. The inner part of the triangle provides an opening that a professional can easily remodel. Although similar to rafters, trusses are a network of W-shaped boards that support the roof.
If your attic does not have a central opening, then it has to be created. A DIYer should never do this part of the job because the trusses are load-bearing, and doing it on your own might destroy the quality of your roof. A structural engineer will determine how to support the weight while altering the trusses. In all honesty, converting an attic with trusses may not be practical due to the costs involved.
2. Is There a Staircase?
You might want one built if you don’t have a staircase leading to your attic with the ceiling and attic access doors and panels. Building codes will not authorize a permanent living area without a staircase. Stairs aren’t challenging to make, but they can take up a large amount of space. Straight stairs can take up to 10 to 14 flat feet of floor space, while spiral stairs can take about 5 feet. Think thoroughly about where you might want the stairs and what you can do to work around the area. Here are the code requirements in building a staircase;
It must have a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches of headroom.
The Stairs should be at least 36 inches wide.
Treads must be 10 inches deep.
Risers should be seven ¼ inches high.
3. Is there Enough Headspace?
Your attic must have enough headspace for you to be able to achieve your desired living area. Building codes may vary based on your location, but most require at least a 7-foot clearance. You’ll have to raise the roof if you don’t have enough space, which will add to your construction cost. Furthermore, the living space area must measure at least 70-square feet with a minimum of 7 feet in width.
4. Is the Floor Sturdy?
You should check if your floor is strong enough to accommodate people. The contractors probably built your attic for dead loads such as boxes and trunks that don’t move. Most building codes will require you a load capacity of 30 pounds per square foot. You can contact your local structural engineer or any other professional for assistance.
5. How is the lighting?
Typically, attics don’t have the sufficient lighting you need, and some building codes may require a certain amount of illumination. If your attic does not meet your needs, you can contact your dormer. They will be responsible for raising the roof height of your attic to attain more natural lighting and headroom and provide a secondary exit for safety. You can check your local building codes for more information.
6. Can You Heat It?
The temperature may differ in every room of your house, especially in your attic, so you might want to install additional insulation to keep the space warm. In addition, you might like to extend electrical lines, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Check your building codes for the required optimum temperature. Usually, the heating system must be capable of keeping the attic temperature at least 68 degrees. If you need any reinforcement on this matter, consult a professional.
Everybody wants a particular room to maximize their privacy and provide a space for guests or leisure. Before you invest in renovating your attic, make sure you conduct a thorough check-up on the necessary building codes and the quality and stability of your attic. With this, you are securing your safety and as well as the state of your home. Be sure to hire a professional when dealing with this project to avoid unwanted accidents and mishaps.
