Standard openings are 22.5” x 54”, but some homes have wider openings. Conversely, some homes have smaller openings (or hatches). It's important to understand the opening size you have or will create to ensure you select the correct attic ladder product for your home.
The rough-framed opening shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm) and shall be located in a hallway or other location with ready access. Where located in a wall, the opening shall be not less than 22 inches wide by 30 inches high (559 mm wide by 762 mm high).
R807. 1Attic access. Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet (2.8 m2).
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.
Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. Use the JM insulation calculator to determine the recommended R-value for your project, as well as how much insulation you'll need.
You will want to bring up your attic up to R-38:
If your attic has 5-6″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-19 to achieve a total of R-38.
No matter what kind of insulation you currently have in your attic, one quick way to determine if you need more is to look across the span of your attic. If your insulation is just level with or below your floor joists (i.e., you can easily see your joists), you should add more.
BUILDING CODES
Regulations vary from county to county, but most attic conversion building codes require: A minimum of 70 sq. ft. of floor space.
In attics with only a scuttle hole entrance, cables run across the face of rafters or studs must be protected with guard strips for a distance of 6 feet (1829 mm) from the entrance.
If you live in the Southern part of the U.S., the recommended insulation level is a minimum of R-38 or about 13-14 inches of insulation. If you live in the Northern part of the U.S., the recommended insulation level is a minimum of R-49 or about 16-18 inches of insulation.
The IRC states homeowners do not need an access point if the attic is smaller, with the exception of attics that contain mechanical equipment. The IRC also states that attics that contain mechanical equipment must have an attic access point, even if the attic is smaller than 30 square feet.
Attics are insulated so they could be energy efficient. Scuttle attics are usually placed hidden away in areas like closets or hallways but still easy to get into. It is also called a scuttle hole or attic hatch.
Typically, uninhabitable attics can support about 10 pounds per square foot, limited storage attics around 20 pounds per square foot, and habitable attics between 30 to 40 pounds per square foot.
Unfloored attic spaces offer very few safe places to walk and one misplaced step can leave your lower half hanging through somebody's bedroom ceiling, or worse yet, laying on the floor below. Aside from severe injuries that can occur, there will be unforeseen repair costs.
OPENING SIZE
Measure the rough opening in your ceiling, both the width and length. Standard openings are 22.5” x 54”, but some homes have wider openings.
Can you splice wire in attic? Open wiring splices in your attic are dangerous. As per the national electrical codes, these splices should be placed inside a covered electrical junction box made of plastic or metal.
210.70(C) All Occupancies. For attics and underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing.
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.
Financially, loft conversions are a sound investment. They provide a return on investment (ROI) of around 50% to 75%. In high-demand areas, this ROI can be even higher, which makes loft conversions an attractive option for homeowners who want to maximize their property's value and appeal.
Converting the loft of a house is considered to be permitted development (not requiring planning permission) subject to the following limits and conditions.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers.
Attic insulation costs anywhere from $1,680 to $3,125, depending on the size of your attic and the material used. On average, most homeowners shell out around $2,380. These costs include the insulation materials and installation by a professional.
However, due to its construction with natural materials, eventually the product will lose effectiveness. Fiberglass insulation typically needs to be replaced 15-20 years into it's life, as it can easily become dirty, wet, moldy, and ineffective if there's a roof leak or water damage of any kind.