Building Out Your Attic

Finishing an attic above a garage ranges from 4 600 to 24 000 depending largely on the condition of the building if you want heat installing an electric baseboard heater costs 400 to 1 200 if you re creating living space you might need to pay the price to install a furnace which is 2 600 to 6 200.

Building out your attic.

Enlarging an existing stairway or adding a new one will affect spaces below. Cleaning out the attic. If one gets stained swap it with one in a less conspicuous part of the room. A straight run stair will chew up 10 to 14 feet of floor space.

Before renovation you ll need to clear out your attic. Attic joists that are made from 2x8s may be acceptable for building your attic floor but because every room is variable there are no absolutes. Converting your attic into usable finished space can increase the value of your home by maximizing the available square footage. Have a pro check the structure.

A contractor or a local building official can help you assess how the rule will apply to your attic and how modifications like dormers can resolve height shortcomings. Cost to finish an attic above a garage. Refer to your local building code to ensure that your space is safe and ready for tenants. An attic bedroom exploits roof space previously devoted to high school yearbooks and nesting sparrows.

If your attic is a playroom pile on vibrant colors to make the space bright and happy. Whether it s in your personal home or a rental property you will need to meet code if you plan to rent out the room. If your attic joists won t bear the weight necessary to finish out a living space but the engineer cleared them to support floor decking for light storage you can install inch plywood or. You ll need to remove your stuff clean any water damage damage from rodent or pest problems and possibly remove insulation.

You also need to ensure that the joist spacing is adequate. Attic joists for live loads. A finished attic weighs a lot more than boxes of off season duds. A modular sectional makes a great place to snuggle and lounge.

You can do this yourself or hire a professional cleaning and insulation service to give your attic the clean slate it needs. Reclaiming the space under your roof also avoids many zoning and easement concerns common chores when adding onto a house. Carpet tiles are also a brilliant choice for playrooms. A stair designed with an intermediate landing and two runs needs about 8 feet on the lower level.

Joist dimensions are only part of the equation. Figure out how you re going to get up and down from the finished attic space. Ceiling your converted attic s ceiling will be a focal point for anyone entering the.