Are you looking to add more usable space to your home? Converting your attic is a great way to create a new livable room. With an attic remodel, you can add an extra bedroom to your home, create a new play area for your kids, or simply design a new storage area.
Finishing an attic could mean a lot of different things — turning it into an office, adding sleeping quarters — and the requisite cost will vary considerably. Some sources, like HomeAdvisor, estimate the cost at $12,000 to $70,000, with an average cost of $40,000.
Unless you're an experienced pro, an attic conversion isn't a DIY project we recommend. While saving money on labor costs sounds appealing, this is a large, time-intensive project requiring advanced know-how. Your attic will require electricity, drywall, and HVAC, at the least.
The majority of attic conversions are exempt from third-party approvals such as planning permissions because they are converted provided that it's a "non-habitable space". Also, such developmental works are largely internal and do not interfere with the overall appearance of the house.
This rule means, at least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide, with a total of 70 square feet. Keep in mind, codes vary from place to place, but for using the attic as an actual room, this rule typically applies.
Reach out to your local municipality to see if you need a permit for your attic remodel. A permit is usually only needed if: You are adding electrical wiring or ventilation. You plan to change the structure of your home in the process, such as knocking down an existing wall or adding a dormer.
It not only adds space to your house, but it also adds value. Most Attic conversions will give you an additional bedroom or two as well as an ensuite or second bathroom. Yes it does require building work to complete but can add at least 15% onto a property's value, usually more than the works cost in the first place.
Design Ideas to Make Your Attic Livable
Install insulation, drywall, or paneling over framing. Add appropriate flooring for slanted ceilings. Paint to give an airy, open look. Install ductwork, wiring, and vents for HVAC, lighting, and devices.
A garret is a habitable attic, a living space at the top of a house or larger residential building, traditionally small with sloping ceilings. In the days before elevators this was the least prestigious position in a building, at the very top of the stairs.
Simple loft conversions like storage can be DIY, but more extensive work requiring structural changes or utilities usually needs professional help. What is the first step to a loft conversion? Assess if your loft is suitable by checking head height (at least 2.2m), roof structure, and possible alterations.
First things first, loft conversions tend to be cheaper to carry out than extensions in general which can make them a more alluring prospect if you're on a budget or if you're planning on gradually renovating various areas of your home gradually.
A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met.
Moreover, houses built during or after the 1960s may have trussed roofs, which are characterised by their 'W' shaped frames that support both the roof and the floor. These trusses are not designed with loft conversion in mind, as altering them is a complex process that requires replacement with sturdier supports.
The cost to finish an attic is $50 to $150 per square foot total on average. The cost of finishing an attic depends on the purpose of the finished space. Attic conversion costs $20,000 to $80,000+ to create a living space or $5,000 to $20,000 to finish an attic for storage.
If you have an attic with joists measuring over 16 inches or reaching 24 inches OC, this is not ideal for the installation of flooring or converting your attic into a livable space. However, if you hire a contractor, they can offer advice on how to increase the structural support to get it there.
To satisfy building codes, you need to have enough space in your planned attic conversion to meet the following regulations: 70 square feet or more of floor space. At least 7 feet in any direction. (This would translate to a bare minimum of 7′ x 10′.)
On average, a basic loft conversion for 20m2 (215.3 square feet) can start from around £20,000 to £30,000, while more extensive and luxurious conversions can cost upwards of £50,000 or more. A well-executed loft conversion can significantly enhance a property's value, typically adding between 20% and 25%.
For the vast majority of attic conversions it is not necessary to engage an architect or engineer. In fact we would see architectural drawings for only about 3% or 4% of our contracts. However, if your house is unusual in design or layout you may need to consult with a professional.
Lofts can become an uncomfortable place to relax during the summer months in part because, as we know, heat rises. Having large Velux Windows and skylights in your loft conversion can exacerbate the situation, turning your room into what feels like a greenhouse.
An attic can make a perfectly good bedroom as long as it meets ceiling height requirements and has an acceptable window. A former living room or den is also often a good candidate for a bedroom, since it likely has methods of egress and meets other requirements already.
Once the drywall is cut to size, you can attach the drywall to the joists and beams in your attic. You can do this with screws or nails, depending on your needs. Screws are more sturdy, though. You want to completely seal the attic to form a new room.