How To Convert Attic To Living Space
That means you ll need 2x10 floor joists or maybe 2x8 in rare circumstances and at least 2x12 roof rafters.
How to convert attic to living space. Make sure the space meets local building codes. Wish your home had more space but not looking to spend six figures to make it happen. 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. Regulated for a reason like basement remodels attic conversions have restrictions that make them less attractive for remodeling as they might first appear.
You ll need a skilled contractor for either project. Otherwise adding an extra room and optimizing the space at your disposal will be much more difficult. Once you convert attic space into living space you need to bring it up to the standards of modern building codes. Most people store old furniture toys and christmas decorations in the attic.
Codes vary from place to place but the rule of 7 for using an attic as an actual room typically applies. In order to turn your attic space into living space the ceilings must be 7 feet from the floor. Look up instead of out. If you have unused attic space in your home you might want to think about converting it into a functional living space.
At least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide with a total of 70 square feet. In short you can only convert the attic of your house into a living space if you choose an attic roof truss at the time of construction. Attics provide the prime opportunity for expansion. The room will need 7 feet of vertical clearance and 70 square feet available among other rules like a safe way of egress.
The missing piece of information is those miserable little beasts called the building and energy codes. Simply put your attic needs to qualify for conversion based on local ordinances. One way is by working within the home s existing footprint and converting the attic into living space. Find out who will get the permit.
However this space can also be used in many different ways like turning it into an additional room. If your attic isn t 7 feet you could lower the floor or raise the attic height.