While converting an attic into a living space can carry a hefty up front price tag the remodeling costs could end up being an investment that increases your home value.
Attic to living space conversion.
To be classified as a livable space your floor to ceiling height will have to be at least 7 feet.
According to remodeling impact report from the national association of realtors an attic bedroom conversion that includes a small bath has a national median cost of 75 000 and retains 53 of its value if you should decide to sell your house.
With full home additions costing 75 000 minimum and usually far higher many homeowners search for creative ways to increase living space without overly decreasing their bank account.
You ll need a skilled contractor for either project.
Converting an attic into a living space is a great method of adding another room to the house but it is not a job for the average diy person.
If your attic isn t 7 feet you could lower the floor or raise the attic height.
There are projects that you can build into your renovation to meet building code which qualifies your attic for conversion into a living space.
In addition to the money you might spend finishing your attic you may find.
Technical issues such as locating a safe staircase and the distribution of additional joists required to accommodate the new load bearing and stress factors.
At least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide with a total of 70 square feet.
Converting an attic to a living area yields a modest return on your investment.
Regulated for a reason.
That means you ll need 2x10 floor joists or maybe 2x8 in rare circumstances and at least 2x12 roof rafters.
As such only 2 of realtors have suggested that sellers convert an attic to living space before listing their homes.
The first is your ceiling height.
Codes vary from place to place but the rule of 7 for using an attic as an actual room typically applies.
When contemplating an attic renovation however it s important to have a few pieces of key information nailed down before you get started.
In order to turn your attic space into living space the ceilings must be 7 feet from the floor.
One way is by working within the home s existing footprint and converting the attic into living space.
Once you convert attic space into living space you need to bring it up to the standards of modern building codes.