house
-
wise
indoors
f your house is feeling a bit
1
cramped, you might want to
try looking up. Converting
an attic into finished rooms
(like the project on
page
75)
is often the least expensive way to
add living space to your home and
provides a high return on your
investment should you decide to
sell. All attics are not created
equally, however, and there are a
number of potential pitfalls that
could turn your dream addition into
a nightmare. Consult with a
remodeling professional about
these five questions to determine a
plan for converting your attic.
IS THERE EASY ACCESS TO THE
ATTIC SPACE?
In many homes, the only attic
access is a set of folding stairs.
Finding space for a permanent
staircase that meets building codes
may not be easy and construction
can be costly. You’ll need approxi-
mately 60 square feet of main-level
floor space for a proper staircase.
IS THE CEILING HIGH ENOUGH?
Unless you plan to make major
changes to the roof framing, the
ceiling height in an attic addition
will be limited by the height and
slope of the rafters. A vaulted
ceiling is a great way to increase the
available space and height in an
attic room, but the existing bracing
shouldn’t be removed without
providing additional support. To
make your addition energy-efficient,
be sure there is enough space for
adequate insulation and venting.
IS THERE ENOUGH NATURAL LIGHT?
Consider whether you will need to
add skylights, dormers, or windows
to provide natural lighting and
ventilation for the room. Adding-
windows to the outside walls on a
gable roof is an easy alternative.
Dormers are a great way to add
light and space, but construction
can be costly.
IS THE FLOOR STRONG ENOUGH?
Find out if the floor joists in the attic
can handle the added load or if
reinforcement will be needed. In
most cases the floor joists need to be
at least 2x12s. Keep in mind that
beefing up the floor framing will
reduce the ceiling height.
HOW WILL YOU HEAT AND COOL
THE ADDED SPACE?
Since attic rooms tend to be hot
in summer and cold in winter,
they usually require a separate
thermostat and heating and cooling
system from the rest of the house.
Also, consider whether it will be
difficult to run the necessary
ductwork, wiring, and plumbing
to your attic room. 62)
Danny is the host of the nationally
syndicated show
Toda/s H om eow ner
w ith Danny Lipford
(dannylipford.com).
Get more advice from Danny and submit your
own questions at
BHG.com/dannylipford
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