ARTICLES
A Lofty Project: A Homeowner’s Guide to Attic Conversions
If you're looking for untapped potential in your home, look up! That's right; your attic is prime real estate just waiting to happen.
Need more convincing? The National Association of Realtors assigns Joy scores, or levels of enjoyment, for renovation projects. Based on surveyed homeowners' responses, converting an attic received a perfect score.
But, there's a lot to consider when beginning this type of large-scale renovation. So continue reading to learn more about what to expect when starting an attic conversion.
Determine if Your Space Will Allow for an Attic Conversion
While local codes may vary, you can expect any rules that regulate livable area spaces to match those for the rooms in the rest of your house. Usually, an area is deemed usable if it has a ceiling height of five feet. Additionally, half of the usable space must have a ceiling height of no less than seven feet.
Your attic floor must also be able to support the weight as laid out by your local buildings department. This weight is usually calculated using the size of your attic.
But don't worry if your ceilings are too low. You can gain height by either lowering the ceilings on the floor below or raising the roof. While this may sound complicated, it can be completed efficiently by a professional carpentry team.
Keep in mind that different attic conversion ideas will have varying requirements. For example, if you plan to add an en suite bath, you must also comply with plumbing regulations.
Consider a Spot for Stairs
No attic conversion plans are complete without a plan for stairs. Many attics are accessed by pull-down stairs or ladder. And in older homes, stairs that are already installed often don't meet the safety requirements of today.
Most regulations state that your stairwell should be at least three feet wide, but there are many other rules dictating the space between treads and more.
Also, the location of your stairs should be near any existing entry into the attic for ease. Finally, keep in mind that a new stairwell will likely take up the space of an existing room, so be sure to have a plan that accommodates any changes necessary to preserve or change the function of the affected room.
Attic Conversion Cost
The cost of your attic conversion will vary depending on the scope and scale of the project. Experts say to expect to pay about $50 per square foot on the lower end of the scale. But anything more than a basic conversion will have a higher cost.
For example, your local code might require a certain amount of windows, with a proportion of them having outdoor access. If your home doesn't have them, this additional construction will increase your spending.
Another cost factor is the finishing touches you choose. These can include hardwood floors, which are at a premium right now and can quickly drive up the price of your project.
Finding a Carpenter for Your Conversion Project
When deciding on a professional for your attic conversion, you should ensure they are registered and insured in your locality and have plenty of experience in your specific home improvement project.
And if you're looking for a carpenter in Kennett Square PA, look no further than CopeBUILT. We are registered and insured (PA88078) to meet your needs, and with decades of experience, we consider ourselves experts in attic conversion services and much more.