Many houses have attics that can comfortably become converted into usable spaces. For example, a typical attic conversion might see an otherwise unused space turned into a bedroom, a family recreational space, or even a home office.
Attics can be used in all kinds of different ways, but whatever choice you make for your attic conversion, it pays to prepare for it the right way.
Whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring contractors, there are some steps you need to complete before converting your attic. Look at the following eight steps to help you prepare correctly and end up with an attic conversion that exceeds your expectations!
1. Check The Conversion Will Work
Turning your attic into something else is a very exciting idea. But how sure are you that your attic conversion is going to work?
The last thing you want to do is spend lots of time and money trying to make an idea work that just isn’t practical (or even legal). That’s why you must check that your conversion will work with the space you’ve got at your disposal.
Have an architect draw up some plans to determine the compatibility of your idea with the space available.
2. Figure Out Your Budget
Sadly, you can’t make an attic conversion happen on hopes and dreams alone; you need money to pay for materials and equipment, contractors, building code inspections, architectural drawings, and more.
The best way to figure out your budget is by getting a few local building contractors to provide quotations or estimates. Doing so means you can calculate the average price you’ll likely pay for your attic conversion.
Don’t forget to add an extra 10% to the average quote to cover unforeseen costs.
3. Get The Okay For Building Code Compliance
There are specific alterations you can make to a house without needing the approval of your local planning authority. Any significant changes you make, like converting an attic into a habitable space, must have compliance with local building codes.
Your local or state’s building department will be happy to tell you whether you need approval for your project. If you’re unsure what to ask, it’s worth having a building contractor ask the questions on your behalf so you can learn what must be done.
Any unauthorized changes to your house could become an expensive nightmare for you, so it’s worth getting the okay for building code compliance before and during specific milestones of your project.
4. Clear And Clean The Space
Once you’re ready to start your attic conversion, the next step in your preparation process is clearing and cleaning the space before you begin. That means getting rid of any items you’ve stored in your attic and finding a new home for them elsewhere in your abode.
You can rent or buy an industrial vacuum cleaner from a company like VAC-U-MAX if the dust and dirt are too much for your home vacuum cleaner. For instance, you might encounter building debris hidden away in your attic.
5. Fix Any Roofing Problems
The last thing you want to happen is for unexplained leaks to appear in the walls or ceilings of your newly-finished attic conversion. To avoid such problems, make sure you fix any existing roofing problems before you begin your project.
For example, if your gutters overflow, replacement guttering from a firm such as Clear Amber Shop will fix issues with overflowing rainwater damaging masonry and eventually penetrating internal walls in your attic conversion.
6. Insulate The Walls And Ceilings
Your new living space might not be a hit with your family and friends if it feels really cold during winter. That’s why you should ensure all walls and ceilings get insulated and covered with drywall boards and plaster.
The insulation will also help keep your heating costs down because the warm air in your attic space won’t escape through any gaps.
7. Install Power And Lighting
Most people don’t want to create a living space in their attic that has no power or lighting, so it makes sense to prepare for that during the initial stages of your conversion.
If you’re not confident with electrical work, pay an electrician to add the power and lighting sockets needed for your attic conversion. Your attic is a blank canvas, so you can determine how many electrical outlets and light sockets you need.
8. Fit Some Skylight Windows
One final thing to do during the early stages of your attic conversion is to fit some skylight windows. They are stylish, protect you from UV rays, and help to keep the area cool during summer and warm in winter.
When you reach the latter stages of your project, you can install decorative blinds or curtains for your skylight windows to ensure optimal privacy.
