For a finished attic to be to code, it must satisfy the same living requirements of other rooms, sometimes called the "rule of sevens." Any living space in a home needs to have at least 7 feet (2.1 m) of clearance from the floor to the ceiling, and there needs to be at least 70 square feet of space available, at least ...
Here are a few standard requirements to check first. If you plan to make your attic space livable, it needs to meet the typical seven-foot ceiling height or clearance in a minimum of a seven-foot wide space–after finishes are installed!
To assess your attic's weight capacity, examine the attic joists and trusses. Measure joist specifications, identify truss designs, check material quality, and consider the structure's age.
The 7 and 7 rule for attic conversions refers to the common requirement that finished attics be at least 7 feet wide and 70 square feet, with 7-foot ceilings over at least half. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline. Local building codes may have stricter requirements that supersede this rule.
Finishing an attic generally costs between $30 and $60 per square foot, including labor and materials. This gives you an average overall cost of $4,000 to $16,000 for the standard sized attic. Of course, the cost depends on how big your attic is and what type of finish you want.
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.
Adequate ventilation is key, and one of the first things looked at in an attic inspection. Cooper says attics must be properly ventilated so the roof and attic can “breathe.” “Signs of poor ventilation include, mold, rusted nails and condensation — typically in the winter — on sheathing,” Cooper says.
Looking across your attic, if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough, and adding more insulation may not be cost-effective.
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.
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 average loft conversion costs between £20,000 to £60,000 in the UK. The price of a loft conversion varies widely based on the type of loft conversion you have, the quality of materials used, and the labour costs in your part of the UK. The average cost of a Velux loft conversion is between £20,000 to £30,000.
According to home remodeling experts, for an attic to be a good candidate for conversion, its minimum window area must be at least 8% of the usable floor area. The openable area, on the other hand, must be a minimum of 4%, meaning you'll need eight square feet to provide outside access via the windows.
Before installing flooring in your attic, it's vital to examine the space with a critical eye. Some attics can safely handle flooring right away without major modifications to the space or structure. Others require a major overhaul before flooring can go down.
Finishing your attic can add space and utility and increase the value of your home, as long as it's done properly. When done without proper planning or adherence to local building codes, it can actually reduce the value of your home or stall a sale.
The usual things that are inspected in attics include the condition of the roof framing and decking materials that cover the framing. These are inspected for proper installation, apparent damage, and water stains resulting from roof leakage. Insulation and ventilation are also evaluated.
The typical attic is designed for storage, and builders forego the temperature-control measures they would take in a living space. Your unfinished attic will likely require an additional type of attic insulation to help occupants stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
If the wall runs parallel (they run at the same angle and so will never cross) to the floor joists above it, it is probably not a load-bearing wall. If it runs perpendicular or at a 90-degree angle to the joists there is a good chance that it is a load-bearing wall. The wall crossing the joists provides support.
Attic finishing may include framing, drywall, insulation, subflooring, a fan and more. You can expect to pay $5,000 to $20,000 to get your attic to this level, and more depending on what you want to do with it.
Dan from Dublin: An attic conversion starts with the actual increased cost of the materials and labour, starts from €20k +that means standard conversion with structural certification with steel beams, and can reach up to €40k if includes bathroom, and single window or double window or quarto windows and so one all ...
BUILDING CODES
Regulations vary from county to county, but most attic conversion building codes require: A minimum of 70 sq. ft. of floor space.